Is Access to Smartphones Essential to Bridge the Digital Divide?

Usage of smartphones appears to increase household income and consumption. Both quality (relatively) cheap smartphones and 3G+ coverage are increasingly available throughout Africa. But the majority of households have very limited disposable income both to buy a smartphone, but in particular to purchase data. The prohibitive cost of data stops many using the internet/apps and those that do “sip” rather than “surf”. The result is a significant and persistent usage gap, even as the coverage gap reduces.

This study looks at the role of smartphones in household resilience and the significant barriers and challenges that that prevent them from realizing their potential.