I'm really keen on having this feature included in ODK. I'm involved in a study where I am collecting data using ODK over an extended period of time as part of a monitoring programme. Mobile connectivity varies a lot across the geographical areas where we're working so in some instances it's not possible to upload data for a number of days.
The outlined proposal looks like a good way to solve this problem. One suggested amendment would be that the option of amending the SMS phone number would be included in Collect (perhaps in the Admin settings). When using a local SIM, it's often the case that the phone number isn't known too far in advance, or faults in the SIM may arise resulting in the number changing mid-activity.
In terms of the open questions, I would like the enumerator to have the option of selecting the transport option, but for this option to be hidden using the Admin settings if not required. I also like the suggestion that there is the option to send only a subset of the form via SMS, although would this cause an issue with duplicate entries if the enumerator later chooses to resend the data using the cell network?
A few additional considerations that I have:
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When an enumerator sends data via SMS will they receive any assurances that the data have been received by the number they send it to? Perhaps this is something to do within Zapier/IFTTT i.e. the phone receiving the SMS will automatically send a reply SMS to the enumerator's smartphone
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If an enumerator tries to send the data by the cell network and it fails, if the SMS option is enabled could/should they receive a prompt to try using SMS?
Thanks Yaw for starting this discussion! I'm really excited to see this feature in action.