“eServices have been launched under “Ramadanyat” corner on the eGovernment Portal (bahrain.bh) and the Mobile Portal (bahrain.bh/mobile) aiming at providing various integrated and unified eServices that are needed by the citizen during Ramadan,” said Mr. Mohammed Ziad Asfour, Assistant Director of Marketing and Awareness of the eGovernment Authority.

He added, “The main objective of creating such corner is to facilitate the information searching for the citizen and save his time and effort, in addition to interact with the community on all occasions.”

Furthermore, “Ramadanyat” corner provides most important eServices that comes in line with the month of Ramadan, and are accessible through different eGovernment channels i.e. eGovernment Portal (bahrain.bh), the Mobile Portal (bahrain.bh/mobile), eServices Centers, eGovernment kiosks, and the National Contact Center (80008001), or through SMS (4949 Batelco, 88311 Zain).

In order to receive a text message with a list of open “majales”, all you have to do is to send a code < Governorate>, for example: MAJ SO WED, and hence, citizen will receive an SMS with a list of the “majales” that are open on Wednesday and located in the South province. The Governorate codes are as follows: Capital (CA), Muharraq (MU), Central (CE), North (NO), South (SO), and the days of the week codes from Saturday to Friday are: (SAT), (SUN), (MON), (TUE), (WED), (THU), (FRI).

Moreover, the Islamic events in the Kingdom can be found on the eGovernment Portal or through SMS by sending the following codes: , for example: when sending SMS with the code RLG 7, you receive a table of the timings of preaching sessions that take place after the “Taraweeh” prayer on that day. You can use the same method by replacing (RLG) with (EMS) to find out the timings of fasting and breaking (Emsak & Iftar) for that day and the day right after.

For more information about “Ramadaniyat” eServices, citizen can browse the eGovernment portal bahrain.bh or the mobile portal Bahrain.bh/mobile or visit the eGovernment stand in the Bahrain City Center which is going to be in service until the half of the holy month of Ramadan. The eGovernment also continue with its interaction with citizen through its Radio contest in the Arabic program “Dahawi Ramadan” which is broadcasted on Radio Bahrain 93.3 FM throughout Sunday to Thursday during Ramadan.

Source: http://www.ameinfo.com/272279.html

City Council of Nairobi is introduced a Short Code SMS Service where by clients can access balance or information from their phones. You can use the short code 3356 for the following services:

1. RATES:

This option allows for balance query on Rates property(s). To check the balance on your property send SMS to 3356 starting with the word “RATES” followed by the plot number e.g. “RATES 123/456? or “RATES BLOCK 123/456?

2. RENT:

This option allows for tenants to check the balance on their house(s). To check the balance on rent send SMS to 3356 starting with the word “RENT” followed by the house number e.g. “RENT 123/456?

3. City Mortuary:

This option allows for client to check the bill or balance on their deceased person(s) at the City Mortuary. To check the balance send SMS to 3356 starting with the word “MORTUARY” followed by the admission Number e.g. “MORTUARY PLC-123456?

4. Medical Certificate:

This option allows for client to check if their medical certificate is ready. To check medical certificate status send SMS to 3356 starting with the word “MEDICAL” followed by the Lab Number e.g. “MEDICAL 123456?

5. Single Business Permit:

This option allows for businesses to verify their license details. To verify license details send SMS to 3356 starting with the word “SBP” followed by the Business Account number e.g. “SBP 123456?

6. Receipt Confirmation:

This option allows for clients to verify the details of their receipt9s0. To verify receipt details send SMS to 3356 starting with the word “RECEIPT” followed by the receipt number e.g. “Receipt 123456?

(Source: http://misterfix.wordpress.com/2010/03/03/3356-short-codes-self-help-sms-service-by-the-city-council-of-nairobi/)

The Sandora Prototype 1.0 is a tracking system which sends live timetable information and a Google Map showing the location of the vehicle, direct to mobile phones by SMS. Commuters can obtain the information either before their trip or while waiting at a stop.

