Hi guys,
I've been working on and off on this idea about banking for the 3rd world. Something like M-Pesa and Kipochi are doing, but more grass-root.
I came up with 37coins.com, a set of tools to bring SMS Bitcoin wallets via shortcodes to any mobile network. An Android application acts as gateway to the internet, while the clients can use 'dump' feature-phones. The challenge is making compromises to bring as much security as affordable to allow a client on an untrusted network to control the hosted wallet.
What you see is a prototype, it allows sending an receiving Bitcoins. A voice-pin service is in place that validates big transactions, while a onetime token is used for small amounts. Anyone can open a gateway and advertise his number to people, for every transaction through your gateway you'll receive a fee.
I'd be happy if people with old android phones would take a minute and set up a gateway. The more countries there are, the more testing I can do.
The wallet is also an easy way to get people to use Bitcoin, like a friend or your grandma, just send a small amount to their number, and they are in.
Please have a look at the page. Any feedback is very welcome!
