G+_Marlon Thompson Posted September 15, 2014 Share Posted September 15, 2014 The proper way to talk about the cost of phones in the developing world With the launch of Android one I am seeing a lot of articles pointing out the fact that the cost of the phones is $100 US and the average yearly income is $1500US and then they do the whole," they would be best spending their money on food rather than a gadget". Statements like this get me hot under the collar. It represents a thinking where we know what is best for you and it misses the point of the position of mobile technology in these emerging economies. I recently read this quote in an article discussing smartphone penetration in developing countries People have their own agency, and are (usually) rational consumers. If they find value in something, they will pay for it, and shift family resources to do so. The same goes for mobile services. If we design services where our constituents find value, they will happily pay for them. And if we look at the services being offered by the Android One program I think that they will be getting value for their money. So lest stop telling people how to spend their money and understand that for many they will be able to buy a device that essentially will be their first computer and let us see how it impacts their lives. BTW this video is fantastic, especially if you have an appreciation of the culture of the sub-continent and understand how important the game of cricket is. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7UPR9z3OV8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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