Community Cellular Networks

ICTD
Introducing Mobile Networks in the Rural Philippines
Authors

Claire Barela

Joshua Blumenstock

Cedric Festin

Kurtis Heimerl

Niall Keleher

Matthew Podolsky

Erin Troland

Arman Rezaee

Published

December 4, 2021

Despite the rapid global expansion of mobile phone coverage, many isolated, rural communities do not have connectivity. In the Philippines, we are evaluating the impact of installing cellular towers and providing free SIM cards for mobile phone use on communication activity and frequency, social ties, access to information, migration and labor market outcomes, bargaining power and market prices, and income and employment decisions.