Most mobiles…

My colleagues from the Technology for Emerging Markets Group at MSR India and I have an article appearing in the new issue of IEEE Computer.  It both provides an overview of some of our team’s work as well as an argument to expand the conceptualization of an ICTD intervention/project beyond that of the technology itself.

We believe that three elements are critical for progress in ICT4D research: time in the field, honesty about what works, and willingness to accept simple technical solutions.

I’ve written about Ken Banks’ work with kiwanja.net from time to time.  Ken just completed a lengthy interview with the technology program Spark on CBC Radio One.  It’s a very good overview of some of the most interesting implications of the spread of mobiles in Africa. The short form touches on m-banking, microenterprises and livelihoods.  The longer form adds Ken’s comments on shared phones, low-cost handsets, and beeping/flashing/missed calls/’please call me’. 

An announcement of the latest issue of Receiver hit my inbox today — it is all about emerging markets.   It starts with a photo/traveller’s tour from Ken Banks, with more articles to come in the weeks ahead.

 ”Over the coming weeks receiverwants to give you food for thought regarding mobiles and development. Look forward to a new article each week. Next, Jared Braiterman will let you know why China has become such a hub of passionate technology usage. Further contributions will come from Jan Chipchase, David Lehr and Daniel Greenstadt, Adriana de Souza e Silva, David Frohlich and Matt Jones, John Traxler, Neil Clavin, and Toby Shapshak.”