[Cell Phones]

[May 30 1;45]

[David Lehr, Erik Sundelof], Presenters

[Brian Satterfield], Notetaker

-         PCs vs cell phones for use in developing nations: Phones are cheaper, easier to use, and don't consume much power. However, PCs work with data and have more bandwidth. One of the key challenges will be how to bring the two mediums together. Presenter David Lehr stated that in order to bridge the cell phone/PC connection, the service carriers will have to cooperate.

-         Some key statistics: 77 percent of the world is covered by mobile networks, and 1/3^rd of the Chinese population owns a cell phone. In 2005, cell phones outsold PCs four to one, which presenter David Lehr said has "tremendous implications." Lehr also pointed out that almost all of the growth in the mobile market is taking place in developing nations

-         Generally speaking, seven challenges to the cell phone market have been identified: Reach, Sometimes Off vs. Always On, Hackability (open source or not), Social Primitives, Openness, Simplicity, Justice.

-         Issues that currently hinder cell phone adoption in the developing world: A lack of electrical power; limited interactivity (such as tiny keyboards and small screens); high illiteracy rates often make SMS infeasible; developing a business model that's economically effective for people in developing nations

-         Potential solutions to increase adoption of mobile devices in developing nations: Offering users a preview (a.k.a. "light version") of cell phone content will help compensate for small screens; finding a way to display ads on a cell phone will help make sure that content stays free; lowering the price point for media-ready phones to $30 will play a role in increasing adoption among those with little money.

-         Examples of how cell phones have been used to connect those who live in developing nations: A service in Nairobi, Kenya sends users local job listings over their phones; in India, a groom couldn't make his wedding because he was stuck in the rain, so the couple were married via phone;

-         Examples of current projects designed to connect those who live in developing nations David Lehr is currently working to develop a service in Bangalore India that will allow farmers to access agricultural pricing info over the phone; presenter Erik Sundelof is developing a free service (www.inthefieldonline.net) that will encourage those in developing nations to report local stories.

-         Key quotes: "Until something comes along to replace it, I see the phone as the best connectivity meeting" (David Lehr);  "I think the phone has proven itself over and over again the only surprise is how quickly it's taken off" (David Lehr)