Singtel Project Silverline

I almost choked on my coffee when I read about Singtel Project Silverline. According to the press release, Singtel is asking for used Iphones and they will distribute it to senior citizens for their use. Singtel has also came up with some related apps for these seniors.

It is a great idea except for one very big problem. If even people like me can find an Iphone a teeny weeny bit complicated to use, how do they expect the really needy senior citizens to know how to use them. My mother already find it so complicated to use a normal handphone. Can she and others like her manage one?

The other thing is, if this senior citizens need to rely on donated phones, it will mean that they are from the lower income group. Can they afford the monthly charges after the 1st year? I am sure for these people, they have other priorities than paying for a smartphone.

If Singtel is really sincere in helping these people, then it should give each needy household that these senior citizen come from a free fixed line. It can also help the various aid agencies to install gps based tracking systems and other more useful devices for them rather than go for such fanciful but ultimately white elephant project.