January 2011 - KICTANet

invitation
by David Makali 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

dear listers, i hope am not abusing this list. i thought i should interest members in a small side 'event'. there is an interesting round table discussion taking place tomorrow, tuesday, Jan 25, at the alliance francaise auditorium from noon to 2pm. it is the fourth in the monthly series organised by the kenya editors' guild, school of journalism, media institute and media focus on africa foundation. the subject of this month's roundtable is "the media and the icc process". the panelists are martha karua, isaac ruto, kwendo opanga and betty murungi. it starts with snacks in the balcony at 12 then moves inside. the monthly series began last october and is all about interrogating the role of the media in our society and how it is handling some of the vexed issues of the day. karibuni if you have time. the next time we might look at whether the media are helping the country achieve an information society and if they are propagating the usage of ict on that score. poleni for interrupting the important discussions. and now as you were saying.... david _______________ "If my doctor told me I had only six minutes to live, I wouldn't brood. I'd type a little faster." — Isaac Asimo, Columbian Author and Scientist _______________ PO Box 3234 00200 Nairobi, Kenya cell: +254 722 517 540

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Media council Draft bill 2010 (Day one discussion)
by toby＠law-democracy.org 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

Hi Grace, others, I find it a little bit difficult to answer this question in the abstract, as the stated purpose is very general. Promoting freedom of expression is fine and establishing the media council is in line with the constitution (although I have some concerns about this - see below). I find the reference to disciplining journalists problematical. The Constitution talks about setting and implementing standards. This is quite different from disciplining journalists (eg warning journalists of a breach of a code of conduct is not disciplining them - it is letting them know where the boundaries are). However, I have a wider concern about the constitutional provisions. I think it is unfortunate to provide in a constitution for the establishment of a statutory body that sets standards for the media as a whole. The ideal way to do this is through media self-regulatory bodies. Where the media is unable, at a certain point in time, to self-regulate, it might be legitimate to impose a statutory system. But once the media can self-regulate, this should be done away with. Elevating it to a constitutional rule makes this much more difficult. My other concern is with the specific modalities by which the Media Bill seeks to regulate the profession, including by regulating the Internet, by setting conditions on journalists, keep a register of journalists (ie register them), etc. But I suppose this is a discussion for another day. Toby Today's discussion: The purpose of the Media Council Bill: An Act of Parliament to provide for the realization of the right to freedom of expression and freedom of media; for the establishment of the Media Council of Kenya; for the conduct and discipline of journalists and the media, and for connected purposes. Article 33 of the Constitution provides for Freedom of Expression, while Article 34 provides for the freedom of Media. Further in Article 34, sub article 5, it states...Parliament shall enact legislation that provides for the establishment of a body which shall: a) be independent of control by government, political interests or commercial interests; b) reflect the sections of all sections of society; and c) set media standards and regulate and monitor compliance with those standards. We welcome responses/reflections to the following: 1. Is the purpose (as stated above) satisfactory, or should it be enhanced to reflect the provisions in the constitution? 2. Is this proposed Media Council best placed to perform and fulfill this purpose? 3. Will the proposed Media Council enhance professionalism and growth of media in Kenya? Rgds Grace ___________________________________ Toby Mendel Centre for Law and Democracy toby(a)law-democracy.org Tel: +1 902 431-3688 Fax: +1 902 431-3689 www.law-democracy.org

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Kenya ICT Board launches Pasha Loan call for applications
by Paul Kukubo ICT Board 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

