Cellular companies and rural development in Pakistan

This is age of wireless communications whether we are transferring any data or communicating all is done through wireless communication it has become integrated part of human life no matter this life is student life or professional life we are linked to these communication instruments in a way or other. Today huge giants (companies, businesses etc) of professional lives carry their dealings through these modes and means. Whole empires are running on them (wireless gadgets). From planning a hang out with friends to hold important business dealing and meetings, we depend on them.

An important part of wireless communications is “cell phones” nothing is good or bad itself usage of that particular thing makes it so. Similarly, cell phones have their impacts on human life. They are not bad but there usage makes them abusive. Despite their negativity we can use them in positive ways. For example in positive development, in communication, holding competitions or many other activities instead of only keep offering late night packages, talk time packages or sms bundles. This could be done in cities but what about rural areas. Call packages are positive even for them as they can contact with their relatives in other villages or residing in cities on cheaper rates but what else as they are already much far away from progress talk time offers aren’t everything for them as well. So cellular companies need to think beyond call and sms packages.

May be they should collaborate with some agriculture related companies and start something on basis of “call centre” providing them suggestions and alternate options in agriculture, or should start a mobile doctor thing not available on fixed timings. Providing them “easy cures” not by naming difficult medicine’s name but something like “cure at home”. Moreover they should be informed better means of income by informing them about exhibitions related to home crafts. Cellular companies should become or act like the hub between the craftsmen and the companies and organizations related to the crafts. Instead of sending messages on their numbers companies should call them for the problems they ask solutions for as most of the villagers are illiterate. Those poor villagers dial service centre number and take their guidance on cheaper rates. Also can run awareness campaigns following call centers. If their source of living and their health is safe and at the same time they get awareness they shall definitely be on their way to development on faster pace.

This was something related to communication where is the advertisement of the cellular company?? Advertisement is the main reason for which any company does something for betterment of population. So they can open a school, dispensary or fix a tube well there with the branding of that particular “service provider” it shall bring them in news and make them famous among masses and competitors which shall make users more loyal to that brand. Besides this they (service provider) can ask that if population reaches “this specific number of subscribers” we shall provide you “this facility” which shall become something like give and take.

It is true we are living in 21st century age of robots and wireless, but still we need something to adapt in this age. So we can’t run both rural and urban on same lines. We should work and help others work, on their expertise, which is their area of specialization. A scientist of robotics can’t work in field harvesting crops as a farmer can’t work in a science lab not knowing chemicals.!

Only providing a facility isn’t a big deal main thing is to describe the whole route and make that facility feasibility to the users or target segment.