- KICTANet - KICTANet

Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications for basiccomputer usage
by robert yawe 03 Dec '09

03 Dec '09

One Micheal Joseph called Kenyans peculiar and as I have mentioned before in my posts, I am a true Kenyan peculiar to other humans and for this reason if no other ICDL will not meet my requirements because I do not fit into the world demographic. A wheel is supposed to be round, why would I try to make a square one as so that I can arrive at the logic behind a round wheel? We have 3 or more mature curriculum on IT proficiency so there is absolutely no reason for us to import another. LEt us remain peculiar and be proud of it, we are not an asian tiger nation because we are not asian, we are an african leopard, cheetah, lion or hyena. Ours should be to develop a curriculum for export to east and central africa not ape (literally) others. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 --- On Tue, 1/12/09, joseph james <jjngatia(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: joseph james <jjngatia(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications for basiccomputer usage To: "Evans Ikua" <ikua.evans(a)gmail.com> Cc: "ke-users" <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> Date: Tuesday, 1 December, 2009, 7:09 Dear Evans, I might choose to agree and differ on many points in your discussions. One for the ICDL option, its independent and has world recognition and the question is simple; Can KIE develop a curricula that achieve such similar status? Yes and No. So while we appreciate the flat world, the consumers are now better placed to choose what they want to buy, indulge, watch, learn and so forth. 4 out 5 Kenyans are certifications/paper- focused; most kenyans believe in getting certified and this is one major virus we need to clean. Again, most would want to get a certifiction that comes with international recognition in over 146 countries (work anywhere and for whoever). This cert virus has resulted from the CPF culture (CRAM-PASS- FORGET culture) that most pupils and students acquire all through the 8:4:4 curriculum. Most Governments have recognized ICDL, Kenya is just joining the pack. I believe in standards and innovating; Asia has prospered and left many African nations way behind, by adapting and adopting western world technological advancement. I think this is what we should do, or had done earlier. If we started earlier on and built standards and focused on quality training, we would have our certification and maybe share with the rest of continent if not the world. We were beaten to that by ICDL organisation. We need not recreate the wheel now. May be what should be the question main is finding measures on how how to reduce costs of pursuing ICDL from above Kes. 30,000 to may be Kes.14,000. It's possible and we may try adopting eLearning technologies. (I should have said I am an eLearning champion) So while we can train using ICDL for now, we can embark on building our own curriculum that beats ICDL. It's just a matter of time and with zero politic on such processes. I am a real optimist by all means; but for now while most Kenyans are hooked to foreign everything basic; food, clothes, shelter, media, culture, technology, education... Its upon organized groups making us proud with homegrown solutions that have a global feel and can be exported to other nations. It will be a Kenyanization effect. On Tue, Dec 1, 2009 at 9:09 AM, Evans Ikua <ikua.evans(a)gmail.com> wrote: I remember there was some discussion some time back about training standards. What was the outcome of that meeting? Anyone on this list who has some info? This is really pathetic. What is it with Kenyans and Foreign goods? Does the ICDL or any other certification for that matter, add any knowledge to someone? Is knowledge in a piece of paper or in the delivery of the training? Do you have any idea about the amount of money we lose to the UK for IMIS every year? While an individual has the right to choose what to take, I think its the epitome of ignorance to have the Government imposing on poor people an expensive end user qualification. Like I have said before, those living in Nairobi have forgotten that the country is bigger than Nairobi. We cant therefore see how someone cant afford 30k for an end user certificate. So how about the poor people who live on a dollar a day? Are we saying that they will never get jobs because they cant prove their end user skills? We need to wake up! On Tue, Dec 1, 2009 at 8:48 AM, anthony. musunji <tonzo1(a)gmail.com> wrote: I think Evans has introduced a valid dimension in this argument .Since Accountants have been able to develop a valid and recognised certification format, why can't the local IT proffessionals \ fraternity develop or promote its own certification .I am also keen to hear what KASNEB has to say about this development . My 2 cents Anthony Musunji On Tue, Dec 1, 2009 at 8:21 AM, Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> wrote: Evans, You may be pleased to know that the Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board (KASNEB) in 2006 introduced two examinable courses( 1 Professional Level("CICT"), 1 Technician Level"ICTT"). Last week, KASNEB Secretary and CEO kindly send me copies of the syllabus -(commencement June 2009) I have copied this message to KASNEB CEO with the hope that they may be interested in joining this list at least for the purpose of this discussion? Kind regards, Alex On Mon, Nov 30, 2009 at 9:32 PM, Josiah Mugambi <jmugambi(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Evan's argument was regarding the cost of certification, not platform - and > whether KIE can develop a local certification instead of 'sending forex > abroad' > > On Nov 30, 2009 8:58 PM, "DAI" <svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com> wrote: > > ICDL is platform independent. Period. > >> > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Evans Ikua > To: ke-users > Sent: >> > Monday, November 30, 200... > > ________________________________ > > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers -- Kind regards, James J Ngatia Q: I could not, at any age, be content to take my place by the fireside and simply look on. Life was meant to be lived. Curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life. ELEANOR ROOSEVELT: -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers

