I’ve gotta admit to being surprised by this chart from the Economist showing that there are now 3 times more mobile phones in the developing world than the developed world.
Look, A Happy Mobile Customer!
Mobile-phone subscriptions in poorer countries accounted for just a quarter of the global stock in 2000, but had risen to three-quarters of the 4 billion total by the start of this year.
Anyone want to take a guess as to why this incredible growth? C’mon, it’s quiz night, pick one.
- It’s cheaper to set up mobile infra-structure compared to POTS land lines.
- Mobile phones are much cheaper in developing countries than developed countries.
- People in developing countries like to talk more than those in developed countries.
- People in developing countries can text faster than their developed counterparts.
- ATT is not one of the service providers in developing countries.
I’m picking Door Five.
Right, I know I shouldn’t pick on ATT. Their service is fantastic, they support net neutrality, and their billing is crystal clear with no hidden fees or charges mis-labeled as federal taxes.
If we get really lucky Google will buy them as a ‘pity investment’.
Not A Mystery 
In South America anyway, using a cell phone costs a fraction of what it costs here. Hmmm… infrastructure costs the same, so maybe someone is making lots of money off us?
Posted by Matthew | October 8, 2009, 10:31 am