World's cheapest smartphone excites Rwandans

The world’s cheapest smartphone unveiled by an Indian firm on Wednesday has excited Rwandans, saying it will increase connectivity once it hits the local market. The Android-run device costs $3.66 (less than Rwf3,000) each. People interviewed by The New Times said the smartphone, presents businesses and the population many opportunities, especially rural and poor communities as it will enable them to own smartphones. Didier Nkurikiyimfura, the director general for ICT at the Ministry of Youth and ICT, said it could play a significant role in deepening connectivity across the world, especially in countries like Rwanda where smartphone usage and Internet connectivity still remain a ‘work-in-progress’. “We believe the increase in technology innovations will accelerate smartphone penetrations in the country. Affordability is the key to connectivity and access to information,” he noted. Nkurikiyimfura said though there are concerns over the gadget, the price of the Internet and technology devices will generally significantly drop going forward. Louis Muhire, an IT entrepreneur, said: “Any drop in prices for technological items is good news for the world, either economically and socially, since it boosts development in the journey toward a knowledge-based economy.” He added that there are many services that are only delivered on smartphones. “The more the people with access to smartphones, the more the potential clients for businesses,” he said. Muhire, however, called for caution, arguing that the same company launched a cheapest tablet in 2010 and never delivered. “So it may be an Indian PR to promote ‘Made in India’ initiatives…Let’s wait and see.”

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World's cheapest smartphone excites Rwandans