Page 261 - Kaleidoscope Academic Conference Proceedings 2024

Innovation and Digital Transformation for a Sustainable World

6. BENEFITS OF THE MODEL damaging the charging systems inside phones. For instance,
with the iPhone 5, issues arose due to the use of third-party
The proposed model is not only sustainable but economically chargers and cables, resulting in intermittent charging and
viable for refurbishment framework which further offers connection problems, which refurbishers may have
numerous benefits. One key benefit is it bridges the digital overlooked. These problems were often linked to damaged
divide by ensuring accessibility obligations set by the Tristar/U2 chips on the main circuit board, challenging to
government during registration, leading to increased replace even for skilled refurbishers [27]. Substandard
smartphone proliferation in blocks thus enhancing internet chargers and batteries used by third-party refurbishers can
and telecommunications service penetration nationwide. pose severe dangers, including fire and electrocution hazards,
Secondly, the model ensures seller data security through to end-users.
strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedure guidelines
mandated by certifier, thus promoting trust among buyers Moreover, it's challenging to determine the position of a
and sellers. Additionally, it incorporates a systematic pricing refurbished product on a hazard rate curve of failure rates
model with specified parameters, ensuring fair pricing for all (often represented by a bathtub curve). This is because
parties involved. By utilizing a centralized database to verify refurbishers lack access to time-in-service and stress data for
the legality of used phones, the model mitigates the risk of the device or its individual components. Consequently,
legal issues arising from unlawful activities associated with refurbishers (and consumers) cannot accurately gauge the
refurbished devices. Furthermore, clear responsibilities are remaining lifespan of any of the components within the
assigned to each stakeholder, with aggregators tasked with device. One of the metrics to check whether a mobile phone
maintaining ownership transfer and legality checks before can be further used is its Specific Absorption Rate value
and after refurbishment, thus minimizing legal complications. which according to ICNIRP guidelines must not exceed 2
W/kg [28].
The model also aims to raise awareness about refurbishment
through government-certified aggregators and the Finally, increasing the availability of affordable handsets
proliferation of Points of Sale (POS) in remote areas. By will not close the gap in mobile internet usage on its own.
mandating eco-certification (R2 standard compliance) in the Unaffordable handsets must be tackled alongside other
registration process of aggregator by government, the model barriers for underserved populations, including low
ensures eco-friendly recycling practices. To ensure buyers awareness of mobile internet, literacy and digital skills, a
receive good-quality smartphones at affordable prices, pre- lack of relevant content and services, safety and security
owned phones undergo rigorous testing and repairs by the concerns and issues related to access. Strategies also need to
handset manufacturer. Critical components such as the consider prevailing social norms and underlying inequalities,
battery, outer shell, accessories, and cables are typically including disparities in education and income, that limit
replaced to ensure optimal quality. Certified refurbished access to mobiles and mobile internet for some segments of
phones often come with a guarantee specified by the the population. A consumer may be willing to allocate a
aggregator, providing buyers with assurance of quality and relatively higher share of their income to an internet enabled
reliability. Moreover, by providing government certification handset (and consider it affordable) if they perceive being
to aggregators the model promotes the growth of the connected as relevant, valuable and satisfying their personal
refurbishment market. needs or aspirations.

7. CHALLENGES 8. CONCLUSION

Refurbishment can defer the environmental impact of Second hand/Refurbished mobile phones play a critical role
electronic waste to a large extent. However, there are a few in bridging the digital divide and fostering sustainability in
technical challenges in the refurbishment process. The technology use. They offer a viable solution for enhancing
design and assembly of modern smartphones can make digital inclusion, particularly among underprivileged
refurbishment difficult. Features like integrated batteries, sections of society, by providing affordable access to
adhesive seals, and compact builds complicate disassembly technology. These phones reduce environmental impact by
and can discourage refurbishment efforts. Additionally, extending the lifespan of devices and minimizing e-waste,
features like integrated chips in display screens pose which aligns with Sustainable Development Goals focused
difficulties, as replacing them may void warranties and on responsible consumption and production. While a
impact device functionality. These technical barriers refurbished phone typically presents a more environmentally
increase the costs and time required for refurbishment, and economically sound option compared to a new one,
diminishing the profitability and feasibility of refurbishing concerns persist regarding its quality and future lifespan.
smartphones.
The paper advocates for rigorous refurbishment processes to
Aggregators or retailers occasionally include third-party ensure that phones are restored to a condition that meets or
USB chargers and cables with smartphones, which can pose exceeds original specifications. This includes
risks if not designed to operate within Original Equipment comprehensive testing and replacement of faulty
Manufacturer (OEM) specifications. These accessories may components, which enhances the reliability and performance
deviate from specified voltage or current limits, potentially of refurbished devices. Establishing trust standards is

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