GSM Use Pattern for Information Dissemination and Evaluation of Income Level among Rural Dwellers in Uruan Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The use of GSM phones in Nigeria started in 2001 after two communication giants MTN Nigeria and Econet (now Airtel Nigeria) were granted licenses by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC). The study examined the GSM use pattern among five rural villages in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State in South - South zone of Nigeria. The study used the descriptive survey design. Researchers constructed questionnaire titled GSM use pattern and evaluation of income level among rural dwellers questionnaire "GUPEILRDQ" was administered on 500 respondents selected through simple random sampling from the five villages. Results indicate that the use of GSM phone among the people of this community is high. The pattern of use was found to decrease with age while men used GSM more than the women. Study also revealed that the use of GSM has positive impacts on the income levels and socio-economic lives of the people. Majority of the people relied on their friends, children, relatives, political and business associates to recharge their phones. Also most of the people were of the opinion that the introduction of GSM in the area is a blessing. A rural telephony project was embarked by the Federal Government of Nigeria but had been abandoned. Two major telephone operators MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria have been embarking on rural telephone projects in the rural areas. The introduction of GSM in Nigeria has had great impact on the lives of the people.