An initiative led by a coalition of telecom operators, device manufacturers, and industry groups aims to introduce $40 smartphones into the market, gaining momentum. The objective is to make affordable smartphones more accessible, potentially bringing an additional 20 million people online, particularly in developing markets where internet-enabled devices remain prohibitively expensive.
At the recent Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the GSMA, in partnership with major African mobile operators like Airtel, Ethio Telecom, and Orange, along with smartphone makers, announced plans to pilot ultra-low-cost 4G devices in six African markets: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Alix Jagueneau, the head of external affairs at GSMA, stated that the $30–$40 price range is a target based on affordability research. However, the initiative faces challenges due to rising component costs, particularly in memory, which are critical factors influencing the final pricing of the devices.
While the initiative is in its early stages, with ongoing commercial discussions between mobile operators and manufacturers, the focus remains on bridging the digital divide by making smartphones more affordable. The success of this endeavor could significantly impact connectivity and access to digital services for millions of individuals.
Source: TechCrunch