The system works by placing a GPS-enabled device on a bus, train or tram. The device sends regular information about its location to a server. This information is then compared with the original static timetable to calculate its arrival time at a particular stop.

“Sandora is an easy-to-set-up cost-effective, time management tool that will reduce waiting time by providing live information for users of transport services. It can be accessed via mobile phones or the internet at little or no cost to the user,” says Phil Allan, Sandora’s team leader.

The system, which utilises existing technologies and minimal hardware, may prove useful for densely populated countries like India, expected to have some 492 million mobile phone users by the year-end.

“Waiting for a bus in India’s metropolitan cities is often a frustrating experience for the millions of people who use it and managing traffic is one of the biggest challenges. With Sandora, commuters can expect a service that will make their travelling to work more convenient and possibly quicker,” says Akhilesh Harsh, one of the Master of Science in Information Technology students who have created the system.

“As New Delhi gears up to host the 2010 Commonwealth Games, public or private companies would benefit in managing the city’s traffic if they choose to implement the Sandora system. Having a world class traffic management system will also reduce the number of cars clogging the roads,” Harsh, who migrated to Australia in 1994 from Bikaner (Rajasthan) and now works for the South Australian government as a data warehouse systems administrator, told IANS.

A successful prototype of the service has been recently tested on the Adelaide Connector bus service. The prototype uses SMS messages to send location information. However, future versions of Sandora will send this data either as TCP/IP data packets over the 3G Network or via a URL connection.

Dave Hepworth, another member of the team, told IANS: “Sandora is not designed to make the bus run on time, but at least you know how long it is until the next one arrives. Our slogan is ‘Never miss your bus again’. ”

Sandora can also be configured to provide other information such as interruptions to services, alternative transport services and disability access. “It can also monitor school buses and taxi locations. One of our main objectives is to encourage people to use mobile as a productivity tool rather than just a personal communication tool,” says the project’s supervisor, Associate Professor Riaz Esmailzadeh.

The system has many environmental and economic benefits. It will encourage people to use public transport rather than private vehicles as they will be able to make better informed and timely choices, which would in turn lead to reduction in emissions and noise pollution.

“More use of public transport will generate revenue for transport authorities, and may actually drive the reduction of ticket costs and create savings for households,” says Anne Sy, a student from the Philippines.
Read more: http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/sci-tech/when-will-your-bus-arrive-know-it-on-your-mobile_100264914.html#ixzz0aTfH0eHV

Planned services include:

• Subscription to SMS services:
  • Reminder/cancellation of appointments with the city’s Municipal Tax Office
  • City-Council alerts on citizens’ tax overpayments
  • Status alerts for an appeal against or declaration of a fine
• SMS services now available:
  • Residency certificate applications
  • Checking availability of Bicing stations
  • Consulting polling stations
  • Barcelona Wi-Fi hot spots
• iPhone applications: iBicing
• SMS alerts for status changes in online procedures

What does it do?

These mobile applications extend Barcelona City Council’s range of services and are adapted to the new tools used daily by the public, through which users gain access, from any location, to procedures they may have to carry out or information they may need to receive.

These are new added-value services for city residents, to boost this mobile platform.

Currently available by texting to 7010.

Did you know that..?

• You can use any mobile telephone to carry out administrative procedures and receive information from the City Council

• There are applications available for iPhones and for SMS and WAP services

(Source: http://w3.bcn.cat/egovernment/en/barcelona_productes_mobils.html)

Dubai: In an attempt to offer more convenient services to the residents, Dubai is moving its government-related services from e-government to m-government.

Since the launch of Dubai e-government seven years ago, all Dubai Government Departments have been increasing e-services. As a result, almost all government-related services have now been made available online.

However, as the world moves towards mobile phone-based applications and services, there has been a growing need for m-commerce and m-services for people on the move, to access information and services.

At the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (Gitex) 2009 government departments are showcasing their newest e- and m-services.

Mobile phones are used by a much wider spectrum of the public than the internet which requires a certain level of computer literacy.

