Please click here to enter this category



4a) Best Use of Mobile for Social & Economic Development

Mobile communication is playing a critical role in improving the health, wealth, education and social mobility of people, communities and countries. From the most developed markets to remote areas in developing countries, mobile is narrowing the digital divide faster and more effectively than any other form of communications technology today, at the same time making a vital contribution to the social and economic development of nations.

This category is designed to recognise initiatives, programmes, products and services that have had a tangible effect in bridging the 'digital bridge', through the use of mobile communications. From programmes, services, projects or initiatives that have 'connected the unconnected' by bringing affordable mobile voice and data communications to people for the very first time, to examples of mobile innovation that have helped to enhance, change or even save lives for those most in need.

The GSMA strongly encourages entries that can clearly demonstrate new ways that mobile operators, manufacturers, NGOs, charities and businesses (alone or in partnership) have tackled major challenges to people and societies using the unique capabilities of mobile phones, devices and services. As examples, this could include poverty alleviation, health applications and programmes; e-learning and education initiatives; the sustainable creation of new business & entrepreneurial opportunities; child protection initiatives or the use of mobile to support relief efforts in times of humanitarian crises or emergencies.

Important: This award is designed to recognise the tangible contribution of mobile to social & economic development, and while innovation is key, the judges will look for specific examples of implemented projects which have helped some of the poorest and marginalised members of society, together with measurable economic or social impact reported as part of the entry.

Please Note: Mobile Money services (remittances, banking and other financial services targeted at low income groups in developing markets should enter category 4b) The Mobile Money for the Unbanked Award

The judges will shortlist four to six entries in this category, with one winner announced at the world’s leading mobile communications event, the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on Tuesday 16th February 2010.

Eligibility:

This category is open to:

Judging criteria

The judges will be considering a number of factors, such as:

Entry Process:

In order to ensure a consistent approach for our judges, entries must be submitted using the Best Use of Mobile for Social & Economic Development entry form. Entries not using the web based entry form will not be considered. All entries must be submitted by Monday 23rd November 2009 (5pm GMT).

An additional upload facility will be provided via a link in your confirmation email once your entry has been submitted. You will have the ability to upload 1 file to accompany your entry up to a maximum file size of 10MB. Other formats will be considered upon request to upload@globalmobileawards.com.

Specific Entry Form Questions for this category:

On the entry form, in addition to submitting contact and company information, you will be asked to answer the following questions (maximum text/character length for your answers also shown in brackets below):


Please note: Use URLs when they are specific/ relevant to the category and will help judges further understand your entry, but due to the number of entries received, judges will not have time to surf company websites looking for further information on the entered product/service or initiative.