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From South Africa to Bangladesh to the Philippines, cell phones are dramatically changing the way people in developing countries conduct business and receive healthcare. As Sara Corbett reported in The New York Times Magazine, the phone is a transformational technology.
Sara Corbett makes no mention of the numererous radio stations in numerous languages throughout Uganda which minimizes the need for a cellphone. This is the case throughout most of Africa. So, the radio has definitely also been transformational; especially, when used for purposes of education and societal transformation through "soaps" that present non-violent ways to relate interpersonally, in the family and inter-ethnic groups. The Non-Governmental Organization, Search for Common Ground, uses this medium to great effect in Africa and elsewhere. The radio in Africa and probably throughout the world is really the primary source for information, education and discussion on issues, etc. It can be a very positive force in the developing world and, hopefully, will not be used again as in Rwanda for evil.
The story seems to have missed the mark when talking cell phone pricing in Europe, Africa, and a lot of the rest of the world. The classic american model of paying a monthly fee is not the popular in the rest of the world. The vast majority of the rest of the world used a "Pay as you go" model. Here in Italy I buy credit in 5 euro to 250 euro recharges. Some months I spend 100 euros, other months I spend 20. If I go on vacation (which can be as long as six weeks) I don't pay anything.
It's important to point out that America functions on a very different model.
Troy
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