Mobile Data Collection in ICT & Telecommunication: Innovative Case Studies

Key Takeaways

 

1. The ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and telecommunications sectors are at the forefront of technological innovation, driving global connectivity in an increasingly digital world.
2. Development institutions have also been making concerted efforts to drive technological advancement in the developing world, focusing on bridging the digital divide and empowering local communities.
3. Mobile data collection has emerged as a key tool in these initiatives, generating real-time insights and enabling data-driven decisions.
4. Data has not only secured the success of ICT development projects but also ensured the thriving of individual private companies operating in this space.
5. In this article, we explore how different organizations have embraced mobile tools and other cutting-edge data collection solutions for various projects.

 

 

Also read: Mobile Data Collection Transforms Hospitality and Tourism: Real-World Case Studies

 

 

What is Mobile Data Collection and How Does it Work?

Mobile data collection involves using mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, or handheld devices) to record and manage data.

From monitoring network performance to understanding customer behaviors, mobile data collection allows companies to collect real-time insights that are crucial for staying competitive.

Below is a list of some key job roles within the ICT sector that benefit from mobile-based data collection tools:

 

1. Network engineers
2. Data analysts
3. Field technicians
4. Project managers
5. Telecommunications consultants

 

 

Data has played a crucial role in the success of ICT development projects and has also contributed to the growth and prosperity of private companies within this sector. Picture/Courtesy

Mobile data collection generally works in the following steps:

 

1. Form Design: Creating Flexible and Dynamic Digital Forms

Survey-authoring tools enable ICT project teams to create custom data collection forms that accommodate various data types, including text, GPS coordinates, barcodes, images, and voice recordings.

These tools help design, test, and deploy digital data collection forms.

Some mobile tools used in form design include:

 

1. XLSForms Syntax– Excel-based form design standard used by ODK, KoboToolbox, and CommCare.
2. ODK Build – Drag-and-drop form designer for ODK users.
3. Kobo Form Builder – Simplified visual form creator for KoboToolbox.
4. SurveyCTO Designer – Enterprise-grade form-building with conditional logic.
5. Google Forms – A basic web-based form-creation tool.
6. Magpi Forms – Mobile-friendly form designer for surveys and data collection.

 

 

Survey-authoring like XLSForms Syntax tools enable ICT project teams to create data collection forms with various data types, including text, GPS coordinates, barcodes, images, and voice recordings. Picture/Courtesy

 

 

2. Data Collection Using Mobile Devices

Many mobile data collection tools support multiple functionalities, including barcode scanning, GPS tracking, image capture, voice-to-text input, digital signatures, and many other functionalities.

Mobile data collection tools also offer offline functionality, allowing users to capture data without an internet connection and synchronize it later when connectivity is restored.

Some of the tools used to collect data using mobile devices include:

 

1. ODK Collect – An open-source mobile app for mobile data collection using ODK. ODK Collect can collect data offline.
2. KoboCollect – A Mobile app for data collection using KoboToolbox.
3. SurveyCTO Collect – Secure, offline-first data collection platform.
4. Survey123 by Esri – GIS-enabled app for geospatial data collection.
5. CommCare – Mobile case management tool used in health and humanitarian projects.
6. TaroWorks – Salesforce-integrated data collection tool.
7. Magpi+ – Supports multimedia data input.
8. Dimagi CommCare – Supports longitudinal tracking and case management.

 

 

Mobile devices can display data collection forms that allow users to capture and submit information in real-time, improving accuracy and productivity. Picture/Courtesy

 

 

3. Offline Data Collection in Areas With Limited Internet

Mobile data collection tools allow uninterrupted work, even without internet access, by storing data offline and automatically syncing it when a connection is available.

Some of the mobile tools for offline data collection include:

 

1. ODK Collect – Stores responses offline and syncs later to a cloud server.
2. KoboCollect – Stores responses offline and syncs later to a cloud server.
3. Magpi+ – Designed for low-bandwidth regions.
4. TaroWorks – Works offline and syncs with Salesforce CRM.
5. CommCare – Enables offline case tracking for healthcare and NGOs.
6. Surveys on Tab – Offline-first solution for market and corporate surveys.