listers, PS for information and Communication speaking on his own behalf as well as on behalf of the Hon. Minister presided over the launch of the Pasha Loan this morning at the Inter-Continental. Key points from the PS to note were 1. The focus is on enabling serious entrepreneurs from around the country to respond and invest in the opportunity. There was need for a minimization of pressure in the applications from local Politicians to enable the best entrepreneurs to emerge for the sake of sustainability. 2. He noted the private sector support from operators in Kenya. Details of the Pasha Loan as follows; Kenya Information & Communications Technology Board Telposta Towers, 12th Floor, Kenyatta Ave P.O.Box 27150 - 00100 Nairobi, KENYA Tel: +254 20 2089061/2211960 | Fax: 254-20-2211962 Email: info(a)ict.go.ke | web: www.ict.go.ke Press Release: Pasha Call for Applications Today, Kenya ICT Board and Family Bank have launched a Ksh 320 million loan facility to support the establishment of Pasha Centres across the country. This facility will finance Kenyan entrepreneurs willing to set up thePasha Centres. Pasha Centres are internet access centres that will offer a rich bouquet of services to the public. Pasha Centers are modeled under three categories: Basic, Standard, and Advanced. Each category is defined by the number of computers and services to be offered and the scale of the Pasha Centre proposed by each applicant, but should include a blend of the following: Internet access, computer training, vocational training, ICT retail, access to government services, entertainment and gaming, typing and data entry, printing services, copying and scanning, CD/DVD burning, faxing, IP telephony, cell phones and SIM card sales, mobile-based financial services, IT support and services, office supplies and stationary sales, printer supplies, laminating and photography and other IT enabled services. The centres, most of which will be in the rural areas will help deliver the government’s objective of ensuring that Kenyans everywhere have access to the internet , use it to access Government E-Services and improve their lives. To apply for this loan, the Kenya ICT Board is inviting entrepreneurial Kenyans from around the country to submit business plan proposals that demonstrate how to build and run a successful Pasha Center. The best proposals will be offered a low cost loan from Family Bank allowing the entrepreneurs to realize their dream of owning a Pasha Center. Applicants will be required to submit a compelling business plan as part of their loan application. Together with our financial partners, Family Bank , Kenya ICT Board will award loans to entrepreneurs that will see one Pasha Centre set up in each constituency countrywide within a year. Important Dates Call for Application: January 25, 2011 Deadline for Application: 25th February 2011 Budgets Pasha Digital Villages Revolving Fund: USD 4 M Training BudgetUSD 2M Technical Support:USD 2 M Bandwidth SupportUSD 2M Number of Pasha Centres to be set up: There will be one Pasha centre in each constituency – making 210 Centres in total to be set up within the next year. Project Objectives The project has three objectives: 1.Provide affordable access and use of ICT resources to rural communities in a sustainable way 2.Increase public accessibility to Government services by making these easily accessible through the Pasha Portal. (E.g. KRA, Registration of Persons, Utility payments, Company registration services, Police Abstracts, public service Commission among others) 3.Create economic opportunities that will spur rural economic development Background: What is a Pasha Center? Pasha centers provide a suite of services to the public via computers connected to the internet.. Role of Pasha Centers To provide Kenyans in rural areas with access to information; the increased access to information will serve to: •Enhance business skills and knowledge in rural areas as well as expose rural communities to world news and trends that maypositively enhance their lives •Provide employment for Kenyans both directly through economic activity that the centre will generate and secondarily through the opportunities that the information will provide •Bring online services closer to rural communities Technical Support The Kenya ICT Board will hire a consulting firm to provide online and on-call support to Pasha Centers. The support will include troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of equipment, support with software installation, support for LAN and WAN installation, among other services. Monitoring and Evaluation The monitoring and evaluation (M&E) for the Pasha Centres is intended to assess success of the digital village (DV) project. M&E segment will look at the business success of the pasha entrepreneurs. The M&E will also assess impact and sustainability of the centres, including the pasha centre’s contribution to increased access to information and services to the public at the grass root level. Estimated cost of the models Type of PASHA Apprx number of computers with Internet Access Estimated Maximum Set Up Costs (KES) PASHA Basic 5 computers KES 820,000 PASHA Standard 10- 18 computers KES 2,553,000 PASHA Advance 20- 30 computers KES 3,342,000 About the Pasha Loan The Pasha Loan is made possible through a revolving fund set up by the Kenya ICT Board (through World bank funding) and administered by Family Bank. The funds allocated to each entrepreneur will be repayable over a three year period with an interest rate of 11.5% p.a on the reducing balance. Entrepreneurs can use the funds to finance set-up costs and or upgrading of an existing facility. The revolving fund will be administered as follows: Steps 01: A call for application shall be made by Kenya ICT Board for prospective entrepreneurs to submit Pasha Loan applications Step 2: Prospective entrepreneurs submit complete applications to the nearest Family Bank branch Step 3: Submitted applications are vetted by Family Bank and Kenya ICT Board’s Grants Committee Step 4: Successful entrepreneurs are informed and invited to sign a loan agreement and Kenya ICT Board service level agreement Step 5: Successful entrepreneurs begin loan repayment after a grace period of three months For more information: Visit www.pasha.co.ke Email: pasha(a)ict.go.ke Call: 020 – 2089061 Or www.familybank.co.ke Email: info(a)familybank.co.ke Call: 020- 318 173 www.ict.go.kePage of 1 The Kenya ICT Board is a State Corporation under the State Corporations Act 446 Sent from my iPad

