Mozilla and GSMA to Deliver Phones and the Web to New Users

Mozilla has stayed very focused on emerging markets as it marches forward with its Firefox OS mobile platform, and the company is also very fond of noting that four billion people worldwide have yet to access the web. That's a big market, and low-end, inexpensive Firefox OS phones are aimed at that market.

Now, Mozilla is teaming up with the GSMA to explore ways to catalyze the creation of locally relevant content deliver the web to users in new emerging markets. The partnership has already given rise to tests in Bangladesh, Kenya, Brazil and various parts of India.

According to Mozilla, there needs to be content that is locally relevant to get untethered new users to flock toward online access:

"Both Mozilla and the GSMA – who represent 800 operators in 220 countries – recognize how the mobile Web can shape the industry’s future. Collectively, we recognize the role that locally relevant content has to play in improving social and economic outcomes around the world."

"Over the next 6-12 months, we’ll be exploring projects focused on low-cost smartphones, digital literacy training and local content. Initial field tests in Bangladesh, Kenya, Brazil and India are currently underway. We are looking to build a coalition of mobile operators, device manufacturers, educators, international development donors, and NGOs who are interested in positively shaping the future of the mobile Web."

Mozilla has also produced full white paper, available here.

Firefox OS phones continue to roll out in many markets around the world, including Venezuela, Poland, Brazil, Portugal and Spain. And, Mozilla has organized the structure of its company around the new mobile platform, with many recent changes in executive leadership.