October 2009 - KICTANet

TEAMS an open circuit
by robert yawe 11 Oct '09

11 Oct '09

Hi, I finally got a chance to look through the presentation you sent me concerning the marine cable issue, which was comprehensive. My suggestion is that you call all the ISPs and give them this presentation so that they can stop, once and for all, passing the buck for failing the Nation and keeping us in the stone age of connectivity. From the presentation it is clear that the marine cable on its own was not the panacea for high internet charges and slow connectivity, we did not understand that the model for Internet access in the US cannot be applied in countries outside that continent as the bulk of the content is resident in the US. For a long time, over 12 years ago when I wrote an article for an IT magazine that was called Micro Computer Guide, I was called the village madman for advocating about the need to develop local content. I was incensed by the action by the then Karisa Communications (Makatiani & Ngeno) later AfricaOnline to shut down their bulleting board based service to provide us with the so called Internet connection yet we where on the right track as we created local content out of necessity. Today I believe I stand exonerated as ISP’s finally confirm that the marine cable is not going to bring down the cost of Internet access, you wonder why we have wasted the past 3 years singing its praises. I say PS Ndemo, in his personal capacity and on behalf of all the agencies under his ministry (ICT board, e-government, CCK & other), owes the country an apology for taking us on a wild goose chase. PS Ndemo the creation of local content falls smack in your docket and I have said this before all the government has to do is digitize all those reports in their possession beginning with the constitution, sessional papers, census, exam results, list of village polytechnics and the presidents diary then we can all move from their. Again thanks Walubengo. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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Re: [kictanet] TEAMS and Open ended circuit
by Walubengo J 10 Oct '09

