The World Bank recently tested the use of EpiSurveyor to do self-administered surveys in Latin America regarding the impact of the current economic crisis, and concluded that "cell phone surveys may be a viable strategy to collect frequent economic data in Latin America".  More information from Bank staff on the activity:

"In early 2010, a team from the World Bank traveled to Nicaragua and Peru to test whether cell phones could be a reliable way to conduct household surveys. The trips were a "pre-pilot" test of concept, motivated by the 2009 world financial crisis. Because many countries do not collect data frequently (perhaps once a year or once every few years), when the financial crisis occurred it was unclear which segments of the population were most affected (e.g., urban or rural? formal sector or informal sector?) As a result, governments were unable to target social programs effectively. One possible solution to such a problem is to collect frequent household economic data to catch warning signs of an impending crisis, and to determine which demographic groups are most affected.

The test in Nicaragua and Peru was self-administered. In other words, the interviewer showed the respondent how to use the phone and the respondents themselves (individuals selected randomly) used the phones to answer the questions about employment, illness, hunger, and other issues. The test demonstrated that cell phone surveys may be a viable strategy to collect frequent economic data in Latin America. As a result, a pilot program is being launched for a three-month trial in summer/fall 2010 in three Latin American countries. Respondents will answer monthly questionnaires (5-8 questions) and receive compensation in the form of cellular minutes. "