Conceptual View of Mobile Business Models for Rural Consumers in India

Abstract

Rendering value for users through mobile services is key for mobile business models anywhere. Through mobiles, for the first time ever, many public and private services have now reached poor households and communities. The demand for mobile applications is fast picking up in developing countries, particularly in emerging countries like India. This provides a new chapter to create and implement user value based services through mobile phones. The rural business models of developed countries need to be customized locally and innovation in the creation of customized business models for developing countries is required to sustain and deliver results as per local needs. This paper looks at the mobile business models delivering customized services that cater for the needs specific to Indian rural people who are at a disadvantaged position compared with urban people.