10 Oct '09

Robert, I am glad you liked the predictions I made last year about internet service costs. I am sure you might also like my suggested price-reduction mechanisms I am making this year @ http://www.strathmore.edu/pdf/ict09/affordable_ict.pdf Unfortunately nobody listens to Academicians in these parts of the world - no wonder most lecturers abandon classroom to become politicians...so that someone can listen to them ;-). What's more I get worried when I look at some of the approaches and strategies the regulator CCK has proposed as a way of containing Tariffs (including internet pricing?) from Operators (Licensees). But since I am not an Operator, I will leave it for the Operators to present their case...but they will be hard-pressed to explain whey they should not be considered biased...cant wait for that stakeholders meeting. As for the PS to apologise...he is of age to decide for himself. But he could learn from that Politician who had promised us a Constitution in 100days. He didnt deny it - he just clarified that the days were not consecutive days ;-). And so it is the same with the internet costs. Prices will indeed come down as promised. But obviously not tomorrow. regards. walu. --- On Thu, 10/8/09, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: From: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Subject: Re: [kictanet] TEAMS and Open ended circuit To: "Walubengo J" <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Thursday, October 8, 2009, 12:27 PM Hi, I finally got a chance to look through the presentation you sent me concerning the marine cable issue, which was comprehensive. My suggestion is that you call all the ISPs and give them this presentation so that they can stop, once and for all, passing the buck for failing the Nation and keeping us in the stone age of connectivity. From the presentation it is clear that the marine cable on its own was not the panacea for high internet charges and slow connectivity, we did not understand that the model for Internet access in the US cannot be applied in countries outside that continent as the bulk of the content is resident in the US . For a long time, over 12 years ago when I wrote an article for an IT magazine that was called Micro Computer Guide, I was called the village madman for advocating about the need to develop local content. I was incensed by the action by the then Karisa Communications (Makatiani & Ngeno) later AfricaOnline to shut down their bulleting board based service to provide us with the so called Internet connection yet we where on the right track as we created local content out of necessity. Today I believe I stand exonerated as ISP’s finally confirm that the marine cable is not going to bring down the cost of Internet access, you wonder why we have wasted the past 3 years singing its praises. I say PS Ndemo, in his personal capacity and on behalf of all the agencies under his ministry (ICT board, e-government, CCK & other), owes the country an apology for taking us on a wild goose chase. PS Ndemo the creation of local content falls smack in your docket and I have said this before all the government has to do is digitize all those reports in their possession beginning with the constitution, sessional papers, census, exam results, list of village polytechnics and the presidents diary then we can all move from their. Again thanks Walubengo. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 --- On Fri, 2/10/09, Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: From: Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] TEAMS and Open ended circuit To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Friday, 2 October, 2009, 8:32 AM McTim, Kai, I can bet you have confused more than shedding light on this issue. But I cant blame you. It's not something one can explain in two or three emails. Typcially its a full-semester course issue... but here could be some highlights. http://www.strathmore.edu/pdf/ictc-08/internet-interconnection-model.pdf walu. --- On Fri, 10/2/09, McTim <dogwallah(a)gmail.com> wrote: > From: McTim <dogwallah(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] TEAMS and Open ended circuit > To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Date: Friday, October 2, 2009, 10:28 AM > Hi Robert, > > On Fri, Oct 2, 2009 at 8:48 AM, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> > wrote: > > > > For a while I wondered why the TEAMS cable has not > gone hot yet it landed over 2 weeks ago, yesterday I got the > answer. > > > > The headline in the newpaper story indicated that > Jamii, a partner in the TEAMS project had finally connected > to Europe from Fujaira, which sounded a little strange. > Where did the fibre cable terminate to when it got to > Fujaira? > > > > SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 and FLAG all land in > Fujiarah. I assume > there is a central landing station, with links to EMIX at > that > physical location. > > > > > > What this statement would suggest is that the > termination in Fujaira does not actually connect into the > Internet backbone but is actually an "open end" from where > the providers must find a carrier, read IPOP, to get them > onto the Internet. > > > > That's what I got from the newspaper articles as well. > > > > > > Maybe I do not understand this Internet connectivity > issue, but taking an analogy that if Kenya Power connect > electricity to my house (before which hopefully I had > already wired the inside of the house for lights, sockets > and cookers) the minute then the minute I flick a switch a > light will come on (subject to power rationing schedule and > having bought and installed an energy saving bulb). > > The analogy is flawed. The power company is a service > provider, the > submarine cables are not providing Internet connectivity as > such. > > Power flows down a power line to your house,that's what you > consume. > > light flows down glass (Layer 1 and 2). Internet > Packets (Layer 3 and > higher) are encoded in this light. > > > > > Can someone out there familiar with fibre optic cable > termination shade some light on this issue for my benefit > and also many others out there. > > TEAMS cable carries light waves. The investors in > TEAMS have the > right to this capacity. ISPs have to buy transit > (their Internet > access) from other providers(or peer with lots of other > players). As > an ISP on TEAMS, one has to either buy transit at some > location > (London, Amsterdam, New York, Hong Kong, wherever) and haul > it to > Fujairah, OR buy it in the UAE. > > Have no coffee in the house, so this might be confusing, > sorry. > > -- > Cheers, > > McTim > "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where > it is. A > route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jwalu%40yahoo.com > _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/robertyawe%40yahoo.co.…

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Re: [kictanet] Consumer Protection - Safaricom
by alice＠apc.org 10 Oct '09

