There are over 500 million cell phone users worldwide. This is according to research by the GSMA, the international association of mobile operators. The problem with all those cell phones isn’t access to a network. The problem is that most of the users in 3rd world countries live off the grid and can’t charge the darn things. ReadySet, manufactured by Fenix International, San Francisco, California, may be the solution.
ReadySet Battery Charger Could Change Rural Africa
ReadySet may provide new businesses for entrepreneurs. Right now people have adapted cell phone car chargers to work directly connected to a car battery and are charging 25 cents a charge. The problem is that car batteries are dangerous. When used outside of a car, they often leak causing burns on users from the battery acid. The new ReadySet is designed to be rugged, as well as user friendly. According to an article written by Rob Goodier, InnovationNewsDaily, Fenix’s lab testers dropped the battery onto concrete from three feet above, sprayed it with salt water, blasted it UV rays, ran it through thousands of cycles — and it still stayed intact and leak free. ReadySet comes with USB and car charger ports. Although the cost of a new ReadySet is somewhat pricey ($150) for people who typically only earn an average of $4 per day, Fenix International is hoping that businesses will see this as an opportunity to expand their business. Some entrepreneurs may start new businesses. At 25 cents per charge, it wouldn’t take long to pay for the device.
Fenix International believes the ReadySet could change Africa’s rural economy. According to Goodier’s article, “The device, its designers believe, could put more electricity in off-the-grid homes, create jobs, reduce indoor air pollution by replacing kerosene lanterns with LEDs, and eliminate car battery acid leaks. Plus, the telecom industry is hooked on it. Network carriers can make 10 to 14 percent more money from users who can keep their phones charged.” Fenix International is testing the ReadySet in 10 African markets. Retail sales are set to begin in June, with the device coming to the developed countries within a year. If sales really take off, Lin predicts the price of the ReadySet will drop. It is not new for people to be paying to charge their cell phones in 3rd world countries. For the past several years people have congregated at the local battery charger, paying that precious 25 cents per phone charge. Now they will be able to charge other devices as well.
“Building upon the existing culture was the inspiration for this solution,” said Michael Lin, founder of Fenix. “People in developing communities have a variety of needs, of course, but access to electricity is exciting in that it empowers people to improve their lives in a number of areas.” Lin went on to say, “There’s a lot of interest from people who want a green, carbon-neutral digital lifestyle. It might be a trickle-up innovation. You can hop on the bicycle and power all of your electronics.”
Have you lost power because of the winter storms this year? Were you caught with low cell phone batteries? Wouldn’t it have been great to be able to recharge your cell phone without electricity? I think this new device could change a lot of lives, both in 3rd world countries as well as here in the States. With devastating storms, floods and other natural disasters, this device could really help. I can even see people taking their ReadySet with them camping. Kudos to Fenix International!
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