In line with its strategy to facilitate access to its services and to simplify procedures for all residents, Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) have unveiled new mobile services at Gitex 2009.

SMS notification is one of the services used by all government institutions to inform clients about the status of their applications, records and new procedures and services offered by them.

Dubai Police

As part of a greater programme to simplify procedures, the Dubai Police seek to make mobile phones a delivery channel for its services to clients.

Ahmad Qaied, Computer Programmer and Analyst at Dubai Police, told Gulf News: “Recent statistics show millions of mobile users in the UAE have access to the internet through the mNet service which is supported even while roaming worldwide.

“Dubai residents are able to check or pay their traffic fines and fees by mobile phone through the mPay or Star Service ( *123#).”

However, to use all traffic services, Qaied said users are urged to register by inputting their traffic data accurately on the subscription page.

Also Dubai Police have a programme “Take care about the victim”, an SMS service which sends a regular follow-up notification to the victims about the status of complaints they filed with the police.

Residency

The Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department is providing a new mobile phone-enabled service that lets users download a visa.

It is one of the latest innovations DNRD unveiled during Gitex 2009.

Director of DNRD’s IT Project Management, First Lieutenant Khalid Bin Mediya Al Falasi, said: “This service is very helpful for everyone as they can check visa status, rules for new residency visas and transactions from anywhere using your own mobile.”

The DNRD found that there was no better alternative other than for mobile phones to be a way to ease service delivery, he added.

However, one must first register for this service with the DNRD.

Mobile phones will be used by visitors to enter Dubai.

“Through the M-visa, visitors, residents and guests residing in Dubai and abroad will receive instant notification via e-mail and text messages upon issuance of their entry permits or visas of all types.”

“When their visa is issued, the user will be notified through an e-mail message with an original e-visa document, bearing the DNRD logo and signature of the director,” he said.

The secure PDF file will prevent any tampering with the details of the visitor.

RTA

Now people are able to pay their car parking fees via etisalat or du mobile through the mParking service.

This service includes all parking areas in Bur Dubai and will be expanded to all of the city’s districts by the beginning of 2011.

By sending an SMS to 7275 indicating the car plate number, zone number and duration of parking in hours a driver will receive a confirmation message which includes the virtual ticket details.

Al Bastaki said: “RTA also offers the mPay service for Salik but with a pre-registration for the personal details, car plate number and credit card information.”
(source: http://gulfnews.com/business/technology/m-services-to-simplify-things-for-all-1.517675)

Beri Jadwal Sidang hingga Besar Denda

Inovasi di kepolisian biasanya lahir di tingkat satuan tinggi, semacam Mabes Polri, polda, hingga polwiltabes. Kali ini, acungan jempol diberikan untuk Polres Surabaya Timur. Di wilayah itu, lahir terobosan baru layanan kepolisian. Namanya Sistem Informasi Tilang via SMS.

—

”NAMA singkatnya ada, lho,” ujar Kasatlantas Polres Surabaya Timur AKP Budi Idayati kepada Jawa Pos di sela-sela launching Sistem Informasi Tilang via SMS kemarin (3/10). Secara singkat, layanan anyar itu disebut SMS Tilang. Sesuai namanya, tujuannya mengetahui info tilang yang dilakukan kepolisian kepada para pelanggar peraturan lalu lintas.

SMS Tilang dirancang Satlantas Polres Surabaya Timur. Mereka bekerja sama dengan Telkomsel. Nomor hotline yang digunakan adalah 08123011110.

Dengan SMS Tilang itu, kata Idayati, warga metropolis, khususnya yang ada di Surabaya Timur, bisa secara mudah dan cepat mengetahui aneka informasi tentang penilangan kendaraan mereka. Misalnya, informasi jadwal sidang tilang, denda yang harus dibayar, hingga kelengkapan yang sedang disita dari kendaraan pelanggar. ”Semua ada dalam satu SMS saja,” kata Kasatlantas yang baru menjabat selama 40 hari itu.