10 Oct '09

I agree with P.S Ndemo. We need to not only make reference to the draft/proposed regulations but also in this case the specific consumer provisions. But while, the draft regulations have specific consumer provisions, technological developments and convergence provide some challenges that may not necessarily be fully addressed by the specific consumer provision, so would offer to suggest that we look at all of the regulations including e-transactions, etc. I also think we may need to think about additional laws and regulations that are focused on consumer protection matters generally and not only the in the ICT sector. Best alice p.s: views expressed are personal and not a reflection of any of the institutions/organisations I am affiliated with. > Mr. Mwangi, > The Government has published consumer regulations and sort comments from > consumers. How comes that you are not making reference to those > regulations with respect to this case? The Government can only deal with > broad policy reforms not case by case. We need your comments on the way > forward. > > > Regards > > Ndemo. > > > > > >> Wamuyu et al >> >> I've been reading this email trail and I too am surprised that we don't >> have >> anyone from the government making any comments. From the CCK, Ministry of >> Information, CBK nor or esteem lawyers. >> Last time I checked there was a division in the CCK that was created for >> consumer protect the interests of consumers of communications services in >> Kenya will be better protected, following the creation of a Consumer >> Affairs >> Division at CCK. The new division will be responsible for strengthening >> the >> Commission's capacity to discharge its consumer protection roles. The >> creation of the division has been necessitated by the increase in the >> number >> of players in the communications sector, incidences of non-compliance to >> licence conditions and violation of the rights of consumers. " >> here is what there say on thier site >> http://www.cck.go.ke/consumer_center/ >> >> "The Commission also comes to the aid of consumers by helping them resolve >> long-standing complaints or disputes with their service providers. The >> Commission does this on those instances where the consumers have made >> several attempts to have them resolved, but have either received no >> response >> or have not received a satisfactory response. The Commission is exploring >> ways of assisting consumers that opt for litigation. You can get more >> information, including the procedure for filing complaints, through the >> useful links provided below." >> >> Cheers >> Steve >> On Tue, Oct 6, 2009 at 10:40 PM, Sam Gatere <sam.gatere(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> Wamuyu, >>> >>> Very interesting Consumer issue you bring up. It brings to mind when >>> Zain >>> started off as KenCell they would charge you for topping up! remember >>> the >>> 40bob that you would have to part with when you load a Kes 300 voucher? >>> That >>> small problem was corrected by the market! It appears this "loan" >>> facility >>> as Nyaki puts it may be corrected by competition. Once another provider >>> offers something similar at no Charge then you will see that Charge >>> disappear! However I think a your question needs an answer that I would >>> love >>> to hear.... where does one really complain for this type of customer >>> related >>> issue.... >>> >>> >>> SammyG. >>> >>> On Sun, Oct 4, 2009 at 3:50 PM, Wamuyu Gatheru >>> <wamuyulearn(a)yahoo.co.uk>wrote: >>> >>>> Dear Listers, >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Am a Consultant in Public Sector Governance who finds this list a most >>>> informative one ...a good example of how to dialogue for policy making. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> I have a question. Where do I complain about Safaricom charging a Kshs >>>> 5 >>>> fee for their Kshs 50 credit advance service. Is this common in >>>> pricing? - >>>> For a company to charge a fee on a payment made to them? >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> regards, Wamuyu >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> kictanet mailing list >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>> >>>> This message was sent to: sam.gatere(a)gmail.com >>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/sam.gatere%40gmail.com >>>> >>>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: smwngi(a)gmail.com >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/smwngi%40gmail.com >>> >>> >> ---------------------------------------------- >> This message has been scanned for viruses and >> dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is >> believed to be clean. >> --------------------------------------------- >> "easy access to the world" >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke >> > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: alice(a)apc.org > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alice%40apc.org >

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Re: [kictanet] Consumer Protection - Safaricom
by alice＠apc.org 10 Oct '09

10 Oct '09

Hello Rad, Great observations and suggestions. Urging all to please look at the regulation and not just the specific consumer provisions but all to ensure we take into consideration all the consumer issues. thank you best alice p.s views expressed are personal and not a reflection of any of the institutions/organisations I am affiliated with. --------------- > In this era of real time cheque clearing, electronic payment and broadband internet such a token attempt at customer service boggles the mind. > > It is in everyone's best interests, including the CCK to completely automate this procedure. This should be something done completely online Users would then: > > 1. Browse to the complaint section > 2. Enter their information (In my dream world one day all goverment databases will be integrated so I can just provide my PIN) > 3. Select from a list of providers (Currently I have to do extra work to find out the provider's details) > 4. Select from the type of complaints > 5. Provide commentary and upload supporting documents > 6. Be assigned a case number that they can use as a reference to track status online > 7. Be able to browse providers by complaints -- suitably anonymized, perhaps just the complaint types and unsettled issues and make informed decisions > 8. Providers can even be granted logins to the portal or the data can be sent to them via email or RSS for action > 9. Be able to get some metrics (both from CCK as well as end user perspectives) as to > 1. How quickly providers close issues > 2. Which providers are complained about the most > 3. What are the most common complaints across providers > 4. Which sector raises the most issues > > > > > On Fri, Oct 9, 2009 at 11:46 AM, Solomon Mburu <solo.mburu(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > I also have the same query regarding the complaints. As we wait for > the regulations to be passed and be part of the existing laws, where > will the suffering subscribers really take their complaints? > If CCK could offer a clear 'ad hoc' place where such complaints could > be sent and acted upon, it would be grateful as there is nothing right > when people complain and there is no place to take a complaint. > > Maybe Dr. Ndemo can shed some light on this. > > My little thoughts > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: alice(a)apc.org > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alice%40apc.org

