Introduction to Mobile Technologies, Conflict Management, and ODR: Exploring Common Grounds

Abstract

For some years now, mobile phones have become the most ubiquitous communication device worldwide. By the beginning of the second decade of this millennium there will be an estimated 5.3 billion mobile cellular subscriptions worldwide (ITU 2010). In developed countries, the mobile market is already reaching saturation levels with on average 116 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants at the end of 2010 (compared to 76% globally), while penetration rates will reach 68% in the developing world at the same date, mainly driven by the Asia and Pacific region (ITU 2010). In the Africa region, penetration rates will reach an estimated 41%. While far behind the world average, mobile technologies in Africa are doing much better than the Internet, with a user penetration rate of 9.6% (compared to 30% globally).