The project is referred to as START (Sustainability and Technology for the Advancement of Rural Tourism).

During the week of 24 to 28 January 2011, researchers from NCSU visited the University of Pretoria and, together with researchers from UP, conducted a pilot study in the Dinokeng and Rustenburg areas. This was followed by a stakeholder workshop, involving public and private sector tourism stakeholders, as well as representatives from major cellphone companies. The focus of the workshop, which was facilitated by Prof Ernie Heath from UP, was to provide an update on the project; to get consensus on the key challenges and opportunities related to the project; and to agree on the road ahead. The report on the pilot study will be completed by the end of May 2011.