KaiOS Makes the Internet Accessible through Light and Affordable Mobile Technology

Applying institution

KaiOS Technologies Pte. Ltd.

Other participating organizations

Device manufacturers: TCL, Transsion, HMD, Waterworld, etc.

Mobile operators: Reliance Jio, Orange, Telma, Vodacom, AT&T, Verizon, Tracfone, etc.

Chipset vendors: Unisoc, Qualcomm

App providers: Google, Meta, Transsnet, etc.

Countries and Regions Covered or Involved in the implementation

100 countries and regions such as Nigeria, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Mexico, Brazil, the United States

Since 2016, KaiOS has been committed to accelerating digital inclusion by providing affordable smart feature phones powered by its innovative operating system (KaiOS). By removing the barriers to Internet access for low-income, less-educated, and underdeveloped regions, KaiOS has empowered 175 million people worldwide to enjoy the convenience brought by the Internet.

Affordable Innovation: Expanding Digital Access and Empowering Local Merchants Across Developing Regions

The global digital divide presents a significant challenge, especially in low- and middle-in-come regions, where approximately two thirds of the population remain offline, primarily due to the prohibitive costs associated with digital devices with Internet access. This digital barrier has exacerbated the inequalities in education, healthcare and economic development opportunities.

Recognizing the urgency of closing this divide, KaiOS has developed a mobile OS. Phones enabled by this OS provide Web browsing and email services, as well as a variety of apps, making digital access affordable and within reach for people in underdeveloped and economically disadvantaged areas. For example, the OS offers a complete certified payment acceptance solution to transform phones empowered by this OS into a business tool for micro and small merchants, moto and taxi drivers, couriers and delivery guys.

Design Innovations: A Revolutionary Web-Based OS

KaiOS stands out from its peers with its innovative Web-based architecture. With extremely low operating environment requirements, KaiOS can operate efficiently on devices with as little as 512MB of RAM for 4G connectivity, significantly reducing the production costs of Internet phones. This allows KaiOS-enabled phones to start as low as around $20-25, even lower than the most budget-friendly Android smartphones (which start at around $55), making them an affordable option.

KaiOS' strategic partnerships with chipset manufacturers, app developers, smartphone makers and operators enable it to offer phones with essential smartphone features.

• Wi-Fi, 3G/4G/5G, VoLTE, GPS, and other essential connections, ensuring that users can enjoy the convenience brought by the Internet.

• Long battery life, high durability, and user-friendly interface.

• Access to popular apps like Facebook, YouTube, Google Search, and Google Maps, allowing more people around the world to benefit from the digital age.

KaiOS was recognized with the 2021 Red Dot Award for its design excellence.

Transformative Impact: Enriching the Lives of Low-Income Groups and Boosting Economies Worldwide with Kaios Technology

KaiOS' comprehensive suite of services includes:

Development and Monetization

A platform for smart feature phones that supports app development to promote the sustained development of KaiOS app ecosystem. KaiOS provides developers with an opportunity to develop apps, bringing greater digital convenience to users. Through KaiOS app platform, users can access mainstream apps in health, education and agriculture, including “Kai Life,” a preloaded app on KaiOS devices. Kai Life offers tips and information on topics such as digital skills, women's empowerment, and upskilling, helping more people in underdeveloped regions widen their knowledge and then bridging the digital divide.

Financial Inclusion

Provision of financial products in partnership with mobile network operators (MNOs), Fintech and app companies to reduce the cost barrier and make a KaiOS phone accessible at the price of a 2G device.

Digital Transformation

Digital payment acceptance, supplier connections, and access to credit for groups including street vendors, rickshaw pullers and farmers.

KaiOS has made a profound impact on over 175 million of lives, particularly in developing countries. In India, KaiOS collaborated with Reliance Jio and the local government to distribute KaiOS-enabled JioPhones to over 4 million women living below the poverty line empowering them with digital tools to improve their lives. In Tanzania, KaiOS partnered with Justdiggit to provide farmers with mobile Internet access and education services, helping them regreen their lands and boost crop yields. In Nigeria, KaiOS worked with Roducate and the Lagos state government to distribute smart feature phones to school children during the pandemic lockdown, ensuring uninterrupted education during that critical period.

KaiOS' commitment to affordable innovations is driving a transformative shift towards greater digital equity, ensuring that more people can benefit from the digital age. By the end of 2025, KaiOS is expected to bring an additional 70 million people online and digitalize over 1 million merchants.