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Anyone lost their Orange bundle?(been sorted)
by Judy Okite 09 Oct '09

09 Oct '09

Hi All, just to let you know that I have just been sorted(6.15pm)....it is indeed very sad if it has to take the 'big guy' to cough for issues to be sorted...what of those who do not have any way of reaching him? in the recently concluded EA-IGF.... consumer issues were numerous...from wrong biling, to skewed marketing to lack of well informed CC.... however two things stood out; consumers are ignorant(barely know their rights) and service providers DO NOT share their complaints data....hence making it very difficult for anyone to know the type of complaints and whether they have been attended to. for things to change we all have a role to play....find yours and play it... thanx to all who felt me :-) and those who made phone calls behind the scene,coz someone surely did. Kind Regards, On Thu, Oct 8, 2009 at 8:30 PM, Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Hi Judy, I'll send you their MD's email, off-list. regards. > > On Thu, Oct 8, 2009 at 8:18 PM, Judy Okite <judyokite(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Dear All, > > I thought to share this and stop suffering alone, coz someone may be on > the > > same boat....... > > on friday night, I had 157MB of bundle on internet everywhere > > modem......33minutes of processing email, it disconnects...checking my > > balance,i have 7.17MB of bundle... and of course the same story...were > > looking into it....were looking into it....we will call you....... > > so by Sunday nigh....I got to do some stuff so I load with 870 to buy 250 > > bundles and I had 16.50 ksh remaining.....this was at 11.03pm. at 11.15pm > it > > disconnects and what happens I have 6.75MB. > > so on monday am to call........talked to everyone.....some supervisor by > the > > name Lou...very rude guy........besides the point...by Monday evening > > nothing had been done,no phone call....nothing! > > > > Tuesday, I was at GPO 2nd floor at 11am...left at 3pm.......what did I > leave > > with there? > > Some Manager by the name of Mark...assuring me that it will be sorted > before > > 5'oclock...there system had a problem between friday night and sunday > > night....so they are rebating as guys report......so I took his number > and > > left. > > Wednesday, I call Mark at 10am..".what is happening"? "I am not in the > > office let me call you when I get there".................so I call him at > > 3pm...24hrs later after I was in his office...... > > "I have forwarded your complain,with the others.....so I will call > > you...when I get a response".......Sir youre talking like am in your > > office....its 24hrs later....you have forwarded? > > so I call Mark 5mins to 5...he does not pick his phone...for obvious > > reasons.....the whole day thursday...he is not answering his phone....I > do > > not have my bundles................what a frustration! > > > > I havent seen this on the media.......which is > > very unfortunate.........because I was hoping that they could have > > apologised to their consumers.....our systems were down.so if you lost > > bundles,then get in touch. nothing ! > > my conclusions; either someone is completely incompetent or this is the > way > > to thiefery....hoping that you will be exhausted calling and following > > up...and they call it a day! > > Does anyone have a contact of someone I should visit tomorrow....to get > this > > sorted? > > Kind Regards, > > > > -- > > "When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in > the > > first place." > > > > _______________________________________________ > > ke-internetusers mailing list > > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > > > > -- "When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place."