 

 

4. Data Synchronization: Uploading & Syncing to the Cloud

Mobile data collection tools automatically upload recorded data to a centralized cloud or physical servers for processing as soon as an internet connection is established.

Some of the mobile tools for data synchronization include:

 

1. ODK Central – Stores and manages synchronized data.
2. ODK Aggregate – Stores and manages synchronized data.
3. KoboToolbox Servers – Stores and manages synchronized data.
4. Google Sheets API – Auto-syncs data to spreadsheets for easy access.
5. RedCap – Secure data management for research and healthcare projects.
6. ODK Cloud, Microsoft Azure, AWS S3, Digital Ocean, Google Cloud – Secure cloud-based data storage solutions.

 

 

Mobile data collected offline can be synced centralized cloud or physical server for processing as soon as an internet connection is established. Picture/Courtesy

 

 

5. Data Management: Cleaning, Processing, and Storage

Once collected, the data is cleaned, processed, and organized to facilitate analysis and informed decision-making.

Some of the tools for data management include:

 

1. Microsoft Excel & Google Sheets – Used for basic data cleaning and filtering.
2. Power BI – Dashboard creation and business intelligence reporting.
3. Python & R – Advanced data processing and analytics.
4. Tableau – Data visualization and storytelling.
5. QGIS – GIS software for geospatial data mapping.
6. Google BigQuery – Cloud-based big data warehousing.

 

 

6. Reporting & Action: Analyzing Data for Decision-Making

With processed data, organizations create reports, visualize key insights, and drive informed decisions.

Some of the tools for reporting & action include:

 

1. Microsoft Power BI – Interactive data visualization and reporting.
2. Google Data Studio – a Cloud-based business intelligence platform.
3. Tableau – Advanced analytics and visualization.
4. SPSS & Stata – Statistical tools for complex data analysis.
5. QGIS – GIS mapping and spatial analytics.
6. Looker (Google Cloud) – Data-driven business intelligence platform.

 

 

By analyzing processed data, ICT organizations generate reports, visualize important insights, and make data-driven decisions. Picture/Courtesy

 

 

While it typically takes time to master mobile data collection, ICT professionals attend self-paced courses or in-person training to learn digital data collection skills faster.

Case Studies on the Successful Implementation of Mobile Data Collection in ICT and Telecommunication

 

1. KoBoToolbox in the African Development Bank’s RASME Project in Gabon

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is a continental multilateral development finance institution established to promote economic and social development across Africa.

The AfDB is actively embracing ICT to drive innovation and enhance its development efforts across the continent, integrating digital technologies to improve project monitoring.

By leveraging remote monitoring systems and mobile data collection, the AfDB is aligning with global trends to ensure more efficient and transparent development practices.

 

Project Details

 

1. The African Development Bank (AfDB), in collaboration with the World Bank, implemented the Remote Appraisal, Supervision, Monitoring, and Evaluation (RASME) project.
2. The project aimed at facilitating real-time data collection in remote regions of Central Africa, particularly Gabon.
3. KoBoToolbox was integrated as a data collection tool in the project, which was launched in Gabon in 2021.
4. The Remote Appraisal project was a necessary application of technology against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. KoBoToolbox allowed managers to monitor development projects through mobile phones and personal computers, addressing challenges of inaccessibility in underserved regions.

 

 

Challenges Before the Adoption of Mobile Data Collection in Remote Project Monitoring

 

1. Data collection in remote areas was highly fragmented and inefficient.
2. Traditional methods of data collection were hindered by logistical challenges, such as poor infrastructure and lack of connectivity.

 

 

The African Development Bank (AfDB) headquarters in Abidjan, Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire). Picture/Courtesy

 

 

Key Benefits After the Adoption of Mobile Data Collection

 

1. Real-time data collection enabled continuous monitoring, ensuring that any issues with development projects could be addressed promptly.
2. Data accuracy and timeliness were improved, leading to more effective project management and resource allocation.
3. The RASME project benefited government agencies, NGOs, and local communities in Gabon, as it provided data that could influence public policy and development priorities.

