Communication method and system

A controller 40 comprises a long range communication interface for receiving a communication from a mobile device; and at least one control interface for controlling at least one system or device located in the vicinity of a local device. The controller is configured to determine whether a mobile device is authorised to use the control or access function 44a, 44b, 44c based on information contained in a long range communication received from the mobile device, and the control interface is configured to control a system or device 52, 54, 56, 58 identified by an identifier contained in the long range communication received from the mobile device when it is determined that the mobile device is authorised to use the control or access function. The local device may be an NFC token that can transmit an identifier to the mobile device when the devices are in close proximity. The controller may perform a further control or access control function in the absence of a further communication from the mobile device within a time period. The invention can be used to control locks, lighting, heating, power sources and other equipment. The mobile device can be a mobile telephone, smartphone or tablet.