According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a staggering 2.6 billion people remain unconnected, with 1.4 billion unbanked, predominantly in emerging countries. This disconnect not only excludes them from the digital revolution but also hinders economic development. Addressing this challenge, KaiOS and STMicroelectronics share a common vision. Create and deliver innovative, secure, and connected solutions that:
- Accelerate the digitalization of both the unconnected population and informal businesses.
- Contribute to the development of emerging countries by removing the affordability barrier that keeps billions of people and millions of businesses offline.
To achieve that at scale, the Kai platform is structured around a set of core products. Kai’s first essential product is the Kai Operating System (KaiOS) and the application ecosystem (KaiStore). It has enabled the creation of a new category of products called “smart feature phones”, which provide access to all major apps (such as Google, YouTube and Facebook) at a fraction of the cost of a smartphone. More than 175 million “Smart Feature Phones” have been shipped to date, powered by KaiOS.
With the vision to empower informal drivers through a seamless tap and go experience, KaiOS announces the development of a game-changing solution designed for underserved transport drivers creating an affordable contactless validation system that utilizes STMicroelectronics’ ST54L device integrating an NFC controller and a secure element IC.
ST’s solution enables KaiOS “Smart Feature Phones” to provide secure contactless ticketing services. The ST54L chip can also host other advanced services including access control and an embedded SIM (eSIM). Preloaded with the Thales mobile secure operating system, the ST54L facilitates access to the STPay-Mobile service platform, a solution provided by STMicroelectronics that simplifies the creation of digital wallets.
Driving Change: Affordable Contactless Validation for Transport Use Cases
Informal Transport, a Global Force: Informal transport is a ubiquitous phenomenon that impacts millions of city dwellers globally, especially in developing countries. In Africa alone, it accounts for a staggering 95% of all public transport trips.
Transforming Lives with Smart Feature Phones: This innovative solution leverages the ST54L chip to transform a simple “smart feature phone” into a powerful tool for underserved drivers. By replacing cash-based transactions with contactless validation, KaiOS brings convenience, security, and efficiency to previously underserved communities.
Nigeria Leads the Charge: The first deployment of this technology will take place in Nigeria, in close collaboration with Cowry Card (powered by Touch and Pay) and DevOS. This partnership signifies a major step towards a more modern and inclusive transportation system in the country.
“At STMicroelectronics, we are committed to collaborating on projects such as KaiOS smart feature phones that align with our sustainability goals, providing access to technology in underserved communities,” says Laurent Tricheur, Head of ST’s Marketing & Application | MDRF | Connected Security Division| China.