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HUAWEI Technologies Company Ltd has said smartphones are crucial in COVID-19 fight.
Huawei Southern Africa Region President Chen Lei, in a statement, said the pandemic has reinforced how important connectivity is in the modern world.
“As it has become more challenging to communicate directly, the use of ICT has become even more critical for the dissemination of information by government, experts and the media.
“Key to digital communication is the phone – especially the smartphone.
“The smartphone allows people to stay in touch with their friends and families, receive important information and educate themselves during these tough times.
“Smartphones may become even more crucial when the outbreak is brought under control.
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“However, the cost of phones is a significant barrier to mobile Internet adoption and use – and this is not the fault of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Low-cost devices are often out of the reach of those in poverty, which is a problem considering that these devices can be key enablers for escaping poverty,” Lei said.
He added that Smartphones are not a luxury.
One of the reasons smartphones are so expensive in Africa, he said, is that manufacturers incur high taxes.
“In fact, import taxes and duties can reach as high as 50 per cent of the total device cost in some African countries,” he said.
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