3G
The third generation of mobile networks, with video calling, web browsing and multimedia downloads of up to seven times faster than standard 2G networks.

Bandwidth
A term meaning both the width of a transmission channel in terms of Hertz and the maximum transmission speed in bits per second that it will support

Bluetooth
A low power, short range wireless technology designed to provide a replacement for the serial cable. Operating in the 2.4GHz ISM band, Bluetooth can connect a wide range of personal, professional and domestic devices such a laptop computers and mobile phones together wirelessly.

Dual-band
Phones that can switch between two different bands of frequencies. Useful for travellers allowing roaming on a greater number of networks across the world.

GPS
Global Positioning System. A system of satellites, computers, and receivers that is able to determine the latitude and longitude of a receiver on Earth by calculating the time difference for signals from different satellites to reach the receiver.

GSM
Global System for Mobile Communications. A digital cellular communications standard used throughout Europe, and elsewhere around the world.

Hands-free
The operation of a cellular phone without using the handset; usually installed in vehicles.

Keywords
A mobile keyword is a one word phrase that identifies a product, service, action or business. It also can differentiate mobile campaigns from others on the same short code.

MMS
Multimedia Messaging Service. A further extension of SMS and EMS. MMS is designed to make use of newer and quicker mobile transmission methods such as GPRS, HSCSD, EDGE and UMTS, involving the attachment of multimedia extensions to messages, such as video and sound.

Roaming
The ability to use your phone abroad, this varies according to your service provider and their agreements with overseas networks.

Short codes
Short codes are special telephone numbers that are shorter than full telephone numbers and are used to address SMS and MMS (multimedia messaging service) messages from mobile phones or land lines.

SIM
The Subscriber Identity Module is the smart card used in digital phones containing the users identity for accessing the network and receiving calls. It can also store personal information, such as a phone directory and received SMS messages.

SMS
SMS stands for short message service commonly known as text messaging. The protocol is designed to send text messages to and from mobile phones.

WAP
Wireless Application Protocol. An agreed standard which enables compatible mobile phones to access Internet-type services such as news, travel, entertainment, finance and sport.

One of the most common ways is to text a word or amount to a short code and that amount will be included on the donor’s phone bill. By using this way the charity will never know who donated to them not even basic demographic information. The charity will not be able to follow up with these mobile donors for further stewardship. The donations also take time to get to the end charity. This is because the bill first needs to be issued and the donor must pay it. There is lag time and this could be anywhere from 30 to 90 days that the charity will receive the funds. This is a great way to achieve instant donor gratification but is a limited solution for further donor engagement and stewardship.

A solution that addresses these issues is Minerva Mobile. Minerva Mobile Services offers a variety of solutions that allows fundraisers to know who their mobile donors are and to be able to interact with them. Solutions include SMS campaigns, interactive smart phone applications and text-to-give through secure M websites or rerouting to an outbound call centre for further follow up.

Minerva Mobile solutions has many befits. These include the opportunity to retain donor stewardship, build your mobile database and are flexible to fit in with your current fundraising programs. Building a mobile strategy is the first step in ensuring success in this newest fundraising channel. For more information about our services, please click here.