CGNet Swara

Target SDGs

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household, Community

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

CGNet Swara is the distributor/implementer for the solution. They stated they are willing to offer guidance to other organizations that are seeking to establish similar services around the world.

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include Rootio Radio Station and Pocket FM.

Countries

India

Manufacturing/Building Method

N/A

Intellectural Property Type

Open-source

User Provision Model

Users willing to deploy the system can download software and view instructions on a Github online repository. Users can also contact Shubhranshu Choudhary at shu@cgnet.in for more information.

Distributions to Date Status

As of March 2016, CGNet Swara receives about 1,000 phone calls per day that would amount to over 2million calls so far. Most callers only listen to reports. In 2016, there was an average of 6 reports published per day and 11 impact reports per month. Since its inception in 2010, there have been a total of 8,832 published reports and 400 impact reports.

Design Specifications

CGNet Swara is a voice portal that enables ordinary citizens to report and discuss issues of local interest. Users call a number where an automated systems prompts them to record a voice message or listen to messages that have been recorded by others. The recorded messages are moderated by journalists and become available for playback online as well as over the phone.

CGNet Swara serves people who lack access to mainstream media outlets and works on a Linux server with an internet connection. Some of the libraries that need to be configured in server are: mysql, mysql-server, wget, gcc, gcc-c++, bison, libtermcap-devel, newt, newt-devel, ncurses, ncurses-devel, svn, zlib, zlib-devel, openssl, openssl-devel, kernel-devel, httpd, php-mysql, php and MySQL-python.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

There is a small technology section within the about section at CGNet Swara web page. The team offers guidance to deploy the software whenever needed. Inquiries can be addressed to Shubhranshu Choudhary at shu@cgnet.in.

Replacement Components

N/A

Lifecycle

N/A

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

CGNet Swara has the aim to empower marginalized people, including India's 80 million tribals, by giving them an outlet to communicate with each other and the national and global media. Because the system gives rural, low-literate communities a way to connect using their own words and voices, CGnet Swara also can play an important role in preserving some of India's ancient tribal languages. Their vision is to scale the service within India and eventually beyond, creating an ecosystem of local reports that is universally accessible via low-cost mobile phones.

Vetted Performance Status

None

Safety

N/A

Complementary Technical Systems

The system requirements in which the CGNet Swara server can be replicated are:

- A desktop computer running Linux and Asterisk.

- An Internet connection (for hosting the Web server).

- A telephone interface. CGNet Swara recommends the Topex Mobilink IP to enable calls via a cellular SIM card.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

Compliance with in-country press and broadcasting regulatory framework is required to install a radio web portal.

Evaluation methods

Number of broadcasters, number of listeners reached.

Other Information

None