In today’s increasingly connected world, access to information is essential. However, for individuals living in remote and underserved communities, this access can be extremely limited. This is especially true for visually-impaired individuals like Kehinde Olutubosun, a geography and animal enthusiast from Nigeria, who struggled to find information due to the lack of a smartphone. Fortunately, a new solution is changing the game – an Artificial Intelligence-powered mobile phone that works offline.
This innovative service, launched by Canada-based company Viamo, aims to bridge the digital divide. It allows individuals, even those in remote areas without internet access, to tap into the power of AI technology. Viamo achieves this by using a traditional handset to connect to local mobile phone networks, enabling users to send commands or requests for information through SMS or voice calls. Similar to other AI chatbots, the system can be prompted by voice, making it accessible even to illiterate individuals. Additionally, this service is cost-effective, providing an opportunity for those who may not be financially capable of owning a smartphone.
The impact of this AI-powered mobile phone is transformative, particularly for individuals like Olutubosun. He expresses his happiness, stating that this technology allows people to ask questions and access information that can benefit them, using even the smallest amount of currency, such as 10 naira. This newfound access to information opens up a world of possibilities and opportunities for individuals living in poverty-stricken and remote communities.
Viamo’s initiative is not limited to Nigeria. After its successful launch in Zambia, the service is now being expanded to other countries, including Pakistan, India, and Tanzania. The goal is to reach the world’s poorest and most underserved communities, empowering them through knowledge and information.
The efforts of Viamo are backed by development agencies in the United States and the United Kingdom, among others. One notable partner is UNICEF, which has collaborated with Viamo to provide essential information on various topics. These include HIV, tropical diseases, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene. Through these partnerships, Viamo is working towards creating a more equitable world, where everyone has access to vital information, regardless of their geographical location or socioeconomic status.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Viamo?
Viamo is a Canada-based company that provides an Artificial Intelligence-powered mobile phone service, allowing individuals in remote areas to access information without internet connectivity.
2. How does Viamo’s AI-powered mobile phone work?
Viamo uses a traditional handset to connect to local mobile phone networks. Users can then send commands or requests for information through SMS or voice calls. The system functions similar to other AI chatbots and can be prompted by voice, making it accessible even to illiterate individuals.
3. Who benefits from Viamo’s AI-powered mobile phone?
The service is targeted at the world’s poorest and remotest communities, providing them with access to information and knowledge that can benefit their lives.
4. Can the AI-powered mobile phone be used offline?
Yes, the mobile phone operates offline, making it a viable solution for individuals in areas with limited or no internet connectivity.
5. What topics does Viamo cover?
Viamo collaborates with partners like UNICEF to provide information on various topics, including HIV, tropical diseases, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Sources:
– Viamo Official Website: https://www.viamo.io/
– UNICEF Official Website: https://www.unicef.org/
The AI-powered mobile phone service offered by Viamo is part of a growing industry focused on providing access to information in remote and underserved communities. This industry, often referred to as ICT for Development (ICT4D), combines technology and development goals to bridge the digital divide and empower individuals through knowledge and information.
According to market forecasts, the ICT4D industry is poised for significant growth in the coming years. A report by Market Research Future predicts that the global ICT4D market will reach a value of $4.3 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.4% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the increasing recognition of the importance of digital access in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
One of the main issues related to the ICT4D industry is the lack of infrastructure in remote and underserved areas. Limited or no internet connectivity poses a significant challenge for providing access to information and technology-based solutions. Solutions like Viamo’s AI-powered mobile phone service offer a workaround by leveraging existing mobile phone networks, which are often more accessible than the internet. However, expanding connectivity infrastructure remains a crucial aspect of addressing the digital divide worldwide.
Furthermore, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all individuals is another important consideration in the ICT4D industry. Projects and initiatives should strive to cater to the needs of illiterate individuals, differently-abled individuals, and those with limited technological literacy. Viamo’s AI-powered mobile phone service addresses this by allowing voice-based interactions, which makes it accessible even to illiterate individuals.
To learn more about the ICT4D industry and the organizations involved, you can visit the official websites of Viamo (link) and UNICEF (link). These websites provide comprehensive information about the initiatives, partnerships, and impact of these organizations in the field of ICT4D.
The source of the article is from the blog elektrischnederland.nl