Cellphone banking at the bottom of the pyramid

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis investigate the di erent available GSM bearer channels that can be usedto launch a cellphone banking application. Speci c attention is given to launch such acellphone banking application to the so called \bottom of the pyramid. In South Africa,there are an estimate 11 to 13 million people with no bank accounts. The cellphone createan ideal opportunity to be used as a tool to reach this untapped market segment thattoday mainly uses cash to pay for day to day living expenses.The thesis provide more information on the cellphone banking arena in South Africa aswell as certain projects in other parts of the world. The thesis also highlight new devel-opments on cellphone technology that include Android and IPhone delivery channels.Focus is placed on how the cellphone banking presentation layer must be deliveredthrough the USSD GSM bearer channel. USSD is at the current moment the ultimatechannel to consider due to its extensive reach and ability to work on any GSM cellphonehandset.In conclusion, although cellphone banking can be used by any person, the bene t tobringnancial services to the bottom end of the pyramid must be considered to achieve nancial inclusion. The cellphone due to its reach is the ideal medium to access thislower end market.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University