ANNEX 2:

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E-TRANSFER INFRASTRUCTURE SURVEY

Introduction

This tool will help you assess the availability of infrastructure needed to use e-transfers. It evaluates mobile network strength andthe availability and use of electricity. This tool should be customized for your local context and program needs.You may also want to consult the Guide to Power Protection, especially if distributing hardware to program participants and/or vendors.

General Instructions

Ask surveyors to visit target communities and fill out relevant sections. You should survey potential program implementation locations (e.g., distribution points or local shops that will be used to distribute cash or goods).You may also want to survey participant residential areas.

E-transfer Infrastructure Survey
Name of surveyor: ______
Date of survey: ______
Time of day survey is performed: ______
Area or region where survey is used: ______
Part 1: Mobile Network Availability and Strength
Instructions: Surveyors should carry cellphones with SIM cards for all commonly-used mobile networks, using them to monitor and test the availability and functionality of different networks.
Definitions and notes: Voice Call: Can you complete a voice call? Send SMS: Can you send an SMS that is received? USSD Access: Checking airtime balance is a good test. Data Level: Phones display different symbols for this. GPRS is often “G”, 2G may be “E” or “EDGE”, 3G may be “3G” or “H”, 4G may be “LTE”.
Location / Network
Name / #Bars (0-5) / Voice Call? (y/n) / Send SMS? (y/n) / USSD Access?
(star menu, y/n) / Data Level?
(none, GPRS, 2G, 3G, 4G)

If no network is visible at program implementation site (such as the vendor or cash out location), ask the following:

Where do residents travel for network (location and distance)? ______
How many times per week do residents generally travel to network location? ______
*Perform network observations at this location.
Part 2: Electricity/Charging at Vendor or Transfer Agent’s Business
Name of transfer agent: ______Location: ______
Instructions: Ask your interviewee about their access to and use of power. Revieweach option as people often have multiple power sources.
Definitions and notes: The “battery option” refers to a case where a vendor has no primary power source and instead charges batteries elsewhere, e.g., through a car battery in town. The “hours of power available” column will help us determine if enough power exists to charge e-transfer hardware.
Source / Y/N / DC?
(volts, watts) / AC?
(volts) / Hours of power available per day (rough estimate)
Mains/Grid/
Power Co.
Solar
Generator
Battery

If no power at interviewee’s location, ask the following:

Where does he/she travel for power (e.g., to charge a mobile phone)? ______
How many times per week does he/she travel to this location? ______
Perform power observations at this location.
Part 3: Electricity/Charging: Where Interviewee Travels for Power
(Read Notes fromPart 2)
Name of transfer agent: ______Location: ______
Source / Y/N / DC?
(volts, watts) / AC?
(volts) / Hours available per day (rough estimate)
Mains/Grid/
Power Co.
Solar
Generator
Battery

MERCY CORPS | Cash Transfer Programming: E-transfer Implementation Guide | ANNEX 2 1