change makers kiwanja sms guide

8/8/2019 Change Makers Kiwanja SMS Guide

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SMS

C-PC :

November 20


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SMS

1. SMSOverview.................................................................2

hat is SMS?........................................................................................2

ow SMS is used for social change .............................................2

hy use SMS? .....................................................................................3

2. Whattoconsider............................................................. 4

Cost .........................................................................................................4

Audience and appropriateness ....................................................5

Location ................................................................................................5

Security and privacy .........................................................................5

Short code vs. long code ................................................................5

3. Whatyoullneed.............................................................7

hat you need for a long code system .....................................7

hat you need for a short code system ...................................8

ow it all comes together ..............................................................9

4. Linksandresources......................................................10

5. Aboutthecreationofthisguide.................................12he guide creation process ...................... ....................... .............12

Changemakers ..................................................................................12

kiwanja.net.........................................................................................12

CONTENTS


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SMS

WhaT iS SMS?

SMSalsoknownasShortMessagingServiceortextmessagingisafeatureavailableonallmobilephoneswhichallowsasmallamountoftexttobesentbetweenoneuserandanother.

ext messaging has becoming increasingly popular in recent years, particularly amongyouth, and it is being increasingly adopted by non-prot organizations as a valuablecommunications channel because it is two-way, direct and immediate.

his quick start guide is intended to demystify SMS and help get you set up to usingtext messaging in your work in the shortest possible time. he guide is not intendedto serve as a comprehensive look at the use of SMS, but rather a short overview of SMSconsiderations and an introduction into how it works. For more in-depth information,this guide is supplemented by a resource section to help you as you continue yourSMS journey.

hOW SMS iS uSEd fOr SOCial ChaNgE

ext messages are used in a wide array of non-prot activities, and an increasingnumbers of NGs are adopting SMS in their work.

Changemakers used SMS in several African countries as part of a recent outreachcampaign, which was particularly helpful in reaching social innovators in rural areas.Changemakers drew upon leader in the eld kiwanja.net and used their free, opensource text messaging application FrontlineSMS.

ur collaboration was so successful, we chose to rely on kiwanjas expertise andthey have co-authored this guide. hroughout the guide we use FrontlineSMS asour default example but youll also nd alternative SMS progam options listed in ourresource section.

OVErViEW1
http://www.kiwanja.net/http://www.kiwanja.net/frontlinesms.htmhttp://www.kiwanja.net/frontlinesms.htmhttp://www.kiwanja.net/


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HerearesomeotherexamplesofhowSMS

isbeingusedforsocialchangetoday:

Farmers receive details of market prices and demand for their products beforeheading off to market.

ealth NGs send dietary advice and information to people with eating disorders.

Young people living in the slums of Nairobi receive texts alerting them of urban jobopportunities.

National parks communicate details of dangerous animals, providing an earlywarning system to reduce human and wildlife conict.

ater sanitation advice and community training updates are sent to municipalcounsellors.

Patients receive reminders to take their medicine, saving time and money travellingto clinics.

Security and emergency alerts are sent to staff and eldworkers in high-risksituations.

Why uSE SMS?

Mobile phones are the most rapidly adopted piece of technology in human history.

he majority of people in the developing world will make their rst phone call on amobile phone and experience the nternet for the rst time on one.

he spread of mobile phones into even the most rural of areas opens up new waysfor NGs to communicate with their audiences.

Although mobile phones can include many features and may seem overly complex,many phones aimed at new users in developing countries are simple devices thatemphasize voice calls and SMS.

hile text messaging has its limitations, it is still the only guaranteed way to reachall mobile phone users.

A single SMS can be powerful, saving the recipient a lot of time and unnecessarytravel, increasing trading opportunities or acting as a call for help.

Text messages can be automated, and simple

text messaging systems can be run using low-

cost computers and cheap mobile phones.


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COST

hen considering the use of SMS in your project or campaign, it is important to beaware of the potential costs, particularly if you are looking to run your SMS service for asustained period of time.

ith the exception of the nited States, it is free to receive text messages, so ifyour work primarily involves having people send information to you - in an electionmonitoring project, for example - then costs are much less of an issue.

he person or organization sending the message is the one who pays and the cost ofsending messages vary. f you send a message with FrontlineSMS for instance, youllbe charged the standard SMS sending rate for the account youre using. Ask yourcell phone service provider if they have special rates for sending large amounts ofmessages. Also keep in mind that if you are working with individuals with low levelsof disposable income, asking that they send you messages on a regular basis may

become a barrier for them.