Launching tersebut dilaksanakan sekitar pukul 14.00 di hall atrium ITC Mega Grosir. Kapolwiltabes Surabaya Kombespol Ronny Franky Sompie hadir. Selain itu, ada Kasatlantas Polwiltabes Surabaya AKBP Agus Wijayanto, Kapolres Surabaya Timur AKBP Samudi, Kapolres Surabaya Utara AKBP Djoko Hariutomo, Kapolres KP3 AKBP Gagas Nugraha, dan Kapolres Surabaya Selatan AKBP Lakoni Wira Negara. Dari luar kota, hadir Kapolres Gresik AKBP M. Iqbal dan Kapolres Sidoarjo AKBP Setija Junianta. Dari luar aparat berseragam cokelat tersebut, ada Kepala Dinas Perhubungan Surabaya Eddi dan Ketua Forum Kemitraan Polisi-Masyarakat (FKPM) Rungkut Djoko Suwondo.

Ronny F. Sompie kemarin menjelaskan banyak hal tentang kelemahan surat tilang selama ini. Mulai titip tilang hingga surat tilang ketlisut, robek-robek, hingga hilang. Kalau demikian, kata Ronny, warga biasanya lupa datang ke pengadilan. ”Terus milih titip sidang,” kata perwira menengah dengan tiga mawar di pundak itu.

Dia juga berharap, sistem baru itu bisa menjadi salah satu cara masyarakat mengawasi kerja polisi. Sebab, kata Ronny, warga seyogianya menjadi pengawas akuntabilitas polisi.

Ronny tak menutupi kesan yang sangat positif pada layanan baru tersebut. Dia berharap, inovasi SMS Tilang itu bisa ditiru dan dicoba di polres lain di jajaran Polwiltabes Surabaya. Sebab, inovasi tersebut akan dikembangkan lagi di tingkat polwiltabes. Bahkan, kata Ronny, dia membayangkan layanan itu kian mudah lantaran masyarakat hanya perlu mengirimkan SMS request ke nomor dengan empat digit saja. ”Mungkin seperti yang di TV. Ketik Reg spasi,” kata Ronny, disambut tawa yang hadir.

Tak sekadar berpidato, Ronny juga mencoba layanan tersebut. Dengan HP miliknya, dia mengetik nopol L 1682 AS, lalu mengirimkan ke hotline 08123011110. Tak lama kemudian, muncul balasan SMS. Tulisannya, Bapak ibu, saudara, saudari, mohon maaf, data tilang belum diproses. Itu disebabkan nopol yang dimasukkan tidak sedang kena tilang. ”Ya, jelas tidak ada datanya. Masak Kapolwil sampai kena tilang,” kata Djadi Galajapo, pemandu acara itu.

Ronny pun kembali mencoba. Yang dimasukkan adalah nomor yang sedang ditilang oleh Polres Surabaya Timur, yakni W 333 TI. Lalu, muncul balasan Yth, nomor registrasi 0411111A nopol W 3333 TI BB: SIM C R2 pasal 282 tanggal sidang 5/10/2009 di PN Arjuno no 16 Surabaya denda Rp 41 ribu. ”Wah, benar berhasil ini,” kata Ronny sambil menunjukkan balasan SMS yang masuk ke HP-nya.

Ronny pun kembali memuji bahwa SMS Tilang itu adalah upaya yang cerdas dalam membantu masyarakat untuk memperoleh informasi. ”Inovasi informasi serupa akan kami terapkan untuk beberapa hal lainnya,” ungkapnya.

Selain melihat uji coba SMS Tilang, undangan dihibur barongsai dan fashion show baju batik. ”Mumpung masih dekat dengan pengesahan batik sebagai warisan budaya,” kata Kasatlantas Polres Surabaya Timur AKP Budi Idayati, pencetus acara kemarin. (dan/dos)

(source:http://www.jawapos.com/ – October 4, 2009)

Fifty four (54) national government agencies, out of the three twenty four, have short
messaging (SMS) facility to augment traditional public services as of December 2008. These
agencies take advantage of the fact that many Filipinos own cellular phones and the
country’s reputation as the “SMS Capital of the World.”

