Applications of mobile information system in rural area of China

Abstract

More and more information system applications have been adopted in China. Telecom operators in China are applying information services and solutions to more and more sectors and areas, of which the rural area is a typical example. Firstly, the paper describes the architecture of the mobile information system, which is based on telecommunication terminals and is realized through text messaging, voice, WAP and other means to satisfy the rural demanding, such as agricultural production, administrative management and other information applications. Secondly, the paper presents the business application model. It is not just the simple use of communication tools and instead, it includes using networks and information resources to the processes of information production, operation, promotion and so on. Thirdly, the paper investigates the value chain and business models. Finally, the benefits for both farmers and telecom operators would be discussed. It can increase the farmers' income, improve the rural market share of Chinese telecom operators and narrow the "information gap" between the cities and rural areas. © 2008 International Federation for Information Processing.