Posted by KatrinVerclas on Sep 06, 2005
February 27, 2007
July 27, 2006
Posted by Eric Gundersen on Jun 06, 2005
Cell phones need to be cheaper so that more people in developing
countries can plug in. Lower cost communication options can help in so
many aspects of poor people’s lives, from facilitating the finding of
more accurate information on market prices to organizing to speak out
against a government that often neglects them.
Bringing cell phones to the masses around the world is also a huge
market place for producers to tap. But right now the price of handsets
is still prohibitive for may poor people. Cellular-News recently
published the article, $25 cellular
handset achievable within two years (http://www.cellular-news.com/story/13029.php), looking at industry
expectations for lower prices over the next several years.
“Among respondents to the survey, 80% reported a belief that a low-end
GSM handset with a total bill-of-materials cost of US$25 can be
achieved within two years or less, while 51% believe this level can be
reached within one year or less. In addition to electronic and
mechanical components, the cost of the handset as presented in the
survey was defined to include battery, testing, final assembly,
software and IP licensing, and product packaging.”
Posted by Marty on Jun 04, 2005
Date Published:
14/06/2004 by Leigh Phillips
Story Title:
Political text message spam wakes up Italians
Story Link:
http://www.dmeurope.com/default.asp?ArticleID=2034
News:
Italy’s conservative government spent an estimated €3m to send a text message to every mobile phone in the country that reminded people to vote in the European and local elections, whose polling took place over the weekend.
The text messages read, “Elections 2004. Polling stations are open on Saturday 12 between 1500 and 2200 and Sunday 13 between 0700 and 2200.
"ID document and electoral certificate needed. Prime Minister's Office."
As the message was signed by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, opposition politicians are claiming that public monies were thus spent on campaign advertising for Mr Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party.
Italian legislation permits such SMS broadcasts at times of natural disasters or public health emergencies, but not to tell people to vote.
The government claims that as the messages were politically neutral, the messages should be uncontroversial. However, reportedly more citizens are angry at the SMS broadcast because many messages arrived in the middle of the night, waking them up.
Posted by Marty on May 26, 2005
"Craig Krueger, president of Target Wireless, said his aim is to "give candidates a new way to reach voters they can't reach right now." He said candidates and the parties have already expressed interest in the service, adding that he's seeking an opinion on the service from the Federal Election Commission. With space limitations of between 150 and 300 characters - that translates to anywhere from 10 to 20 words - the length of messages would be limited, but Krueger said the technology's usefulness comes from its ability to reach largely unreachable audience. "We believe that the mobile nature of society will make it an inevitable tool that campaign managers will have to employ sooner or later," Krueger said. "You cannot expect to reach people in 2002, 2004 or 2006 [by traditional means]. People are going to be more active, more mobile, and expecting information wherever they are."
http://www.rollcall.com/pages/news/00/2002/07/news0718d.html
Posted by admin on May 25, 2005
Posted by admin on May 25, 2005
Coming soon.
Posted by admin on May 24, 2005
MobileActive.org connects people, organizations, and resources using mobile technology for social change.
We are committed to increasing the effectiveness of NGOs around the world who recognize that the more than 5 billion mobile phones provide unprecedented opportunities for organizing, communications, and service and information delivery.
We work together to create the resources NGOs need to effectively use mobile phones in their work: locally relevant content and services, support and learning opportunities, and networks that help MobileActives connect to each other. With these things on hand, tens of thousands of NGOs will be in a better position to enrich and serve their communities.
The MobileActive.org community includes grassroots activists, NGO staff, intermediary organizations, content and service providers, and organizations who fund mobile technology projects.
MobileActive is committed to expanding the knowledge and experiences about the use of mobile phones and to accelerating the use of effective strategies and tactics while reducing the learning costs for organizations.
Posted by admin on May 24, 2005
The cell phone is increasingly becoming the most important
communication tool used by the general public all over the world. The
mobile nature of the phones along with the rich voice and data
connections have become an invaluable part of youth and business
culture.
As with all previous leaps in technology, cell
phones are used to empower organizing efforts (just like early
campaigns using printed materials, TV, radio, fax, email, web, etc.).
The time has come to recognize the power of the cell phone as an
organizing and campaign communication tool.
A handful of
visionaries and activists are convening a working session of global
activists, communications staff, technology experts and foundation
staff to exchange a wide variety of experience, expertise and
vision.
The goal is to shorten the learning curve and
accelerate the use of cell phones as a successful tool in campaigns,
human rights efforts and field organizing.
The "MobileActive"
convergence will develop new guides for campaign planners,
communications staff and technology staff. Case studies from the field
will be explored and a short list of recommendations will be developed
for funders interested in supporting campaigns and issue organizing
that use mobile phones as an engagement tool. Participants will be invited from across the world including Africa, South Korea, the Philippines, India, the Ukraine, and the Americas.
Posted by admin on May 24, 2005
The MobileActive Converegence was held at Estates of Sunnybrook, Toronto Canada: Toronto Canada: September 22, 23 and 24, 2005.
Posted by admin on May 24, 2005
We seek anyone using cell phones in innovative ways for advocacy,
public interest campaigns or civic engagement.
Please help us identify who's doing what so that we can engage
activists, technology experts, communications staff, strategists and
funders interested in defining and distributing best practices.
