The Potential of Mobile Technology in Africa

The Potential of Mobile Technology in Africa ... what I'm learning from the African tech blogs I'm reading ...

Africa’s talking ... are you listening?

Potential of Twitter to SMS
SMS connected internet world to cell phone world
Potential way to connect mobile phone users to internet

The Problem with Fixed Telephone Lines
Ongoing lack of infrastructure:
Network coverage in rural remote areas has been and still is poor
Increase in copper prices = wiring is stolen just as fast as it is installed Malawimoto commented : thieves stole MTL phone cables the same day they had been replaced

Mobile phones fill the communications gap

The Stats
280 million total telephone subscribers, of which some 260 million (over 85%) are mobile cellular subscribers http://www. itu . int/newsroom/features/ict_africa .html

From No Phone to Cell Phone

Cell Phone = Status Symbol
The top present to get for your girlfriend is a cell phone!

The Usual Setup
Prepaid Sim Cards - usually from more than 1 provider
“ Flash me” option
Receiving SMS is free = like in Europe
Sending SMS 0.08 US$
0.15 US$/minute

Health Care Sector
FrontlineSMS is carrying out a pilot project in Namitete, Malawi
Use SMS to communicate between community health assistants and hospital

Agricultural Sector
Rural farmers may connect to urban areas faster and compare prices, manage orders, check the weather report, etc.

Media Sector
Report the crisis faster
Record eye witness reports
Circumvent state propaganda

Ushahidi.org

Sokwanele

The Potential

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The Potential of Mobile Technology in Africa

by nchenga on Aug 29, 2008

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The Potential of Mobile Technology in Africa — Presentation Transcript