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Comment by assane101 | Hacker News Reader

As far as I know, Africa is not a country, neither is it a federation of countries. Why on earth do people think a "one size fits all" solution is right for a whole continent ? I am sick with this "standardization" of these people, this "y'all screwed people, in the same sinking boat, let us help you". People there don't need a cheap crap, they can see those gorgeous smartphones advertised on TV, and they want one of those, who would like a "smartphone for the poor people" ? So, stop this condescending business approach, be fair with the continent and ask for more equity. This way, African economy will thrive (this continent has a lot of resources), enabling millions of people, giving them chance to buy a full-featured smartphone and be proud of owning one.

But don't get me wrong, I'm not saying a crappy low cost smartphone won't be of any help, I'm just saying thing can be lot more better, more fair and more "dignifying".

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This isn't really a valid criticism of the program. The project is currently moving into specific markets. These are all places with access to undersea cable and with significant penetration of Western European languages. From the linked Huawei announcement:

"the Huawei 4Afrika will be available from Huawei, in Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Angola, Morocco and South Africa towards the later part of the 1st Quarter 2013."

From the original post: "This online hub will initially be available in Morocco and South Africa and will expand to other markets over time"

There is nothing wrong with selling fairly priced products to people who will get incredible value out of them. Something tells me the people buying these phones won't share your elitist view of phone ownership. These 'undignified' phones are much more powerful than top of the line phones were five years ago.

>who would like a "smartphone for the poor people" ?

In America, I see people who get a Blackberry Curve free with their phone contract and are pleased as punch to show off their new "smartphone". One encounter that sticks in my mind was when I almost got hit for saying that a Blackberry wasn't really a smartphone while I was at a party not knowing that a very satisfied and very drunk Blackberry customer was standing beside me, someone who was proud that they could afford a Blackberry Curve and didn't take kindly to anyone attempting to disrupt their self-image.

Yes, customers will buy phones for poor people. The Blackberry Curve is still selling. The iPhone 3GS is still selling. If anyone is being condescending here, it's you and your view that you understand a situation when it's obvious you don't. Phones for poor people doesn't need to have a stigma attached to it. "If they can't afford an iPhone 5, they don't deserve a phone at all" is what I'm getting from your comment. Where's the dignity in that?

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