Dear Michael, A few observations regarding assessing impact on rural livelihoods as a result of mobile technology. 1. Pretty much like Maslow's hierarchy of needs, it is important to identify the need value chain with regards to mobile phones. For example, as the very term ICT indicates, Communication precedes the need for Information, reliable, credible, relevant communication needs to take place first between more than two or more parties so that information can be exchanged. The challenge lies how you translate a communication service through mobile phones into an impact on a rural farmer's or SME's business health. As not all communication is business, livelihood related and there is no way to track each and everyone's communication behaviour or purpose. 2. Mobile phones come with inherent features of character limits, smaller screens, graphics and interface issues, which implies that NOT all type of information can be delivered through mobile phones. Information that is more 'volatile' in nature i.e. market prices of agri-produce, weather information etc. perhaps can be transferred through SMS, WAP etc. However, for other types of information, internet (a PC screen with a wider screen) still remains a better medium to disseminate need based information for farmers and SMEs. As a result, I believe it is challenging and too early at this stage to be completely able to identify the impact on rural livelihoods as a result of mobile phones only. However perhaps a combination of related technologies i.e. mobile phones and PC based technologies still could be a better approach to assess initially the impact. 3. The mobile companies need to get on board to assess this impact. Although its clear that they might be more interested to keep track of data usage of their technologies and the associated revenue it might generate, it will not be entirely possible for outsiders i.e. NGOs to assess the impact unilaterally. 4. Finally, when we talk about impact, we can certainly categorize it into social, personal, commercial, community-wise etc. and also the impact could be gauged not only at the beneficiary level but also at the service provider level i.e. to assess if the mobile operator's rural penetration has increased or not and other key indicators.

Dear Michael, The goalposts of mobile technology keep on changing very frequently. So while it is important that we constantly look for innovative ways to help improve livelihoods of farmers and SMEs, it is equally important to foresee the newer technologies in horizon. Hopping from one technology to another will ultimately prove futile and as a waste of efforts. Rather, we should also be clear and definite about areas and context where technology, mobile technology better NOT be the optimum solution. Perhaps the same old ways of doing business or reaching out to people might still be the best means in some cases. So as we make merry with mobile technology, we shall also keep in mind what existed before and why.

Dear Michael, Bangladesh happens to be one of those countries interestingly poised to reap the full benefit of social and economic development fuelled by mobile phone technology. The country is in a position that it can turn its erstwhile weaknesses i.e. over population comparing to land area, into strength, with mobile phones in hand. Cellbazaar (www.cellbazaar.com) is one of the recent innovations by Bangladeshi entrepreneurs where farmers and rural traders are provided access to a virtual market place based on mobile phone platform. Mini-cases are found in http://corp.cellbazaar.com/stories.html. Traders can post their tradable items through SMS, voice, WAP or web through this platform. Telecom experts claim that since Bangladesh has a high density of population per sq. km. and also has a very plain terrain, it is cost effective technology-wise to be able to serve a wider number of customers with a unit of technological equipment i.e. a BTS (Base Tower Station), whereas in many bigger countries with fewer population, its not the same. So development practitioners are also finding out strategies how 'more can be done with less' in terms of creating maximum outreach and impact with minimal deployment of mobile technology.

Hello Mr. Masood, This is Shehzaad Shams from Swisscontact Katalyst, Bangladesh. I am a Business Consultant. -I wanted to know if the Kissan Call Center is available and accessed from all over India or is it state specific? -Also, please shed some light on the role played by private sector in making this initiative a success. -I wanted to know what are the clear incentives for the private sector, if any, in this project. -Do the farmers need to pay for availing this service? if yes, how much? -Any website available? Thanks.