Mobile Operator Supports Refugees and Disabled in Georgia

Collapse of USSR and declaration of independence by Georgia was followed by ethnic con-flicts provoked by Russia, and de-facto loosing of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, with about 300,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs). New wave of tens of thousands IDPs - mainly from South Ossetia and Shida Kartli - have emerged since recent Russian occupation of Georgian territories in August 2008. Refugees, considering their economical and psycho-social problems, are needy for communication as cell phones often remain a main hope for establishing contacts and new social networking. One of the major mobile operator (MO) – Geocell introduced during 4 months special tariff for refugees – 0, 09 GEL (0,044€) per min –70% reduction of basic rate. Around 56% of refugees have used that emergency relief meas-ure. MO also helps deaf-mute persons by providing special SMS rate – 0, 02 GEL (1/3 of usual) and supporting computer center where it educates such disabled with future employ-ment prospects (7 persons – at MO office).