Arm them with cell phones!

Originally, I posted a teaser for a report on how cell phones can empower poor families and individuals, because it includes a survey comprising 110,000 prepaid users. Still, it’s intriguing. The study was released yesterday, with some impressive results. By giving cell phones to 38 percent of the 45 million poorest Americans, we could help them “get work or make money worth $2.9-$11 billion.” What I’m wondering, though, is how that’s going to happen.

From the report’s author, Nicholas P. Sullivan:

“Millions of Americans who are most in need are missing out today on the economic gains that other Americans attribute to their cell phones. The overall conclusion in this study is that the cell phone is extremely important to Americans for personal safety, and a huge boon to an individual’s potential economic productivity and earning power. The cell phone is particularly important to blue collar, minority, less educated and low-income segments of Americans, even though those groups are far less likely to own cell phones.”

I mean, I can see what he’s saying. Being more connected can lead to more opportunities. Makes sense. I’m not saying that we should just go hand out cell phones to those without them, but I can see Sullivan’s point.

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2 Responses

1. Wayne Jones Says
   

   I sure would like to see this come to Oklahoma, as I am disabled (spinal injury) and try to deer and hog hunt with all of my childrens help. I just purchased a TracFone (W376g with DM4L) because my wife wont let me go unless I have a phone. This is the only way to do it. LIFELINE Would Be Great!

   
   Posted on August 21st, 2009 at 8:52 am
2. SafeLink provides more minutes, new plans for low-income households | Prepaid Reviews Says
   

   [...] a near essential part of our day to day lives. There was a study conducted in 2008 that showed the economic benefits of owning a cell phone, which can make all the difference for a low-income household. Programs like SafeLink work to [...]

   
   Posted on August 17th, 2010 at 7:31 am

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