 

Source

African Development Bank’s collaborative ICT initiative, RASME, will enable remote monitoring and evaluation of development projects in real time – AfDB

 

2. Web Surveys for Digital Technology Adoption in Africa by Smart Africa

Smart Africa is a pan-African initiative launched in 2013 that aims to accelerate the digital transformation of Africa through the adoption of innovative technologies.

The initiative focuses on initiatives such as improving internet access, promoting digital skills, enhancing infrastructure, and driving e-government solutions across the continent.

 

Project Details

 

1. Smart Africa collaborated with Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL) to assess Africa’s progress in adopting digital technology.
2. Web surveys were adopted by Smart Africa in 2020 as a central tool to collect comprehensive data from governments, businesses, and other stakeholders across multiple African nations.
3. During the study, web surveys were sent and completed by delegations from different African countries.
4. The surveys focused on key areas such as digital infrastructure, e-government, digital business, and digital skills development, allowing for a standardized method of data collection and analysis.

 

Challenges Before the Adoption of Web Surveys in Tracking Digital Technology Adoption in Africa

 

1. Data collection in Africa faced significant challenges, including the lack of consistent access to reliable internet in some regions.
2. Logistical issues in reaching remote areas and the absence of standardized data collection frameworks led to erroneous, inconsistent data.

 

 

A woman laughs while wearing virtual reality goggles, fully immersed in a fun digital experience. Picture/Courtesy

 

 

Key Benefits After the Adoption of Web Surveys 

 

1. Smart Africa gained real-time data from a wide range of stakeholders, facilitating more accurate and actionable insights into Africa’s digital economy.
2. The surveys allowed for a comprehensive comparison of progress across countries, driving informed decision-making and policy development.
3. The data helped identify gaps in infrastructure, digital skills, and government policies, enabling targeted interventions to foster digital inclusion.
4. The insights helped shape strategies for accelerating digital technology adoption across the continent.

Source

Unlocking the Digital Economy in Africa: Benchmarking the Digital Transformation Journey – DIAL & Smart Africa

 

 

3. AT&T’s Use of Drones for Cell Tower Inspections and Disaster Response

AT&T Inc. is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world, headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

The company provides a wide range of services, including mobile and fixed-line telephone services, broadband internet, digital TV, and enterprise solutions.

It operates advanced infrastructure that includes one of the largest wireless networks in the U.S., extensive fiber-optic broadband coverage, and a growing 5G network, supporting millions of customers and businesses nationwide.

 

Project Details

 

1. AT&T integrated drones into its operations in 2016 to enhance network performance and improve service delivery.
2. The national drone program was aimed at improving the inspection process for cell towers, allowing for faster and safer evaluations of these structures.
3. Drones have become a vital tool for inspecting cell towers, collecting data, and assessing damage during natural disasters.

 

 

Challenges Before Drone Adoption of Drones in Telecommunication Infrastricture Inspection

 

1. Cell tower inspections were often slow and required personnel to climb towers, which was both labor-intensive and risky.
2. The process of inspecting towers manually posed significant safety risks for technicians.
3. Certain parts of towers were difficult to reach or inspect thoroughly with traditional methods.

 

An overhead drone image of a telecommunication mast. Picture/Courtesy

 

 

Key Benefits After the Adoption of Drone Technology

 

1. Drones allowed AT&T to conduct inspections much quicker than traditional methods, reducing downtime and improving overall efficiency.
2. Drones eliminated the need for personnel to climb towers, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.
3. Drones equipped with cameras and sensors can capture real-time data and feed it directly into AT&T’s systems for immediate analysis and response.
4. In the aftermath of natural disasters, drones were used to assess damage to infrastructure, enabling faster restoration of services.

 

Sources

 

1. Connecting the World: How Drones are Revolutionizing the Telecommunications Industry – Blue Falcon Aerial
2. Drones Taking Our Network to New Heights – AT&T Blog

 

4. Celerity Streamlines Telecom Field Operations with Fulcrum

Celebrity is an American telecommunications company that designs, builds, and maintains fiber optic and wireless infrastructure.