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Off Topic: water company contacts (was Re: Consumer Protection - Safaricom
by McTim 09 Oct '09

09 Oct '09

On Fri, Oct 9, 2009 at 1:34 PM, <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> >irresponsibility all around us. That is why employee theft is a >major threat to our progress. Speaking of ...does anyone have the email address of the CFO or CEO at Nairobi Water? I had a guy come to my house today with the dodgiest looking water bill in history, methinks it's an employee scam. Their website is badly broken and info@ gives me no love. -- Cheers, McTim "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel

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Call for Nominations "Breaking Borders Award"
by alice＠apc.org 09 Oct '09

09 Oct '09

Call for Nominations "Breaking Borders Award" On November 3rd 2009, Google and Reporters without Borders will hold an event entitled "Breaking Borders" to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. We'd like to take this opportunity to highlight the importance of free expression around the world and send a clear message to repressive regimes that censor content both online and offline by honoring outstanding individuals or groups, who have shown courage, energy and resourcefulness in using the internet to promote freedom of expression, ensure that diverse political viewpoints are heard and stand up to those who censor information. Therefore Google and Reporters without Borders invite you to nominate candidates for the Breaking Borders Award. We encourage you to share this Call for Nominations with others who might wish to submit a nomination. Nomination & Selection Procedure Please send your nominations until the 20th of October to breakingborders(a)google.com. As part of your nomination please send us the name (contact if possible), references (URLs or attachments), as well as at least one other person who can assess the nominee's work. Nominations will be forwarded to the designated Award Committee consisting of selected experts from Reporters without Borders and Google. Background Information Breaking Borders Event Twenty years ago, the fall of the Berlin Wall became a striking symbol for freedom and self-determination far beyond the borders of Germany. But in many places around the world today, people are still struggling take hold of the right to express their thoughts and beliefs freely and openly. Dissidents and journalists remain under severe pressure, and their voices are all too often silenced by force. Google and Reporters without Borders have partnered to celebrate and advocate for the importance of freedom of expression and the role the internet plays in allowing each and everyone to freely participate in our global discourse. Today, the Internet continues to be an increasingly populous and powerful medium for spreading opinions across the spectrum throughout the globe. The estimated number of blogs has grown to 110 million last year from fewer than two million in 2004. Expression through online video has become so popular that 20 hours of videos are uploaded to YouTube every minute, and hundreds of millions of videos are watched on the site everyday. Even in countries where governments engage in heavy censorship, the Internet has nevertheless proven to be an effective tool for sharing information and promoting political change. --------------------------------------- Dr. Max Senges Multistakeholder Cooperations Unter den Linden 21 10117 Berlin mobile: +49 1622122755 office: + 49 30303986362 www.maxsenges.com (google internal http://go/maxsenges) AG Hamburg, HRB 86891 Sitz der Gesellschaft: Hamburg Geschäftsführer: Nikesh Arora, John Herlihy, Graham Law, Lloyd Martin, Kent Walker

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Re: [kictanet] TEAMS and Open ended circuit
by Akich Kwach 09 Oct '09

