Re: mobile density

I believe that there is no way you can seperate development from economic
barriers. If we believe that mobile technologies can help you address
digital divide in developing countries, the issue of affordability, I
believe is also important. There is evidence to show that personalization of
devices  and lower economic access to the internet increase the adoption of
internet services and personal empowerment through access to information.

2008/8/11 Janusz Lukasiak <janusz@eumx.net>

>
> On Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:14:14 +0100, adesina iluyemi wrote
> > I am suggesting that we consider the economics and financial
> > factors mediating the diffusion of mobile/wireless
> > technologies in developing countries. We should consider how
> > the bottom of the pyramid market can have access to these
> > technologies. [...] For example,
> > Nigeria is regarded as the biggest mobile market in Africa
> > with about 53 million subscribers.
> Even if one accepts the '20 million mostly rich urban dwellers'
> claim, Nigeria's mobile density is of the same order as e.g. India's.
> But, AFAIK, India pioneered the shared mobile access, with
> an enterprising individual 'hiring' the handset to the caller for the
> duration of the call.
>
> But these figures is of only marginal interest to us.  We are in a
> position to develop better ways of mobile internet access
> for those who use a mobile, whether owned or shared.
> Making mobiles more affordable is (unfortunately) well outside this
> group's scope and abilities.
>
> Janusz Lukasiak
>
>


-- 
Adesina Iluyemi
Sustainable eHealth/Telemedicine in Africa
Centre for Healthcare Modelling & Informatics
University of Portsmouth
T: +44 (0)23 9284 6784
F: +44 (0)23 9284 6402
Skype:innovatoris
W: www.port.ac.uk