Wikipedia Pilots Articles Via SMS Service, Targets Africa

Have you ever wondered just how much homework in the world has cited Wikipedia as its source? It would be criminal to rely on Wikipedia for everything in terms of research, but hey, I am quite sure that it has not stopped anyone from doing so, either. Well, here we are with word that Wikipedia has started off piloting a service which will send articles via SMS, and this particular service will have users in Africa as its primary target “market”.

In order to make sure that this particular effort will bear fruit, Wikipedia has decided to work alongside mobile operator Airtel in order to offer the free initiative that is currently being tested out in Kenya. It is hoped that this particular service might be utilized to reach people who do not have internet access. This particular trial will be active for the next quarter, claims Dan Foy, technical partner manager for the Wikimedia Foundation. Dan wrote, “Throughout most of the developing world, data-enabled smartphones are the exception, not the rule. That means billions of people currently cannot see Wikipedia on their phones.” This service is known as Wikipedia Zero, and users will need to first dial *515#, from where which they will receive a text message that prompts them to search for articles.

Edwin Kee
Categories: Cellphones, Computers
Tags: wikipedia