Services being offered can be as simple as accessing information; sending complaints,
comments, or recommendations; or as fancy as downloading pictures, graphics, or ring
tones; or as specialized as reporting crimes or paying taxes.

The access numbers used by the agencies can be classified into two categories. One is
the regular eleven-digit number and the other a special number usually shorter than eleven
digits. Of the fifty four agencies, about sixty percent (60%) use the special access numbers.
Using special numbers has the convenience of easily remembering the access numbers
such as the three-digit 211 of the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) or the eight-digit 700-
NEARE of the National Electrification Administration. But sending SMS messages via
special numbers cost 2.50 pesos while via that of ordinary numbers cost only one peso.

Moreover, subscribers of any of the three local mobile service companies can use the
ordinary eleven-digit access numbers, unlike some of the special numbers that are only
accessible to particular subscribers.

For this report update, the Plans Review and Monitoring Office (PRMO) has used
website visits and telephone interviews. Annex A contains the alphabetical list of NGAs with
SMS facility while Annex B contains the list of formats of the NGA’s SMS facility.
Comments, suggestions and clarifications regarding the study may be sent to Ms. Lorna
M. Sales, Director, PRMO or to Ms. Jocelyn V. Tendenilla, Head, ICT Plans Monitoring
Group, PRMO, via email at ictmonitor@ncc.gov.ph.

Source and detail of the departments can be accessed at: http://www.ncc.gov.ph/files/sms_report1208.pdf

The new Oman Air SMS service gives access to scheduling, fare enquiries and booking status. Nawras customers can also use the service to update their local contact details or to make a request ordering a special meal or a preferred seat for example.

From now, Oman Air customers using a Nawras SIM-card will have an option to receive messages on various products and services offered by the airline.

Mr. Hamad Saif Al Harthy, Senior Manager Reservation and Global Distribution of Oman Air, said:
“We urge customers in general and travel agents in particular to ensure their mobile numbers are provided at the time of booking so that passengers can be reached around the clock and 365 days.”

Its is also worth mentioning that in December 2008, Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman launched its SMS notification services which informed customers about any flight schedule changes or cancelations and this has now been extended to a complete and innovative SMS enquiry service.

On his part, Mohammed Al Najwani, Product Manager at Nawras said that the innovative communications provider was proud to be associated with Tamimah and the national carrier and to be the first to launch this important product. Nawras, which commenced its operations in March 2005, has since pioneered the introduction of many creative new services for its customers such as VoiceSMS, prayer time notification and most recently, the entertaining BawaBaty wap portal.

“Nawras is committed to using the latest technology to bring convenience to customers in a user-friendly way. This service offers great value and a new channel of information to our national carrier, Oman Air,” said Najwani.

Mr. O.K Ravi, General Manager of Tamimah Telecom, the pioneers of the SMS solution provider commented that Oman Air’s SMS Information System is a new service offered to everyone who wants information via their mobile phone about Schedule Enquiry, Seat Availability, Fare enquiry, Flight Information and so on. A complete list of services and how to use them can be obtained by sending “HELP” to 90910. He also commented that Tamimah is committed to contribute its core technology in the development and growth of Oman towards e-government.

Mohammed Al-Harthy, Chairman of Tamimah, said, “We believe in innovation and are happy to partner with Oman Air and Nawras in launching this innovative service which is one of the first of its kind in this region.”

Oman Air’s SMS Service is very easy to use. As an example, a customer who would like to check seat availability on a flight from Muscat to Salalah on the 09 July 2009 would send SA MCT SLL 0907 to the code 90910. To find out the flight cost for the same date, the fare enquiry message would be FE MCT SLL 0907.

The service can even be accessed when travelling outside the Sultanate where international roaming rates would apply.
(Source: http://www.ameinfo.com/201186.html) 21/6/2009

The service is part of Dubai eGovernment’s strategy of providing information and online government services by supporting government departments with a range of advanced electronic systems and synergistic services such as ePay, eLearn, and eHost, among others. The SMS feature is among the innovative electronic solutions developed by the Department to improve the quality of electronic services. The new service is currently undergoing its initial phase, which is limited to the Judiciary and Public Prosecution areas, but is expected to expand to include many other government authorities in the near future.

