DHAKA, Bangladesh – Here in the UK we often take communicating and keeping in touch for granted. Where would we be without email, social networking and the internet in general? The products and solutions that Nokia offers in developing countries often fly under the radar, yet they’re no less significant or worthy than the likes of the N8 or MeeGo. Every once in a while we’re reminded of the work that goes on to bridge the digital divide and to really connect people that are often in most need. The introduction of Ovi Mail in Bangladesh is one such example. Read on after the jump to find out how a service that we take for granted really is changing lives.
In Bangladesh there’s approximately 54 million mobile phone subscribers out of a 160 million total population, but the country has an internet penetration rate of well below one per cent. In a bid to get the population online and in particular those with mobile subscriptions Nokia introduced Bangladesh to Ovi Mail.
After just 20 days of campaigning to raise awareness around eleven thousand consumers got a new Ovi Mail account. The service brought together the Ovi Community along with content partners, NGOs and universities to truly connect people.
Ovi Mail was launched to bring email to the 25 per cent of the world’s population that don’t have internet access. Looking at the example in Bangladesh it seems to be working. Ovi Mail users need never touch a PC and can be completely connected to the online world through their mobile device. I for one think it’s one of the most exciting services launched by Nokia and it’s one that really does make a difference to people’s lives.
We’ve written before about innovation on Conversations and that it’s not always about creating the latest and greatest smartphones. Do you agree? Are services like Nokia Life Tools, Nokia Money and Ovi Mail the pioneers of innovation? Let us know in the comments below.