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Fwd: Digital Villages Update from the Kenya ICT Board
by Paul Kukubo ICT Board 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

Additional updates will be sent later today. Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: > > > > > > > > Dear Kukubo, > > Status update on the Digital Village 'PASHA' Project. > The Kenya ICT Board would like to announce the Call for Applications for the Pasha Loan- Digital Village Revolving fund. > > Applicants have 30 days from 24th January 2011 to submit their business plans.All applicants MUST submit their business plans directly to their nearest Family Bank and not the Kenya ICT Board. Note that if you have already submitted any business plan in any format to the Kenya ICT Board, you MUST submit another one that follows the new format. > > The steps and procedures to be followed are; > > Step-1 Complete the Pasha Loan application form (forms can be collected at any Family Bank branch, or downloaded from www.ict.go.ke. (click here to download the Pasha Loan application form) > Step-2: Download and complete a business plan on www.ict.go.ke > > Step-3: Present both the business plan and application form to the nearest Family Bank branch. (Click here to view Family Bank branches.) > > Step-4: Wait to get feedback from either Family Bank or the Kenya ICT Board. > > Do not hesitate to contact The Kenya ICT Board if you have queries or contact Family Bank customer care service phone numbers are; 0712-606363, 0738-228881, 020-2374355 > Kenya ICT Board > Digital Village 'PASHA' Project > Telposta Towers, 12th Floor, Kenyatta Ave > P.O. Box 27150 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya > t: + 254-20-2089061 | e: digitalvillage(a)ict.go.ke > Visit: www.ict.go.ke > > Forward email > > This email was sent to pkukubo(a)ict.go.ke by digitalvillage(a)ict.go.ke | > Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. > Kenya ICT Board | Telposta Towers, 12th Floor | Kenyatta Ave | P.o. box 27150-00100 | Nairobi | Kenya

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Do Flashcom and Popote Wireless still exist?
by Francis Hook 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

Hi All, I need to find out if these companies are still operational or whether they were acquired by bigger telcos? Do they still exist? -- Francis Hook +254 733 504561

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Fw: [NVK-Mageuzi] Re: MOBILE PRICE WARS COULD DERAIL NEW KATIBA - JOKE OF THE YEAR (Was Are we letting the PS get away with this too?)
by Barrack Otieno 23 Jan '11

