With one of the highest penetration rates in the world, telecommunication communication companies are focusing their plan of attack on developing countries. Personally, I am a strong believer in the power of web to bring about social equality in the world. The article mentioned that the main obstacle to overcome is the a large number of illiterates and the inability to access the information they need. At least now, people in developing countries are taking their steps, they now have access to the same vast information database that developed countries have. Any new technological innovation or changes in the developed world, they now have the opportunity to get that first hand information.
M-PESA, the mobile money transfer technology which the article mentioned, has done wonders for the country of Kenya. I even had the opportunity to try out this technology myself when I was in Kenya. I can send and receive money from one end of the country to another through my mobile device. In one of my previous blog posts I mentioned "accessibility" as one of barriers of entry in developing countries, now through M-PESA this won't be a problem. A farmer in rural Kenya can now do business with buyers from across Kenya.
Let's bridge the digital divide!
- GlassFrog Blogger Jackel
More support for your point! Paying by cell phone in Haiti: http://www.npr.org/2011/01/30/133305663/in-haiti-cell-phones-serve-as-debit-cards
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