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An innovation using the cellular network (GSM) could onboard millions of Bitcoins (BTC) users previously unreachable by the internet-dependent Bitcoin protocol. Machankura, an SMS-based service named after the South African slang word for money, is bridging the gap between Bitcoin and people without internet access. Kgothatso Ngako, the developer of the app, has stated that thanks to this new technology, people in Africa can receive and spend Bitcoin without the need for an internet connection.
Ngako explains that with Machankura, users may dial any given number they wish. The user is then prompted with an option to either learn more about Bitcoin or register an account where they need to create a five-digit pin. After all of this is done, the user is now able to send and receive Bitcoin.
Paco de la, a Bitcoin educator who is also known as @runwithbitcoin on Twitter, shows how Machankura works.
In a separate interview, Master Guantai, founding father of Bitcoin Mtaani, advised Rajacreator.com, "The number of cellphones in Africa is double the number of people." However, internet-enabled smartphone penetration stays low.
In Kenya, Guantai's house nation, he explains that topping up a cellphone with airtime is as widespread as bank card funds within the West. A report by Caribou backs up the assertion: 94% of monetary transactions in Africa are by way of USSD, the protocol used to ship text messages, whereas simply 6% of those transactions are made by way of cellular apps.
KG coded up Manchakura to solve those problems, explaining, "The major focus is on spending and receiving Bitcoin." KG explains how it works: Users dial a number and are then introduced to a menu where they can learn more about Bitcoin or register an account. "All you need to register an account is a 5-digit pin, and from there on, you are presented with a different menu: Send and receive Bitcoin."
