Freedom Fone is an automated voice-based audio information service shared through mobile phone networks. The technology is easy to use and enables information to be shared with those who lack access to computers, internet or television and/or who are non-literate. Freedom Fone was developed in 2001 by Kubatana, an NGO based in Zimbabwe that works towards engaging civil society to help achieve positive social change. The Freedom Fone platform provides automated, interactive, two-way audio information. The platform is DIY, user-friendly, low-cost, scalable, and does not require internet access for either users or callers. Mobile phone users are able to use IVR (Interactive Voice Response) technology or audio voice menus. Other features include SMS, Polls, and Leave-a-Message.

Freedom Fone allows implementers to reach target audiences through customized interactive audio menus in any language (or in multiple languages simultaneously) and for any number of end-users anywhere in the world where mobile network coverage exists. End-users can also receive information using landlines and internet-based phones. Interactive menus designed through Freedom Fone allow implementers to:

• Share audio information with their audience: Including voice menus (press 1, press 2, etc…), educational dramas, short news items, or even songs.
• Organize a poll: Enabling end-users to vote using their phone.
• Collect SMSs from end-users: Such as updates about specific news events and alerts.
• Collect audio messages from end-users: Where end-users are able to share their opinions on particular topics or make reports of events in their own language.

Freedom Fone provides an installer which automates much of the set-up for the implementer, and an easy graphical interface “dashboard” to control functions. A number of hardware and software requirements exist for Freedom Fone implementers, as detailed in Table X.