Book Review: “A Phone is a Cow” Examines Mobile Phone’s Global Reach
5 reported
A new book by Philip Auerswald titled "A Phone is a Cow" explores the history of the mobile phone, the business story of Iqbal Quadir who brought cell phones to Bangladesh, and a theory of economic growth. The book argues that the mobile phone reached the global majority more rapidly than any previous technology. The title derives from Quadir's insight that Grameen Bank lent villagers money for productive assets like cows, and Grameenphone could similarly lend for phones as revenue-generating assets. The book notes that relatively few technologies—such as fire, writing, the cookpot, and the portable radio—have reached the majority of the world's people. It points out that most people have never flown in an airplane, do not own a car or bicycle, and until recently lacked access to a safe, sanitary toilet.
What’s reported
Philip Auerswald's book "A Phone is a Cow" covers three topics: mobile phone history, Iqbal Quadir's business biography, and economic growth theory.
The mobile phone reached the global majority faster than any prior technology, according to the book.
The title comes from Quadir's comparison: Grameen Bank lent for cows, Grameenphone could lend for phones as productive assets.
Technologies that reached most people include fire, writing, the cookpot, and the portable radio.
Most people have never flown, owned a car or bicycle, or had a safe toilet at home until recently.
Key figures
Philip Auerswald (author)
Iqbal Quadir (business figure who brought cell phones to Bangladesh)
Sources: marginalrevolution.com
