Agent511 Interview on KXAN - Austin, TX

COO Ankur Gopal of Agent511 was interviewed by Political Correspondent Jenny Hoff of KXAN-NBC on a recent business trip to Austin, TX

Constituents texted, Asked for Opinions Politicians have another way to get in touch



Created On: Tuesday, 09 Dec 2008, 2:57 PM CST
Jenny Hoff

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A new text messaging service puts politicians in touch with constituents. Agent 511 , a text message serviced designed by Ankur Gopal, is the newest way local politicians can reach their constituents with the touch of a button. "95 percent of text messages are open and read," said Gopal. "Only 15 percent of e-mails are opened after they go through spam or people's personal filters."

Armed with this information, Gopal decided to give politicians a way to reach their constituents in a more personal and direct way. If a lawmaker orders his service, they will have an area on their Web site where people can sign up to receive texts. Then, when the lawmaker has a big decision to make, he or she can send out a quick message and get instant feedback. "A representative can text them about a bill on Iraq funding he/she has to vote on," said Gopal. "And, if 9,000 of people write back, he'll really have his finger on the pulse of his constituency."

Avid text messager Rosanna Barrios said she thinks this is the direction politics is heading. "We saw it in Barack Obama's campaign," said Barrios."Text messaging really works. People feel like their voices are somehow being heard when they respond."