Mobiles for the ‘world’s poorest’

USA- Nearly half a million people, described by the UN as “the poorest of the poor”, will soon be able to make mobile calls. The BBC reports.“As part of a UN programme to tackle poverty in rural Africa, 79 villages across 10 African countries will be hooked up to cellular networks.It is hoped that the connections will help improve healthcare and education, as well as boosting the local economy.A 2005 study showed that an increase of 10 mobile phones per 100 people could increase GDP growth by 0.6%.The plan to extend the mobile network to people that would not normally be considered a priority for mobile phone firms is part of the UN Millennium Villages program.”Source: smstextnews