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Mobile Network Big Data for Development: Demystifying the Uses and Challenges

Author

Listed:
  • Sriganesh LOKANATHAN

    (LIRNEasia, Sri Lanka)

  • Roshanthi Lucas GUNARATNE

    (Stax Inc., Sri Lanka)

Abstract

Given the volumes of data that are now generated by mobile networks due to the almost ubiquitous use of mobile phones by the majority of the population, this data can be considered as big data. Spurred by the exponential growth of mobile connectivity, the attendant large volumes of mobile network big data (MNBD), offer the possibility to obtain rich behavioral insights at a scale that was never possible before. MNBD is also one of the few sources of information on low-income groups. The focus of this paper is to illuminate both academics as well as policy makers on the potential uses of MNBD for public purposes, as well as to articulate the challenges that need to be addressed if such work is to be mainstreamed. This paper also provides a literature review of existing work that has leveraged MNBD to produce insights to inform a host of public policy domains including Transport, Economic Development and Health.

Suggested Citation

  • Sriganesh LOKANATHAN & Roshanthi Lucas GUNARATNE, 2015. "Mobile Network Big Data for Development: Demystifying the Uses and Challenges," Communications & Strategies, IDATE, Com&Strat dept., vol. 1(97), pages 75-94, 1st quart.
    • Handle: RePEc:idt:journl:cs9704
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Richard Heeks & Vanya Rakesh & Ritam Sengupta & Sumandro Chattapadhyay & Christopher Foster, 2021. "Datafication, value and power in developing countries: Big data in two Indian public service organizations," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 39(1), pages 82-102, January.
    2. Valarezo-Unda, Ángel & Pérez-Amaral, Teodosio & Gijón, Covadonga, 2015. "Big Data in Spain," 26th European Regional ITS Conference, Madrid 2015 127190, International Telecommunications Society (ITS).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    mobile network; big data; behavioural variables; policy insights; transport; disaster management; regional integration;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O20 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - General
    • C80 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - General

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