August 2013 - KICTANet

Re: [kictanet] Equity says M-Pesa lines should be open
by Edwin Onchari 06 Aug '13

06 Aug '13

As many have pointed out, opening up Mpesa will benefit Safcom in the long run. As some have quoted the case of AT&T, if Safcom were to open up Mpesa, and may I suggest even setup Mpesa as a separate organization, the growth will enormous. I can foresee a scenario where the platform will penetrate the market segments that have eluded other electronic money transfer providers such as Visa/Mastercard- or even have collaborations with them. Imagine having someone deposit money into my Mpesa account in Nyamira- Kenya and be able to use my visa card at a shop in Helsinki! I only see benefits accruing to Safcom on this Kind regards, Edwin -----Original Message----- From: kictanet [mailto:kictanet-bounces+eonchari=lynxbits.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Sent: Tuesday, August 06, 2013 12:54 PM To: Edwin Subject: kictanet Digest, Vol 75, Issue 17 Send kictanet mailing list submissions to kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke You can reach the person managing the list at kictanet-owner(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of kictanet digest..." Today's Topics: 1. Re: [ISOC_KE] Fwd: [IRPCoalition] will happen - IGF Bali (Ali Hussein) 2. Re: Equity says M-Pesa lines should be open (Ali Hussein) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Tue, 6 Aug 2013 12:27:49 +0300 From: Ali Hussein <ali(a)hussein.me.ke> To: "Grace Mutung'u (Bomu)" <nmutungu(a)gmail.com> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>, "isoc(a)orion.my.co.ke" <isoc(a)orion.my.co.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [ISOC_KE] Fwd: [IRPCoalition] will happen - IGF Bali Message-ID: <3CDA412A-EE1C-469C-B0D3-5020B77FB4F1(a)hussein.me.ke> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" :) Thanks Ali Hussein CEO | 3mice interactive media Ltd Principal | Telemedia Africa Ltd +254 713 601113/ 0770 906375 "The future belongs to him who knows how to wait." - Russian Proverb Sent from my iPad On Aug 6, 2013, at 9:29 AM, "Grace Mutung'u (Bomu)" <nmutungu(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Thats Indonesian (I think) > You can get it translated on Google Translate...but the gist of it is that the local organising committee has confirmed that IGF will happen as scheduled. > Thanks! > > > 2013/8/5 Ali Hussein <ali(a)hussein.me.ke> >> Yawa Grace! :) >> >> Na hio ni lugha gain? >> >> Ali Hussein >> CEO | 3mice interactive media Ltd >> Principal | Telemedia Africa Ltd >> >> +254 713 601113/ 0770 906375 >> >> "The future belongs to him who knows how to wait." - Russian Proverb >> >> Sent from my iPad >> >> On Aug 5, 2013, at 3:55 PM, "Grace Mutung'u (Bomu)" <nmutungu(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> >>> >>> Forwarded Message: >>> >>> Just got this news from a friend that its now official that IGF Bali will be organized as planned. >>> >>> http://m.kominfo.go.id/berita/detail/4095/Siaran+Pers+No.+61-PIH-KOM >>> INFO-8-2013+tentang+Indonesia+Bersama+Komunitas+Internet+Multi-Stake >>> holder+Global+Siap+Menjadi+Tuan+Rumah+IGF+2013+-+Bali >>> >>> Congratulations everyone, who have been working very hard behind the scenes to make it happen. >>> >>> More power to you all, >>> >>> Best wishes and regards >>> Shahzad >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Carolina Rossini >>> Project Director, Latin America Resource Center Open Technology >>> Institute New America Foundation // http://carolinarossini.net/ >>> + 1 6176979389 >>> *carolina.rossini(a)gmail.com* >>> skype: carolrossini >>> @carolinarossini >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> IRP mailing list >>> IRP(a)lists.internetrightsandprinciples.org >>> http://lists.internetrightsandprinciples.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinf >>> o/irp >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Grace L.N. Mutung'u (Bomu) >>> Kenya >>> Skype: gracebomu >>> Twitter: @Bomu >>> Website: http://www.diplointernetgovernance.org/profile/GraceMutungu >>> _______________________________________________ >>> isoc mailing list >>> isoc(a)orion.my.co.ke >>> http://orion.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/isoc > > > > -- > Grace L.N. Mutung'u (Bomu) > Kenya > Skype: gracebomu > Twitter: @Bomu > Website: http://www.diplointernetgovernance.org/profile/GraceMutungu

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Fwd: [IRPCoalition] will happen - IGF Bali
by Grace Mutung'u (Bomu) 06 Aug '13

