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Access to electricity and digital inclusion: evidence from mobile call detail records

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  • Georges V. Houngbonon

    (International Finance Corporation (IFC)-World Bank Group)

  • Erwan Le Quentrec

    (Orange Labs, Sociology and Economics of Networks and Services (SENSE))

  • Stefania Rubrichi

    (Orange Labs, Sociology and Economics of Networks and Services (SENSE))

Abstract

Despite significant progress in mobile connectivity, a large number of individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa are at risk of being left behind, especially those living in rural areas and women. In this paper, we use an original data set of mobile call detail records from Senegal and exploit variations across plausibly similar rural municipalities to assess the impact of access to electricity on mobile connectivity. We find that access to mobile connectivity for rural users, measured by mobile telephony subscriptions or smartphone ownership, increases with access to electricity, with a stronger impact for women. The impact on usage is also positive, but stems from the increased volume of incoming communications: rural mobile users with access to electricity do not place more calls than those with limited access; rather, they receive more calls and text messages from urban areas, especially those with higher living standards. These findings suggest that access to electricity can be a significant driver of digital inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Georges V. Houngbonon & Erwan Le Quentrec & Stefania Rubrichi, 2021. "Access to electricity and digital inclusion: evidence from mobile call detail records," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 8(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:8:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-021-00848-0
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-021-00848-0
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    Cited by:

    1. Houngbonon, Georges Vivien & Ivaldi, Marc & Palikot, Emil & Strusani, Davide, 2023. "The Impact of Shared Telecom Infrastructure on Digital Connectivity and Inclusion," TSE Working Papers 23-1427, Toulouse School of Economics (TSE).
    2. Houngbonon, Georges V. & Ivaldi, Marc & Palikot, Emil & Strusani, Davide, 2023. "The Impact of Shared Telecom Infrastructure on Digital Connectivity and Inclusion," 32nd European Regional ITS Conference, Madrid 2023: Realising the digital decade in the European Union – Easier said than done? 277970, International Telecommunications Society (ITS).
    3. Aida Kanoute & Florence Carrouel & Jocelyne Gare & Serigne Ndame Dieng & Amadou Dieng & Mbathio Diop & Daouda Faye & Laurie Fraticelli & Denis Bourgeois, 2022. "Evaluation of Oral Hygiene-Related Mobile Apps for Children in Sub-Saharan Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-16, October.
    4. Bharadwaj, Bishal & Subedi, Mukti Nath & Malakar, Yuwan & Ashworth, Peta, 2023. "Low-capacity decentralized electricity systems limit the adoption of electronic appliances in rural Nepal," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).
    5. Kere, Safilidin & Zongo, Amara, 2023. "Digital technologies and intra-African trade," International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 173(C), pages 359-383.
    6. Mbiankeu Nguea, Stéphane, 2024. "Uncovering the linkage between sustainable development goals for access to electricity and access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation services," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 345(C).

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