23 Jan '11

Well Listers i suggest we move away from a personalised (political :-)) debate targeted at the PS and tackle the issues that have been raised in the article soberly, i have picked some excerpts from the article posted by Shem. Could we also comment on the comments attributed to Michael Ghossein (TKL) and Mr. Peter Wanyonyi? Regards “We have asked CCK (industry regulator Communications Commission of Kenya) to evaluate if this kind of pricing is sustainable,” Dr Ndemo said on Monday. “I am not opposed to reduced prices but they have to make business sense,” he said. “Competition has to take care of re-investment in the sector as well as shareholder value.” Orange Kenya CEO Mickael Ghossein said on Monday that the future of the industry’s profitability appears grim should the current price wars be allowed to prevail. “There has not been largely significant increase in the traffic across networks that would indicate that the low pricing model offered by the competition has resulted in massive recruitments. In any case, cannibalisation of another player’s market share cannot be considered as industry growth,” Mr Ghossein said. “Operators will see little justification in improving call and related quality when profits are falling under assault from Airtel’s strategy. “Improving service quality requires investment in new infrastructure, but with ever-reducing revenues, this will not happen,” warns Mr Peter Wanyonyi, a telecoms analyst. But India’s Bharti Airtel-owned Kenyan subsidiary has defended its decision. On Wed, Jan 19, 2011 at 5:16 PM, Shem Ochuodho <shemochuodho(a)yahoo.com>wrote: > Fyi > > Sorry, I forgot to include the "Nation" site with the full story (for those > who might have missed it):- > http://www.nation.co.ke/business/news/PS%20fears%20mobile%20phone%20price%2… > . > > Happy reading. > Shem > > Shem J. Ochuodho, MSc (Eng), PhD, LLD (Hon) > Senior Advisor > Ministry of Telecom & Postal Services > Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS), Juba > Commonwealth Telecom Organization (CTO/GoSS) 2010 African Internaut Award > Recipient > Kenya Community Abroad (KCA) 2006/07 Excellence Award Winner > AfricaOnline 2005 Industry Pioneer Award Recipient > Father of Internet in Kenya (CSK 2000) > Cell: +249-955-021-040/+256-477-232025/+254-734-137371 > Skype: shem.ochuodho > > > ------------------------------ > *From:* Shem Ochuodho <shemochuodho(a)yahoo.com> > *To:* Leonard Mware <mleonardo(a)yahoo.com>; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>; NVK-Mageuzi Members List < > NVK-Mageuzi(a)yahoogroups.com> > *Cc:* PICTA Kenya-LIst <picta-kenya(a)yahoogroups.com>; NYCIV Group < > nyciv(a)googlegroups.com>; ProgressiveMinds < > ProgressiveMinds(a)yahoogroups.com>; Madaraka Party < > madaraka-kenya(a)yahoogroups.com> > *Sent:* Wed, 19 January, 2011 15:57:28 > *Subject:* [NVK-Mageuzi] Re: MOBILE PRICE WARS COULD DERAIL NEW KATIBA - > JOKE OF THE YEAR (Was Are we letting the PS get away with this too?) > > > > I have always wondered why one of the major mobile companies is treated > with kids-gloves. The current case of SMS price-wars reinforces this > concern. I would have thought that after passing the new katiba with Bill of > Rights embedded (which includes consumer protection), everyone especially > government, would celebrate when Airtel (I hold no brief) lowered SMS > charges to KSh 1. This was even after their earlier push for interconnect > rate to be pegged to KSh 0.2 was rejected, and instead GoK/CCK (with strong > influence from Safaricom) settled on KSh 0.6. While one needs to look at the > maths to know whether 0.2 or 0.6 should have been a more justified rate, > Airtel has done us one more favour: which all Kenyans of goodwill should > support. They have pegged their SMS costs to KSh 1.0, capping ‘other > overheads + profit’ to KSh 0.4. I wouldn’t expect Airtel, a global reputable > company to do this if the fundamentals were not right – unless it was a > fly-by-night company! They confirm what a number of us have worried all > along about: that mobile companies are over-reaping profits, most of which > is repatriated to shareholders out of the country. > > > > My 3 main concerns:- > > > > 1) Why would the same people who rejoiced/indeed occasioned > retrenchment when nearly 18,000 Kenyans were retrenched on privatizing > Telkom Kenya now be so worried about Safaricom retrenching to the extent > that they would deny Kenyans an opportunity to reap the benefits of > competition, innovation and creativity? > > 2) CCK is supposed to be independent. Why should the government (read > Ministry) always interfere in their decisions? > > 3) When we are being told “we’ll lose so much revenue in tax > collection”, why aren’t we in the same vein being told “but in the process, > we’ll reduce capital flight by way of (foreign) investment repatriation by > so much”, and even more importantly that “through lower phone tariffs, > Kenyan consumers will have saved so much/economy will have grown by so much > as a result of cheaper phone costs.”