INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Mobile Technology
Orange and Google improve access to mobile Internet in Africa
Affordability of devices remains one
of the most significant barriers to smartphone adoption in Africa . The average cost of an entry level smartphone in Africa still exceeds 60 % of average monthly income , making smartphones largely inaccessible for the majority of the population . As part of the line-up of activities for the GSMA Thrive Africa 2020 , Orange recently announced the Sanza touch – an exclusive Orange smartphone and the most affordable 4G Android ( Go edition ) device globally .
The new launch is supported by Google and builds upon efforts since the launch of Android ( Go edition ) in 2018 to accelerate the pace of digital adoption across the continent . The device will retail around US $ 30 and the ultra-affordable price point is intended to make it the most accessible on the market with the goal of driving digital inclusion and providing more people access to mobile Internet .
The Sanza range was first launched in April 2019 in 13 countries in Africa and the Middle East , making it easier for many customers to come online for the first time and discover the benefits of connectivity .
From this month , the Sanza touch smartphone will be available with a bundled mobile data plan ( voice , SMS , data ) at around US $ 30 . It will be sold in most countries in the Middle East and Africa region , starting with Guinea Bissau , Côte d ’ Ivoire and Madagascar .
Alioune Ndiaye , CEO , Orange Middle East and Africa , said : “ Orange wants to strongly accelerate access to connectivity on the African continent . One of the barriers to Internet use is the price and ease of use of most smartphones . The partnership with Google to offer the Sanza touch smartphone for sale will enable us to solve this problem thanks to its affordable price and advanced functionalities . While 90 % of the world ’ s population is now covered by mobile broadband , 3.3 billion people who live in areas covered by mobile broadband remain unconnected for reasons such as affordability , low levels of literacy and digital skills .”
Mariam Abdullahi , Director , Platform Partnerships , Android and Play – Africa at Google , added that : “ Our mission at Google has always been to organise the world ’ s information and make it universally accessible to everyone . We deliver this mission through building and providing our products and services via key partnerships like this one with Orange . We are excited about the endless possibilities this Sanza touch smartphone will present in learning , economic opportunities and digital accessibility . The goal of our Android devices , including this first-of-its kind highly affordable Android ( Go edition ) device is to bring the power of computing equitably to all . We can only achieve this mission if everyone is able to access devices at affordable price points to use in their daily lives and have access to the benefits presented by the digital world .” •
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