moblf Blog

Guest post: Ravi Jitani, is based in Nairobi and works as IT Program Manager, Aureos Kenya Managers Ltd.

Mobility is a synonym to connectivity in our times and also the ability to stay mobile for extended periods of time. We have seen an astronomical growth in number of people using mobiles for voice communications as it is a boon to business people who are constantly on the move. Mobility now has a new dimension which lets us transmit data and run sophisticated applications which has given birth to new lifestyle called “Mobile Life”. This new lifestyle (unlike its grown up mature cousin “computer”) cuts across generations and has been embraced by the rich and the not so rich.

Well imagine as a bank if you have to compete with telecom companies that provide mobile to mobile cash transfer services, to retain the small savers and the casual workers! I am sure you will agree that “mobile life” has truly arrived.

In Kenya a product called “M-PESA” a cell phone to cell phone cash transfer service has been a huge hit in the rural economy where there is a serious lack of banking infrastructure and leaves people with virtually no options to transfer money. This product lets people load money on their cell phones and then use it as a virtual wallet to transfer money or buy products. This is the new life style embraced by the millions of people some of whom have no access to luxuries of life and yet are able to able to do transactions in the comfort of their home while a majority of us are still waiting for our token number to be called?

Welcome to Mobile Life… what’s your opinion, let us know in comments.