- Over 500 million people worldwide have a mobile phone connection but no access to the electricity grid.
- Mobile networks are the only functioning communication infrastructure.
- The poor typically pay a premium for basic energy services.
- Cell phone users pay shops/street vendors to charge their cell phones.
- People have to travel great distances where they are charged up to $2 a time to power their phone.
- One time charging = up to $2 for one week standby = $50 to 100 per annum for standby.
- Annual income of the poor in rural areas often below $1500.
A global problem that often denies access to communication and internet for people who need it most.