2 2

Breaking News: South Africa's appeal court reject's claim by Telkom South Africa and fines $500 million
by Edith Adera 03 Dec '09

03 Dec '09

Independent research can make a difference in curbing anti-competitive behaviour and driving down costs. So watch out, those still keeping the Internet prices high! ====== Telkom was really trying to dig up unsubstantiated evidence against RIA's ability to conduct unbiased research in front of the Supreme Court of Appeal last week. Fortunately, justice remains on our side! For the judgment, I have attached the copy or you can find it at the weblink below: http://www.supremecourtofappeal.gov.za/judgments/judgem_sca_2009.html Unfortunately, they misnamed IDRC again on page 13... A short synopsis can be found on LIRNE Asia's blog: http://lirneasia.net/2009/11/south-african-appeal-court-affirms-role-of-ind… South African appeal court affirms role of independent think tanks In a major win for think tanks seeking to bring evidence to the policy process in developing countries, the Supreme Court of Appeal in South Africa, by its decision The Competition Commission of South Africa v TELKOM (Case No: 623/2008), has unequivocally overruled the claims of bias leveled against the LINK Centre, then headed by our colleague Alison Gillwald (now heading Research ICTs Africa). In addition to getting its odd argument rejected, Telkom will have to pay a 3.7 Billion Rand fine plus costs. Ouch! Alison is the featured dinner speaker at CPRsouth4 in Negombo, Sri Lanka, on December 7th. I am sure she will speak to this court case and the challenges facing policy intellectuals in environments like ours. The relevant excerpt of the judgment is given below. Three principal grounds for the alleged perception of bias are relied upon. First, the Link Centre received funding from some of the complainants in the SAVA complaint. This is disposed of quite easily. The Link Centre is a research and training body in the field of information and communications technology, policy, regulation and management. It is the only major organization in South Africa that focuses on these matters. It has published internationally and presented papers at conferences. While it is correct that the some of the complainants funded the Centre, the Link Centre also received funding from the government and from Vodacom, a company in which Telkom had a 50 percent shareholding. Its largest funding during the time of the investigation was from Vodacom. Telkom was approached for funding as well but declined to contribute. The donations from industry participants were less than a fifth of local donor contributions and a fraction of the multimillion Rand foreign donor contribution from the Canadian International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The second ground is that, the advisory board of the Link Centre included various people who were closely involved with the complainants at the relevant time, in particular, the co-president of SAVA and the co-president of ISPA. Thirdly, the authors of the Link Centre report made statements and pronouncements that were highly critical of Telkom prior to being employed to prepare the report. These statements are to the effect that Telkom's profits were outrageous; that ICASA's decisions were regularly overturned because of Telkom's influence; and that Telkom by using its monopoly power sought to retard growth of the value-added network and internet sectors and so interfered with the effectiveness of South African business. For example, Ms Gillwald, one of the authors of the Report, stated that 'a consequence of Telkom's unchecked dominance has also had a chilling effect on the partially-liberalised value-added services segment of the telecommunications market, which includes the internet service providers.' None of the statements or publications ascribed to the authors of the report was denied: however, all claims of bias were rejected, and Ms Gillwald deposed that the views of the authors of the report were founded on research.

1 0

Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications for basiccomputer usage Hijacked
by Barrack Otieno 02 Dec '09

