An interesting piece on mobile culture in Iraq popped up in the New York Times today. For some obvious reasons (including more supply, more operators, and the helpful destruction of a good deal of communications infrastructure by both the US and insurgents), mobile penetration has risen from 1.4 million subscribers in 2004 to 7.1 million today, according to the article (italics are mine).

Apparently, the culture of war and regime change has crept into the nomenclature of mobility in Iraq, with popular models called the Apache, Humvee, and Alawi (apparently a squat, round Nokia model, probably the 6630). Mobiles there are acceptable accoutrements of middle-class life, and also helpful tools to avoid the chaos, from traffic to danger areas. Even the army and police love them, with one general in the story flashing Nokia 8800.

Let's just hope Iraqis find some enjoyment and a tool for change, not just as day-to-day tools for survival.