Graham Downs on Nostr: Bringing #smartphones down in price in #SouthAfrica is definitely something I ...
Bringing #smartphones down in price in #SouthAfrica is definitely something I support: https://techcentral.co.za/comms-minister-push-cheaper-smartphones/259674/?utm_source=MastodonAfrica
In the first place, I agree that the idea that a smartphone is a "luxury good" is outdated, and we should be scrapping ad velarium taxes on them.
But it's also quite eye-opening to hear that, even at a US$50 price point, that still makes them all-but out of reach for around 80% of out population. Prices need to come down. As our communications minister said, having affordable broadband access means nothing if you don't have a device with which to connect. :/
In the first place, I agree that the idea that a smartphone is a "luxury good" is outdated, and we should be scrapping ad velarium taxes on them.
But it's also quite eye-opening to hear that, even at a US$50 price point, that still makes them all-but out of reach for around 80% of out population. Prices need to come down. As our communications minister said, having affordable broadband access means nothing if you don't have a device with which to connect. :/