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.
Android Mobile Phone Proliferation is Good for African ICT Even if it Fragments Development

Android Mobile Phone Proliferation is Good for African ICT Even if it Fragments Development

Published on: Sep 08 2010 by Thad Kerosky - 3 Comments
The tech publication Ars Technica warned recently that Android’s proliferation in China might not lift Google’s image in East Asia–many parties...
$100 Huawei Android Mobile Phone is Bringing the Netbook Revolution to Smartphones

$100 Huawei Android Mobile Phone is Bringing the Netbook Revolution to Smartphones

Published on: Sep 07 2010 by Wayan Vota - 27 Comments
Yesterday, Huawei introduced a revolutionary Android smartphone in the Kenyan market. The tech specs for the IDEOS mobile phone will make any hardware geek...
NCC Wants to Track Nigerians Movements via Mobile Phones

NCC Wants to Track Nigerians Movements via Mobile Phones

Published on: Aug 06 2010 by Oluniyi Ajao - Comments Off on NCC Wants to Track Nigerians Movements via Mobile Phones
I was attracted by the headline of a news report on 234next.com: Commission to tackle kidnapping with technology tweetmeme_source = 'ICT_works'; Share The spate...
Microsoft Should Offer Discontinued Kin Phone to Developing Countries

Microsoft Should Offer Discontinued Kin Phone to Developing Countries

Published on: Jul 14 2010 by Afrinnovator Website - 2 Comments
Back in May Microsoft launched a new mobile device that struck somewhere in between a feature phone and a Smartphone. Yesterday, barely a month after the Kin launch,...
Is Your Mobile Phone Innovation Worth $1 Million USD?

Is Your Mobile Phone Innovation Worth $1 Million USD?

Published on: Jun 25 2010 by Wayan Vota - 1 Comment
Do you have an idea on how to change lives with mobile phones? Is it also a good business opportunity? And can it work with Nokia phones? Then submit it to Nokia’s...
Apps4D: Smartphone Application Development as ICT4D

Apps4D: Smartphone Application Development as ICT4D

Published on: Jun 07 2010 by Wayan Vota - 2 Comments
The rise of the smartphone has unleashed a wave of excitement and income generation across the software development community. Applications that can run on iPhones,...
$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...