02 Dec '09

Wow what a storm, As mentioned earlier, it seems consultations were held but some stakeholders must have been left out, David you are right in proposing for meeting of stakeholders we are in the era of GNU's and all sides must be heard, bwana PS dont get tired of our "Peculiar" habits, i guess KIE should host meeting this since going by the thread this is a matter that touches on the national education curricula, the agenda should be to address "Contentious issues", i commend those who came up with the proposals that tickled our emotions Regards On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 4:45 PM, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > Lets get it right the University teaches the basics the rest is for the > student to find out "I give you the power to read and do al that appertains to > this degree" not "with this degree thou shall be able to develop an erp > system". > > Many of us did out computer applications 101 on amstrad computers and > apples, yet because we got good grounding you are able to quickly learn and > utilise any new application be it wordstar, wordperfect, word or open > office. > > A driving school does not teach night driving or how to get out of mad, > they give you the basics and you pick the rest, so lets stop throwing stones > when we leave in glass houses. > > > Regards > > Robert Yawe > KAY System Technologies Ltd > Phoenix House, 6th Floor > P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 > Kenya > > Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 > > --- On *Wed, 2/12/09, DAI <svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com>* wrote: > > > From: DAI <svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com> > > Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications > forbasiccomputer usage > To: "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru(a)gmail.com>, bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > Cc: "robert yawe" <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk>, > ke-internetusers-bounces(a)bdix.net, "Evans Ikua" <ikua.evans(a)gmail.com>, > "ke-users" <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> > Date: Wednesday, 2 December, 2009, 10:54 > > Dear all, > > There is a danger in involving a standardisation organisation such as KEBS > who deals with product standards and other fixed standards in anything which > deals with rapidly developing standards. > > Kenya is currently suffering from the misconception that ICT education can > be standardised in terms of the content. Therefore, some braindead > universities are still living in the mid-1990's, while offering > ICT-educations not even worth the paper they are distributed on. They are - > however - able to defend their backwardness, in that it is standard !!!! > > Thus, many universities teach Waterfall Model as development model for > Software, even though that model died hard more than a decade ago after > numerous billion dollar scandals. > > Standards in terms of software development which actually reinvents itself > almost every 5th year, shall deal with the standards on a meta level, and > KEBS is not in gear at all, to handle such a challenge. > > Let me be concrete: You can standardise software development by saying that > there shall be planning processes. You can for instance carefully talk about > the V-model for project development - but making it standard would kill the > universities once again. They would now think "V-Model" every time they talk > project development, instead of just thinking about what should be used !! > > You can standardise by specifying that a certain way of looking at software > production can be beneficiary. But don't make it standard. You are at high > risk of locking into our educational system a smart, modern, well thought > out model, which unfortunately turns into a dinosaur after only few years > because of that better systems have evolved. > > Therefore - Software Development IS a scientific area because of that it > develops so very very fast. Therefore one cannot lock the standards down in > heavy documents and books, but should rather standardise the framework in > which the standards can be recorded. > > In our little institute, we revise our educational material annually, and > rest assured that we are some times changing up to 40% of the content - the > market is changing that rapidly, and if we don't follow suit, we will not > maintain our position, ahead of the crowd. > > Therefore - please stay clear of standardisation organisations when we > discuss software, unless you are ready to re-standardise some every 3-4th > year. > > Kind regards > *Digital Age Institute Ltd. > *David Svarrer > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > *From:* Alex Gakuru <http://mc/[email protected]> > *To:* bitange(a)jambo.co.ke <http://mc/[email protected]> > *Cc:* robert yawe <http://mc/[email protected]> ; > ke-internetusers-bounces(a)bdix.net<http://mc/[email protected]>; Evans > Ikua <http://mc/[email protected]> ; ke-users<http://mc/[email protected]>; > DAI <http://mc/[email protected]> > *Sent:* Wednesday, December 02, 2009 1:21 PM > *Subject:* Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications > forbasiccomputer usage > > Asante Dr. Ndemo for scheduled meeting with KASNEB. > > I am actually typing this message from Kenya Bureau of Standards where > I have been attending a Technical Committee ("TC") meeting all > morning. Incidentally, KEBS would be very interested in partnering > with KASNEB on an ICT Standards examinable course( eg e-Learning, > Security, software, telecommunication, etc). > > Daktari, kindly share this with KASNEB CEO? > > regards, > > Alex > > > On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 12:59 PM, <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke<http://mc/[email protected]>> > wrote: > > Robert, > > I am meeting with KASNEB next week to consider a local equivalent > syllabus. Before we started CPA locally, we had to contend with ACCA for > some time. Bottom line we need standards now as we move into more IT enabled > services. Our prospective customers need the standards to gauge from where > we are starting. > > > > I understand all you are saying although it is a challenge for us to > start being more patriotic in all our endeavors. > > > > Regards > > > > Ndemo. > > Sent from my BlackBerry® > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk<http://mc/[email protected]> > > > > Date: Wed, 2 Dec 2009 09:10:11 > > To: Evans Ikua<ikua.evans(a)gmail.com<http://mc/[email protected]>>; > ke-users<ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net<http://mc/[email protected]>>; > DAI<svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com<http://mc/[email protected]> > > > > Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications for > > basiccomputer usage > > > > _______________________________________________ > > ke-internetusers mailing list > > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net<http://mc/[email protected]> > > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > ke-internetusers mailing list > > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net<http://mc/[email protected]> > > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmail… > > -- Barrack O. Otieno Administrative Manager Afriregister Ltd (Ke) P.o.Box 21682 Nairobi 00100 Tel: +254721325277 +254733206359 +254202498789 Riara Road, Bamboo Lane www.afriregister.com www.afriregister.co.ke ICANN accredited registrar. Skype: barrack.otieno

1 0

Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications forbasiccomputer usage
by robert yawe 02 Dec '09

