04 October 2024

Vodacom South Africa 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.

A report by the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development in 2022 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 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 YouTube, TikTok and Facebook, all accessed via the cloud, giving users a “smartphone lite” experience. The device will retail at R249 with 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,” said Davide Tacchino, Managing Executive for Terminals, Vodacom South Africa. “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.”