Some other costs to consider are: equipment (listed below) and logistical support suchas running an overseas SMS campaign if you are not on the ground. Check out the linksunder the resources section of this guide for a budgeting checklist and country specicexamples of communication costs.

WhaT TO CONSidEr2

ExperimentingwithSMSdoesnthavetobeexpensiveorcomplicatedbutwerecommendthatafterconsideringsomeofthemainissuesbelow,youconductanassessmenttoidentifyyourneedsandfeasibility.


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audiENCE aNd apprOpriaTENESS

ext messages allow for a maximum of 160 characters in length, so think carefullyabout how to craft your message. f you decide to use abbreviations to save space, beaware that not all users may be able to understand. n addition, the use of text speak(such as L8 for later) may be inappropriate for your audience.

As mobile phone users vary it is important to understand who you are interested intargeting and how different groups use SMS (ex. young people use SMS more thanolder people), so that you can better tailor your SMS outreach to them.

Finally, think carefully about the kinds of messages you are sending, particularly if itcontains personal information and is potentially being sent to a shared phone.

lOCaTiON

f you are not running your campaign in-country, you will need to consider thelogistics of running it from abroad. epending on your choice of platform i.e. a shortcode via an operator or a long code through a platform such as FrontlineSMS (seebelow for an explanation of these terms) you may need local staff to run the systemfor you. utlined a little later are the advantages and disadvantages of each approachand what equipment is generally needed.

SECuriTy aNd priVaCy

As you build a database of messages both sent to users and received, consider thepotentially sensitive nature of the data you are collecting. ealth information or

reports of human rights abuses, for example, can be very personal and cause distressor danger if fallen into the wrong hands. Furthermore, there are sometimes rules andregulations dictating what data organizations can hold. hose working in countrieswith oppressive regimes will already be well aware of many of the security-relatedrisks and dangers.

ShOrT COdE VS. lONg COdE

here are typically two technology options referred to as codes availablewhen using SMS services, and each comes with its own unique advantages anddisadvantages. hese codes are the numbers a sender will enter on his or her phone tosend a message to your organization.

Short codes - also known as short numbers (and often used by major media such as

television networks) are typically ve- or six-digit numbers. Short codes are availableonly if you deal with a specialist company or directly with a mobile service provider.Short codes can deal with large volumes of messages in a very short space of time.

Long codes - also known as long numbers (such as full mobile numbers) can be usedwithout needing to speak to anyone, and accessing one is as easy as purchasing anew SM card in your local market. Long codes are generally only useful if your projectis expecting a low to medium number of messages, or messages spread over a longperiod of time.


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Herearetwoexamples:

magine an NG in Malawi wanting to carry out a major nationwide electionmonitoring campaign. Because they anticipate receiving potentially hundredsof thousands of messages, and they want a number thats easy to remember formembers of the public to use, they would likely go for the short code option.

n the other hand, a smaller NG in ndia wanting to send messages to a coupleof hundred local farmers, and allow them to ask agriculture-based questions inreturn, might go for the long code option because of a much lower anticipatedvolume of messages.

Advantages: Disadvantages:

asier for people to remember

Can handle high volumes of incomingmessages (hundreds of thousands)

Can be set to be a free number(no cost to sender) or to cost extra

(premium rate)

sually comes with a web-basedbackend which allows you to analyse

incoming messages/data

Can take a long time to set up(months)

Number needs to be harmonisedacross all operators in a country

No global short code so needs to beset up in every country you operate in

as a monthly rental charge (ongoingcost)

verseas people cannot text to ashort code which is set up outside

their country

SHORTCODE

Example: using a number like 64122

Advantages: Disadvantages:

Very quick to set up (needs a mobilephone or GSM modem, and a

computer with a local SM card)

No running costs (sender paysexcept in SA)

Can be replicated and copied in any

country quickly (no need to speak tooperators)

