Page 255 - Kaleidoscope Academic Conference Proceedings 2024

UNLOCKING ACCESS: THE ROLE OF REFURBISHED MOBILE PHONES IN DIGITAL
INCLUSION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

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Diksha Dhiman ; Kuldeep ; Amarjeet Jaiswal ; Kase Subha Sai ; Ajay Wavhale
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1 Ministry of Communication, Government of India

ABSTRACT it is found that despite the widespread adoption of mobile
technology and broadband access, barriers to digital
In today's digital era, access to technology and internet infrastructure persist, especially among underserved and
connectivity is vital for socioeconomic progress. Despite economically disadvantaged communities. One major
significant progress in technical methods of providing barrier is affordable access to computing devices including
connectivity, a digital divide persists, hindering equal access smartphones, laptops, tablets etc. Smartphones are one of the
to digital resources. Second hand or refurbished mobile best options among computing devices, but their
phones offer a solution by providing affordable access to affordability remains a significant challenge for these
technology to economically disadvantaged people. Through populations. This can be witnessed from the fact that for 2.5
refurbishment, used phones are restored to like-new billion people worldwide, buying the cheapest available
condition, reducing e-waste and extending their lifespan. smartphones would cost more than 30% of their monthly
This aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by income (data as of 2022) [2].
promoting responsible consumption and reducing
inequalities. Environmental assessments show significant In India, the overall wireless Tele-density is 83.27% where
benefits, with refurbished phones reducing up to 87% of urban Tele-density accounts to 127.51% while rural Tele-
environmental impact. However, concerns remain about density accounts to 58.87% (data as of Mar 2024) [3]. As per
performance and reliability. This research aims to address World bank survey conducted across 22 countries across
these concerns by analyzing refurbishment processes and Africa, Latin America, and Asia, reasons for not owning a
establishing trust standards. It explores the potential of the smartphone include affordability (39%), Lack of Electricity
refurbished phone market for digital inclusion, discussing (18%) and Lack of mobile coverage (16%) [4]. These
regulatory considerations and role of government in statistics indicate that smart phone possession among
stimulating market growth. The paper examines benefits for economically weaker sections of the society is a challenge
companies and consumers, along with challenges and majorly due to affordability issues.
proposed solutions, ultimately aiming to enhance digital
inclusion. One promising avenue to provide access to mobile phones
for economically weaker sections at lower prices than
Keywords – Refurbishment, smartphone, feature phone, available market price without compromising on technology
circular economy, digital divide and features is providing them refurbished smart phones.
The term refurbishment refers to the process of restoring a
1. INTRODUCTION used product to a like-new condition or even improving its
functionality. An evolved refurbished market would lead to
In the contemporary digital landscape, access to digital a circular economy. According to the World Economic
devices, technology and internet connectivity is a Forum, Circular economy is an industrial system that
fundamental requirement for inclusive socioeconomic replaces the end-of-life concept with restoration and
growth and development. However, despite significant regeneration, shifts towards the use of renewable energy,
strides in technological innovation and connectivity, the eliminates the use of toxic chemicals, which impair reuse and
digital divide persists, creating disparities in access and return to the biosphere, and aims for the elimination of waste
utilization of digital resources among different populations through the superior design of materials, products, systems,
and regions. According to ITU, the term “digital divide” can and business models [5].
be formally defined as the gap between those who have
access to and use information communication technologies Promoting a circular economy directly contributes to
(ICTs) including internet connectivity, digital literacy skills, achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
and internet-enabled devices, and those who do not [1]. outlined by the United Nations. It supports SDG 9 (Industry,
Delving into the dimension of access to digital infrastructure, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the development of

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