Uses
Person A calls Person B's mobile phone and then hangs up before Person B picks up their phone.
This method can be used to save money or minutes. It is common in developing countries, particularly South Asia, the Philippines and large parts of Africa, where cell phone use is increasing, but people have difficulty coping with the costs of calling on a regular basis. The intentional missed call serves as a free method of communication for those who cannot maintain a high credit balance such as people with low income.
In Bangladesh, missed calls make up 70% of cellular network traffic at any given time.
The Cellular Operators Association of India, COAI, has instituted a study to understand the revenue implications of missed calls in India. Industry estimates of loss of revenue due to this social phenomenon are 20-25% to as much as 30%.
At least one company in Bangalore is using this "tool" to generate business.
In many countries, it is also a common way of acquiring somebody's number without typing it in manually into your own handset. Person B simply saves the number that the 'missed call' came from. 'Give me a missed call' is a common expression.
Read more about this topic: Missed Call