09 Oct '09

Kai, That was and remains a smart strategy. The truth is we can never get rid of satelite technology, we can only reduce its reliance as it will stil continue to serve the maginalised areas where it might take ages to roll out fibre. So my question is; What would have motivated some operators to sign contract with satelite companies for such a long duration, taking into account the fast changing glogal trends? I may be wrong, but such arrangements could have been intentional and personalised, hence should be scrutinised by the regulator. Akich Kwach ----- Original Message ----- From: kai wulff To: kwach(a)archway-productions.com Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' Sent: Friday, October 09, 2009 5:48 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] TEAMS and Open ended circuit KDN had about 1000Mbps on Sat with contracts that were month to month. We retained approx. 250Mbps for redundancy (we could have dropped it but decided we need a plan B just in case). I don’t think that anybody can hold us hostage … Kai Von: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] Im Auftrag von S.Murigi Muraya Gesendet: Friday, October 09, 2009 00:02 An: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Betreff: Re: [kictanet] TEAMS and Open ended circuit Why has KDN been able to lower their Internet prices by 90%? Is it that they do not have 25 year contracts with the satellite companies that are holding us hostage? Walubengo J wrote: Robert, I am glad you liked the predictions I made last year about internet service costs. I am sure you might also like my suggested price-reduction mechanisms I am making this year @ http://www.strathmore.edu/pdf/ict09/affordable_ict.pdf Unfortunately nobody listens to Academicians in these parts of the world - no wonder most lecturers abandon classroom to become politicians...so that someone can listen to them ;-). What's more I get worried when I look at some of the approaches and strategies the regulator CCK has proposed as a way of containing Tariffs (including internet pricing?) from Operators (Licensees). But since I am not an Operator, I will leave it for the Operators to present their case...but they will be hard-pressed to explain whey they should not be considered biased...cant wait for that stakeholders meeting. As for the PS to apologise...he is of age to decide for himself. But he could learn from that Politician who had promised us a Constitution in 100days. He didnt deny it - he just clarified that the days were not consecutive days ;-). And so it is the same with the internet costs. Prices will indeed come down as promised. But obviously not tomorrow. regards. walu. --- On Thu, 10/8/09, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: From: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Subject: Re: [kictanet] TEAMS and Open ended circuit To: "Walubengo J" <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Thursday, October 8, 2009, 12:27 PM Hi, I finally got a chance to look through the presentation you sent me concerning the marine cable issue, which was comprehensive. My suggestion is that you call all the ISPs and give them this presentation so that they can stop, once and for all, passing the buck for failing the Nation and keeping us in the stone age of connectivity. From the presentation it is clear that the marine cable on its own was not the panacea for high internet charges and slow connectivity, we did not understand that the model for Internet access in the US cannot be applied in countries outside that continent as the bulk of the content is resident in the US . For a long time, over 12 years ago when I wrote an article for an IT magazine that was called Micro Computer Guide, I was called the village madman for advocating about the need to develop local content. I was incensed by the action by the then Karisa Communications (Makatiani & Ngeno) later AfricaOnline to shut down their bulleting board based service to provide us with the so called Internet connection yet we where on the right track as we created local content out of necessity. Today I believe I stand exonerated as ISP’s finally confirm that the marine cable is not going to bring down the cost of Internet access, you wonder why we have wasted the past 3 years singing its praises. I say PS Ndemo, in his personal capacity and on behalf of all the agencies under his ministry (ICT board, e-government, CCK & other), owes the country an apology for taking us on a wild goose chase. PS Ndemo the creation of local content falls smack in your docket and I have said this before all the government has to do is digitize all those reports in their possession beginning with the constitution, sessional papers, census, exam results, list of village polytechnics and the presidents diary then we can all move from their. Again thanks Walubengo. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 --- On Fri, 2/10/09, Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: From: Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] TEAMS and Open ended circuit To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Friday, 2 October, 2009, 8:32 AM McTim, Kai, I can bet you have confused more than shedding light on this issue. But I cant blame you. It's not something one can explain in two or three emails. Typcially its a full-semester course issue... but here could be some highlights. http://www.strathmore.edu/pdf/ictc-08/internet-interconnection-model.pdf walu. --- On Fri, 10/2/09, McTim <dogwallah(a)gmail.com> wrote: > From: McTim <dogwallah(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] TEAMS and Open ended circuit > To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Date: Friday, October 2, 2009, 10:28 AM > Hi Robert, > > On Fri, Oct 2, 2009 at 8:48 AM, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> > wrote: > > > > For a while I wondered why the TEAMS cable has not > gone hot yet it landed over 2 weeks ago, yesterday I got the > answer. > > > > The headline in the newpaper story indicated that > Jamii, a partner in the TEAMS project had finally connected > to Europe from Fujaira, which sounded a little strange. > Where did the fibre cable terminate to when it got to > Fujaira? > > > > SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 and FLAG all land in > Fujiarah. I assume > there is a central landing station, with links to EMIX at > that > physical location. > > > > > > What this statement would suggest is that the > termination in Fujaira does not actually connect into the > Internet backbone but is actually an "open end" from where > the providers must find a carrier, read IPOP, to get them > onto the Internet. > > > > That's what I got from the newspaper articles as well. > > > > > > Maybe I do not understand this Internet connectivity > issue, but taking an analogy that if Kenya Power connect > electricity to my house (before which hopefully I had > already wired the inside of the house for lights, sockets > and cookers) the minute then the minute I flick a switch a > light will come on (subject to power rationing schedule and > having bought and installed an energy saving bulb). > > The analogy is flawed. The power company is a service > provider, the > submarine cables are not providing Internet connectivity as > such. > > Power flows down a power line to your house,that's what you > consume. > > light flows down glass (Layer 1 and 2). Internet > Packets (Layer 3 and > higher) are encoded in this light. > > > > > Can someone out there familiar with fibre optic cable > termination shade some light on this issue for my benefit > and also many others out there. > > TEAMS cable carries light waves. The investors in > TEAMS have the > right to this capacity. ISPs have to buy transit > (their Internet > access) from other providers(or peer with lots of other > players). As > an ISP on TEAMS, one has to either buy transit at some > location > (London, Amsterdam, New York, Hong Kong, wherever) and haul > it to > Fujairah, OR buy it in the UAE. > > Have no coffee in the house, so this might be confusing, > sorry. > > -- > Cheers, > > McTim > "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where > it is. A > route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jwalu%40yahoo.com > _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/robertyawe%40yahoo.co.… ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________kictanet mailing listkictanet@lists.kictanet.or.kehttp://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: murigi.muraya(a)gmail.comUnsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/murigi.muraya%40gmail.… ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: kwach(a)archway-productions.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kwach%40archway-produc…