02 Dec '09

Lets get it right the University teaches the basics the rest is for the student to find out "I give you the power to read and do al that appertains to this degree" not "with this degree thou shall be able to develop an erp system". Many of us did out computer applications 101 on amstrad computers and apples, yet because we got good grounding you are able to quickly learn and utilise any new application be it wordstar, wordperfect, word or open office. A driving school does not teach night driving or how to get out of mad, they give you the basics and you pick the rest, so lets stop throwing stones when we leave in glass houses. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 --- On Wed, 2/12/09, DAI <svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com> wrote: From: DAI <svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com> Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications forbasiccomputer usage To: "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru(a)gmail.com>, bitange(a)jambo.co.ke Cc: "robert yawe" <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk>, ke-internetusers-bounces(a)bdix.net, "Evans Ikua" <ikua.evans(a)gmail.com>, "ke-users" <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> Date: Wednesday, 2 December, 2009, 10:54 Dear all, There is a danger in involving a standardisation organisation such as KEBS who deals with product standards and other fixed standards in anything which deals with rapidly developing standards. Kenya is currently suffering from the misconception that ICT education can be standardised in terms of the content. Therefore, some braindead universities are still living in the mid-1990's, while offering ICT-educations not even worth the paper they are distributed on. They are - however - able to defend their backwardness, in that it is standard !!!! Thus, many universities teach Waterfall Model as development model for Software, even though that model died hard more than a decade ago after numerous billion dollar scandals. Standards in terms of software development which actually reinvents itself almost every 5th year, shall deal with the standards on a meta level, and KEBS is not in gear at all, to handle such a challenge. Let me be concrete: You can standardise software development by saying that there shall be planning processes. You can for instance carefully talk about the V-model for project development - but making it standard would kill the universities once again. They would now think "V-Model" every time they talk project development, instead of just thinking about what should be used !! You can standardise by specifying that a certain way of looking at software production can be beneficiary. But don't make it standard. You are at high risk of locking into our educational system a smart, modern, well thought out model, which unfortunately turns into a dinosaur after only few years because of that better systems have evolved. Therefore - Software Development IS a scientific area because of that it develops so very very fast. Therefore one cannot lock the standards down in heavy documents and books, but should rather standardise the framework in which the standards can be recorded. In our little institute, we revise our educational material annually, and rest assured that we are some times changing up to 40% of the content - the market is changing that rapidly, and if we don't follow suit, we will not maintain our position, ahead of the crowd. Therefore - please stay clear of standardisation organisations when we discuss software, unless you are ready to re-standardise some every 3-4th year. Kind regards Digital Age Institute Ltd. David Svarrer ----- Original Message ----- From: Alex Gakuru To: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke Cc: robert yawe ; ke-internetusers-bounces(a)bdix.net ; Evans Ikua ; ke-users ; DAI Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 1:21 PM Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications forbasiccomputer usage Asante Dr. Ndemo for scheduled meeting with KASNEB. I am actually typing this message from Kenya Bureau of Standards where I have been attending a Technical Committee ("TC") meeting all morning. Incidentally, KEBS would be very interested in partnering with KASNEB on an ICT Standards examinable course( eg e-Learning, Security, software, telecommunication, etc). Daktari, kindly share this with KASNEB CEO? regards, Alex On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 12:59 PM, <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> wrote: > Robert, > I am meeting with KASNEB next week to consider a local equivalent syllabus. Before we started CPA locally, we had to contend with ACCA for some time. Bottom line we need standards now as we move into more IT enabled services. Our prospective customers need the standards to gauge from where we are starting. > > I understand all you are saying although it is a challenge for us to start being more patriotic in all our endeavors. > > Regards > > Ndemo. > Sent from my BlackBerry® > > -----Original Message----- > From: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> > Date: Wed, 2 Dec 2009 09:10:11 > To: Evans Ikua<ikua.evans(a)gmail.com>; ke-users<ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net>; DAI<svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com> > Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications for > basiccomputer usage > > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers >

1 0

ICDL and foreign certifications for basiccomputer usage
by robert yawe 02 Dec '09

