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Tech Life

Connecting people

Dec 12, 2023
Explore the mobile phone usage gap and its impact on accessing essential services. Discover how Naporta is delivering online shopping to favelas. Learn about AI sensors detecting water pipe leaks and saving drinking water. Find out about the latest advancements in video game technology for visually impaired gamers.
27:18

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The mobile phone usage gap, which affects 3 billion people globally, is primarily caused by affordability, lack of digital skills, absence of local relevant content, and concerns about online safety.
  • Naporta, a Brazilian last-mile delivery company, is using Google's Plus Codes and community collaboration to overcome the lack of official addresses and unreliable delivery systems in low-income communities, enabling online shopping and essential services in underserved areas.

Deep dives

The Usage Gap and Its Barriers

Despite mobile phone networks covering about 95% of the world's population, approximately 3 billion people, or 38% of the global population, remain unconnected to mobile broadband. The usage gap is primarily due to four key barriers. Affordability is a major challenge, with the cost of mobile devices and high taxes limiting access. Digital skills present another obstacle, as individuals may lack the knowledge to use mobile devices effectively. Additionally, the lack of local relevant content in users' languages discourages them from accessing the internet. Lastly, the stigma surrounding the internet, fueled by concerns about online safety, prevents many individuals, especially women, from going online.

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