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M-Democracy - Mobile Content

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M-Democracy - Mobile Content

Definition:

M-Democracy includes the provision of government content and services in formats specifically tailored for handheld computers (PDAs) and/or mobile phones


Summary:

M-Democracy introduces the concept of mobile government or m-government into the democracy space. Assuming wireless connectivity, M-Democracy allows citizens to access government information from "everywhere" at anytime. The presentation of content appropriate for small screens on mobile devices must be tailored. In general, content that helps someone locate a meeting or check recent government announcements during idle time, such as when on public transport, are most appropriate. Interactive use mobile devices is covered in the brief on SMS Citizen Input.


Rationale and Objectives:

What can you use this feature for?

  • Provide access to democratic content when citizens are on the go. This includes the kind of information citizens and councillors might need to find meeting schedule or location changes, the ability to scan agenda updates, or review headlines and request lengthier content for delivery to their e-mails. This includes provision of content via services like Avantgo to PDA when a device in synchronised or to smart mobile phone with GPRS and other wireless data services.
  • Potential for immediate two-way communication on timely issues that require citizen input. Mobile communication may be utilized in surveys and polls, etc. Government might present questions on flyers and posters, say at a bus stop, and enourage citizens to offer input or access content right then and there.
  • Provision of audio webcasts optimised for low bandwidth connections - under 32KB audio streams in MP3 or Ogg format in particular can be listened to on newer PDAs with GPRS and/or Wi-Fi. Another alternative is the provision of meeting webcasts as downloadable podcasts that can be automatically downloaded via Content Syndication into a MP3 player or iPod. This enables government audio content to be listened to by a citizen 'on the go'.


Why use it? (Compared to other options)

  • Creating an additional digital delivery channel for mobile democratic content, will increase the usage of such content. The simplifed format for mobile devices is also similar to the amount of text that might fit on a typical interative television screen.
  • Mobile communications is fast becoming an accepted part of mainstream society. There may be, as a result, less resistance to receiving government information or respond to calls for government feedback. It provides a dynamic means for citizens, particularly younger citizens to interact with local authorities and other government providing location based services.
  • In places with lower levels of Internet or PC access, mobile access is a cost effective way to deliver government information and services. In Japan where space for home computers can be limited, most citizens under 30 consider their mobile phone to be their primary Internet-access device.


Benefits - Describe the top benefits for each group

  • All Users: Readily accessible government information, services and communication.
  • Citizens: Convenience. Everywhere access to information and ability to send in queries, report problems (e.g. street potholes), and communicate in a timely manner.
  • Councillors: Convenience. Councillors, with busy schedules, can be a primary audience for real-time content related to the decision-making process, government announcement headlines, and meeting updates. Further, they could be given the ability to inform or communicate with constituents directly from mobile device to mobile device or PC. As more and more people have wireless access to their e-mail inbox, this allows for integrated access.
  • Local Administration: Effectively reach more citizens with location-specific content. This also allows stronger collaboration between departments to cross-promote government information suitable for mobile or small screen formats.


Limitations and Cautions

  • The amount of information presented on a mobile device must be brief and timely. This requires a special mobile appropriate interface for effective content navigation. While simple web pages may be easily accessed via a PDA's pocket web browser, all extra navigation columns, promotional links, and all but the most essential graphic images removed is essential. Serving the government content via a database driven content management system, where the core content is delivered within a device appropriate navigation and bandwidth optimisation scheme is essential.
  • In most parts of the world, the cost to receive wireless data is borne by the user. While some unlimited use mobile data plans exist, the time to retrieve even two paragraphs of data via GPRS, means users are extremely particular or demanding about receiving real value.
  • Governments will need to ensure that they resist the temptation to merely commit to a package of mobile democracy or general government services for citizens. Mobile content should be part of an integrated initative to create an environment where citizens are able to engage with government.

Successes collected projects - Successful Implementations

  • Example 1: Government of Canada Wireless Portal
    • Link: http://canada.gc.ca/mobile/wireless_e.html
    • Describe usage and results: The Government of Canada Wireless Portal was launched in 2002, based on public consultation on the delivery of electronic services to citizens. The wireless portal is considered the "front door" for accessing wireless Government of Canada services. Users can access it from any web-enabled cell phone or PDA. The goal is to provide access to services that are optimal for delivery via the wireless medium, rather than simply a wireless version of the Canada Site. In 2004, there were a variety of services added including economic indicators, exchange rates, public service employee directories and a news service.
    • Background


  • Example 2: Government of Hungary Centre Electronic Communication - Based out of the Prime Minister’s Office
    • Link: http://www.meh.hu/szervezet/hivatalok/ekk
    • Describe usage and results: According to statistics collect by the European Union, 80% of Hungarians possess a mobile phone, while only 14.5% are connected to the Internet. The focus on mobile phone communications is a priority for the current Prime Minister. The Electronic Government Centre is an initative of the Prime Minister’s Office and has taken a strong interest in the development of mobile communications in the delivery of public services. Among other things, it aims to use mobile technologies to allow users to sign via their mobile phones, develop e-payment services accessible via mobile phone and develop two-way interactive m-government services. A strong signal that the government of Hungary is serious about mobile communications is their hosting of the 2004 International Conference on Mobile Government. Some of the above text: © European Communities 2004
    • Contact Information: Public Affairs office of the Prime Minister, Dr. Fótiné Dr. Bárdos Zsuzsanna, 1055 Budapest, Báthory utca 12., 1357 Budapest, Pf. 2. lakossag@meh.hu
    • Background
  • Example 3: Malta M Government
    • Link: http://www.mobile.gov.mt/default_g.asp?mb:mode=h
    • Describe usage and results: The government of Malta is reporting that the main drive for creating mobile content is based on survey information which reflects a combination of 64% mobile phone ownership coupled with a 43% survey response rate expressing interest in using e-Government services via their mobile telephone. In 2003, the Maltese government was innovative in the delivery of services which included informing students of their exam results by SMS, "Some 7,600 students, who sat for SEC (Secondary Education Certificate), MATSEC (Matriculation Certificate) and foreign universities' exams, and who had registered for the country's m-government services, received their results via a text message on their mobile phone." This has now been expanded to include legal information being exchanged between clerks and offices over a mobile network.
    • Background


Further Information

Top Related "How to" Online Resources



  • The First International Conference on M-GOVERNMENT

(Mobile Telecommunication Applied in Public Administration)


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