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services; banking; networking and file transfer; number of people on Earth, which is estimated at
education; video streaming; order tracking; ticket about 7 billion. This corresponds to a penetration
purchases and, more recently, mobile medical rate of 97 per cent, up from just 738 million in
apps and more. The popularity of mobile apps 2000. Globally, an estimated 3.2 billion people
has continued to rise, as their usage has become are using the Internet, of which 2 billion are from
increasingly prevalent across mobile phone device developing countries.
platforms.
The statistics also indicate that mobile broadband
Apps are usually available through application is the most dynamic market segment, with a
distribution platforms typically operated by penetration reach of 47 per cent in 2015 -- a value
the developer/owner of the mobile operating that has increased 12 times since 2007. The
system. Usually, they are downloaded from proportion of the population covered by a 2G
the platform to a target device, such as mobile-cellular network grew from 58 percent
an iPhone, BlackBerry, Android phone or Windows in 2001 to 95 per cent in 2015. During the same
Phone, but sometimes they can be downloaded period, 3G mobile-broadband coverage was
to laptops or desktop computers. Mobile extending rapidly and into the rural areas. The
7
applications usually help users by connecting them fixed-broadband uptake was found to have grown
to Internet services more commonly accessed at a slower pace, with a 7 per cent annual increase
on tablets, smart phones or notebook computers. over the past three years. Fixed broadband was
The bottom line is that mobile apps make it easier expected to reach an 11 per cent penetration rate
to use the Internet on their portable devices. But by the end of 2015.
for these apps and services to be available, access
to an ICT network is required. Looking towards the future, mobile networks will
play an even more significant role in the post-2015
development agenda. This opportunity will arise
5.2.2 Sector Growth through use of mobile networks as delivery media
for m-services and applications. As countries
According to ITU statistics, the number of mobile- continue to make positive progress in upgrading
cellular subscriptions worldwide is approaching the mobile networks, deploying 3G-plus technologies

Box 5.1: What is a mobile app?

A mobile app is a software program you can download and access directly using your smart
phone or another mobile device, like a tablet or music player.

What do I need to download and use an app?

You need a smart phone or another mobile device with Internet access. Not all apps work on
all mobile devices. Once you buy a device, you’re committed to using the operating system and
the type of apps that go with it. The Android, Apple, Microsoft and BlackBerry mobile operating
systems have app stores online where you can look for, download, and install apps. Some online
retailers also offer app stores. You’ll have to use an app store that works with your device’s
operating system. To set up an account, you may have to provide a credit card number, especially
if you’re going to download an app that isn’t free. 5

What is mobile for development?

Mobile for development is a broad term that captures initiatives that bring together mobile
network operators (MNOs) and the development community to promote commercial mobile
services for the benefit of under-served people in emerging markets. These initiatives are driven
by the premise that mobile is the predominant infrastructure in emerging markets; they seek to
identify opportunities for social, economic and environmental impact. 6

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