KaiOS Technologies continues to expand in Latin America with the launch of the Alcatel 3078 in Mexico. This smart feature phone, which supports Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity and costs approximately 32USD (779 Pesos), will enable hundreds of thousands of Mexicans in the country to upgrade from 2G and join the digital revolution.
As the first 3G device in Mexico enabled by KaiOS, the Alcatel 3078 comes with Google Assistant that allows users to easily interact with the device with voice commands. The phone also supports popular and essential apps like Google Maps, WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, and provides access to over four hundred other apps via the KaiStore.
The Alcatel 3078 supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. It has a 2.4” display, 512MB of storage (expandable to 32GB via MicroSD), and comes with a powerful 1,030mAh battery that enables extended hours of talk time.
Alcatel 3078 comes with Google Assistant
The product of a partnership between KaiOS and Alcatel, the Alcatel 3078 was originally launched in Colombia. The success of this first incursion into the Latin American market inspired this new expansion into the region.
For more details about Alcatel 3078, please refer to the Alcatel press kit here (in Spanish).
Press releases
KaiOS releases findings of research on internet use and perception in Nigeria
Hong Kong, China <20 March 2020> – KaiOS Technologies, maker of the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones, has released the findings of its original research into how Nigerians perceive and use mobile phones and the internet. The results reveal the types of content Nigerians access the most and the factors preventing them from going online more frequently.
For the study, KaiOS commissioned a team to travel to seven Nigerian states. A total of 48 retailers and 819 individuals – all of which expressed an interest in owning a phone and using mobile internet – were surveyed.
To provide the most accurate depiction of newly connected consumers in Nigeria, the study included participants earning up to NGN 360,000 (USD 990) annually, working in informal and/or unstable jobs such as trading, farming, and artisan work, and spread across rural (40%), semi-urban (35%), and urban (25%) areas.
The main findings of the study were:
Mobile internet is perceived as a little more than a status symbol Many of the users fueling the growth of mobile internet and devices underutilize the technology due to a lack of knowledge of tools and features. While 82% of respondents claimed to have experience using an internet-enabled phone as a way to boost their social status, only 32% mentioned surfing the internet or using instant messaging apps as one of their top three phone uses. This suggests that they do not realize the actual benefits of internet access and that going online is not yet a routine in Nigerian households.
New users are unaware of how the internet can benefit them New users tend to learn about the internet from members of their social circle, in an offline setting, which often results in a limited view of what the internet has to offer. Without guidance or exposure to activities such as downloading apps, setting up online accounts, using web browsers, or making video calls, they do not learn how to leverage technology to improve their lives. They tend to use mobile internet for entertainment. Career development, personal health management, and work are little known uses.
There is a fear of misinformation and privacy violation Negative perceptions of the internet have kept many Nigerians offline. The inability to tell real news from fake news, for example, has caused some individuals to steer clear of online news in general. Financial scams, as well as privacy violations, are also major concerns. New users tend to not know about privacy settings. Many fear that having a phone puts them at risk of being tracked and easily found by anyone.
They prefer to use cash and buy from offline phone shops Mistrust in online payment systems, fear of fraud, and difficulty setting up payment plans have 80% of respondents using cash to purchase their phones. Mobile money usage in Nigeria has increased in recent years, but for more costly items such as phones, people tend to prefer using cash. They also opt for offline phone shops. They believe these are the only ones offering warranties, in addition to more choices and better prices. They also believe they are more likely to sell authentic devices.
The full research results can be found in the Nigeria Mobile Phone Market report by KaiOS.
KaiOS CEO Sebastien Codeville said of these findings: “KaiOS-enabled devices have been available in Nigeria since early 2019. Since the beginning, we have made a conscious effort to help users make the most of their time online. One of our goals has been to make useful, entertaining, and empowering content available to users. We have achieved that with the KaiStore, which currently has over 400 apps on offer. These findings in this study will help us make KaiStore apps and KaiOS-powered devices better as well as improve the onboarding experience of first-time internet users.”
