Article
If you are in Sudan it is a ‘missed call’. In Ethiopia it is a ‘miskin’ or a ‘pitiful’ call. In other parts of Africa it is a case of ‘flashing’, ‘beeping’ or in French-speaking areas ‘bipage’. Wherever you are, it is one of the fastest-growing phenomena in the booming mobile phone markets – and it’s a headache for mobile operators who are trying to figure out how to make some money out of it. You beep someone when you call them up on their mobile phone – setting its display screen briefly flashing – then hang up half a second later, before they have had a chance to answer. Your friend – you hope – sees your name and number on their list of ‘Missed Calls’ and calls you back at his or her expense. This article examines the beeping phenomenon.