06 Aug '13

Forwarded Message: Just got this news from a friend that its now official that IGF Bali will be organized as planned. http://m.kominfo.go.id/berita/detail/4095/Siaran+Pers+No.+61-PIH-KOMINFO-8-… Congratulations everyone, who have been working very hard behind the scenes to make it happen. More power to you all, Best wishes and regards Shahzad -- *Carolina Rossini* *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* Open Technology Institute *New America Foundation* // http://carolinarossini.net/ + 1 6176979389 *carolina.rossini(a)gmail.com* skype: carolrossini @carolinarossini _______________________________________________ IRP mailing list IRP(a)lists.internetrightsandprinciples.org http://lists.internetrightsandprinciples.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/irp -- Grace L.N. Mutung'u (Bomu) Kenya Skype: gracebomu Twitter: @Bomu Website: http://www.diplointernetgovernance.org/profile/GraceMutungu

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Equity says M-Pesa lines should be open
by Walubengo J 05 Aug '13

05 Aug '13

@Ali, Funny how Equity is thinking like me below...exactly my idea about "unbundling" MPESA. It should be "open-access" and I dont see how that would affect Safcom intellectual property rights to MPESA. It as about inter-operability - think "Mobile Phone Inter-connection" agreements where competing operators interconnect at a fee that is settled regularly. Perhaps if this open-access model to MPESA was available, we would not have Posta-Kenya trying to re-invent the wheel and CS Matiangi /Govt trying to create another monopoly in this space. walu. ~~~ Read on.. Equity Bank has hit criticised Safaricom over its continued refusal to open up the M-Pesa platform to enable its users transact business with other mobile money networks. The commercial bank said this has kept the cost of mobile money transaction high and may hinder further growth in the mobile commerce in Kenya. Equity Bank joins the other mobile operators, Airtel and Essar Telecom, who have been pushing for cross network operations in mobile money business. "Financial services by nature should be inter-operable,” said John Staley, chief officer for finance, innovation and technology at Equity. "Kenya has not seen much of this as one of the operators has tried as much as possible to be on a closed loop,"Stanley said. From.. http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-130261/equity-says-m-pesa-lines-shou…

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CCK to renew Safaricom's licence
by Wambua, Christopher 05 Aug '13

05 Aug '13

Listers, CCK to renew Safaricom's licence Kenya's largest mobile operator - Safaricom - will pay Kshs2.36billion (US$27million) for renewal of its operating licence for a further term of 10 years. CCK today announced that the renewal of Safaricom's licence would depend on the operator paying the renewal fee upfront and meeting the set minimum quality of service standards by June 2014. Safaricom's initial licence term of 15 years is set to expire on 30th June 2014 but has a provision for a possible renewal for a further term of 10 years. Addressing the media at the CCK offices, CCK Director General Mr. Francis Wangusi said the renewed Safaricom licence would come with a set of new licence terms and conditions negotiated between the regulator and the mobile operator. The licence renewal fee of US$27 million is based on the bid price offered for the third GSM mobile licence by the latest entrant to the mobile telecoms market in Kenya -Econet Wireless Kenya Ltd (now Essar Telecom Kenya Ltd). The Director General said that whereas Safaricom has significantly contributed to the economy, developed innovative products and services and met most its licence obligations, the mobile operator needs to up its game in regard to meeting the set quality of service standards. ''We have considered the fact that whereas Safaricom has met most of its licence obligations, its continued failure to meet the set Quality of Service standards remains a concern that needs to be addressed,'' said Mr. Wangusi. Mr. Wangusi further said the three other mobile operators would pay the same amount for renewal of their licences for a further term of 10 year to ensure parity and a level playing ground for all service providers in the sector. At the sametime, the Director General said the spectrum assigned to the four mobile operators will be subjected to an auction after the expiry of the 10-year renewal term. , The full statement of the Director General is available on the CCK website at http://www.cck.go.ke/news/speeches/2013/Press_statement__Safaricom_licence.… Wambua

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Re: [kictanet] [African-ig-school] Highway Africa Awards - Call out
by Kivuva 05 Aug '13

