I watched a
TEDxTalk awhile ago about how cell phones, even the most basic phones, are
being used in communities across Africa, for buying goods, sending email,
receiving important information about medication or farming, etc. It's a really
cool talk about innovation in Africa and the SMS-culture.
Check it
out here: https://www.ted.com/talks/toby_shapshak_you_don_t_need_an_app_for_that?language=en
It's
fascinating that almost everyone you see, no matter their economic situation,
has a cell phone. It may be a 1997 Nokia but people will buy pay as you go
plans and can get a lot done just through SMS (texting). I have a smart phone,
so I don't use many of the SMS-based solutions the way many others do, but I
have still experienced the SMS-culture. As a security measure, my bank sends me
a SMS any time I make a purchase, take out money or if settings are updated on
my accounts. When booking travel for work, I approve my travel itinerary
through SMS. I can request a quote for insurance through SMS. At work we even send out event advertising this way.
To be
honest, I actually find it annoying to get so many texts coming through to my
phone. But given the security issues in the country, I understand why people
want the constant reassurance that there is no fraud taking place and because a
cell phone is now so accessible, it makes sense for businesses here to use this
method.
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