? > > > > Indeed some of the observations herein rooting against lower SMS costs > remind me of my earlier (pupilage) days at the then KP&TC. For a while, a > number of us advocated ‘lower costs, higher volumes’ (something that lately > has become better known as ‘bottom billion’). The same way that it was > dismissed then appears to me as the same way the ‘mobile price wars’ are > being dismissed now by some. Haven’t Equity and Safaricom itself (actually, > mobile companies) proven over time that this works? > > > > To be honest, every time I am home I shudder about using Safaricom. For > voice, I long stopped using my Safaricom number except to receive – heko to > Airtel, Yu and others. For Internet, even when I do bundles, Safaricom is > still VERY expensive. Instead of government helping (as demanded by the > constitution), they are helping to keep the prices up. In the end who really > benefits? Certainly not the consumer/ordinary Kenyan! If this approach has > worked for Airtel in India (is the population nearly a billion?), why not > for Kenya? > > > > Best rgrds, > > Shem > > > ------------------------------ > *From:* Leonard Mware <mleonardo(a)yahoo.com> > *To:* shemochuodho(a)yahoo.com > *Cc:* KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > *Sent:* Wed, 19 January, 2011 14:33:22 > *Subject:* Re: [kictanet] Are we letting the PS get away with this too? > > > Listers, > > Two issues are emerging: > > 1. Operators not able to 'recoup' investment hence possible layoffs, stock > market problems etc > 2. Taxman losses > > First, let’s imagine tomorrow the minimum charges are set to 2/- and Airtel > moves up. Assume I am a new entrant in the market with > cheaper-easy-to-deploy technology. Bear in mind that technology is evolving > fast and new multiplexing and radio wave propagation techniques are also > advancing. If my technology allows me to set up a GSM network and I can > confidently 'recoup' my investment at 0.5/- why should I be forced to charge > 2/-? > > My view is that such a scenario will give rise to a government created > cartel that will stifle competition, innovation and advancement. > > Secondly, who is going to set the base rate? Government? I wait to see how > the government can juggle the mathematics of coming up with ‘recouping > period’ and satisfy taxman, investors in stock market and operators at same > time. > > The only option, in my view, is for the government to think of higher > taxation because that’s where they have leverage and the leave the fight on > tariff to operators and market place. The other option is for the government > to set up its own National Mobile Operator (NMO) in the line of National Oil > Corporation of Kenya (NOCK) to help stabilize market ;) > > As for stock market; ups and downs are part of the game.. it is called in > Kiswahili playing *kamari and *any investor should know what happens in a > casino! > > BTW, is there a documented precedence in any developing country? > > Leonard > > > > --- On *Wed, 1/19/11, bitange(a)jambo.co.ke <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke>* wrote: > > > From: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Are we letting the PS get away with this too? > To: mleonardo(a)yahoo.com > Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Date: Wednesday, January 19, 2011, 12:43 PM > > Liko, > In developed Markets where both data and voice have matured, you can > afford drastic fall in price. When you get reports from the public, one > must always be cautious. Take for example when someone reports that there > is a likelihood of cross subsidy which can potentially affect the market. > Should we be locking ourselves in the room and pray that nothing happens? > > It is therefore not abnormal for the Government to be cautious especially > when the public writes to complain of a similar situation elsewhere. We > have not faulted any operator but it is our responsibility to ensure that > there is fair play. > > Imagine a situation where all the operators report losses at the end of > the year. You will begin to see retrenchments, the stock market fall > would trigger a rise both with the exchange rate and the interest rates > effectively the consumer will end up paying somehow. I will not be > suprised that it will be this same forum that will ask what the Government > was doing to let things get this worse. > > Therefore, it does not matter whether you you cricise the Government now > or later. Either way we face the criticism. > > Ndemo. > > > > > > Guys. > > > > How about we just let the prices go down till the govt has to set > > prices ? Or till the Govt supports MNO's (like posta and telkom for a > > loooooong time) > > > > Seriously, the same peeps who were complaining about call costs 3 > > years are worried about the telcos collapsing. > > > > This is the same language we heard when ISP's we asked to reduce > > bandwidth prices ... > > > > Unsustainable :) > > > > > > > > > > > > On 1/18/11, John Kieti <jkieti(a)gmail.com<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jkieti@gmail.com>> > wrote: > >> Hi Walu and other esteemed Kenyans, > >> > >> This debate is interesting. As mentioned earlier by someone, the debate > >> would be more enlightening if the cost structure of these MNOs had been > >> in > >> the public domain. But all is not lost; there are some basic parameters > >> already in the public domain ie. (1) Safaricom's dominant position of > >> about > >> 77% market share and (2) Airtel's low price strategy including their 1 > >> bob > >> on-net offer in an attempt to eat into Safaricom's market share. It > >> appears > >> a little premature then to raise a concern of Anti-Trust against a > >> non-dominant player, when