Abstract
CarlCare, a little-known Chinese after-sales service provider for low- and mid-
range phones, is making waves in the Global South with 2,000+ repair centers spanning Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. It has found a major market opportunity covering a middle ground between the uncontestable repair services of Northern providers and the informality of local repair economies. Based on interviews and fieldwork, we examine how CarlCare has reshaped the flows of electronics and created points of friction in the corporatization of repair; how it facilitates emerging structures with major implications for grassroots livelihoods, environmental sustainability, and the futures of internet.
range phones, is making waves in the Global South with 2,000+ repair centers spanning Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. It has found a major market opportunity covering a middle ground between the uncontestable repair services of Northern providers and the informality of local repair economies. Based on interviews and fieldwork, we examine how CarlCare has reshaped the flows of electronics and created points of friction in the corporatization of repair; how it facilitates emerging structures with major implications for grassroots livelihoods, environmental sustainability, and the futures of internet.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 12 Jul 2023 |
| Event | The 20th Annual Chinese Internet Research Conference (CIRC) - Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand Duration: 12 Jul 2023 → 14 Jul 2023 |
Conference
| Conference | The 20th Annual Chinese Internet Research Conference (CIRC) |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | CIRC 2023 |
| Country/Territory | Thailand |
| City | Chiang Mai |
| Period | 12/07/23 → 14/07/23 |