Category 5 – Best Use of Mobile for Social and Economic Development
About this category:
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 and will have a tangible effect in the achievement of mobile as the 'digital bridge'. From programmes that are 'connecting the unconnected' by bringing affordable mobile voice and data communications to people for the very first time, to mobile innovation that is helping to enhance, change or even save lives for those most in need.
The GSMA strongly encourages entries that clearly demonstrate new and genuinely innovative ways that mobile operators, manufacturers, NGOs, charities and businesses (alone or in partnership) are tackling 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 mobile innovation that supports relief efforts in times of humanitarian crises or emergencies.
Eligibility:
This category is open to:
- Individuals or organisations
- Mobile network operators
- Manufacturers, suppliers, application developers
- NGOs and charities
- Entrepreneurs and business people
Judging criteria
The judges will be considering a number of factors, such as:
- Genuine innovation in the product/service/initiative to change & enhance lives
- Positive impact of mobile on people, communities or society
- Sustainability
- Scalability
- Unique use of mobile
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 November 28th 2008.
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. If using sound, entries should be submitted with English language voice-overs or if not possible, they MUST be supported by an English translation of the script
Specific Entry Form Questions:
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):
- What is the name of your entered initiative, product, service or application?
- Is this a joint entry? If so. Who are the partnering organisations?
- What specifically did you set out to achieve with this initiative, product, service or application, what are its objectives?
- How truly innovative and unique is the entry? In what ways? (maximum 1000 characters = approx 170 words)
- How has the entry contributed to narrowing the 'digital divide' within a specific community, environment, country or region (1000 characters = approx 170 words)
- How many people have been positively impacted by the technology, either directly or indirectly? (1000 characters = approx 170 words)
- How 'self-sustainable' is the solution? (1000 characters = approx 170 words)
- How scalable and replicable is the solution? (1000 characters = approx 170 words)
- How do mobile networks/technologies play a part? (500 characters = approx 80 words)
- How the solution demonstrates that connectivity has produced significant social or economic value? (1000 characters = approx 170 words)
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.