Chapters

Mobile Insights for a Better Future:  ‘Unlocking Big Data Solutions in support of the SDGs’

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The AI for Impact Opportunity
User Guide

Introduction

The mobile industry is harnessing big data analytics to help governments and global agencies to tackle some of the greatest challenges of our time: infectious diseases, natural and man-made disasters, environmental degradation, and climate change.

In a humanitarian crisis, timely information is crucial. To respond effectively and efficiently to the spread of infectious diseases, pollution, earthquakes and other disasters, governments and humanitarian agencies need to know where the impacted people are, and how the environment is changing. Mobile operators are able to develop analytical tools and decision support solutions that leverage mobile big data and other contextual data to help improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their response, decision making and planning capabilities.

Through the GSMA, mobile operators and global agencies are working together to establish common framework to sustainably scale mobile big data solutions, whilst respecting and protecting individuals' privacy.

During the Covid-19 pandemic mobile operators worked together with governments and international agencies to design and implement MBD solutions to track, manage and predict the spread of the virus.

This toolkit presents shared knowledge in a series of modules covering the Ecosystem, Technical Considerations, Policy and Regulation, Sustainable Business Models, and the ways which these can be applied to achieve scale. Accompanying these modules are a series of case studies about 'real world' applications that demonstrate the exciting potential of mobile big analytics and its application for social good. In addition, it presents learning drawn from the use of MBD to respond to Covid-19 in a series of reports, articles, and webinars.

Toolkit Sections

  • Realising Scale
  • The Ecosystem
  • Technical Considerations
  • Policy and Regulation
  • Sustainable Business Models
  • Case Study Portfolio
  • Covid-19 Response
  • AI Ethics
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Conclusions

© Copyright 2022 GSM Association

User Guide

This toolkit has been designed so that it may read from start to finish or with direct access to the subjects of particular interest. There are a number of ways to navigate the toolkit, based upon interest area within the AI for Impact topic:

New to the topic?

For a quick introduction to big data, the properties of mobile data, and the potential impact that mobile-derived insights can have on humanitarian challenges:

  1. View the introductory video and ‘Realising Scale’ module.
  2. ‘Technical Considerations’ module - infographic and animation.
  3. Browse the case studies.

Setting up a project?

  1. Read the ‘Realising Scale’ module to set the scene, along with reference material, which includes tools to help define the problem and priorities.
  2. Go to ‘The Ecosystem’ for guidance on stakeholders involved, and key steps to consider when setting up a new initiative.
  3. Read about the elements that make up a sustainable long-term initiative in the 'Sustainable Business Models' module.
  4. Read or watch the videos about the relevant case studies.
  5. Learn about the use of MBD in response to Covid-19, and how this can be applied to other use cases.

Involved in policy or regulation?

Gain a deeper understanding of the privacy considerations that need to be built into any initiative that harnesses mobile big data.

  1. Go to the ‘Policy and Regulation’ module, and download the Privacy Paper.
  2. Refer to the ‘Technical Considerations’ module to understand the nature of mobile big data, and how mobile operators safeguard privacy.
  3. Read the 'Covid-19 Privacy Guidelines' to understand how the mobile industry may maintain trust while responding to those governments and public health agencies that have sought assistance in the fight against Covid-19.

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