Mobile phones have fundamentally changed the way we communicate. Their proliferation in the global South is going to profoundly impact how NGOs and advocates can organise, raise awareness and increase participation.

By the end of 2007 it is estimated that about half the world will have a mobile phone connection compared to about 300 million who have computers. The mobile telephone can be seen as a 'universal device'; a 'computer in the pocket' which has potential to impact the lives of the world's poorest people; not just through voice communication but also through other applications such as funds transfer, information delivery and internet connectivity.

This opens up new potential for community participation, for delivery of services, for coordination and mass organising and for dynamic and remote publishing - all actions that have not been conceivable in the global South using the internet.

But there is a long way to go before an average NGO will have the resources and services to use this new way of reaching its full potential. Developing applications and knowledge bases for those aiming to exploit mobile technologies for NGOs and advocates throw up some serious challenges.

Tactical Tech believes mobiles will be a crucial tool for increasing the participation of marginalised communities and improving the work of those who advocate for their rights. In order to make this happen we are;

• Developing a mobile advocacy toolkit called 'Mobiles-in-a-box' which is available online and as a CD and booklet. The French version will be available in November.
• Providing technical training for non-profit technologists
  in the global South to increase their ability to utilise and further develop tools and services specifically for their environment.
  
• Exploring possibilities to extend and further develop mobile applications and services for use by advocates. This will include adapting and extending existing services for dynamically managing and tracking information, and systems for integrating voice-based-response services in to advocacy efforts.