“We continue our quest to provide innovative solutions and high-level services that complement the ongoing transformation of Dubai as a global economic hub. The provision of online service platforms, in a society where speed and efficiency are key elements to achieve success, is an important step to achieve sustainability and support the emirate’s development process,” said Ahmed Bin Humaidan, Director General, Dubai eGovernment Department.

Commenting on this step, Isam Isa Al Humaidan, Dubai’s Attorney General, said: “This move is the beginning of a new phase in the provision of judicial services in view of its role in facilitating legal procedures, reducing the time taken and minimizing general costs, which contribute to strengthening the national economy and promoting social development in Dubai and the UAE in general. We have also adopted this service to support our future plans to upgrade our services to the highest global standards, in line with Dubai’s march towards development and electronic transformation.”

“Through our online portal, www.dxbpp.gov.ae, we facilitate online inquiries on cases, registration applications and many other services that expedite and simplify procedures through the use of the latest technologies, swith the aim of achieving our goal of easing the lives of people and businesses interacting with the government,” he added.

Meanwhile, Thani Abdulla Al Zafeen, CEO, Dubai eGovernment Department said: “It is because Dubai is a regional pioneer in applying eGovernment systems that we are committed to further developing our services and adopting world-class standards to keep pace with the rate of growth and development in the region and throughout the world. The launch of this new service complements the e-transformation process, which we initiated when we began operating in 2001. We certainly will work in the coming period to expand the service to include various other areas.”

Dubai eGovernment’s comprehensive web portal, http://www.dubai.ae, allows citizens, residents, visitors and businesses access to electronic services which include among others payment of municipality fees, visa application for relatives, health card renewal, company registration, and payment of RTA fines.

Ahmed Mohammed bin Humaidan, Director General of Dubai eGovernment, said: “We are keen to provide eServices that support this important summer event and help users get all the information related to the diverse DSS activities. We have launched this initiative as part of our commitment to develop a culture of communication, support creativity and enhance children’s leadership abilities. Moreover, the Modhesh Friends Forum is in line with our initiatives to strengthen the IT culture of the next generation. Year after year, the Forum has witnessed significant improvements as we work on adding new activities and competitions that are in line with evolving interests of children, particularly in the field of technology. Furthermore, these activities are designed to enhance their interest in IT and develop their abilities in dealing with different digital applications.”

The DSS also offers prizes to children taking part in competitions, including the Modhesh logo painting contest. Dubai eGovernment has also announced that the Modhesh Friends Forum (www.emodhesh.ae) will once again host various exciting topics in Arabic and English as well as competitions for children aged 9 to 18 during DSS 2009. Through the Forum, children will also have the chance to talk to Modhesh, the friendly mascot of DSS.

The Forum, which will run during the whole length of the DSS festival from June 11 to August 14, has been one of the most popular activities for children during the DSS, as last year’s edition of the Forum received more than 51,000 posts and messages from about 1,300 registered users. This year’s edition again expects a huge response with the addition of several new and innovative activities and competitions such as “Mahla Bladi”, “The Best Colored Photo For Modhesh” and “The Best Topic” on the Modhesh website.

The Modhesh Friends Forum also discusses many important topics about Arabic culture, crafts, innovations and different hobbies such as painting and cooking, in addition to aspects related to the wise vision of the country’s leaders and religious matters. The Forum rewards the members who demonstrate their knowledge in certain topics by appointing them as moderators of some discussions. Valuable gifts will also be handed out to winners throughout the nine-week long DSS season.

Dubai eGovernment will create awareness about the Forum through a special platform at Modhesh Fun City, which will provide services that support DSS. An SMS service in both Arabic and English has also been launched wherein the public may inquire about the DSS season’s most important activities. Modhesh Friends Forum will be linked to the official website of Dubai Summer Surprises (www.mydss.com) and will be listed in its official schedule of events.