We discuss the adoption of information and communication technologies in the context of urban slums in Mumbai. We are conducting ethnographic research amongst ICT-based business like mobile phone stores and services, cyber cafes, PC assembling units and computer training institutes.

Through in-depth understanding of informal business networks we are mapping;

• the demand for and usage of mobile phones and PCs in low-income settings
• the business ecology of mobile phone repair and servicing and PC assembling
• the dissemination of ICT skills and adption

We are presently working in two suburban Mumbai slums in Dharavi and Behram Baugh.

Research interns: Sumitra Nair,Ashwini Shelke, Raj Kumar Rath

Publications

Rangaswamy, N (2009) The non-formal business of cyber cafes: a case-study from India, Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, 7(2/3)

Rangaswamy, N (2009) Keywords in Communication: Mesh-economy and business channels in an Indian urban slum, ICA 2009, pre-conference on India and Communication Studies, May 21 2009, Chicago

Rangaswamy, N (2009) ICT for Mesh-economy: Case study of an urban slum, IFIP 2009, May 26-28, Dubai

Rangaswamy, N (2008) Telecentres and Cyber cafes: The case for ICTs in small business, Asian Journal of Communication, 18(4) pp 365-378