KaiOS is now working to address the issues and misconceptions revealed in the study. This includes providing recommendations for what the industry at large can do to help facilitate the growth of meaningful connectivity in Nigeria. Some of them are:
When advertising apps, make their benefits clear and illustrate them with real-life examples. Newly-connected Nigerians are more likely to respond to a pitch that introduces WhatsApp as a tool for organizing church gatherings and sharing study materials than to one that presents it as an app for chatting with friends.
Make apps and features user-friendly by using simplified websites, content in local languages, and easy-to-use menus.
Show the benefits and value of digital resources for improving people’s health, careers, and education. Clearly state how the internet can be used to increase profits, obtain essential information, and learn.
Equip mobile carriers and shop owners to teach new users about the devices and the internet in general. A basic intro should touch upon privacy protection, including how to adjust privacy settings, how to block unwanted messages, and how to recognize online scams.
The third-largest mobile operating system in the world, KaiOS currently runs on over 120 million devices shipped across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
KaiOS-enabled devices in Nigeria include the Smart T (512MB + 4GB) from MTN and the T901* (256MB + 512 MB) from TECNO. These smart feature phones are currently being sold at N8,000 and N9,000 respectively.
*T901 is sold with an MTN SIM card and is not network locked. The SIM card comes with 6 months of free data usage.
About KaiOS Technologies
KaiOS Technologies powers an ecosystem of affordable digital products and services and exists to empower people around the world through technology. Its flagship product, KaiOS, is the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones with more than 120 million devices shipped in over 100 countries. Kai’s mission is to open up new possibilities for individuals, organizations, and societies by bringing mobile connectivity to the billions of people without internet in emerging markets, as well as providing those in established markets with an alternative to smartphones. KaiOS is based on HTML5 and other open web technologies. Devices running on the platform require limited memory, while still offering a rich user experience through access to apps like Google Assistant, WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and Google Maps.
Press releases
KaiOS Technologies and Mozilla partner to enable a healthy mobile internet for everyone
Hong Kong, China <11 March 2020> – Today KaiOS Technologies, maker of KaiOS, the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones, and Mozilla, developer of one of the world’s leading web browsers, announced a partnership to enhance the Gecko engine for KaiOS, enabling a more diverse and open mobile internet for users around the world. Kai’s engineering expertise and Mozilla’s software support together will ensure future versions of Gecko are compatible with KaiOS-enabled devices and their web-based resources.
Gecko powers Mozilla’s Firefox browser and is a central component of KaiOS’ web-based experience. This partnership bolsters the security and performance of KaiOS-enabled smart feature phones, as well as the platform’s developer tools, security, and available functions. This includes better PWA (Progressive Web App) and WebAssembly support. All changes and improves will also be open sourced under Mozilla’s Public License.
“Mozilla is happy to partner with KaiOS, a company that shares our commitment to an internet that includes all the peoples of the earth. A version of Gecko, the implementation of the Web Platform in Firefox, is currently used by KaiOS to render the web on their devices. This partnership will help ensure that KaiOS remains a robust and secure web platform by bringing their version of Gecko more up to date, and keeping it up to date with the latest features, web site compatibility, and security fixes. This partnership is an example of how Mozilla can partner with other groups that wish to use Gecko, leveraging the tools and services that the Mozilla team uses to ship Firefox today.” said Joe Hildebrand, Mozilla’s Vice President of Web Platform.
Stemming from this partnership, developers can expect to see the following support and improvements:
Optimized OS performance for apps, websites, and services
Enhanced device APIs and feature compatibility
Upgraded internet security and connection speeds via TLS 1.3
Additional hardware-optimized technologies
WebAssembly for more optimized web apps
WebGL 2.0 for advanced graphics and 3D games
WebP, AV1 for new image and video codecs
Additional modern web language support
Advanced CSS for better web experience
Async JavaScript functions for enhanced app responsiveness
Progressive web app support for improved browsing experience and ease of advanced apps development
Improved device stability and ease of obtaining certification for mobile carriers and OEMs
“We’re excited to be working closely with Mozilla,” said Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies. “Mozilla’s work on Boot 2 Gecko served as the backbone of KaiOS from the beginning. Through this partnership we can enable new features, improve security, and ensure better overall performance of KaiOS. Broadly speaking, these updates will mean many first-time internet users gain access to more of the web’s advanced digital services on devices that are affordable, reliable, and secure.”
