High-tech mobile phone service wins national award

Technology which beams films and texts to residents' mobile phones has scooped a national award for Lambeth Council.

Specially designed Bluetooth transmitters are being used to send educational films aimed in particular at hard-to-reach teenagers. Films set to be released later this year cover subjects including domestic violence and teenage pregancy.

Now the innovative scheme has won the best mobile technology prize at the Good Communication Awards - national awards recognising excellence in public sector communications.

Cllr Paul McGlone, Lambeth's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "This ground-breaking scheme fully deserves to be recognised with this award. Moving with the pace of modern life by transmitting information to mobile phones shows we’re really serious about communicating with Lambeth residents and it’s a great way of reaching young people in particular."

Cec Richards, director of mobile technology experts Mobsventures who helped deliver the project, said: "This is a really exciting project on some very important issues. Lambeth has recognised the importance of moving forward and getting the best out of digital communications."

The masts were installed last year at key points chosen by Lambeth Council's Youth Support Service.

They transmit films, texts and posters free of charge and recent tests show that 75 per cent of mobile phones contacted by the masts opened the files.

These masts are also 3G-enabled to allow information to be uploaded and transmitted in seconds via the internet. Such technology could be used to give an immediate response to emergencies, for example.

The Good Communications Awards were held at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on 26th June.