Counting Mobile Phones, Sim Cards & Customers

The phenomenal growth of the customer base for mobile phones has been heavily promoted by the industry. However, analysis of the numbers indicates that there are massive levels of systemic overcounting, caused by customers with multiple subscriptions, perhaps for a range of operators, perhaps for a foreign business destination or holiday home. Eliminating infants, the insane, the incarcerated and the elderly, a level of 90% is about the maximum possible, as against claims of 140 or 160%. The only way to identify those not connected is by surveys of individuals and households. Only then is it possible to determine the needs for further policy measures to extend access