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The latest “Telenor Asia Digital Lives Decoded” regional survey of 8000 people across Asia reveals that Bangladesh is unlocking the potential of the mobile technology to increase productivity at work, upskill for a digital future, and earn additional income from freelance opportunities.
The mobile phone continues to play a vital role in Bangladeshi society. Nearly 6 out of 10 respondents in the survey stated that they spend more than half their day with their phones, and 62% expect to increase their usage in the next 1 to 2 years. Work (75%) is the main driver for the increase, followed by access to everyday online services (67%) like groceries, retail and banking. The study also reveals that an overwhelming 96% say that owning a mobile phone has improved their work-life balance.
“Mobile technologies continue to empower people in Bangladesh, and we are encouraged by how the mobile phone remains an essential tool for leading better digital lives. Our Digital Lives Decoded study shows that people in Bangladesh are overwhelmingly positive about the impact of mobile connectivity and are embracing the mobile to unlock new opportunities. We need to work together to build on this positive momentum to enable a thriving digital economy and realise the full potential of new technologies like AI for individuals, businesses, and society at large,” says Manisha Dogra, Senior Vice President and Head of External Relations at Telenor Asia.
Tapping into new technologies for business growth and new income streams
The positive impact of mobile phone and mobile technology is clearly shown in this survey, as a staggering 93% of respondents stated that work performance and quality have significantly improved or improved during the past 5 years, and 82% stated the same positive effect on work productivity.
Freelancers and online consultants in Bangladesh have benefitted the most, as 6 out of 10 respondents in Bangladesh indicated that they leverage mobile devices to provide such services online.
The survey also reveals that businesses in Bangladesh are ready to embrace new digital technologies like generative AI. 65% of respondents say that the company they work for supports the use of new technologies and generative AI, and nearly half (47%) believe that the use of generative AI will increase in the next six months. To prepare for a digital future, almost all respondents would like to see their employers provide more training in new technologies, to support digital transformation.
Upskilling on the mobile
People in Bangladesh are highly confident that they have digital skills to get the most out of their online world and in their ability to keep pace with future changes. 86% of respondents indicate that leveraging mobile technology has improved their career and skills development and 91% have used their phone to develop new skills in the past 12 months.
While Bangladesh is leading in the region when it comes to confidence in digital skills, the confidence level differs between male and female respondents. Male respondents are generally more confident in their digital abilities (73% of males vs 58% of females are “very confident” in their digital skills) and less concerned about keeping pace with future technologies (28% of males vs 15% of females indicate that they are “not concerned”).
“Enhancing digital skills and digital inclusion is an important step in narrowing this gap by making everyone confident and comfortable with a digital-first approach, enabling everyone to safely participate as creators and consumers of digital content. There must be a collective effort to ensure that every individual, community and business benefits from mobile connectivity, advanced data services and adoption of emerging technologies such as AI,” says Manisha.
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