they have not even achieved a half of the > >> dominant > >> player's market share. > >> > >> The current cost structure and profit margins for voice, SMS and all > >> other > >> product offerings is what we really need to understand before going into > >> any > >> conclusion on long term sustainability. It seems easy to see that brand > >> loyalty and patriotic sentiments are strong everywhere this debate comes > >> up > >> but it might also help to see these harder facts. > >> > >> Lastly, in today's dynamic economic environment, one has to either > >> innovate > >> or die - and our dear Safaricom has demonstrated substantial competence > >> on > >> this. It then appears that innovation is what will sustain growth of the > >> industry - really not regulation and protectionism. > >> > >> Best regards > >> > >> On Tue, Jan 18, 2011 at 6:09 PM, Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jwalu@yahoo.com>> > wrote: > >> > >>> Harry, tough questions you have and the answers may most likely > >>> neutralize > >>> my argument. But the bigger point is/was that certain type of > >>> competitive > >>> tactics can be counterproductive when looked at from a Macro > >>> perspective. > >>> Yes, you (Airtel) wins todays battle, but someone bigger than Safcom > >>> will > >>> lose the war. > >>> > >>> With the Microsoft Case- European Courts ruled that their tactic was > >>> anti-competitive and they were forced to seperate their Browser from > >>> their > >>> OS, rather than sell as a bundle. But I think it was a case of too > >>> little > >>> too late. Did internet numbers go down? probably not since Internet > >>> numbers > >>> do depend on more factors other than just Browsers. > >>> > >>> But for the mobile industry, their growth and expanse does depend on > >>> revenues. I can forcasts that VOICE Revenue generated from all players > >>> might > >>> be the same as last year because the voice industry may not grow - it > >>> will > >>> simply be shared out.. And after the price-wars are over and an > >>> equilibrium > >>> is established (maybe Airtel 50% others 50%) it will dawn on everyone > >>> that > >>> they incoming revenue streams is insufficient to deliver expansion or > >>> extend > >>> the services outside their current levels. > >>> > >>> walu. > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> --- On *Tue, 1/18/11, Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=harry@africanedevelopment.org> > >* > >>> wrote: > >>> > >>> > >>> From: Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=harry@africanedevelopment.org> > > > >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Are we letting the PS get away > >>> with > >>> this too? > >>> To: "Walubengo J" <jwalu(a)yahoo.com<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jwalu@yahoo.com> > > > >>> > >>> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> > > > >>> Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 5:22 PM > >>> > >>> Walu good analogy with Netscape and MS IE. However > >>> > >>> 1. Did the Internet die with the death of Netscape? > >>> 2. Did the Internet numbers stay constant with the death of > >>> Netscape? > >>> 3. Did Microsoft marketshare drop? > >>> 4. Did innovation on the internet stop? > >>> > >>> Guys, let get real, this is business…natural selection comes into play. > >>> > >>> Kindest Regards > >>> > >>> Harry Hare > >>> Director > >>> * > >>> eDevelopment House : : 604 Limuru Road > >>> * Old Muthaiga : : P O Box 49475 00100 > >>> Nairobi : : Kenya > >>> T +254 20 3741646/7 : : C +254 725 650044 > >>> > >>> Training : : Research: :Consultancy: : Publishing > >>> > >>> From: John Walubengo > >>> <jwalu(a)yahoo.com<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jwalu@yahoo.com> > <http://mc/compose?to=jwalu@yahoo.com> > >>> > > >>> Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2011 05:35:58 -0800 (PST) > >>> To: Harry Hare > >>> <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=harry@africanedevelopment.org> > <http://mc/compose?to=harry@africanedevelopment.org> > >>> > > >>> > >>> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > >>> <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> > <http://mc/compose?to=kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >>> > > >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Are we letting the PS get away > >>> with > >>> this too? > >>> > >>> Here are my thoughts. > >>> > >>> The PS is right about predatory pricing never aimed at growing the > >>> Industry. For those who were "alive" at the beginning of the > >>> web-browser > >>> wars in early 1990s. Netscape was King. Then Microsoft came in and gave > >>> away > >>> its product Internet Explorer(IE) - for free. Everyone was happy - > >>> until > >>> they realized they were paying for the Microsoft IE through other means > >>> (by > >>> buying for the OS for example). But by then Netscape as a competitor > >>> was > >>> as > >>> dead as the Dodo. Microsoft Mission accomplished. > >>> > >>> Folks, Airtel is not here because they love giving free things. I am > >>> not > >>> privy to their Strategy but it can be read by anyone. Their aim is not > >>> to > >>> grow/extend the Service, but rather to eat Safaricom's lunch. At a > >>> consumer > >>> level, nothing really wrong with that and infact it is Christmas time > >>> for > >>> consumers. BUT at a national level, what you have