Vodacom South Africa, part of Vodacom Group, has introduced a cloud-based phone, to reduce the cost of smartphone access in the country and to accelerate the migration of customers from legacy networks to modern 4G networks on the country’s most reliable network.
A report by the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development in 2022, which was supported by Vodacom’s parent company, Vodafone Group, argued that lowering the cost of devices is key to increasing access to smartphones. For example, the Alliance for Affordable Internet estimates that a smartphone priced at R1,094.24 (US$62/ €56) could cost almost 63% of the average monthly income across Africa. The Broadband Commission’s report recommended that so-called thin-client phones – like the new cloud-based phone which Vodacom has delivered – should be explored. The new cloud-based phone leverages the power of cloud computing to deliver a range of features typically associated with entry smartphones at a more affordable cost.
The cloud-based phone comes standard with popular applications such as YouTube, TikTok and Facebook, all accessed via the cloud, giving users a “smartphone lite” experience. The device will retail at only R249 ( US$13.93) while boasting 48MB RAM + 128MB ROM with a 2.8″ screen and a 1000mAh battery.
As smartphone penetration continues to rise, with many South Africans now owning a smartphone, the digital divide remains a challenge, among those who still rely on 2G and 3G networks. At Vodacom, we remain committed to bridging the digital divide by providing affordable devices – which explains why we have introduced this cloud-based model to offer lite smartphone benefits to those who traditionally cannot afford them. The cloud phone will also help customers still anchored to 2G phones and not familiar with the touch screen experience, allowing them to appreciate a smooth transition to the data and application world.
As technology continue to evolve, we must stay abreast of evolution, to ensure customers are not left behind. Our cloud-based phone is not just another phone, but a tool that enables access to the digital ecosystem.
Through greater collaboration between governments, mobile operators and everyone across the value chain, we believe we can make strides to work together to lower 4G-enabled smartphones prices.
Davide Tacchino, Managing Executive for Terminals, Vodacom South Africa
Over the last decade, Vodacom has remained committed to bringing the cost of devices down through many initiatives launched in partnership with Vodafone. This included the launch of Vodacom branded device units, driving smartphone penetration in a number of Vodacom markets, including South Africa.