KaiOS is the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones with more than 120 million devices shipped in over 100 countries. KaiOS-enabled devices require limited memory, while still offering a rich user experience. This includes the KaiStore with over 400 apps such as Google Assistant, WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and Google Maps.
KaiOS is based on HTML5 and other open web technologies and supports 3G/4G LTE, Wi-Fi, GPS, and NFC. The Kai ecosystem also includes a fast-growing developer community with active developers in Europe and Africa, with technical support and resources provided from the KaiOS developer portal.
About KaiOS Technologies
KaiOS Technologies powers an ecosystem of affordable digital products and services, and exists to empower people around the world through technology. Its flagship product, KaiOS, is the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones with more than 120 million devices shipped in over 100 countries. Kai’s mission is to open up new possibilities for individuals, organizations, and societies by bringing mobile connectivity to the billions of people without internet in emerging markets, as well as providing those in established markets with an alternative to smartphones. KaiOS is based on HTML5 and other open web technologies. Devices running on the platform require limited memory, while still offering a rich user experience through access to apps like Google Assistant, WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and Google Maps.
Hong Kong, China (March 10, 2020) – KaiOS Technologies has been named to Fast Company’s prestigious annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2020.
The list honors the businesses making the most profound impact on both industry and culture, showcasing a variety of ways to thrive in today’s fast-changing world. This year’s MIC list features 434 businesses from 39 countries.
“We’re thrilled to receive such distinguished recognition from Fast Company,” said CEO Sebastien Codeville. “KaiOS, our mobile operating system for smart feature phones, enables millions of people in emerging markets to go online for the first time, and experience apps such as WhatsApp, Google Assistant, Facebook, and YouTube on devices that can cost as little as $10-$30. For Fast Company to recognize our innovative approach is a great validation of our mission to help close the digital divide and advance digital inclusion.”
Fast Company ranked KaiOS Technologies at #11 on their Top 50 Most Innovative Companies list, as well as #1 in the Consumer Electronics category. To date, more than 120 million KaiOS-powered smart feature phones have shipped to more than 100 countries around the world. These affordable yet capable devices make essential digital content on education, healthcare, and communications accessible to millions of people around the world for the first time.
The impact of KaiOS is global and touches regions most affected by the digital divide, such as Uganda, Rwanda, India, Indonesia, Brazil, and Pakistan. Kai’s in-house educational app “Life” has also spread to new markets, delivering purpose-built, high-quality self-improvement content on topics including health, agriculture, digital skills, and gender equality.
Fast Company’s editors and writers sought out the most groundbreaking businesses on the planet and across myriad industries. They also judged nominations received through their application process.
The World’s Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company’s signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. It provides both a snapshot and a road map for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy.
“At a time of increasing global volatility, this year’s list showcases the resilience and optimism of businesses across the world. These companies are applying creativity to solve challenges within their industries and far beyond,” said Fast Company senior editor Amy Farley, who oversaw the issue with deputy editor David Lidsky.
Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies issue (March/April 2020) is now available online at http://fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/2020, as well as in app form via iTunes and on newsstands beginning March 17, 2020. The hashtag is #FCMostInnovative.
About KaiOS Technologies
KaiOS Technologies powers an ecosystem of affordable digital products and services, and exists to empower people around the world through technology. Its flagship product, KaiOS, is the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones with more than 120 million devices shipped in over 100 countries. Kai’s mission is to open up new possibilities for individuals, organizations, and societies by bringing mobile connectivity to the billions of people without internet in emerging markets, as well as providing those in established markets with an alternative to smartphones. KaiOS is based on HTML5 and other open web technologies. Devices running on the platform require limited memory, while still offering a rich user experience through access to apps like Google Assistant, YouTube, Facebook, Google Maps, and Twitter. The company is recognized as a winner of GSMA’s GLOMO Awards 2020 in the category of Best Mobile Technology Breakthrough, and also ranked among TIME’s Best Inventions in the Social Good category for 2019 and has won several other awards, including the “Changing Lives Award” at AfricaCom 2019.