05 Aug '13

> Some of you might be interested in nominating an organization or > individual, or nominating your own organization for the Highway Africa > Awards. Further information on the website: > http://www.highwayafrica.com/?page_id=8 **** > > ** ** > > *CALL-OUT OPEN: Telkom-Highway Africa New Media Awards 2013*** > > The 17th Highway Africa Conference, taking place at Rhodes University, > South Africa, is set to host the 13thth edition of the Highway Africa New > Media Awards. Sponsored by Telkom, these are unique and prestigious awards > on the continent that reward innovative use of Information Communication > technologies (ICTs) in journalism that serves Africa and its citizens. The > awards were pioneered to highlight the role that ICTs play to enhance > journalism and the media, in the process uplifting communities.**** > > The conference takes place from 1- 2 September 2013, and hereby calls for > nominations for the Telkom- Highway Africa New Media Awards in 3 new > categories: **** > > - *Innovative newsroom* – newsrooms across Africa can submit > nominations based on their innovative use of digital media including > online, social and mobile media. **** > - *Best African ICT Blog* – Followers or bloggers may nominate an > African-based or diasporic African blog based on its coverage, debate and > use of ICTs within the African context.**** > - *Innovative use of technology for community engagement* – members of > communities, organisations, or supporters may nominate an organisation > (either corporate or non-profit) based on their innovative use of > technology within a community in Africa. The organisation does not have to > be African based, but the community in which they operate must be.**** > > ** ** > > If you have any questions you can also email me: v.malila(a)ru.ac.za**** > > ** ** > > Cheers, > Vanessa**** > > --------------------------------------------------- > > **** > > Vanessa Malila**** > > Mellon Post-Doc Research Fellow**** > > School of Journalism and Media Studies**** > > Rhodes University**** > > Tel: 0466037110**** > > http://mediaandcitizenship.ru.ac.za/**** > > ** ** > > ** ** > > ** ** > > _______________________________________________ > African-ig-school mailing list > Info and options: http://lists.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/african-ig-school > To unsubscribe, email african-ig-school-unsubscribe(a)lists.apc.org > > ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva twitter.com/lordmwesh google ID | Skype ID: lordmwesh

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The internet is about to get a lot biggger - whatdomain.org
by Kivuva 05 Aug '13

05 Aug '13

Apologies for cross-posting: Check http://www.whatdomain.org/ The WEB's new neighborhoods Over the next two years more than 1,400 new top-level domains will come online, each a new neighborhood. Think you have places to go now? Wait until you see what’s coming. Open Neighborhoods Some new top-level domains will invite anyone to register a domain for any purpose. Need a laugh or want to spread some laughter? Visit a *.lol* website, or set up your own. Interested in motherhood? *.mom* is there for you. And there will be hundreds more to choose from. Internationalized Neighborhoods Why let the Roman alphabet have all the fun? This new domain era will see the first top-level domains in numerous other languages and there will be a موقع. for .みんな in the .世界. The World Wide Web is about to start living up to its name. Geographic Neighborhoods We've discussed country code domains like *.ca* or *.de*. We’ll soon be able to get even more specific with domains related to a specific geography such as a city (visit*.boston*) or region (wine*.aquitaine*). Specialized Neighborhoods Some of the new top-level domains are intended for websites created by members of specific professions, communities, or interests. Looking for a lawyer? A website ending in *.esq* will signify a certified legal professional. Similarly, *.ngo* will be reserved for non-governmental organizations’ websites, and *.catholic* and *.shia* for sites representing those religious communities. Gated Neighborhoods Numerous companies have applied for closed top-level domains and will have complete control over what websites to make available on them. These are usually recognized brand names, like *.montblanc* or *.gucci*. When you visit a website on a closed top-level domain, you can be certain that it’s authorized and overseen by that brand. The new generation of top-level domains will start launching in the fall of 2013 and continue rolling out through 2015. We appreciate your time and interest in learning about this major change coming to the Internet and hope that you’ll find some great new places online, and maybe a new home of your own. ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva twitter.com/lordmwesh google ID | Skype ID: lordmwesh

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Fwd: [Chapter-delegates] NEWS RELEASE: Internet Society Board of Trustees Calls on the Global Internet Community to Stand Together to Support Open Internet Access, Freedom, and Privacy
by Barrack Otieno 04 Aug '13

