According to a report in the Economist Magazine’s “The World in 2007″, “Except in restrictive Ethiopia and Eritrea, the market has taken off in the region, and 2007 will see he first high speed internet access through mobiles. Some companies, such as South Africa’s Breakdesign, a developer of software for phones, predict that mobiles will become East Africa’s primary portal to the internet. Smart mobiles will finally push landline telephone monopolies to become more competitive.”
“Internet-capable mobile phones will be revolutionary, at least for those who can read and have the money to buy data bundles. The humble SMS will have an even greater effect on East Africa in 2007. Innovative uses of SMS will allow people to move money by text messages; to receive information on, say, maize prices, along with tips on planting; and to recieve medical advice, a particular benefit to those living with tuberculosis or AIDS.”