I am late to this discussion. Travelling in Ethiopia reminds me (us) of the very real challenges of connectivity. I sat around waiting for downloads even in the fastest of internet cafes, and my UK phone would not work, and much of my travelling time there was no mobile signal. However despite this reminder of some of the realities, I remain optimistic about the contribution of phones to agriculture. I notice in my quick read of the comments that people seem to be focusing on market data - I see something more. I envision this in three main ways:- :arrow: the location of the phone can be known - this will enable targetted messaging. In the same way Google now offers me a resurant around the corner when I am on Gmail, so to we can begin to see how governments, agencies and private sector will be able to target their messaging according to location. An encouragement to vaccinate all camels in a certain region could easily be sent in the local language (initially perhaps be text, but as smart phones kick in this will either be by very cheap VOIP or could be enhanced media). I am aware that evidence of messaging through radios suggests that it can give yield increases similar to the presence of an agricultural extensionist - and I see no reason why targetted messaging through phones couldnt achieve even greater yields. I also see that location specific messaging could solve the problem mentioned above about information overload. :arrow: similarly, the locational aspect could collect data - farmers requests for information from an information service could be analysed and provide information for key decision making. In the same way that Google now informs the US govt about suspected disease outbreaks due to peoples search patterns, so too search enquiries about what to do with bird flu on a mobile could be logged and located indicating where the outbreaks are. :arrow: thirdly I do see the role of phones for transactions. Not just market negotiations, but the Mpesa proposition in Kenya can be used for payment and enables record keeping and management which enhances the livelihoods. I like this report http://www.blinkx.com/video/mpesa-mov/p-dy0CY4RNzIKoUidKDvFA Well I realise this was a short discussion but thanks to the organisers Simon