is that the > >>> 20million > >>> subscribers you currently have in the country, will remain 20million > >>> subscriber five years later. Only that half of them will be sitting on > >>> Airtel's network and the other half will be with "Others". Net growth > >>> for > >>> Kenya? =ZERO > >>> > >>> Airtel's strategy wont kill the mobile industry, but believe you me, it > >>> will stiffle its growth in the long run, because the returns to the > >>> investors will not be sufficient to sustain operations, let alone > >>> extend > >>> the > >>> network or pay for innovation. > >>> > >>> That said, as a consumer, Airtel's offer is truly irresistible and > >>> worth > >>> considering. But as a scholar, I do know, and agree that it is not > >>> good > >>> for > >>> the industry in the long run. > >>> > >>> walu. > >>> > >>> > >>> --- On *Tue, 1/18/11, Odhiambo Washington > >>> <odhiambo(a)gmail.com<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=odhiambo@gmail.com> > <http://mc/compose?to=odhiambo@gmail.com> > >>> >* wrote: > >>> > >>> > >>> From: Odhiambo Washington > >>> <odhiambo(a)gmail.com<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=odhiambo@gmail.com> > <http://mc/compose?to=odhiambo@gmail.com> > >>> > > >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Are we letting the PS get away > >>> with > >>> this too? > >>> To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jwalu@yahoo.com>< > http://mc/compose?to=jwalu@yahoo.com> > >>> > >>> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" > >>> <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> > <http://mc/compose?to=kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >>> > > >>> Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 1:22 PM > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> On Tue, Jan 18, 2011 at 1:18 PM, Barrack Otieno > >>> <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=otieno.barrack@gmail.com> > >wrote: > >>> > >>> You have a point Brainiac, there are many factors in your argument > >>> which > >>> need to be tackled and as such we may need expert opinion on some > >>> issues, > >>> a > >>> corporate entity is treated as a person and as the saying goes one > >>> mans > >>> meat is another mans poison, what are the implications of certain moves > >>> on > >>> new market entrants? How will the other Telcos survive in the market?, > >>> this > >>> is where regulation comes in to ensure a piece of cake for everyone. > >>> > >>> > >>> Before making this debate so complicated, is Airtel's move interpreted > >>> as > >>> a > >>> means towards crippling the mobile industry? > >>> Why is this position not being applied on the Internet Service > >>> Provision > >>> industry then? We always heard promises of "prices will come down" but > >>> when > >>> they do now, the govt is gonna lose revenue? Puleease! > >>> > >>> -- > >>> Best regards, > >>> Odhiambo WASHINGTON, > >>> Nairobi,KE > >>> +254733744121/+254722743223 > >>> _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ > >>> Damn!! > >>> > >>> > >>> -----Inline Attachment Follows----- > >>> > >>> _______________________________________________ > >>> > >>> > >> > >> > >> -- > >> My Blog - www.gmeltdown.com > >> ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' > >> Keep on doing what you know is right ... > >> > > > > -- > > > > > __._,_.___ > Reply to sender<shemochuodho@yahoo.com?subject=Re%3A%20MOBILE%20PRICE%20WARS%20COULD%20DERAIL%20NEW%20KATIBA%20-%20JOKE%20OF%20THE%20YEAR%20%28Was%20Are%20we%20letting%20the%20PS%20get%20away%20with%20this%20too%3F%29>| Reply > to group<NVK-Mageuzi@yahoogroups.com?subject=Re%3A%20MOBILE%20PRICE%20WARS%20COULD%20DERAIL%20NEW%20KATIBA%20-%20JOKE%20OF%20THE%20YEAR%20%28Was%20Are%20we%20letting%20the%20PS%20get%20away%20with%20this%20too%3F%29>| Reply > via web post<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NVK-Mageuzi/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJxcmtpZmtnBF9TAzk…>| Start > a New Topic<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NVK-Mageuzi/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJmOTF0cjg5BF9TAzk…> > Messages in this topic<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NVK-Mageuzi/message/4483;_ylc=X3oDMTM1cm5tZnZ…>( > 1) > Recent Activity: > > - New Members<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NVK-Mageuzi/members;_ylc=X3oDMTJndG9wOXI3BF9T…> > 14 > > Visit Your Group<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NVK-Mageuzi;_ylc=X3oDMTJmcHQ1aW9yBF9TAzk3MzU5…> > [image: Yahoo! Groups]<http://groups.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTJlbWgxMmllBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzMyN…> > Switch to: Text-Only<NVK-Mageuzi-traditional@yahoogroups.com?subject=Change%20Delivery%20Format:%20Traditional>, > Daily Digest<NVK-Mageuzi-digest@yahoogroups.com?subject=Email%20Delivery:%20Digest>• > Unsubscribe <NVK-Mageuzi-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com?subject=Unsubscribe>• Terms > of Use <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> > . > > __,_._,___ > > > > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > -- Barrack O. Otieno Afriregister Ltd (Kenya) www.afrire <http://www.afriregister.com>gister.bi, www.afriregister.com<http://www.afriergister.com> <http://www.afriregister.com>ICANN accredited registrar +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno

