Missed Call or an Opportunity

Abstract

The mobile phone has come to be recognized as one of the key instruments of ICT. Its easy acceptance as a communication device enhances its usage. India is one of the fastest growing markets for the government has been keenly promoting a digital India programme with a vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. There has been much focus on mobile phones and their applications in the light of delegalisation of notes in India. It has gained attention in the scenario of moving to a cashless economy. It has brought into focus more sharply the need for mobile phone literacy. This chapter discusses the use of mobile phones among street vendors in Chennai, a capital city and the fourth largest urban agglomeration in India. The study found that most owned a basic mobile phone. The vending business continued to be practiced in old ways with no new management skills. The business was run and was highly dependent on cash payments. The respondents did not consider the mobile phone as an important tool for daily business.