02 Dec '09

Hi, I have always said that Kenya has no shortage of thinkers, James why not run an online demonstration of your systems where we can participate without having to leave our cozy dens. Lets utilise technology to achieve our objectives. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 --- On Wed, 2/12/09, joseph james <jjngatia(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: joseph james <jjngatia(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications for basiccomputer usage To: "robert yawe" <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Cc: "Evans Ikua" <ikua.evans(a)gmail.com>, "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru(a)gmail.com>, "Walubengo J" <jwalu(a)yahoo.com>, "ke-users" <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> Date: Wednesday, 2 December, 2009, 10:50 Robert, Thanks for the collective view. I can say that our company, Octopus ICT solutions has built the capacity in regards to global eLearning solutions visit www.easyLearning.co.ke and www.octopusict.com Our EasyLearning courses are distributed using scratch cards and Pin Code technology. Each card unlocks one course for a period of 3 months and each course has inbult exams with certificates options for each course completed. This is likened to a mock preparation phase prior to Invigilation where the student takes final exam for a curriculum of courses of choice like Project management, sales, marketing and so on... Ware also working with KDN on the DVN project the current with regards to supplying consumable eLearning solutions to users at grassroot level thro the Scratch card technology. We have piloted this in 4 Digital centers. I must say that this is a revenue generating scheme for DVN operators who will get the cards on commision for redistibution. The retail price is Kshs. 800 for any course on the easyLearning form. For example It will cost 800x7 for the 7 ICDL courses. Users can pursue certification as when and where they choose for a cost of say 8400 to 10000. The training and certification cost is approx. 14000 to 16000. In short, our eLearning idea like you mentioned, is in itself a business case for setting up a Digital village where people can use it a eLearning centre. It will be a great oppportunity to develop a similar IT curriculum for KASNEB and other organisations who choose to digitize their curricula. Let me know what you think on the above. Thank you for your veiws. On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 1:19 PM, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: Walubengo, We need to let the experts do what they do best, KASNEB can examine any subject, I believe we need to develop and strengthen such institutions. Dr. Bitange has indicated that he is meeting KASNEB to discuss the same, lets all pray for the best. I noted a few people on this list are e-learning experts can they please start sending proposals to KASNEB and the ministry on how we can have the training offered electronically and also the examinations. This would be ideal as a revenue stream for the so called DigitalVillages. Don't hide your light under a bushel. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 --- On Wed, 2/12/09, Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: From: Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications for basiccomputer usage To: "Evans Ikua" <ikua.evans(a)gmail.com>, "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru(a)gmail.com>, "robert yawe" <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Cc: "ke-users" <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> Date: Wednesday, 2 December, 2009, 10:09 Yawe, by the way, I had not seen that connection between ICDL and KASNEB. Actually KASNEB is doing what the government is attempting to do through ICDL. Indeed the IT Technician Exams (ICTT) provides "Computer Application Packages" (=ICDL) as just as one of its 6modules. Why not ask KASNEB to extract and repackage that exam into one that competes with ICDL? They have the infrastructure to execute this. Unfortunately some IT professionals felt and continue to feel that KASNEB should not "eat" into the IT market and should remain in the "accounting" side of things. However, KASNEB has evolved into an examinations brand and has the procedures and structures to literally examine anything thrown its way ;-) walu. nb: proclaimer:-i do happen to have some affiliation with KASNEB. --- On Wed, 12/2/09, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: From: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications for basiccomputer usage To: "Evans Ikua" <ikua.evans(a)gmail.com>, "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru(a)gmail.com> Cc: "ke-users" <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 1:19 PM Alex, I love a thought through response like this one, if KASNEB are good enough to certify our bean counters (read accountants) what makes them incompetent when it comes to developing an IT proficiency curriculum and examination? The KASNEB finance certification is recognized worldwide, I repeat worldwide and is treated as gospel within the greater east African region. An accountant is responsible for higher value activity so if we can test accountants why not IT proficiency. Come to think of it we even exam and certify doctors who last time I checked provide a more critical service than a typist using a work processor. Alex thanks for your input, now who will nip this new "anglo leasing" scam in the bud? Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 --- On Tue, 1/12/09, Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications for basiccomputer usage To: "Evans Ikua" <ikua.evans(a)gmail.com> Cc: "ke-users" <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> Date: Tuesday, 1 December, 2009, 5:21 Evans, You may be pleased to know that the Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board (KASNEB) in 2006 introduced two examinable courses( 1 Professional Level("CICT"), 1 Technician Level"ICTT"). Last week, KASNEB Secretary and CEO kindly send me copies of the syllabus -(commencement June 2009) I have copied this message to KASNEB CEO with the hope that they may be interested in joining this list at least for the purpose of this discussion? Kind regards, Alex On Mon, Nov 30, 2009 at 9:32 PM, Josiah Mugambi <jmugambi(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Evan's argument was regarding the cost of certification, not platform - and > whether KIE can develop a local certification instead of 'sending forex > abroad' > > On Nov 30, 2009 8:58 PM, "DAI" <svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com> wrote: > > ICDL is platform independent. Period. > >> > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Evans Ikua > To: ke-users > Sent: >> > Monday, November 30, 200... > > ________________________________ > > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers -- Kind regards, James J Ngatia Q: I could not, at any age, be content to take my place by the fireside and simply look on. Life was meant to be lived. Curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life. ELEANOR ROOSEVELT:

1 0

Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications forbasiccomputer usage
by robert yawe 02 Dec '09

