The next billion people to be connected to the Internet will come from the developing markets and through mobile routes, agreed keynote speakers at Mobile World Congress, last week but a number of challenges will first need to be overcome, with device and service affordability at the top of the list. As well as citing aspects such as cheaper network infrastructure and the use of frequencies such as 700 and 900 MHz that support mobile network coverage over longer distances, Manoj Kohli, CEO and joint MD of Bharti Airtel, called on device manufacturers to provide $10 price points for mobile broadband dongles and $30 price points for smartphones.
“These are our targets,” said Kohli. “People in the developing world are going straight to the mobile Internet.” Earlier this week, Nokia CEO Stephen Elop revealed a new range of feature phones at lower price points and targeted at developing markets.”