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Are we letting the PS get away with this too?
by [Brainiac] 23 Jan '11

23 Jan '11

I seriously hope that this http://bit.ly/famTA5 is just some fanatical reporting at Nation Media (would not be shocked) but if so, if these words came out of your mouth bwana PS, THAT THE PRICE WARS IN THE MOBILE INDUSTRY MIGHT DERAIL THE NEW CONSTITUTION. Are you for Real? Is that not cartel behaviour right there? So now what, are you going to "adjust" the lowest interconnection fees upwards to normalize all this? so that what? Safaricom can make more money? Playing on the public with FUD now? what happened to market forces? who would run their company to a grind just to offer the cheapest? Revenue collection? how about we first spend PRUDENTLY what we collect? how about ALL of us pay taxes for starters? and why not just LOWER taxes and increase the tax bracket? I have never been disappointed like i have on reading this. If it looks like Impunity, Smells like Impunity , guess what it is....

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Safaricom Bonga Points Merchandise
by Odhiambo Washington 21 Jan '11

21 Jan '11

Safaricom has done quite some revisions on their tariffs and data bundles but their Bonga points redemption matrix remains unchanged ever since. I have been hoping (and praying) that they can at least revise the merchandise, given that even some of those they list are not anymore in the market (I may be wrong!) but with prices always depreciating, is it not logical that Safaricom put some revision into this loyalty program?? Can Safaricom also make the point system a little bit realistic when compared to the merchandise?? I know they are not under any obligation but I sure can be motivated to "talk more" within "Niko Na.." with the hope that kupiga mdomo kwangu heunda ikanifaidisha vikubwa:-) Maybe they should include the Huawei IDEOS as one of the merchandise;) -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Damn!!

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Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Fwd: CCK PRESS RELEASE ON AIRTEL'S PROMOTIONAL TARIFF - FEELANGA FREE
by Odhiambo Washington 21 Jan '11

21 Jan '11

On Fri, Jan 21, 2011 at 10:25 AM, Larry Madowo <lmadowo(a)ke.nationmedia.com>wrote: > This might interest some of you > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Alwala, Rachel > Date: Thu, Jan 20, 2011 at 7:23 PM > Subject: CCK PRESS RELEASE ON AIRTEL'S PROMOTIONAL TARIFF - FEELANGA FREE > > Cc: CPR team <CPRteam(a)cck.go.ke> > > > *PRESS RELEASE * > *[image: > cid:image001.jpg@01CBAE80.383363D0]* > > > > > > 20th January 2011 > > * * > > *STATEMENT FROM CCK ON AIRTEL’S PROMOTIONAL TARIFF – FEELANGA FREE * > > * * > > The Communications Commission of Kenya issued an Interconnection > Determination for termination rates of both voice and Short Message Services > (SMS), on 16th July 2010 and 1st January 2011, respectively, following the > telecommunication network cost study undertaken by Analysys Mason on behalf > of the Commission. > > > > The Commission expected that the reduction of Interconnection termination > rates would influence reduction in retail tariffs and consequently generate > more competition in the market. Subsequently there has been considerable > reduction of retail tariffs both for voice services and SMS, which has > resulted in a significant increase in minutes of use on the GSM networks in > the country. This is an indication of positive market response to the > changes in prices. > > > > Airtel Networks Kenya Limited, recently launched an offer in the market > under the name, *feelanga free, *costing the on-net calls at a retail > price of Ksh. 1 per minute from 6am to 6pm. Based on the information availed > at the launch, the public has perceived it as a permanent tariff. Further, > the Commission has received a complaint filed by one of the GSM Network > operators that it is not clear whether *feelanga free* is a promotion or > permanent tariff. Upon enquiry by the Commission, Airtel Networks Kenya > Limited has since clarified that *feelanga free *is a promotional tariff, > w.e.f, 13th January 2011. The Commission has further instructed Airtel > Networks Kenya Limited, to comply with the promotional guidelines as > provided in the Kenya Information and Communications (Tariff) Regulation, > 2010. > > > > The Commission also wishes to emphasize that network operators are free to > adopt business models that suit them. Matters of cost structures and > profitability are therefore left for the determination of individual > operators. The mandate of the Commission is purely guided by the Sector > Legislation and Regulations in force. > > > > Issued by: > > > > *Charles. J. K. Njoroge* > > *Director General * > > *Communications Commission of Kenya * > > *PO Box 14448* > > *Nairobi 00800* > > *Tel: 4242000* > > *Fax: 4451866* > > *Email: info(a)cck.go.ke* > > * > <info(a)cck.go.ke>* > I wonder what the promotional guidelines say. I don't have time to read the documents that spells those. Anyone? That sentence says it all though. If the business model suits Airtel, I wonder why anyone outside the Airtel conglomerate is complaining. Isn't it the same "*pilipili usioila...*"? I still feel the PSs statements were biased towards a certain player, and the issue of the constitution was the smoke screen used! -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Damn!!

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Lowering of Mobile Charges
by waudo siganga 20 Jan '11

20 Jan '11

Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

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