I'd like to introduce Freedom Fone as a platform for two-way information sharing with farmers. Our open source products offer solutions where Internet access is limited - for caller and information provider alike. Check out our online demo at demo.freedomfone.org.

Freedom Fone is a DIY hardware solution that connects to mobile networks via voice enabled GSM modems and sim cards. Where Internet is available to the organisation running Freedom Fone, the service can optionally be connected to VoIP.

The free version offers:

• IVR - interactive voice menus
• Voicemail
• Incoming SMS
• SMS Polls

The commercial solution adds:

• Callbacks
• Campaign dialing
• Voice surveys

We are currently working on SMS sending functionality for both solutions and will be looking to add USSD support.

Freedom Fone is a particularly interesting option where illiteracy or unsupported language scripts (eg Khmer in Cambodia) limit the use of SMS for information exchange. Where information cannot be précised into the 160 characters required for an SMS, voice becomes a compelling alternative. For example:

• Using IVR voice menus for short (2-3min) information packages & updates
• Teaching farmers to use voicemail for submitting questions and providing feedback, experience, opinion and insights

Though radio is a great channel through which to share audio information, if a listener misses a programme they lose a chance to learn... and of course you have to have a licence to broadcast. With Freedom Fone, content can be made available as an information on demand service 24/7 using IVR-based voice menus...and you can offer a service without having to jump through radio licensing hoops.

When you build your own service you can choose to offer the information in any language or combination of languages.

Farmers' voices received via voicemail can be exported and incorporated into voice menus or radio broadcasts.

Cost of voice calls is a major hurdle in many countries, but not all. Where call costs are competitive, organisations can seriously consider using Freedom Fone's Callback function to offer 'cost free to caller' services.

Campaign calling can be used to advertise products, issue alerts and promote events, all at no cost to the farmer.

Thanks
Brenda