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