WITH people losing livelihoods during the pandemic, internet connectivity has become increasingly crucial in facilitating access to opportunities for the marginalised segments of society.

Amid lockdown, the woman I had employed as a nanny for my younger children requested me to loan her money to buy a smartphone so she could start a business of selling homemade snacks. Her husband had lost his job during the pandemic and the family income had dropped significantly, making it difficult for them to make ends meet.

However, with the assistance of smartphone technology and newly-acquired internet access, social media apps became key enablers of her business as she advertised her homemade items through an Instagram profile and a Facebook page that my daughter helped her create.

For the nanny, her new phone also provided a much-deserved break from her stressful life. With the help of my daughter, she now downloads and listens to music on her handset whenever she can.

The smartphone not only benefits her work, but also enriches her personal life. This is a testament to why the digital divide needs to be bridged in Pakistan. Connecting the unconnected can open up new possibilities of income for the financially-disadvantaged groups, and, for that to happen, smartphones need to become a lot more affordable than they are.

The government should take steps to make an average handset, costing between Rs10-15,000 more affordable for the masses. Following the example of other countries, pre-paid installment plans for handsets offered by cellular network operators will also help towards that end.

Ultimately, inexpensive smartphones will result in greater economic growth.

Gulshan Naz
Karachi

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2020