Structural pattern of mobile phone usage in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

The wide use of the Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) and its influence on various aspects of the society is yet to be empirically investigated. This paper examined the relationship between GSM usage and socio-economic characteristic (sex, marital status, age, education,
income, occupation and employment) of the GSM-owners. The study sample consisted of 2,500 households in the study area. Systematic sampling technique was used to select every tenth building on the identified streets. In a multi-family dwelling, random sampling was used to select one household. The data collected were analysed using simple frequency contain form of cross tabulation to compute the number of GSM calls made and the number of call received by GSMowners within Lagos metropolis. The study reveals that over 80% of GSM phone calls were made in areas with industrial concentration and commercial activities. The paper recommended that transport planners in Lagos need to develop alternative intra-city transport systems. This can be achieved through a shift to the development of other land transport systems by policy makers.

Key words: GSM, Intra-city transport, Travel pattern, Socio-economic characteristics