About Fast Company
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Since 2011, Fast Company has received some of the most prestigious editorial and design accolades, including the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) National Magazine Award for “Magazine of the Year,” Adweek’s Hot List for “Hottest Business Publication,” and six gold medals and 10 silver medals from the Society of Publication Designers. The editor-in-chief is Stephanie Mehta and the publisher is Amanda Smith. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.
Islamabad, Pakistan <23 January 2020> – Today, Jazz, Pakistan’s leading digital communications company, KaiOS Technologies, maker of the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones, and Swift Biz Solutions, the innovative technology-based products company with its brand Digit, announced a new smart feature phone for Pakistan’s masses – the Digit 4G. Upon launch, the Digit 4G will become the most affordable smart feature phone on the global market, at a down payment of just PKR 1800 (USD 11).
Coupled with a 12-month service agreement and access to popular apps such as WhatsApp, Google Assistant, Facebook, and YouTube, this KaiOS-enabled device bridges the mobile digital divide in a country where less than 30% of people have access to mobile broadband, according to the GSMA. Through the KaiStore, users will have access to an expanding selection of apps and other unique local content.
Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, who has been championing #DigitalPakistan for the past two years, said,
“We want 2020 to start with this new device setting the benchmark for a nationwide 4G revolution. Yes, we have successfully tested 5G, but our biggest challenge and opportunity is to take 2G customers to 4G and to offer good quality broadband to every Pakistani. We saw an inequality, and we went ahead and tried to fix it with this affordable phone.”
“We’re excited to help bring a new device to the people of Pakistan,” said Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies. “The digital divide continues to be a persistent issue across the country, but we know smart feature phones, like the Digit 4G, will positively impact the lives of new users.”
“Digit is a trusted name in the market. Our focus in launching this phone is using cutting-edge technology for durability, affordability and ease of use. The content and customized applications will allow every Pakistani to benefit from digitialization with access to services and products at their fingertips. The product comes with Digit’s commitment of high quality and best after-sales services,” said Mr Abdul Rehman Mahmood CEO Digit.
Per the GSMA’s Pakistan report, 40% of mobile phone owners in the country remain disconnected from the internet’s digital resources due to a lack of digital literacy, and the Digit 4G combats this with an easy-to-use interface, and more importantly a built-in Google Assistant. Voice is a natural way for first-time internet users to access information easily, so they can quickly broaden their knowledge and connection to the digital world.
Available at select Jazz retail outlets, the Digit 4G comes with a competitive service bundle, including 1,000 minutes of talk time, 1,000 SMS, 1GB internet, and three months of free internet usage of WhatsApp and Facebook. With 4G connectivity and an incredibly long battery, the Digit 4G makes high-speed internet more accessible and affordable for Pakistan’s millions of disconnected people.
KaiOS is a light operating system, which enables a new category of affordable smart feature phones that require limited memory, while still offering a rich user experience. It supports 3G + 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi, GPS and Hotspot. KaiOS-enabled phones come with popular apps and services like WhatsApp, Google Assistant, Facebook, YouTube, and Google Maps, as well as a store for apps called the KaiStore with over three hundred essential apps, from both global and local content providers. It is now the third largest mobile operating system worldwide, running on over 130 million devices shipped across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.
About KaiOS Technologies
KaiOS Technologies powers an ecosystem of affordable digital products and services, and exists to empower people around the world through technology. Its flagship product, KaiOS, is the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones with more than 130 million devices shipped in over 100 countries. Kai’s mission is to open up new possibilities for individuals, organizations, and societies by bringing mobile connectivity to the billions of people without internet in emerging markets, as well as providing those in established markets with an alternative to smartphones. KaiOS is based on HTML5 and other open web technologies. Devices running on the platform require limited memory, while still offering a rich user experience through access to apps like Google Assistant, WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and Google Maps.
About Jazz
Jazz is Pakistan’s largest digital telecommunication company. Serving over 60 million subscribers across the country.
About Swift Biz Solutions (Digit)
Swift Biz Solutions is a decade old company working in the technology space in Pakistan. The company holds major market share in mobile broadband devices in the year 2019. The company has been serving the needs of technology solution and products of Telecom operators of Pakistan.
