Redmond (WA) - Microsoft has started a new initiative that it hopes will make mobile phones more affordable for people in developing countries, in a move similar to the highly publicized "One Laptop Per Child" program.

The company already has a shell of a project called Fone+, which has been moving at a snail's pace since it was first unveiled a few years ago.  However, with the technologies for under-priveleged countries coming back to the spotlight, it decided to move Fone+ forward with a vengeance.

The move comes as Microsoft's "Unlimited Potential Group," which focuses on developing nations, appointed a new boss.  Craig Mundie, chief strategy officer at the software giant, said in a press conference in Indonesia, "All phones go from dumb to smart, and I think that's a major focus for us in terms of how we can bring access to the Internet and some of these technologies ... to this rural population."

Mundie pointed out that mobile phones can do a lot of things other than communication, specifically go online and become more connected with the world.  "It's a lot cheaper than having to buy a whole separate computer," noted Mundie.

A project called OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) has been making a lot of headway, with third-world countries ordering low-cost computers by the thousands.  It has also been dominating the market in those countries, leaving less room for other players like Microsoft.

"We continue to explore and look at both phone-up models and PC-down models as we look for the right devices for emerging markets," said Mundie.

Sounds cool, but what about...

May 08, 2008 19:13     

What is it with shoving technology on people who can't even feed themselves? I mean yeah, the laptops for kids so they can learn and break the poverty cycle... it's a stretch but I can buy that one, assuming the poor kids live to adulthood, the vast majority don't (between malnutrition, disease, and war). But now Cell-phones... come on! Really now, what benefit is that going to have on anyone? What's the point of surfing the web (which sucks on a cell phone I might add), when there is a daily fight for survival? Not to mention that 3rd world nations aren't exactly known for their infrastructure, so how are cell phones, especially web enabled ones, even going to work? Keep the bloody phones and spend the money teaching these people the basics: like how to farm, proper hygiene, how to protect yourself from AIDS, how to build proper shelter, how to run a proper government, etc. Once that's well established, THEN there can be a push for technology.

EEngineer report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

cool

May 09, 2008 01:12     

than they can call the U.N. and ask for FOOD! and MEDICINE! wow. the people behind these organizations just puzzle me. why waste money by giving them crappy notebooks and crappy cell phones instead of life's necessities.
john J.D. report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Mr

May 09, 2008 03:51     

I couldn't agree more. What use is a non-essential gadget to people who don't have enough money to eat? How will they pay for calls, never mind the medical care they will need as a result of using them? Oh wait - I get it now! They'll all get dementia and won't remember they are hungry. Nice one MS but you guys really should get out more!
Nick Whetstone report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

@EEngineer You're absolutely right!

May 09, 2008 09:47     

You're absolutely right! what is wrong with microsoft? why can't they came with a original good idea?
viktor report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Ms.

May 09, 2008 12:14     

In fact, cell phones are an excellent way to create economic opportunities. Obviously none of these commenters here have been to very many developing countries for that fact. A good share of people there have cellphones and use them to find markets for their crops and advertise their services. And look up telephone banking in Kenya. Seriously, telephones are much more ubiquitous in developing nations than people realize. This is an excellent article on the topic: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04...ogy-t.html

Anonymous report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -2

Maslow's hierachy of needs

May 10, 2008 00:10     

The first layer is now: Food Shelter and MOBILE PHONES.
skythra report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0