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Already being a part and parcel of our lives, mobile phones are at it again. They have emerged as the key enablers for the fight against COVID-19 that has forced the entire world to be at standstill affecting lives and economy majorly. They are mission critical to the functioning of government officials, hospitals, doctors, police, civil defence, disaster management personnel, officials ensuring provision of utilities such as electricity, water, sanitation, and the running of municipal bodies.
The release of the Aarogya Setu App by the Government of India and its rampant use has been crucial step in the right direction towards containing this infection. It is pertinent to note that these apps run on the approx. 400 million smartphones. The effective functioning of these smartphones will be vital in the containment of Covid-19. Even for ordinary citizens and office goers, the ability to “work from home” and “isolate” from each other necessarily requires lakhs of employees to use such mobile phones and other mobile devices. With all schools, colleges and other educational institutions being closed, there is a boost in digital education with classes being conducted online. This has increased dependency on the use of smartphones that have become the preferred mode for attending such classes. What’s more, these devices have significantly boosted the agriculture sector with e-agriculture taking place.
In the stressful times of consequent lockdown, many individuals are facing mental health issues, which have been effectively controlled with the uninterrupted access to entertainment sources, which help relieve stress. Furthermore, patients with minor ailments who are advised to refrain from visiting hospitals can avail the option of seeking medical advice via online/virtual modes with mobile. These apps have enabled such patients to consult the doctor of their choice and receive the correct guidance, along with online prescriptions, thereby entirely eliminating the need to venture out to visit a doctor. Mobile handsets have proved to be the only tool to execute online purchases for essential items that are delivered to their doorstep, eliminating the need of visiting grocery stores, thereby making citizens completely dependent on mobile phones.
Meanwhile, India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), the apex industry body of mobile and electronics sector, has thanked networks and devices for “keeping us together”. The industry body has expressed gratitude to everyone at BSNL, Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea, Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Nokia, Motorola, Lava, Micromax, Karbonn, itel, LG, Google, Oneplus, Realme and Honor. ICEA is aggressively seeking inclusion of mobile phones, laptops in essential services list in the country. It recently urged the government to classify mobile phones, laptops, tablets and other information and communications technology (ICT) products as essential services during the lockdown. The industry body sought the sale of these devices via e-commerce platforms, in a letter written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 29 March.
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