Vodacom
South Africa, part of Vodacom Group, has introduced a cloud-based phone, to
reduce the cost of smartphone access in the country and to accelerate the
migration of customers from legacy networks to modern 4G networks on the country’s most reliable network.
A report by
the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development in 2022, which was
supported by Vodacom’s parent company, Vodafone Group, argued that lowering the
cost of devices is key to increasing access to smartphones. 1 For example, the
Alliance for Affordable Internet estimates that a smartphone priced at
R1,094.24 (US$62/ €56) could cost almost 63% of the average monthly income
across Africa.2 The Broadband Commission’s report recommended that so-called
thin-client phones – like the new cloud-based phone which Vodacom has delivered
– should be explored. The new cloud-based phone leverages the power of cloud
computing to deliver a range of features typically associated with entry
smartphones at a more affordable cost.
The
cloud-based phone comes standard with popular applications such as YouTube,
TikTok and Facebook, all accessed via the cloud, giving users a “smartphone
lite” experience. The device will retail at only R249 ( US$13.93) while
boasting 48MB RAM + 128MB ROM with a 2.8" screen and a 1000mAh battery.
“As
smartphone penetration continues to rise, with many South Africans now owning a
smartphone, the digital divide remains a challenge, among those who still rely
on 2G and 3G networks. At Vodacom, we remain committed to bridging the digital
divide by providing affordable devices – which explains why we have introduced
this cloud-based model to offer lite smartphone benefits to those who
traditionally cannot afford them. The cloud phone will also help customers
still anchored to 2G phones and not familiar with the touch screen experience,
allowing them to appreciate a smooth transition to the data and application
world,” said Davide Tacchino, Managing Executive for Terminals at Vodacom South
Africa.
“As
technology continue to evolve, we must stay abreast of evolution, to ensure
customers are not left behind. Our cloud-based phone is not just another phone,
but a tool that enables access to the digital ecosystem” he added.
“Through
greater collaboration between governments, mobile operators and everyone across
the value chain, we believe we can make strides to work together to lower
4G-enabled smartphones prices,” Mr Tacchino concluded.
Over the
last decade, Vodacom has remained committed to bringing the cost of devices
down through many initiatives launched in partnership with Vodafone. This
included the launch of Vodacom branded device units, driving smartphone
penetration in a number of Vodacom markets, including South Africa.
