Our World

Mobile Phone Use in Remote Parts of Africa?

I was very surprised that mobile phones are becoming so widely used in Africa as stated in our text. In fact, Africa is the first continent to have more mobile phone users than regular fixed-line phones according to the article found at: http://www.afrol.com/articles/12176 Africa has also become the world’s fastest growing mobile phone market. Mobile phone use increased 65% in Africa which is twice the average globally. Are you as surprised at this as I am?
Another interesting fact is that more than 50% of people in Africa have never even made a phone call because only 2.8% have ordinary phone service. It is also remarkable to realize that most people in Africa earn $2 or less a day and 40% are unemployed. Another source http://www.nytimes.com/2005.08/25/international/africa/25africa.html said that competitive phone companies selling air time in smaller, cheaper units are making it possible for even the very poorest to have mobile phone access. Currently though, only 60% are in reach of a signal.
Even though many Africans still get water from the rivers, gather wood to create fire, and get light from a candle, many see mobile phones as a necessity. As mentioned in the second link, those who have access feel their lives are changing dramatically. One program allows 100 farmers to discover prices for produce in the major markets which help them negotiate with middlemen. Those in health care can get ambulance services while another woman living near the Congo River, who isn’t even able to write her name, can sell fresh fish when the call comes in. Another man said his farm and garden plants are now selling. He tried for eight years to attract white people to his business, but they were hesitant to come to the township where he lived. Having a cell phone enables his customers to call him resulting in him making same day deliveries.
In closing, I have really taken my cell phone for granted. How about you? I never realized the impact it is having and will continue to have on remote regions like those found in Africa.

posted by Anonymous @ 10/31/2006 05:41:00 PM