6. Concluding remarks
Using data on Indian states during 2001–2012, the paper analyses the impact of mobile penetration on economic growth. Employing an advanced panel data framework that takes into account the possible endogeneity issues, the findings suggest that mobile telephony exerts a significant and non-negligible impact on economic growth. More specifically, a 10% increase in mobile telephony is associated with a 0.9% point improvement in economic growth, after taking into account other factors that are deemed relevant in influencing growth. The findings also provide evidence in support of non-linear effects, wherein increases in mobile penetration lowers income growth up to a threshold, beyond which increases in mobile penetration exerts a positive impact on economic growth (Karacuka, CAtiK, & Haucap, 2013; Maicas, Polo, & Sese, 2009). In addition, the results suggest that mobile telephony and fixed landlines are complements, with each reinforcing the other. The findings also testify to the fact that mobile telephony exerts a positive impact on financial inclusion, especially the use of loan and deposit accounts.
