Cell Phones Go Fishing: A Case Study From Kerela, India

In a study on the impact of improved information on commerce, Harvards Robert Jensen makes some interesting, though entirely unsurprising, observations.

In brief, for an extended period before the penetration of phones, fisherman in Kerela had seen their incomes decline. Forced to compete in local markets, at the mercy of local traders, they had seen both prices and volumes decline over the years.

Then with the advent of cell phones, these same fishermen could discover the best prices rapidly, leading to better prices for the fishermen, AND, lower average prices for the customers.

A true Pereto optimality.

More later.

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