04 Aug '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Wende Cover <cover(a)isoc.org> Date: Sun, Aug 4, 2013 at 6:44 PM Subject: [Chapter-delegates] NEWS RELEASE: Internet Society Board of Trustees Calls on the Global Internet Community to Stand Together to Support Open Internet Access, Freedom, and Privacy To: "chapter-delegates(a)elists.isoc.org" <chapter-delegates(a)elists.isoc.org> Internet Society Board of Trustees Calls on the Global Internet Community to Stand Together to Support Open Internet Access, Freedom, and Privacy**** ** ** Fundamental ideals of the Internet are under threat**** ** ** [Berlin, Germany, 4 August 2013] – The Internet Society Board of Trustees during its meeting in Berlin, Germany today called on the global Internet community to stand together in support of open Internet access, freedom, and privacy. Recently exposed information about government Internet surveillance programs is a wake-up call for Internet users everywhere – the fundamental ideals of the Internet are under threat. **** ** ** The Internet Society Board of Trustees believes that government Internet surveillance programs create unacceptable risks for the future of a global, interoperable, and open Internet. Robert Hinden, Chair of the Board of Trustees, stated, “Berlin is a city where freedom triumphed over tyranny. Human and technological progress are not based on building walls, and we are confident that the human ideals of communication and creativity will always route around these kinds of attempts to constrain them. We are especially disappointed that the very governments that have traditionally supported a more balanced role in Internet governance are consciously and deliberately hosting massive Internet surveillance programs.” **** ** ** In the brief period since these surveillance programs were revealed to the general public, the Internet Society Board stated there are already chilling effects on global trust and confidence on the Internet ecosystem. The fact that information about surveillance programs is emerging primarily from countries with a long history of supporting the open Internet is particularly disturbing. As the next billion people come online, these countries should be expected to demonstrate leadership in support of the values that underpin the global Internet. In the wake of these announcements, the Internet Society encourages a return to multistakeholder cooperation to preserve the benefits of the Internet ecosystem for all. **** ** ** The Internet Society Board of Trustees expects governments to fully engage with their citizens in an open dialogue on how to reconcile national security and the fundamental rights of individuals. Security should not be at the cost of individual rights and, in this context, the Board welcomes the initiative by some civil society organizations to promote "International Principles on the Application of Human Rights to Communications Surveillance." The Internet Society endorses these principles, and emphasizes the importance of proportionality, due process, legality, and transparent judicial oversight. The Internet Society believes that surveillance without any such safeguards risks undermining the sustainability of the open Internet.**** ** ** “In the spirit of the pioneers and early innovators of the Internet that were honored this week at the 2013 Internet Hall of Fame ceremony, we urge the global Internet community to defend against attempts by governments to fragment the Internet either through overt regulation or hidden surveillance programs,” commented Lynn St. Amour, President and CEO of the Internet Society. “We must reassert the global spirit of community that is at the heart of the Internet’s growth and success, and stand firm in our belief that openness and collaboration is the best path forward.” **** ** ** _______________________________________________ As an Internet Society Chapter Officer you are automatically subscribed to this list, which is regularly synchronized with the Internet Society Chapter Portal (AMS): https://portal.isoc.org -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno http://www.otienobarrack.me.ke/

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Data Bundles and Expiry Dates
by Ali Hussein 02 Aug '13

02 Aug '13

Listers Please see below. A few months ago I wrote on this list about Telcos and their expiry dates on data bundles. This is from Safaricom's customer portal. A nice nifty customer service portal. My question however is this:- Is it legal to put an expiry date in bundles that I have already bought? Even if it is written in the fine print of the legal document when you are buying the bundle? What happens when Nov 16 arrives and I haven't finished my bundles? It's like telling me that my fuel will expire on a certain date and my car will stall after that.. I have copied the chukua hatua CCK email so that we can possibly get a legal position on this. Your Data Bundle Balance Account Type Prepay Airtime Balance KShs. 86.55 Night Shift Data Balance 533.07 MB Data Bundle Expiry Date 2013-Aug-02 00:00:00 Data Bundle Balance 1446.5 MB Data Bundle Expiry Date 2013-Nov-16 07:38:34 Bonga Balance 165 Points Refresh my Account Ali Hussein CEO | 3mice interactive media Ltd Principal | Telemedia Africa Ltd +254 713 601113/ 0770 906375 "The future belongs to him who knows how to wait." - Russian Proverb Sent from my iPad

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Offering Posta monopoly status will kill innovation
by Grace Githaiga 02 Aug '13

02 Aug '13

@Yawe, whats your take? The struggling Postal Corporation of Kenya has found a saviour in newly appointed ICT secretary Fred Matiang’i.To rescue the institution, Mr Matiang’i believes that Postal Corporation’s new electronic payments system, Posta Pesa, should be guaranteed of all government e-payment services.This is the wrong approach to securing financial stability of any institution, not even the Postal Corporation. Mr Matiang’i must be dissuaded from pursuing this route for many reasons. http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Opinion-and-Analysis/Offering-Posta-mono…

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Questionnaire of the Working Group on Enhanced Cooperation
by Grace Githaiga 02 Aug '13

02 Aug '13

Dear Listers Greetings. For those who attended Kenya's IGF last Friday (July 26, 2013), we agreed to respond to the call by the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) to fill out the questionnaire on Enhanced Cooperation as KICTANet and ISOC Ke. Further, it was agreed that people can respond to questions they feel comfortable with and may not necessarily to respond to everything. Kindly get back to me on ggithaiga(a)hotmail.com or Barrack on otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com by August 12, 2013 with your responses. We will then compile and share the responses on both lists. The final document will be submitted to CSTD by August 15, 2013 although it is anticipated that this deadline will be extended. Attached please find the questionnaire and the presentation that I made on Friday on Enhanced Cooperation. Warmly GG and Barrack.

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