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