No need for the internet to accessincoming data (data all held locally on

the computer)

Anyone, anywhere can send a text tothe number (dont need to be in the

country)

nly suitable for lower-volume ofmessages (thousands)

he number cannot be set to be freefor the sender (or to cost more)

LONGCODE

Example: using your mobile number along with an SMS program like FrontlineSMS


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WhaT yOu NEEd fOr a lONg COdE SySTEM

Typically,projectsusingFrontlineSMSincludethefollowingcomponents:

1. Acomputer to which you have the necessary

administrative permissions to install software andconnect peripheral devices. he computer will also needone or more SB or serial ports available in order toconnect a mobile device.

2. AcopyofFrontlineSMSsoftware for the appropriateoperating system of your computer; indows, Linux, orMac. You can download the software for free athttp://www.frontlinesms.com perating system specicrequirements are listed at http://www.frontlinesms.com/download/requirements.php

3. AmobilephoneoraGSM/GPRSmodemdevice. AGSM modem is basically a mobile phone without the

screen or keypad. f using a mobile phone, look at the listof supported models at: http://www.frontlinesms.com/download/requirements.php. Note: if you are using anonline web-based platform, you may send and receivetext messages via the nternet and therefore would notneed a modem. n this case you would be accessing yourmenus, messages and SMS campaign settings throughthe nternet using a web browser like nternet xploreror Firefox.

For example: www.clickatell.com allows you to sendand receive messages through its service, which isweb-based. f you want to send a thousand messages

via Clickatell, you register and use your credit card tobuy message credits, you add your numbers, type yourmessage and hit Send. n their website you would alsobe able to view sent and received messages, or viewyour balance.

f however you are a grassroots NG working in placeswithout the nternet, you cant use this service and youdhave to attach a phone or modem to your computer anduse something like FrontlineSMS.

WhaT yOull NEEd3

Thissectiondetailswhatequipmentyoullneedtogetstartedandhowitalltstogether.
http://www.frontlinesms.com/http://www.frontlinesms.com/download/requirements.phphttp://www.frontlinesms.com/download/requirements.phphttp://www.frontlinesms.com/download/requirements.phphttp://www.frontlinesms.com/download/requirements.phphttp://www.clickatell.com/http://www.clickatell.com/http://www.frontlinesms.com/download/requirements.phphttp://www.frontlinesms.com/download/requirements.phphttp://www.frontlinesms.com/download/requirements.phphttp://www.frontlinesms.com/download/requirements.phphttp://www.frontlinesms.com/


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WhaT yOu NEEd fOr a ShOrT COdE SySTEM

Tondouthowtogoaboutapplyingshortcode,werecommendyoucontactyourlocaltelecommunicationsserviceproviderastheprocessisquitedifferentandvariesbycountry.

Also check with them to ensure you are complying with their terms of service and thenational regulations.

For more general information about using short codes; rules for compliant shortcode programs; and sharing short codes, check out: http://www.sumotext.com/ShortCodes.html

4. TheUSBorserialcable used to connect your mobilephone to the computer. A GSM modem typically plugsstraight into your computer so there is usually no need fora cable.

5. Driverinstallationdisk it may not be required for allmobile phones or modems, but generally you will needto have the computers driver installation disk available tobe able to successfully connect your modem.

6. ASIMcard with either a service plan or credits thatallow it to send and receive SMS. he SM card should beinstalled in the mobile device you intend to connect to a

computer.

7. AsecondmobilephonethatisnotconnectedtothecomputerandwhichcanbothsendandreceiveSMS. Alternately, youll need a friend or colleague witha mobile phone you can message. his is just to testinstallation and conguration of FrontlineSMS.

If you wanted to experiment with SMS, youcould begin by testing out long code, which

would allow you to implement your SMS

project much quicker and keep costs low.
http://www.sumotext.com/ShortCodes.htmlhttp://www.sumotext.com/ShortCodes.htmlhttp://www.sumotext.com/ShortCodes.htmlhttp://www.sumotext.com/ShortCodes.html


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hOW iT all COMES TOgEThEr

Nowthatyouhaveallofthecomponents,hereswhatyoullhavetodotocreateyourveryownSMSsystem,alsoreferredtoasanSMShub.

