Practical Insights on Mobile Phones

How can mobile phones help poor people?

Mobile phones can be used in ICT4D (Information and Communication Technologies for Development) to help poor people.

Mobile phones can be a powerful tool for promoting development and improving the lives of people in developing countries, by providing access to information, opportunities, and services. For example:

  • Healthcare: Mobile phones can be used to access health information and services, including telemedicine and other remote healthcare services. This can help to improve access to healthcare, especially for people in remote or underserved areas.
  • Education: Mobile phones can be used to access educational resources, including online courses, educational videos, and other materials. This can help to improve the quality of education and expand opportunities for learning.
  • Employment: Mobile phones can be used to find and apply for jobs, as well as connect with potential employers and clients. They can also be used to start and run businesses, providing a source of income and economic opportunities.
  • Communication: Mobile phones can be used to stay connected with friends and family, and to access news and information from around the world. They can also facilitate the exchange of ideas and facilitate collaboration with others.
  • Political participation: Mobile phones can provide a platform for people to engage in political discourse and participate in the democratic process, helping to promote transparency and accountability in governance.
$4 Million Dollar Business Opportunity: Mobile Phone Music Downloads

$4 Million Dollar Business Opportunity: Mobile Phone Music Downloads

Published on: May 17 2010 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on $4 Million Dollar Business Opportunity: Mobile Phone Music Downloads
When Russel Southwood of Balancing Act, interviewed Ken Njoroge, CEO of Cellulant, on mobile phone music downloads, I was expecting a general overview of the musical...
Are Mobile Phones Pushing Cyber Cafes Out of Business?

Are Mobile Phones Pushing Cyber Cafes Out of Business?

Published on: May 10 2010 by Oluniyi Ajao - 8 Comments
When last did you visit a cyber cafe? Eight years ago, my answer would have been “right now”. I would have been writing/reading this on a computer in a cyber...
SMS:Gov – Local Government Interface for Constituents via SMS Text Messages

SMS:Gov – Local Government Interface for Constituents via SMS Text Messages

Published on: May 03 2010 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on SMS:Gov – Local Government Interface for Constituents via SMS Text Messages
Local governments in the developing world face a serious communications problem. As Roomthinker tweets, there is currently no easy mechanism for constituents to...
Did the Nigerian Government Bribe Opera Mini?

Did the Nigerian Government Bribe Opera Mini?

Published on: Mar 29 2010 by Wayan Vota - 5 Comments
I want to believe one of the things that captured your attention is the “bribe” in the title of this article. You have heard about the Halliburton scandal...
Which is Better: $100 Smartphone or $15 SMS Mobile Phone?

Which is Better: $100 Smartphone or $15 SMS Mobile Phone?

Published on: Mar 10 2010 by Wayan Vota - 1 Comment
The $100 smartphone price barrier is broken! Nokia recently announced the 2730 Classic and Synchronica released the MessagePhone. Both mobile phones will retail...
Africa’s ICT Trends and Countries to Watch in 2010

Africa’s ICT Trends and Countries to Watch in 2010

Published on: Feb 10 2010 by Wayan Vota - 3 Comments
It’s that time of the year when any expert worth their salt makes some predictions for the New Year. I too couldn’t resist a peek into my crystal ball and here...
Why mHealth Initiatives Should Not be Sustainable

Why mHealth Initiatives Should Not be Sustainable

Published on: Oct 28 2009 by Wayan Vota - 2 Comments
Whenever we talk about mHealth, there is always much hand-wringing around sustainability. And by that we usually mean we want to find the mHealth model that can...
Nokia: Win $125,000 For Uniquely African Apps

Nokia: Win $125,000 For Uniquely African Apps

Published on: Oct 17 2009 by Wayan Vota - 2 Comments
Here’s a great opportunity from Nokia for for African mobile and web application developers to create best-in-class applications. Nokia is offering $125,000...
Broadband Beats Mobile Phones in Boosting GDP

Broadband Beats Mobile Phones in Boosting GDP

Published on: Oct 06 2009 by Wayan Vota - 2 Comments
Mobile phones are a ticket out of poverty for millions. No argument there. But check out this global ICT study by Christine Zhen-Wei Qiang, an economist at the World...
Are ICTs an Effective Alternative to Aid?

Are ICTs an Effective Alternative to Aid?

Published on: Oct 01 2009 by Wayan Vota - 1 Comment
With Dambisa Moyo sounding off in Wired magazine that we should Cut Off Aid to Africa, that is favor investment over grants to government, its time we ask ourselves...