02 Dec '09

Hi David, We need to move forward and set the stage for the rest, all we need is to talk to KDN, OrangeTelkom or Safaricom to setup a conferencing server and we can have this brainstorm virtually. We where all up in arms when the cabinet went to Mombasa on a 11 million bonding session. Most of them are over 60 so they need a siesta after every 2 hours on activity, they don't know any better so lets show by example. If one of those mentioned above is game then I am ready to offer my time and skill to run the virtual conference. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 --- On Wed, 2/12/09, DAI <svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com> wrote: From: DAI <svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com> Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications forbasiccomputer usage To: "LEO" <onyango.liech(a)gmail.com>, bitange(a)jambo.co.ke Cc: "robert yawe" <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk>, ke-internetusers-bounces(a)bdix.net, "Evans Ikua" <ikua.evans(a)gmail.com>, "ke-users" <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> Date: Wednesday, 2 December, 2009, 10:45 Dear all, How about that we call for a grand meeting where we will do systematic brainstorming on the curriculum for the future ICT educations here in Kenya ? There are various very effective and systematic brain storming methods which can be used in large groups to reach consensus and conclusions in only 2-3 days. How do we gather the necessary financial support to make such an event take place for instance in January, we would in that case advertise the event in the Digital Age Journal, January 2010 issue, and we would report from the event in the February 2010 issue. I would propose that we simply meet, every one who have a positive interest in making Kenya a preferred outsourcing destination for High Tech - for instance in Software Development - and then we talk and systematically record what transpires.. Proposals welcome. We could have initial meetings in our institute. I propose that we meet for instance on Sunday, the 8th of December 2009, at 14:00. Our address is View Park Towers, 16th floor, Nairobi City. (Next to Anniversary Towers and opposite Alliance Francaise. Kind regards Digital Age Institute Ltd. David Svarrer ----- Original Message ----- From: LEO To: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke Cc: robert yawe ; ke-internetusers-bounces(a)bdix.net ; Evans Ikua ; ke-users ; DAI Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 1:14 PM Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications forbasiccomputer usage I agree with the PS on the fact that we need to start from somewhere in terms of standards. It is a high time we started putting a caveat to guide towards best practice and good quality of the educational requirements. on the same line, we need to start vetting the graduates that come from the numerous universities with an IT based degree. Some of these degrees produce half baked graduates. LEO On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 12:59 PM, <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> wrote: Robert, I am meeting with KASNEB next week to consider a local equivalent syllabus. Before we started CPA locally, we had to contend with ACCA for some time. Bottom line we need standards now as we move into more IT enabled services. Our prospective customers need the standards to gauge from where we are starting. I understand all you are saying although it is a challenge for us to start being more patriotic in all our endeavors. Regards Ndemo. Sent from my BlackBerry® -----Original Message----- From: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Date: Wed, 2 Dec 2009 09:10:11 To: Evans Ikua<ikua.evans(a)gmail.com>; ke-users<ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net>; DAI<svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com> Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications for basiccomputer usage _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers -- -- Regards LEO

1 0

unsubscribing from the list; Marja Simojoki
by Simojoki Marja 02 Dec '09

02 Dec '09

Hi, I am leaving Kenya for good. Kindly drop me from the mailing list. It has been interesting reading, indeed! Best regards, Marja Simojoki Senior Programme Officer Embassy of Finland Tel: 020 3750721,22,23,24,26,27 P.O. Box 30379 Nairobi 00100, Kenya Eden Square, Block 3, 6th Floor Greenway Road, off Westlands Rd sanomat.nai(a)formin.fi<mailto:[email protected]> www.finland.or.ke<http://www.finland.or.ke> Please consider the environment - do you really need to print this email?

4 3

Sir Tim Berners-lee web inventor
by robert yawe 02 Dec '09

02 Dec '09

I wish we could get to the gist of the issue, what matters is whether we heard what Sir Tim said about putting Kenya on the web map (world map is obsolete). >From the little I got of his speech that we all need to take home is generate content, do not try and filter or analyse just put local content on the web everything else is just domo domo (a really love political statements) an issue I have been thinking and preaching for years. As one great mind said to another, great minds think alike. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