Your SMS hub is a complete system that will enable you to sendand receive text messages through a mobile phone network.

his system is best used in tandem with a long code systemas outlined above. You do not need to be connected to thenternet (or any computer network for that matter), whichmakes this a very useful system for nonprots and individuals -especially those working in areas where nternet connectivitymay be an issue.

So, if youve decided to go with a long code system heres the breakdown of how tocreate your SMS hub:

Attach a regular mobile phone to your computer with a cable - that is all theequipment you need to create your own SMS hub.

nstall specialist software on the computer (such as FrontlineSMS), which allows youto control the sending and receiving of messages to groups of people through thatphone.

You pay for these messages in the normal way: if you are on a pre-paid system (pay-as-you-go) you will need to buy a top-up voucher for your phone and then sendyour messages; or if you are on a post-pay system (where you get a monthly bill),then you will be billed later by your local operator for the messages you send.

eavier users can use a GSM modem in place of the phone. he SM card is usuallyinserted in the side of the modem, and all communication between the GSMmodem and your computer is handled by your SMS hub software.

You now have everything in place to

start experimenting with SMS and

running your project or campaign!


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CaSE STudiES

Case studies and successful stories in developing countries.

Programme experiences reecting Mobile Phones for Social Change in Africa.

ChallENgES

Common challenges and tips such as: ow to plan the most cost-efcient approach;Money-saving ideas; and sing short codes for fundraising.

Mobile advocacy challenges such as: Finding and tracking your audience;echnological challenges; and Language and font issues.

COSTS

Budgeting checklist for possible costs like: Set-up; uman esources; echnology;and Maintenance.

Specic data on communication costs, mobile coverage and operators by country.

rural aNd pOOr SMS uSErS

Grameen AppLab is facilitating the use of mobile technology for improving the livesand livelihoods of rural and poor people.

Nokia Life ools offer a range of easy-to-use services particularly suited for users in

rural settings interested in agriculture and education issues.

Mobile Money for the nbanked is one way to go if you dont have or cant get abank account. You can also arrange to pay for goods and services through yourphone with Pay-Buy-Mobile.

liNkS & rESOurCES4

Nowthatyouknowthebasics,herearejustafewofthemanyonlineresourcesavailabletoprovideyouwithmorein-depthinformationonvarioustopics.
http://mobiles.tacticaltech.org/taxonomy/term/4http://www.comminit.com/en/node/271574/38http://mobiles.tacticaltech.org/node/34http://mobiles.tacticaltech.org/challengesmobileadvocacyhttp://mobiles.tacticaltech.org/node/35http://mobileactive.org/mobiledatahttp://www.grameenfoundation.applab.org/section/about-applabhttp://europe.nokia.com/explore-services/extras/nokia-life-tools/featureshttp://gsmworld.com/our-work/mobile_planet/mobile_money_for_the_unbanked/index.htmhttp://www.gsmworld.com/our-work/mobile_lifestyle/mobile_money/pay_buy_mobile/index.htmhttp://www.gsmworld.com/our-work/mobile_lifestyle/mobile_money/pay_buy_mobile/index.htmhttp://gsmworld.com/our-work/mobile_planet/mobile_money_for_the_unbanked/index.htmhttp://europe.nokia.com/explore-services/extras/nokia-life-tools/featureshttp://www.grameenfoundation.applab.org/section/about-applabhttp://mobileactive.org/mobiledatahttp://mobiles.tacticaltech.org/node/35http://mobiles.tacticaltech.org/challengesmobileadvocacyhttp://mobiles.tacticaltech.org/node/34http://www.comminit.com/en/node/271574/38http://mobiles.tacticaltech.org/taxonomy/term/4


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SMS prOgraMS aNd SuppOrT

Access your FrontlineSMS program and view nline elp Guide manuals.

AN: his handy step-by-step presentation outlines considerations for workingwith SMS applications (see Caveats and Limitations module) and provides a practicalFrontlineSMS ow o.

ther SMS programs: Kannel, apidSMS,SMSCaster, SlingshotSMS.

SMS fOr SOCial ChaNgE dialOguE

kiwanja.net is a resource for people interested in using mobiles in their non-protwork. Check out their blog and the FacebookSocial Mobile Group.

