Frontline SMS is a great example of
how a low cost solution can deliver basic human needs—in this case, the need for
communication that could be used to address any number of other issues—worldwide.
I initially read about Frontline SMS
in the article “Dialing for Development” by David Lehr in the Stanford Social
Innovation Review (Fall 2008), and was interested in learning more about the
product’s applications. According to the product’s website, www.frontlinesms.com, Frontline SMS is a
low-cost solution for overcoming barriers in communication worldwide. It is a
software that allows users to send and receive mobile text messages with
individuals or large groups. Because it operates via text message, Frontline
SMS does not require an Internet connection, and all data associated with the
program is stored on a computer rather than a server. Many NGO’s have used this
technology to reach out to large groups of people at no cost. It was
inexpensive to develop, it operates for free and—most importantly—allows people
to easily communicate with each other regardless of their location. In
developing countries that may lack a strong infrastructure for communication, ready
access to a simple communication tool like this can make a huge impact.
It is when Frontline SMS is described in action that its benefits are truly demonstrated. A Case Study of the Georgetown University Institute for
Reproductive Health’s use of the Frontline SMS technology is available here.
As discussed in the Case Study, the
Georgetown University Institute for Reproductive Health used Frontline SMS to
create a service called CycleTel, which gives women reproductive health
information through easy-to-access text messages. CycleTel was implemented in
India, providing this information and teaching women how to use it for family
planning, so that they could avoid unprotected sex on the fertile days of their
menstrual cycles. This birth control method (the Standard Days Method) is
culturally acceptable in many developing countries, and “is directly addressing the global challenge of unmet need for family
planning — a burden for 200 million women worldwide” (Frontline SMS Case Study,
2). To use CycleTel, women just have to complete a brief counseling session via
SMS, and can then begin receive daily text messages with alerts of fertile days
and other reproductive health information. Eventually, the IRH decided to build
their own technology system to run CycleTel as they service grew, but the use of Frontline SMS was crucial to the program's development and success.
The CycleTel example highlights a
key part of what makes Frontline SMS so accessible and innovative: it is easy
enough to run and use that it appeals to people regardless of their familiarty
with technology. Additionally, it can be customized to fit the values and needs
of the communities where it is used.
This user map of Frontline SMS highlights the extremely wide geographic reach of the service.
What are
some other applications for Frontline SMS to enhance communication and peoples' lives today?
Living space:
ReplyDeleteHousing solutions for developing nations
I was initially drawn to this article due to my first hand knowledge of the critical importance of this issue especially for people in the developing world. What compounds this issue is the fact that in many developing countries, such as a India, which have "mega populations" the inability for disadvantaged populations to afford appropriate living conditions becomes even more difficult due to the scarcity of land. As the article pointed out, this leads to many of the country's undeserved inhabitants living in substandard housing situations such as slums, shacks, etc.
I applaud this article for its innovative ideas, but was wondering how sustainable it would be. In terms of sustainability I mean, how would the social entp. ensure that the houses built in conjunction with those in need appreciate in value or if they have appreciated in value ensure that that value is sustained, the surrounding environment stays clean and aesthetically pleasing, poverty is kept to a minimum etc.
Also, I participated in Habitat for Humanity in undergrad and I couldn't help but to draw some parallels to both of these programs. In Habitat for Humanity, undeserved residents in America also participate along with other community volunteers in building their very own homes from start to finish at a very minimal cost to them. That in and of itself is a positive experience for both sides, leaving both sides with economic as well as moral benefits.