The Big Divide - phones vs the web

The chart above, courtesy of the ITU, shows mobile penetration rates worldwide and for developed and developing regions, between 1994 and 2006. The divide between rich and poor countries is measurably narrowing, which is good news for emerging economies. Take a look at the same data for internet penetration:

The difference is telling. By the end of 2006, just over 10 percent of the world’s population in developing countries were using the Internet, compared to close to 60 percent in the developed world.

Could the key be cheap smart phones with web access?

Holy ringtones

Saudi Arabia has a split personality when it comes to mobile phones. On the one hand, nearly everyone has one - ownership has shot up from 61.4% in 2005 to 96.8% this year. On the other hand, not everyone is happy with how they are used. A Saudi court, we’ve learned, recently banned the use of Qur’anic verses on mobile phones for recreational purposes, such as ringtones. 

A recent poll by the Saudi Gazette showed that Saudis themselves are split by the ruling. Some agree that a phone can go off in disrespectful places - such as a bathroom - and thus the ban is a good idea. Others say the holy ringtones should be allowed if owners remain careful about where they take their phones.

How about allowing the ringtones but instructing the faithful to switch their phones to  silent when entering a less than holy spot?