We’ve done a lot in Africa this year, but we haven’t been focused on just Africa – we’ve been working to expand our reach in Asia, too.
We recently partnered with industry leaders Indosat Ooredoo, Telenor, and QMobile to make mobile internet accessible in Indonesia and Pakistan. We also began working with new media and entertainment companies – including Disney and UC Browser – to bring more quality content to users of smart feature phones in the region.
Our efforts haven’t gone unnoticed – we even won an award at this year’s China Mobile Innovation Competition for our contributions to the mobile industry.
And to better support our partners in the region, we’re continuing to grow our offices in Xi’An, Shanghai, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Bangalore.
Read more about these Asia updates below.
QMobile and Telenor launch Pakistan’s first KaiOS device
Pakistanis can now enjoy mobile internet and apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Google Maps on affordable smart feature phones. The $25 USD (Pakistan Rs. 4000) QMobile 4G Plus’ unmatched durability, long-lasting battery life, and three-month bundle with free internet make it an appealing model for those looking to upgrade from feature phones. Check out more information about the device here.
Indosat Ooredoo launches its first KaiOS-powered device in Indonesia
In celebration of its 52nd anniversary, Indosat Ooredoo, Indonesia’s leading digital telecommunications provider is launching its first smart feature phone, Hape Online. The new device comes with WhatsApp, Google Assistant, and 1GB of free data per month for a year. Read more about the launch.
Disney characters come to the KaiStore
Children’s favorite characters is available on KaiOS-powered phones in Vietnam as part of the wallpaper shop app in the KaiStore. More Disney content will be coming to Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and India soon. Find out more.
UC Browser now available for free on KaiOS
A browsing tool that’s also a content platform, the UC Browser, developed by Alibaba’s UCWeb, is now available on KaiOS. Read more about our partnership.
Kai wins award in China Mobile Innovation Competition
We won a Swan Award in the Best Terminal Solutions of the Year category in this year’s China Mobile Innovation Competition for our leadership in mobile solutions within our niche market.
Job openings in Kai’s Asia offices
We’re growing our offices in Hong Kong, Xi’An, Shanghai, Taipei, and Bangalore, and we’d love to have you joining. Check out our job openings.
Press releases
QMobile, Telenor launch QMobile 4G Plus, Pakistan’s first KaiOS-powered device
Affordability, a long-lasting battery, durability unmatched by smartphones, and a special three-month bundle deal with free internet are the QMobile 4G Plus’ biggest selling points.
Like other smart feature phones running on KaiOS, the QMobile 4G Plus has 4G and Wi-Fi, GPS, and comes with 512MB RAM/4GB ROM. It also supports WhatsApp, Google Assistant, Facebook, YouTube, Google Maps, and over 200 other apps which can be downloaded from the KaiStore.
Sold for $25.6 USD (Pakistan Rs. 4000), it’s an affordable option for first-time internet users.
Press releases
Support digital equality in Indonesia through the launch of IM3 Ooredoo’s first KaiOS-powered 4G smart feature phone
Solo, <11 December 2019> – Indosat Ooredoo, Indonesia’s leading digital telecommunications company, for 52 years contributes to Indonesia by continuously innovating to bring the best digital experience for customers. This time, Indosat Ooredoo through IM3 Ooredoo, presented Hape Online, the first KaiOS 4G Smart Feature Phone as a solution for novice internet users who are looking for a low-cost mobile phone with many advantages, so that digital equality occurs throughout Indonesia. This Hape Online – 4G Smart Feature Phone launched as a result of collaboration with Advan, KaiOS Technologies – the maker of KaiOS, the leading operating system for smart feature phones, and MediaTek, a global IC design company.
This launch is a major step towards Indonesia digital inclusion, bringing first-time mobile users in the fold of digital life. Available at Rp449.000, this Hape Online – 4G smart feature phone will be bundled with IM3 Freedom Combo package. Customers will get benefits of free internet quota 1GB/month and free call to IM3 Ooredoo customers, unlimited for 24 hours, just simply reload the credit for Rp10.000 but the customer’s credit will not be deducted. This benefit can be enjoyed for 12 months. Hape Online – 4G Smart Feature Phone with bundling package can be obtained in the area of Medan, Pekanbaru, Lampung, West Java, East Java, Palu, and Makassar start from 28 December 2019.
