The World Bank says close to three-quarters of the world's population, including much of the developing world, now has access to a mobile phone.
In a new report entitled "Maximizing Mobile," the Washington-based development body says the rapid proliferation of mobile communications and phone applications has significant global consequences for agriculture, health, financial services, and government.
The study suggests that mobile phone use is far more widespread than mobile Internet penetration.
Up to 80 percent of households in countries like Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, and Kazkhastan currently have mobile phones.
That number rises to 90 percent in Russia and 94 percent in Iraq.
It dips close to around 70 percent in Iran and Moldova.
In a new report entitled "Maximizing Mobile," the Washington-based development body says the rapid proliferation of mobile communications and phone applications has significant global consequences for agriculture, health, financial services, and government.
The study suggests that mobile phone use is far more widespread than mobile Internet penetration.
Up to 80 percent of households in countries like Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, and Kazkhastan currently have mobile phones.
That number rises to 90 percent in Russia and 94 percent in Iraq.
It dips close to around 70 percent in Iran and Moldova.