The Saving SMS

In my post Google and Africa, I appreciated how Google is working to bridge the digital divide in the continent, making it easier for many to have access to the internet. Guess what: Google SMS is now available in Africa, as it was recently launched in Uganda as a result of a partnership between MTN Uganda, the Grameen Foundation and Google. Are you based out of Uganda? Then then back, because this service is only available in Uganda for now.

In two different words, I call Google SMS in Uganda an “Illuminating SMS” because it will the saving SMS for many Ugandans. Through a mobile phone, people will be informed with weather forecast and farming advice. Getting these two types of information may not be very new, but the third kind of information obtainable via SMS is the nearest clinic and its phone number.

In short, Google SMS in Uganda provides an additional channel to get information as "tips" on:

• Health, technical farming tips, the nearest clinic and weather forecast
  
• News, sport scores and word definitions
• Business opportunities to help buy and sell goods and services.

In addition to making your movements and expenses more efficient, the SMS can cut down the time it could take to buy or sell goods. Imagine the number of lives which could be saved by using such a service…!

Take a break and watch this 7mn video - featured on this blog as "Video of the Week" - showing testimonies of using the application by Ugandans.



While waiting or struggling for Google SMS to be available in your country,(assuming you’re in Africa like me), read more about Google SMS in Uganda here on Google Africa Blog in English or French. You could also read the related article on BBC News website here.

Apart from making and receiving calls, sending/receiving SMS, How do people use mobile phones in your location? Thank you to post your answer or contribution as a comment in the form below.