Chief Sales & Distribution Officer Indosat Ooredoo, Hendri Mulya Syam, said “We are always committed to become part of the advancement of the nation, especially in the digital technology aspect. This time we want to support digital equality across Indonesia by presenting Hape Online – 4G Smart Feature Phone powered by KaiOS which has a saving price with many advantages for customers. We hope this step will improve the quality of life of society so that it can accelerate the growth of Indonesia digital economy.”
“Advan Indonesia positively welcome to launch Hape Online – 4G Smart Feature Phone powered by KaiOS. This is our first step for Advan and Indosat Ooredoo to make a commitment to see greater opportunities for the people of Indonesia to access the 4G network with Mobile Online – Smart Features at an affordable price.” Aria Wahyudi said, GM Marketing Advan.
The IM3 Ooredoo and Advan bundled 4G smart feature phone will come equipped with KaiOS and a MediaTek chipset. KaiOS-powered devices provide access to apps such as WhatsApp, Google Assistant, Facebook, YouTube, and Google Maps, as well as a store for apps called the KaiStore, which provides access to over two hundred essential apps and counting, from global and local content providers. KaiOS is now the third-largest mobile operating system worldwide, running on over 110 million devices shipped across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.
“We’re thrilled to be working alongside Indosat Ooredoo and Advan to launch the first KaiOS-powered smart feature phone in Indonesia.” said Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies. “Its access to devices such as this, that will unlock a world of possibilities for users who have been long-term impacted by the digital divide and ultimately improve their lives for the better.”
“We see Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia as an important market for our technology and are committed to working with telecommunication providers and device makers to bring our latest innovations to the consumers to enhance their user experience and connectivity. That is why we are excited to play a part by collaborating with Indosat Ooredoo and Advan, powering the new 4G smart feature phone with our MediaTek MT6731 chipset for better user experience.” said Cedric Chang, Deputy Director, Corporate Sales of Southeast Asia, MediaTek.
For more information about Hape Online – 4G Smart Feature Phone powered by KaiOS, you can see the website e im3ooredoo.com/hape-online
About Indosat Ooredoo
Indosat Ooredoo (IDX:ISAT), member of Ooredoo Group, is building Indonesia’s leading digital telco, enabling access and greater connectivity for everybody and every business. Indosat Ooredoo aspires to enrich the lives of Indonesians in the digital world.
The Company reported 58.8 million mobile customers as of Q3 2019 and operates 29.317 4G BTS covers more than 83.5% of population.
Ooredoo is an international communications company operating across the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia. Serving consumers and businesses in 10 countries, Ooredoo delivers the leading data experience through a broad range of content and services via its advanced, data-centric mobile and fixed networks.
KaiOS Technologies powers an ecosystem of affordable digital products and services, and exists to empower people around the world through technology. Its flagship product, KaiOS, is the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones with more than 100 million devices shipped in over 100 countries. Kai’s mission is to open up new possibilities for individuals, organizations, and societies by bringing mobile connectivity to the billions of people without internet in emerging markets, as well as providing those in established markets with an alternative to smartphones. KaiOS is based on HTML5 and other open web technologies. Devices running on the platform require limited memory, while still offering a rich user experience through access to apps like Google Assistant, YouTube, Facebook, Google Maps, and Twitter.
While many people take for granted everything from swiping a credit card to contributing to a savings account, millions of people around the world are not connected to banking institutions.
Take Africa, for example. As of 2014, 66% of the adult population in sub-Saharan Africa remained “unbanked.” Although traditional banks exist in this area, unaffordable banking fees, mistrust of financial institutions, and a lack of understanding of internet banking options keep Africans outside of the banking system.
Smart feature phones are increasing financial inclusion by creating opportunities for the unbanked.
What does it mean to be unbanked?
Source: Forbes
The term “unbanked” describes anyone who does not have a bank account or any services tied to a banking institution, such as a debit or credit card. The unbanked rely on cash payments and are often unable to plan for their financial future.
As of June 2018, over 1.7 billion adults worldwide did not have access to a bank account. Unbanked populations are particularly large in Low-to-Middle Income Countries (LMICs):
What causes someone to remain unbanked?
