David and Eric tackled a large topic, agreeing that the future of cell phones in helping developing markets is optimistic.  They agree that If you want to see what's happening with cell phones you need to get out of the US to China, India & Africa. People aren't using them to just talk to people or check e-mails, but they're using SMS.

The uses of cell phones are coming because people are unserved, particularly around banking in Africa. The more regulated the market, the less creative the technology. The challenge is finding usage models that are of value to people. Lots of things are already being done, but they're not being done  in an ecomically efficient way.

Hi, this is Ginny Hunt live-blogging from "Anyone Could Call: Cellphones in the Global South" at the NetSquared conference. I'll try to catch as much as I can as fast as I can - apologies in advance for any errors.

The session is being immoderated by Robert Frank, currently the VP of Strategy and Business Development at Banana Republic and CompuMentor Board Chair.

A bit about our speakers:

David Lehr, from Project Market Light at Stanford's Digital Vision Program, works with rural farmers in developing markets to deliver information on-demand, directly to cell phones.  Eric Sundelof is from the Reuters Foundation and inthefieldONLINE.net, a cellphone platform for in-the-field reporting solutions for especially emerging markets. 

Katrin Verclas coordinates the secretariat of MobileActive, a global network of activists and campaigners using mobile phones for civic action and engagement. MobileActive is a project of the Green Media Toolshed.

Mobiles have been used around the world to ensure impartial elections through monitoring, mobilize massive collective action to free political prisoners, and advance public health strategies.