1 0

God did it, why can't we? UN ponders 'Net "10 commandments"
by alice 01 Dec '09

01 Dec '09

God did it, why can't we? UN ponders 'Net "10 commandments" http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/11/god-did-it-why-cant-we-un-p… Turns out God had a pretty hot idea all those years ago. As the UN-backed Internet Governance Forum 2009 met last week just a stone's throw from Mount Sinai, some wondered whether it wasn't time to draft a "10 commandments" for the Internet. And everyone had ideas about what should be on it. By Janna Quitney Anderson <http://arstechnica.com/author/nate-anderson/> | Last updated November 23, 2009 1:07 PM Write a new 10 Commandments of the Internet, Peter proposed, and draft them on a tablet PC on Mount Sinai. The "Peter" in question was Internet historian Ian Peter, and the place was the UN-backed Internet Governance Forum 2009 held last week in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, a few kilometers from Mount Sinai. Peter's model for his proposed commandments isn't Moses, but the engineers and computer science guys who dreamed up the Internet back in the 1960s, building it through an amazingly open and collaborative effort that continues functioning to this day. When he asked if anyone would be interested in formally documenting the principles of the Internet ethos, Internet ecosystem or whatever one might call it, hands shot up all around the room. Thou shalt document thy networking principles An all-star lineup of folks at the top echelon of the organizations that arose out of the principles established in the 1960s were at IGF 2009 to speak, and represented organizations such as the Internet Society, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. And everyone had an opinion about the issues most central to the Internet. Daniel Dardailler of W3C said, "Computer science principles require that layers can work separately. The Web sits on top of the Internet. This separation is important. Everything has to be extensible. You want only one root—you want unique ID—we need to keep one root. The Web is putting data in the pipe and we don’t want the data to go faster through some sites without our knowledge. Common to Internet technology is that we are open-standards and open-source. Everyone should be able to test the system with their own platform. We want our technologies to be royalty-free. For the Web it’s important. We are at the top of the stack—there will be more things later on, but right now we are the interface. Everyone needs to have access to the system. It has to be visible to any type of device. Separation of content from implementation is paramount. Websites should have metadata. “The principle that runs throughout all of what I have said is the principle of choice. I buy a computer in France, I arrive in Egypt, in my hotel I get WiFi and I can use it. We don’t want to go back to a point where we have incompatibility. The Internet has been on the forefront in regard to allowing people to participate in the design of communication.” Alun Michael, a member of the UK Parliament and an active Internet policy maker, said there is a need to be careful to grasp what is important but not to squeeze too hard. “We need to grasp three nettles,” he explained. “First we’re dealing with a future not yet conceived. Management techniques of industry, government, [and] the international community are too slow to keep up with changes on the Internet. Second, the core values are the technical values and they affect the whole of society and not just engineers. Cities don’t often turn out as their architects intended. It’s about the people. We also need to not just listen to young people, we need to hand it over to young people. They talk about the issues in a completely different way and there’s a real and powerful opportunity to use that talent and engagement in a positive way. Third, the IGF process needs to communicate to legislators who do not take an interest in this process in any way. Policymakers are overwhelmed by issues like cybersecurity. We need a proportionate response. My favorite quotation about legislation comes from 1890s: ‘Laws rarely prevent what they forbid.’ We have the opportunity for much better governance in the real-world sense. Do proposals to fix the problem threaten the core values of the Internet? We have to prove that a cooperative approach works. It depends on the right people at the right times do something about it. We have to deliver solutions instead of relying on the last refuge of the policymaker which is to legislate and regulate.” Nathan James, director of OneWebDay, began by bringing up the importance of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. "This is a beautiful expression of one of the most sacred of human rights,” he said. “I would argue that the real value of the Internet is its human network of users and that a discussion of core Internet values must begin with the consideration of the human values of its users. Do users value the end-to-end principle, open innovation systems, a secure root, the most modern version of IP? If they do, most of them don’t know it. Instead, users value the Internet as an expression of their deeper values and aspirations: expression, collaboration, dissent, freedom, democracy, family, friendship, community, opportunity, justice, even fun.” Alejandro Pisanty, a longtime leader in both the Internet Society and ICANN, said he sees core values under threat. “The Internet was conceived as a means of communication between computers,” he said, describing that in the early years of computing nobody knew this would all scale up to be a network of billions of users. “Standards-developing organizations did not imagine this was serious. No network is a simple network. Computer processing power was limited. You had to make things extra-simple to communicate. There was a flat hierarchy. Request for Comments (RFC) 760 has several interesting phrases and statements, including, 'Be liberal with what you receive and conservative with what you send.' This later became part of RFC 1855 on netiquette. It translates to ethics of openness and tolerance of communication.” Pisanty believes these values are in danger. “They can be threatened. It can start with things that come from the corporate world. You should not be privileging one product over others. All packets are equal. It can come from the desire to bring back the owned-network model—the telephone company model—people try to make this happen over and over again. It is one of the tricks we must not fall for. We have to look very carefully from the Internet point of view to not let openness be crushed by constraints that are built into the technology or by other means." Ian Peter then took his own turn, saying, “As a tool for our development, the Internet is an extraordinarily powerful one and an extraordinarily useful one. In 1988, Brian Carpenter said the principle of constant change is probably the only thing that will continue to change indefinitely. In the middle of all of this change, what is it that we need to protect? It’s a great task for us to determine what the core of it is that makes it so exciting.” He listed some of the core values he treasures—his selected list of possibilities for his proposed 10 Commandments: 1. Independence of applications 2. New applications can be added anytime that’s a core value 3. Permissionless innovation 4. Open standards 5. Accessible and globally inclusive—anyone can use it 6. User choice—I can choose what applications I use and where I go to with them 7. Ease of use—I can use it in my language, I can use it in a device I’m familiar with 8. Freedom of expression 9. The ability to change rapidly 10. Trustworthy and reliable is one we have to work on; it’s got to be a core value. Upon completing his list, Peter delivered the clever twist. “Quite coincidentally,” he said, “there are 10 of these. Now here we are in the shadows of Mount Sinai. If we had good remote communication, we could go up there and we could write this on a tablet of stone. “I don’t think [drawing up such a list] is a job for any one organization. I would like us in the IGF to be involved in bringing something forward. We need to find some way for all sorts of people who hold these beliefs quite dearly to express this and get this into a document." /IGF 2009 coverage is provided courtesy of a team from Elon University in North Carolina, USA. Janna Quitney Anderson, director of the Imagining the Internet Center and associate professor in the School of Communications at Elon, wrote this entry. See more on IGF Egypt at www.imaginingtheinternet.org <http://www.imaginingtheinternet.org/>. / /from: /AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

