Cell Phones Vital in Developing World - MSN Money

From the AP: Cell Phones Vital in Developing World

Today, mobile phones are the primary form of telecommunication in most emerging economies, fulfilling much the same role as fixed-line phone networks did in facilitating growth in the United States and Europe after World War II.

Some developing nations have even jumped out in front as mobile pioneers. In the Philippines, more than 4 million people use their cell phones as virtual wallets to buy things or transfer cash -- services still rare in many wealthy countries, with few exceptions like Japan.