Ramjit got his phone very recently. Until then, he’d managed without but even after a very short period of ownership, he’s keen to talk about the benefits.

He lives in a remote, rural village in Uttar Pradesh and is compelled to travel in order to find work. His employer now contacts him about upcoming work via his mobile and manages his workforce remotely. This saves time and money, and prevents wasted journeys.

He also receives information about how to go about finding work via his handset. Mobile has other usages too. He explains that he’s managed to find 96% savings on staying up to date with relatives. Previously, a visit to a family member would cost 50 rupees. Now he can chat over the phone. His mobile now goes with him everywhere — a useful thing, as Ramjit discovered, when your wife is in labour.