Cell phone use in the Philippines

Cell phone use in the Philippines

By

Dhreff

Anchor for Allvoices

Philippines

The advent of cell phones during the late nineties through 2000 and onward the Philippines had earned the distinction as the texting capital of Asia if not throughout the world. Let it be recalled that before cell phones were introduced in the Philippine market, handheld and battery operated video game gadgets like the Nintendo, Game Boy and the popular Brick Game were then, very common. Practically, such gadgets had been considered obsolete as cell phones became more available and affordable.

Since then, cell phones became common possessions of teenage, adults, middle and old aged Filipinos. Cell phones then, and now, are considered necessities rather than luxuries or status symbols. They are indications of Filipino adherence to the importance of communications. Filipinos cannot go to schools, offices, businesses, farms, work places and travels without bringing with them their cell phones.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are better connected with their families back home in the Philippines through cell phones. Consistent communications between homes and work places abroad are maintained which promote the closeness and intact characters of Filipino families. Both parents are in constant communications with each other. This enables them to discuss matters affecting the family and to be able to provide immediate and prompt solutions despite of the absence of either parent. Children keep their warm affections with their parent working overseas through cellular communications.

All these circumstances and considerations point to the revolutionizing impacts of cell phones in the day to day lives of Filipinos. Round the clock and easy access to communication through mobile phones has significantly improved the socio-cultural, economic, political and technological well beings of Filipinos. They are now better informed and updated with the latest innovations, trends, processes and products that are made available in the market.

As gleaned from a New World Bank report, the 2011 worldwide mobile subscriptions of six billion and nearly five billion of which were in developing countries where the Philippines is one of them. In same year the Philippines had registered 96% of total mobile cellular subscriptions were prepaid.

The affordability of texting rates as provided by three giant industry players continues to democratize access of communications to cell phone owners/users.

Sources:

1. http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Cellphone_Use_in_the_Philippines
2. http://technology.inquirer.net/14162/philippines-cited-for-mobile-phone-use