The smart feature phone revolution in developing countries: Bringing the internet to the bottom of the pyramid

Resource type
Journal Article
Author/contributor
Title
The smart feature phone revolution in developing countries: Bringing the internet to the bottom of the pyramid
Abstract
Until recently, the only way for the population of developing countries to access the Internet was through expensive smartphones, designed in and for developed countries. In the past few years, however, a major new innovation has emerged, the smart feature phone with Internet connectivity, which was specifically designed for those with low incomes in developing countries. This paper explains the development process for the smart feature phone, how this has influenced the nature and extent of adoption, and its use by lowincome groups, including their demonstrated preference for uses related to entertainment rather than more traditional “work-related” goals. The focus is on the case of India, where the JioPhone has already reached millions of people with low incomes.
Publication
The Information Society
Volume
36
Issue
4
Pages
226-235
Date
2020-08-07
Journal Abbr
The Information Society
Language
en
ISSN
0197-2243, 1087-6537
Short Title
The smart feature phone revolution in developing countries
Accessed
13/08/2022, 15:01
Library Catalogue
DOI.org (Crossref)
Citation
James, J. (2020). The smart feature phone revolution in developing countries: Bringing the internet to the bottom of the pyramid. The Information Society, 36(4), 226–235. https://doi.org/10.1080/01972243.2020.1761497