Re: The fundamental problem
Agreed, but then you also have the willingness or the need for the technology.
Some people don't want or don't need technology or are scared of using it. Money is one thing, but even people who can afford it don't always have it.
The kids grandparents (wife's ex's parents), for example, were switched to VOIP at home, but they just have a router with built in DECT and a telephone. They don't have any internet usage, they don't have smartphones, tablets or PCs and have never used a keyboard in their lives.
My step-daughter sends them an envelope of photos every month of their grandchild.
They are not interested in technology, they don't "need" technology and they don't want any technology in their lives. They do have a mobile phone, somewhere. It was used about 20 years ago, when the grandfather went on holiday with his mates, he would turn it on every evening to call his wife an see if there were any problems. Since then, it has sat in a cupboard. And it isn't down to money, they could afford iPads and either broadband or mobile contracts, for example.
I'm sure they aren't unique.
And, if it is a question of money, even giving someone a smartphone won't solve anything. Can they even read? What use is a smartphone to them, when they are out hunting, other than scaring away their prey, when it rings or vibrates at the wrong moment?
For a lot of the people who don't have a smartphone, there are more immediate problems that need to be solved first. Clean, potable (if not running) water, enough food, somewhere safe to live, access to doctors, healthcare and medication, education.
Once those problems have been solved, then you can worry about them not having a smartphone... But, a smartphone brings in revenue, whereas the rest of the problems mean actually investing money!