While there are many reasons that someone might be unbanked, it often boils down to a few main causes.
1. Lack of knowledge or access
Opening a bank account is a bureaucratic process requiring paperwork that may be difficult to understand, particularly in areas with low literacy rates. Plus, banks require proof of a stable income to open an account, but any people in emerging markets do not have formal jobs or stable salaries.
Access to physical bank locations is a common issue as well. Residents of rural communities are forced to travel long distances while carrying large amounts of cash just to reach a bank.
2. Cost
Traveling to reach faraway banks is not just inconvenient but also costly. In addition to the price of using public transportation, people must also absorb the losses caused by missing hours or even days of work due to the time spent in transit.
Even if banks are physically accessible, the cost of keeping a bank account open can be enough to put them out of reach of many locals. Unfortunately, banks in developing countries are known for charging predatory fees for everything from printing a bank statement to completing a basic transaction.
3. Mistrust
Financial institutions are sometimes assumed guilty of embezzlement or fraud, which creates a lack of trust in the entire system. As such, many people feel that their money is more secure under a mattress in their own homes rather than in a bank.
Online banking is also clouded with mistrust. The fear of having a bank account hacked or losing money during an online transaction makes people wary of using online banking services.
Smart feature phones make mobile money accessible
Mobile money, aka mobile financial services (MFS), allows users to send, receive, and store money without needing a bank account. Funds are stored in a secure electronic account attached to a mobile phone number. However, because mobile money requires an internet connection, customers need more than a basic cell phone to take advantage of it.
Enter the smart feature phone, which offers mobile internet connectivity at a fraction of the cost of a touchscreen smartphone. And starting in 2020, KaiOS-powered smart feature phones will allow users to receive money, contribute to their personal savings, and even manage business finances — all with mobile money services.
Lives around the world are already being positively affected by mobile money.
MiCash leverages financial literacy education to gain mobile money customers in Papua New Guinea
Source: MiBank
Only 15-20% of Papua New Guinea’s population has access to financial services. In 2012, Nationwide Microbank set out to address the unbanked by launching MiCash.
MiCash leverages financial literacy education to gain new mobile money customers. In an effort to better serve residents of villages and rural towns, Nationwide invests in below-the-line (BTL) marketing campaigns. Their efforts involve visiting plantations and rural districts to educate people, especially women, about mobile money and the importance of financial planning.
Through their free financial literacy training, Nationwide teaches locals about the benefits of using MFS and explains how to open a mobile money account. Thanks in part to this comprehensive training, 90% of MiCash accounts are active each month.
MiCash ambassadors also help spread the word. As Nationwide is particularly interested in supporting financial autonomy for women, they recruit female ambassadors from south of Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby. Ambassadors are active MiCash users who are brought to villages north of the capital to teach the locals all about the advantages of mobile money and how to start using it.
Operator wallets provide an alternative to cash transactions
Operator wallets, also called mobile wallets, are in-house apps run by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) that enable phones to be used to store, send, or receive money. They provide a convenient and secure alternative to cash transactions. Millions of unbanked people are able to improve their financial situation thanks to services such as bill payment, savings accounts, and international money transfers.
Tigo Money serves the unbanked in Bolivia
Mobile penetration in Bolivia is 95%, but 60% of the population remains unbanked, making it an ideal area to introduce a mobile money service.
When Tigo Money launched in 2012, it offered cash-in, cash-out, person-to-person (P2P) transfers, as well as the ability to top up airtime minutes. Eventually, they added bill payment and ecommerce payment options as well. By June 2017, Tigo Money had reached 428,000 active users.
They’ve already spread to new areas. Tigo recently announced the launch of the KaiOS-powered Kitochi 4G smart in Tanzania, which will be sold for $21 USD and will provide access to Tigo Money services.
Orange Money drives economic growth in 17 countries
When Orange Money launched in 2008, it focused on money transfers and mobile phone top-ups. Now, Orange Money allows 40 million customers across 17 countries to make international money transfers, pay bills, and send and receive wage payments.