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Anyone lost their Orange bundle?
by Judy Okite 08 Oct '09

08 Oct '09

Dear All, I thought to share this and stop suffering alone, coz someone may be on the same boat....... on friday night, I had 157MB of bundle on internet everywhere modem......33minutes of processing email, it disconnects...checking my balance,i have 7.17MB of bundle... and of course the same story...were looking into it....were looking into it....we will call you....... so by Sunday nigh....I got to do some stuff so I load with 870 to buy 250 bundles and I had 16.50 ksh remaining.....this was at 11.03pm. at 11.15pm it disconnects and what happens I have 6.75MB. so on monday am to call........talked to everyone.....some supervisor by the name Lou...very rude guy........besides the point...by Monday evening nothing had been done,no phone call....nothing! Tuesday, I was at GPO 2nd floor at 11am...left at 3pm.......what did I leave with there? Some Manager by the name of Mark...assuring me that it will be sorted before 5'oclock...there system had a problem between friday night and sunday night....so they are rebating as guys report......so I took his number and left. Wednesday, I call Mark at 10am..".what is happening"? "I am not in the office let me call you when I get there".................so I call him at 3pm...24hrs later after I was in his office...... "I have forwarded your complain,with the others.....so I will call you...when I get a response".......Sir youre talking like am in your office....its 24hrs later....you have forwarded? so I call Mark 5mins to 5...he does not pick his phone...for obvious reasons.....the whole day thursday...he is not answering his phone....I do not have my bundles................what a frustration! I havent seen this on the media.......which is very unfortunate.........because I was hoping that they could have apologised to their consumers.....our systems were down.so if you lost bundles,then get in touch. nothing ! my conclusions; either someone is completely incompetent or this is the way to thiefery....hoping that you will be exhausted calling and following up...and they call it a day! Does anyone have a contact of someone I should visit tomorrow....to get this sorted? Kind Regards, -- "When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place."

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Call for Proposal for the Amy Mahan Research Fellowship Program
by alice＠apc.org 08 Oct '09

08 Oct '09

Please find attached a Call for Proposal for the Amy Mahan Research Fellowship Program. Website: http://www.upf.edu/amymahan Up to 12 Research Fellowships will be awarded, each providing a grant of up to 22,000 and specialized guidance to enable emerging scholars to carry out their own new and original study examining the impact of public access to information and communication technologies (ICT). Emerging developing country researchers from Africa, the Middle East, the Asia Pacific region and Latin America and the Caribbean are invited to apply for the Fellowship. The deadline for applying is Midnight Eastern Standard Time, 31 December 2009. Applications may be submitted in English, French, Portuguese or Spanish. Please disseminate this announcement to other researchers and scholars who might be interested. Thank you Abi Jagun

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