Silicon Valley Musings

While some stand in line for their chance to buy an iPhone, others walk up to six miles to make a phone call.

If you are buying an iPhone, may I humbly suggest you review the benefits of funding a Grameen Village Phone as well.

“Access to affordable telecommunications simply does not exist for millions in the developing world. For some, placing a phone call can require traveling over six miles from their homes. This can mean leaving work and losing out on desperately needed income. Cut off from easy access to communications, these communities are at both an enormous economic and social disadvantage. …

These grassroots entrepreneurs, or Village Phone Operators (VPOs), operate their businesses in rural villages where no telecommunications services previously existed; they rent the use of the phone to their community on a per-call basis. The VPOs provide affordable rates to their patrons while earning enough to repay their loans and earn profits that allow them to make investments in their children’s health, nutrition and education, and in other business ventures.”