  This paper presents a development paradigm for Ethiopia, based on appropriate
services and innovative use of mobile communications technologies via
applications tailored for sectors like business, finance, healthcare,
governance, education and infotainment. The experience of other developing
countries like India and Kenya is cited so as to adapt those to the Ethiopian
context. Notable application areas in the aforementioned sectors have been
outlined. The ETC 'next generation network' is taken into consideration, with
an emphasis on mobile service offering by the Telco itself and/or third party
service providers. In addition, enabling technologies like mobile internet,
location-based systems, open interfaces to large telecom networks, specifically
service-oriented architecture (SOA), Parlay/JAIN and the like are discussed.
The paper points out possible endeavors by such stakeholders like: telecom
agencies and network operators; businesses, government and NGOs; entrepreneurs
and innovators; technology companies and professionals; as well as researchers
and academic institutions. ICT4D through mobile services and their role in
bridging the digital divide by building a virtual 'network economy' is
presented.
