|
|
|
|
|
MTN Uganda, Google Launch Mobile Application
Published Jul 8, 2009
|
MTN Uganda, Grameen Foundation and Google Search, who recently launched a suite of mobile phone applications to provide instant information previously unavailable to Uganda’s remote communities were upbeat that the partnership would be successful.
MTN Uganda CEO, Themba Khumalo said that these services represent the first of what will be many initiatives reaching a segment of the Ugandan market that has been underserved for a long time.
“Uganda is hungry for products that empower individuals and in doing so, giving the economy a
welcome boost. The fact that in this instance, we have chosen key areas like agriculture, trade and health are reason enough for all to embrace this product”.
Officials said the mobile phone based information service is expected to greatly empower rural communities by providing access to vital data and advice on issues ranging from business, agriculture, health, environment, weather etc.
The introduction of the service is a culmination of an 18 month long field based program in Uganda and an innovative partnership that strategically combines the resources of MTN, Grameen Foundation and
Google.
The five mobile phone applications provide real time information in three areas:
agriculture, health, and a virtual marketplace for buying and selling of goods and services.
The applications were developed by Grameen Foundation’s Application Laboratory (AppLab) and are powered by MTN on the Google SMS search platform.
These new services in Uganda can be accessed by existing Village Phone Operators (VPOs) who extend services to people without mobile phones as well as by people who have their own phones.
VPOs and other trusted intermediaries serve as a bridge between communities who lack access to
essential information and the sources that can provide it.
“AppLab is a great example of innovation from and for the base of the pyramid, bringing relevant, actionable information to communities where the Internet is unknown,” said Alex Counts, President of Grameen Foundation.
“Through an approach including sector research, field based rapid prototyping, extensive interaction with target users and carefully structured field pilots, we have been able to gain real learning from the people who benefit directly from using these applications. We are very excited to take the next big step going from an innovative product development approach to scaling proven and sustainable applications across Uganda”.
AppLab Uganda, which is located in Kampala and directed by Grameen Foundation’s Technology Center, focuses on creating opportunities for poor people to share and access essential information through innovative uses of mobile phones.
Posted by
VMD - [Virtual Marketing Department]
|
|
|
