On a related note, Sunday’s New York Times had a story on how cell phones are used in other countries. In a nutshell, people outside the United States use cell phones for stuff like job searches and fund transfers, in addition to more traditional uses. And as I mentioned in my post above, cell phones in these countries are more common than modern plumbing.

Terrific, people abroad are using cell phones instead of iPhones and iPads — what does that mean for hyperlocalists? Chances are, it means immigrant communities are using the same technology here in the United States, either out of habit or, more likely, because it makes it easier to connect with friends and family in the motherland. Cell phones are far from obsolete in these communities.

Get with it, Knight Foundation! Let’s serve the underserved!