Monday, September 28, 2009

Question Box Answers Calls in Africa Where Web Can’t Reach - NYTimes.com

Intriguing

The workers dial into the call center and ask questions on behalf of the locals, or they put the call on speakerphone so the locals can ask for themselves. The operators then look up the requested information in a database and convey it to the workers, who pass it along to the villagers. The workers are compensated with cellphone airtime.

The service is a joint effort of Open Mind, a nonprofit group founded by Ms. Shuman, and the Grameen Foundation, which is best known for promoting small loans for the poor. It has received financial backing from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Question Box Answers Calls in Africa Where Web Can’t Reach - NYTimes.com

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