Looking back at what life used to be like for all of us before the evolution of GSM some 6 years ago gives one a clear understanding of the positive impact GSM has on Nigerians. The way we used to communicate and do business has changed enormously, everyday people’s lives have also been touched in different ways, it cuts across all facets of life, so I’m happy to talk about some of the industry gains though. it’s still not ‘ohuru’.
Some of the blessings of mobile communication in Nigeria have fallen directly or indirectly on the people, the cooperative world, the business world and the society at large.
Job creation and employment is one of the good things that GSM brought us, the sector is the one that has used the most skilled and unskilled labor in recent times. A large number of people, especially young graduates, have obtained employment in GSM companies, where they earn a living and are useful to their families.
Apart from this direct employment, jobs have been created, where many people are self-sufficient doing their own GSM business, one of those businesses is making calls and selling recharge cards to GSM users. This business is popularly known as business centers or call centers. Looking around cities, towns, and even villages, one would hardly walk across two poles without seeing a business center characterized primarily by the use of umbrellas, kiosks, and even shops painted in the colors of mobile service providers. It’s easy to get started because it requires little start-up capital, in fact, all you need is your umbrella for shade, a stool, a table, and your phone loaded with call credit of any amount, say #1000, and you’re off to a good start. This has provided a livelihood for many people who would have been unemployed; Some have also learned the technical side of the business by fixing and repairing mobile phones at their repair shops.
Sales of GSM phones and accessories are big business, it is also very profitable here in Nigeria and I consider it the biggest gain of this revolution. It has truly provided wealth for many who are in the business in a big way. The return on investment is magnificent. With statistics that more than 16 million phones have been sold so far, there are now 32.2 million mobile lines in Nigeria, with the number of mobile lines increasing to 43 million in the first part of the year and a projection of around 76 million mobile lines in 2011. , all these are indicators of how the market is and where it is going. Many people have taken advantage of this boom. This business is very lucrative. If you have ever visited Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos you will understand the veracity of the statistics and research provided above, the market is said to be the largest phone market in Africa.
The impact is also felt in the way of doing business these days, it has reduced the risk and cost of traveling long distances, since one can be at home and reach the business using their mobile phone. It has made us all omnipresent. Business today is being done at the speed of thought as envisioned by Bill Gates.
Cooperate Organizations such as banks for example; have integrated GSM technology into banking operations known as mobile banking where a customer has full access to their account using the mobile phone or device. Examination bodies and educational institutions have also used this technology where candidates check their results on their mobile phones, Internet can also be accessed from the mobile phone and other value-added services like picture messaging, music downloads, etc. ., giving users a beautiful experience. .
Socially, we have benefited from the solidarity social responsibility of service providers and telephone companies. Some have provided educational facilities, AIDS awareness campaigns, ICT labs, hospitals and sponsorship of various events, one such event is Globacom (one of the service providers in Nigeria) Premiership League where a large number of development money for Nigerian Football. Many people have also benefited from these companies by being their ambassadors.
Our social life has also been affected, relationships with friends, family and loved ones are kept alive through phone calls, I have personally benefited from the free midnight calls offered by MTN, I have a good time to talk with my friends and loved ones. one is. I know you have benefited too, feel free to share your experiences here.
More investors are showing interest in Nigeria due to rapid growth and return on investment, with the recent issuance of 3G licenses to four telcos, more benefits are on the way for GSM users in Nigeria.
Having pointed out some of the successes that are taking place in people’s lives, it is also pertinent to say that we expect quality service at a lower cost, like the Oliver Twist, we want more!