Working Relationships: An Evaluation of Community Mobile Phone Networks in Northern Ireland

In interface areas of Northern Ireland (where Protestant/unionist and Catholic/nationalist territories converge), violence can erupt almost spontaneously and spread quickly to other areas.

Notwithstanding, even should certain political or socio-economic conditions prevail, disorder can often be prevented or, at least, managed by improved communication within communities, between representatives of opposing communities, and between those representatives and the police. Premised on this understanding, Mobile Phone Networks (MPNs) link community volunteers in neighbouring areas, providing one tool which facilitates such communication.

Nine MPNs have been established in Northern Ireland, five of which exist during the summer months only, and seven of which operate in interface areas.