Brenda Burrell's mini talk on Mobile and Radio for Independent Media presented a project called Freedom Fone. This is a project in Zimbabwe, run by the Kubatana Trust.

It involves providing radio-like audio content via interactive voice menu response by use of phones. Users can call up the service, and choose from a menu, to access audio items they with to listen to: news headlines, a feature, music and inspirational messages and so on.

The idea came from the use of interactive phone menus by commercial companies. When she learnt about how interactive menus are used, Burrell thought, "Why don't we get more creative with how we use that kind of interface?" She coined the phrase, 'dialup-radio.'  "It's not really radio she says -- its how you put information together and make use of it."

The idea seemed suited to Zimbabwe, where there is a lack of independent media, and broadcast media in particular -- but where there is a large mobile phone user base.

There are two sides to the project, says Burrell:  building compelling audio materials, and making it accessible. WIth a large grant from the Knight Foundation, Kubatana will be working on both over the next 2 years. They also want to assist other organisations to learn to do this. They would also be interested in helping roll out the model to other countries.

One of the issues is cost to the user. This can be resolved by providing toll free numbers, or 'tickle' numbers -- where you dial a number, hang up, and you get a call back.

The system operates with a telephony server and a couple of other pieces of equipment that is all very portable -- it all fits into a medium size tote bag.

For more information email info@freedomfone.org