Before Orange Money, many families had to travel long distances to deliver cash to relatives. Now, families in several African countries can purchase Orange’s KaiOS-powered phones for $20 (3G) or $28 (4G) and then transfer funds with the touch of a button.
The ecommerce industry has benefitted as well. In the past, e-commerce businesses have struggled to make online sales because many Africans fear credit card fraud. However, Orange Money is now a trusted alternative to credit cards and has helped boost ecommerce throughout the continent. It has also begun offering loans and savings services to customers in Mali and Madagascar and has partnered with Canal+ TV to allow users to pay for TV subscriptions with Orange Money.
Mowali enables mobile money transfers across multiple providers
A partnership between MTN and Orange resulted in a versatile mobile money solution called Mowali, which is derived from “mobile wallet interoperability.” By making it possible to transfer money between different operators, Mowali essentially connects 338 million mobile money accounts across the African continent.
Source: Eagle Online
Interoperability allows users to make online and in-person purchases, regardless of the vendor’s mobile money operator. The objective of this impressive project is to promote the everyday use of mobile money for everything from person-to-person transfers to ecommerce.
Keep up with KaiOS
We are passionate about bridging the digital divide and allowing the next billion users to enjoy all the benefits of mobile connectivity. Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with our work as we forge new partnerships, receive creative content from developers, and share stories of how mobile internet and smart feature phones can improve lives around the world.
Press releases
KaiOS Technologies announces two new board members
Hong Kong, <26 November 2019> – KaiOS Technologies announces the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Sonia Jorge, Executive Director of the Alliance For Affordable Internet (A4AI), and Denis Barrier, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Cathay Innovation.
Executive Director of the Alliance For Affordable Internet (A4AI)
Sonia is an expert in the confluence of development and communications policy, with over 25 years of international experience in a career spanning both the private and not-for-profit sectors. As Executive Director of A4AI, she manages policy, membership, partner and country engagement, as well as other work across A4AI.
Sonia’s work has included ICT policy and regulatory advice, as well as analysis, strategic industry planning, national ICT/broadband policy development. She has also been instrumental in the creation of new legal and regulatory frameworks to address issues around competition, cost-based pricing, spectrum management, and infrastructure development and sharing. Sonia is an avid advocate of gender equality in development. She has worked extensively to promote gender analysis and awareness in the ICT planning process, and to create understanding of the importance of universal access and digital inclusion for development.
Denis co-founded Cathay Innovation, a global venture capital fund affiliated to Cathay Capital and founded to support entrepreneurs engaged in the sustainable transformation of the world through technology.He is also a managing partner of Cathay Capital, a Private Equity Group with a unique approach to understand the deep transformations happening globally, and activating this knowledge by helping entrepreneurs to thrive. Before, he was at Iris Capital where he managed the international activities of the Orange/Publicis fund. He has also been the Head of Corporate Venture at Orange Telecom, and a Managing Director at Innovacom. In addition, he worked as an Officer at the French Treasury Department, in charge of all French Sovereign holdings in the Aerospace, Defense, and Media industries.
Denis has a deep technical background, starting his career as a researcher in the laboratories of Orange Telecom, working mainly on semiconductor quantum dots. He holds a Ph.D. in solid-state Physics, is a graduate of Ecole Normale Supérieure, and is an engineer of Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications. He has also been a Member of the French Council for Entrepreneurship.
Sonia is an expert in the confluence of development and communications policy, with over 25 years of international experience in a career spanning both the private and not-for-profit sectors. As Executive Director of A4AI, she manages policy, membership, partner and country engagement, as well as other work across A4AI.
Denis co-founded Cathay Innovation, a global venture capital fund affiliated to Cathay Capital and founded to support entrepreneurs engaged in the sustainable transformation of the world through technology.He is also a managing partner of Cathay Capital, a Private Equity Group with a unique approach to understand the deep transformations happening globally, and activating this knowledge by helping entrepreneurs to thrive. Before, he was at Iris Capital where he managed the international activities of the Orange/Publicis fund. He has also been the Head of Corporate Venture at Orange Telecom, and a Managing Director at Innovacom. In addition, he worked as an Officer at the French Treasury Department, in charge of all French Sovereign holdings in the Aerospace, Defense, and Media industries.