These are key components of modern telecommunication networks that enable high-speed data transmission.

This infrastructure is the backbone of many internet, television, and telephone services, especially in urban and densely populated areas.

 

Project Details

 

1. Celerity adopted Fulcrum for data collection in 2019 to streamline and digitize its telecom field operations.
2. The transition to digital data collection helped improve operational efficiency and reduce time spent on administrative tasks.
3. Initially, a lot of time was spent sorting out data, thereby confining personnel to desks instead of the field for crucial tasks.

 

Challenges Before the Adoption of Mobile Data Collection in Telecom Field Operations

 

1. Manual data entry was time-consuming, which impacted overall productivity.
2. The company faced difficulty in managing and sharing vast amounts of field data.

 

 

Mobile data collection in telecom field operations enables real-time, accurate capture of data from remote locations, enhancing decision-making for network management and maintenance tasks. Picture/Courtesy

 

 

Key Benefits After the Adoption of Mobile Data Collection

 

1. Field technicians saved 20 minutes for every hour spent in the field.
2. Mobile data collection enabled easier and more effective communication of project updates to clients, improving customer satisfaction.
3. Fulcrum’s offline mapping and customizable forms streamlined data collection and management, allowing technicians to work more efficiently.
4. Technicians gained more time for on-site tasks, and clients benefited from timely and transparent project updates.

 

Source

How Celerity achieved operational efficiencies with Fulcrum – Fulcrum

 

 

Also read: Mobile Data Collection Revolutionizes Retail Sector: Global Success Stories

 

 

5. Voice Interactions to Collect Customer Feedback – Pelephone, Israel

Pelephone is a leading telecommunications company in Israel, offering a wide range of mobile and internet services to both individual and business customers.

Pelephone offers advanced services such as 4G and 5G connectivity, mobile plans, and customer support.

The company is known for its relentless innovation in mobile technology and customer service, continuously evolving to meet the needs of its users.

 

Project Details

 

1. Pelephone adopted voice interactions in its call centers as part of its broader effort to enhance customer experience.
2. This initiative began in recent years to gain more actionable insights into customer opinions about their services.
3. The company classified its call centers as the entry roles for all new employees, underscoring its collective desire to understand customers.
4. Call center agents meticulously collect clients’ views on existing products, with the insights being useful in developing new ideas.

 

 

Challenges Before the Adoption of Voice Interactions for Client Feedback by Pelephone

 

1. Pelephone faced challenges in effectively capturing and analyzing customer feedback.
2. Manual surveys and traditional feedback methods were time-consuming and lacked the depth needed to understand the emotional tone and unique nature of customer concerns.

 

 

Call centers play a key role in collecting customer feedback, helping businesses understand needs, improve services, and enhance customer satisfaction. Picture/Courtesy

 

 

Key Benefits After the Adoption of Voice Interactions

 

1. With advanced speech analytics, Pelephone could capture more accurate and detailed customer sentiments, emotions, and feedback.
2. The integration of voice interactions led to a more personalized experience, allowing customers to express their opinions more naturally.
3. Pelephone gained the ability to react quickly to customer feedback, enabling them to make rapid adjustments to their services.
4. Customers received more tailored responses and resolutions to network service challenges.

Sources

 

1. How is customer experience data collected in Telecom? – GeekMinds
2. Pelephone – RedMatch Smart Recruitment

 

Conclusion

Mobile data collection and other modern data collection methods, such as drones, play a crucial role in transforming the ICT and telecommunications sectors by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making.

 

Mobile data collection allows for real-time insights from field operations, streamlining processes such as network maintenance, infrastructure deployment, and customer feedback collection.

 

Drones complement these efforts by offering unmatched efficiency for tasks like surveying infrastructure, inspecting towers, and mapping difficult-to-reach areas, thus improving operational safety and reducing costs.

 

Together, these technologies enable telecom companies to optimize their services, reduce downtime, and deliver more reliable and efficient solutions to customers, ensuring a competitive edge in the market.

Post Tags:#Drones#Fulcrum#KoBoToolBox#Voice Interaction#Web Surveys