Nonprots and NGs sing Mobile Phones and SMS for Social Change.

Mobileactive.org is a global network of people using mobile technology for socialimpact.

STaTiSTiCS

Statistics from 3C, such as mobile web usage and mobile infrastructure indeveloping countries.

SMS campaign feasibility and coverage.

TOOlS

nline resource lled with plenty of tools, guidelines, services and free software.

he kiwanja.net mobile database contains details of projects from around the worldwhich use mobile technology.

mirectory for ow-os according to your area of practice, type and sector.
http://www.frontlinesms.com/http://frontlinesms.com/help/help-menu.htmhttp://www.ranetproject.net/index.php?q=node/67http://www.kannel.org/http://www.rapidsms.org/http://www.smscaster.com/http://www.kiwanja.net/http://kiwanja.net/bloghttp://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2219125374http://www.netsquared.org/blog/britt-bravo/net2thinktank-nonprofits-ngos-using-mobile-phones-and-sms-social-changehttp://mobileactive.org/abouthttp://www.w3.org/2008/MW4D/wiki/Mobilewebhttp://www.w3.org/2008/MW4D/wiki/Infrastructurehttp://www.w3.org/2008/MW4D/wiki/Infrastructurehttp://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/index.shtmlhttp://www.w3.org/2008/MW4D/wiki/Toolshttp://www.kiwanja.net/database/kiwanja_search.phphttp://mobileactive.org/directoryhttp://mobileactive.org/directoryhttp://www.kiwanja.net/database/kiwanja_search.phphttp://www.w3.org/2008/MW4D/wiki/Toolshttp://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/index.shtmlhttp://www.w3.org/2008/MW4D/wiki/Infrastructurehttp://www.w3.org/2008/MW4D/wiki/Infrastructurehttp://www.w3.org/2008/MW4D/wiki/Mobilewebhttp://mobileactive.org/abouthttp://www.netsquared.org/blog/britt-bravo/net2thinktank-nonprofits-ngos-using-mobile-phones-and-sms-social-changehttp://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2219125374http://kiwanja.net/bloghttp://www.kiwanja.net/http://www.smscaster.com/http://www.rapidsms.org/http://www.kannel.org/http://www.ranetproject.net/index.php?q=node/67http://frontlinesms.com/help/help-menu.htmhttp://www.frontlinesms.com/


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ThE guidE CrEaTiON prOCESS

his guide was created by Changemakers and kiwanja.net in order to give ourcommunity a better understanding of using SMS as a strategic tool for working

towards social change.

e would like to thank all of the group members that participated in the collaborativeonline process who offered feedback and insights. hanks to their graciouscontributions we arrived at a better understanding of what would be helpful for ourcommunities. As a result, Ashokas Changemakers and kiwanja.net have realized theneed for producing a series of SMS guides ranging from introductory to technical.

ChaNgEMakErS

Changemakers is an initiative of Ashoka, an organization with over three decades ofnding, funding and expanding the work of social entrepreneurs across the globe.

he Changemakers online community builds on this history and expands the Ashokavision by creating an veryone a Changemaker world through networking andrelationship-building.

Changemakers creates opportunities for those who want to be at the center of socialchange by offering competitions that are supported by philanthropic organizations.

he competitions and the community connect those who are passionate aboutchange and make ideas come to life.

kiWaNja.NET

Since 2003, kiwanja.net has been helping empower local, national and internationalnon-prot organizations to make better use of information and communicationstechnology in their work. Specialising in the application of mobile technology, it

provides a wide range of C-related services drawing on over 25 years experience ofits Founder, Ken Banks.

kiwanja.net believes that all non-prots, whatever their size and wherever theyoperate, should be given the opportunity to implement the latest mobile technologiesin their work, and actively seeks to provide the tools and the environment to enablethem to do so.

abOuT ThE CrEaTiON

Of ThiS guidE

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http://www.changemakers.com/en-us/SMSHowToGuidehttp://www.changemakers.com/http://www.kiwanja.net/http://www.kiwanja.net/http://www.changemakers.com/http://www.changemakers.com/en-us/SMSHowToGuide


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change makers kiwanja sms guide

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