If you own a smartphone or a tablet you may have forgotten how it felt getting things done on the go without constant online access and the benefit of apps. You may remember how hard it used to be to find free Wi-Fi and how you had to rely on Internet cafes or your home to get anything done. We live in a different world today that is much more accessible and tailored for each individual – whether this access deals with mobile finance, mobile health, mobile education, or community empowerment.

According to a recent CTIA (News - Alert) press release, wireless products or mobile devices are actually driving changes in terms of socioeconomics. As these devices evolve, so do user expectations and lifestyles. A report was released by BSR and commissioned by CTIA that cites a variety of case studies related to wireless technology. This report is titled “Socioeconomic Impacts of Wireless Technology.”

The findings in the report show that the world's six billion wireless, mobile and online-connected devices have caused encouragement to innovators in developing a new range of applications. The report also showed that users, who were previously unbanked or under banked, now have access to market and banking services that allows them to receive fair prices for goods. The report showed that interactive learning and mobile education helps students and teachers to connect anytime and anywhere. Lastly, it shows that citizens around the world can create and interact with global communities, while holding their political leaders accountable for their actions.

This last finding was evident in the Egyptian uprising that toppled Honsi Mubarak in 2011 if you recall. Social media and online connectivity played a huge part in toppling his regime. We live in a world where it is much harder to hide actions and atrocities because of the power that mobile devices give every user. Anyone can become a citizen journalist today and broadcast what is going on around them to users all over the world with the touch of their mobile phone.

You can read the entire report, titled “Socioeconomic Impacts of Wireless Technology,” here.