WiMAX and Microfinancing? July 10, 2007
Posted by Ari Zoldan in Analyses and Speculations.add a comment
A recent New York Times article reveals another viable way WiMAX could have an impact on mobile technology in less-developed regions: microfinancing. The article describes a pilot cellphone program, introduced by Vodafone, that enables those living in rural Kenya to bank via mobile devices. In a country where less than a quarter of the population has access to formal banking, electronic banking is an inexpensive and effective way to enable Kenyans living in rural areas to access and manage funds. Access to banking is no doubt one of many problems faced by those living in more rural locales where connectivity is difficult. However, WiMAX could no doubt facilitate the use of mobile devices for microfinancing—offering another avenue of use for this emerging technology.
Technorati Tags: WiMAX, Vodafone, microfinancing, Kenya
Ari Zoldan
Launch 3 Communications