1 0

ICT4ALL.OR.KE Invitation = putting East Africans on the Information Highway
by Grace Bomu 01 Dec '09

01 Dec '09

Dear all, I hope you are well. The ICT Consumers Association of Kenya with the support of the Ministry of Information and Communications and Akiba Uhaki Foundation will be convening an ICT Consumers conference . The Conference will seek to critically look at emerging issues from a rights perspective and develop a consumers position for the upcoming Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) forum on proposed regulations under the Kenya Communucations Act. Date: 12-13 November, 2009 Venue: Multi Media University (Mbagathi) Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm For inquiries or confirmations please contact Grace or Marrtin on 254 020 244 1204/244 1196 www.ict4all.or.ke or email conference(a)ict4all.or.ke More information on the same is attached in the following forward. We look forward to seeing you there. Many thanks, Grace Bomu ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> Date: 2009/11/9 Subject: Please share::.. ICT4ALL.OR.KE Invitation = putting East Africans on the Information Highway To: Grace Mutung'u <nmutungu(a)gmail.com> Dear Grace, Further to advertisements appearing on press, kindly forward below invitation to whomever you feel may be interested. regards, Alex Gakuru --- Dear Eastern Africa ICT Stakeholder, This is to invite you to the 1st Eastern Africa ICT Consumers Convening. Date: 12-13 November, 2009 Venue: Multi Media University (Mbagathi) Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm For more details and a program of events are visit at http://ict4all.or.ke/ Various speakers of diverse backgrounds have confirmed their participation at this 2-day ground-breaking event that seeks to expose the cause(s) why technology does not serve us they it should - like in other regions, and offering regulatory proposals to remedy this serious development predicament. We look forward to your participation and valued contributions that will enrich Kenya Communications (Regulations), 2009. Sincerely, Alex Gakuru, the convener, on behalf of the Organising Committee -- Grace L.N. Mutung'u (Bomu) +254721898732 +254736091242 Kenya

3 2

Re: [kictanet] mailing list
by Pius W Walela 01 Dec '09

01 Dec '09

pwalela(a)strathmore.edu __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4576 (20091105) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com Strathmore University provides all-round education in an atmosphere of freedom and responsibility. This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for use by the recipient(s) to whom it is addressed and may contain confidential information. If you have received this email in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete this email and/or any files attached to it from your computer. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Strathmore University. The University accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damages incurred, or suffered, resulting, or arising, from the use of this email and/or its attachments. The University warrants neither the integrity of the e-mail nor its freedom from errors, viruses, interception or any other form of interference. …………………………………………………………………. Website: www.strathmore.edu

1 0

"Blogging Positively": E-Guide, WAD Chat (Dec 3), and Project
by Janet Feldman 01 Dec '09

01 Dec '09

Dear Friends, Rising Voices (http://rising.globalvoicesonline.org) is pleased to announce the release of "Blogging Positively," a collection of case studies, interviews, and best practices about citizen media related to HIV/AIDS. Copies in PDF form can be downloaded here: http://rising.globalvoicesonline.org/guides In this e-guide, you will be introduced to some of the leaders and veterans of the HIV/AIDS-related blogging community, and also to citizen media projects which aim to spread more awareness about the pandemic. The guide contains tips for workshop facilitators and teachers, and points readers to helpful resources for new bloggers just getting started. The project began two years ago when Kenyan blogger, Serina Kalande, volunteered to lead a working group for Rising Voices--the outreach arm of Global Voices Online--to discuss how citizen media can best be implemented in the field of HIV/AIDS. Rising Voices is especially interested in how new media tools can be used most effectively to spread awareness and encourage discussion about HIV/AIDS-related topics. We also wanted to better understand some of the risks and obstacles facing bloggers who are HIV-positive, or who regularly write about HIV/AIDS-related topics. Four online chats brought together people from all over the world, and from a wide range of fields. In addition to this guide, the participants of the chats and others are collaborating on the creation of a map-based directory of people and groups who blog about HIV/AIDS. This is a link to the map: http://is.gd/545x4 If you are an HIV-positive blogger, someone who blogs about HIV/AIDS, or if you have suggestions for links to add to the directory, please contact Global Voices Public Health Editor, Juhie Bhatia (juhiebhatia(a)gmail.com) or the Blogging Positively Guide creator and co-editor, Janet Feldman (kaippg(a)earthlink.net) The importance and impact of this guide depends on our collective ability to get it into the hands of activists, and to encourage their contributions to the worldwide conversation that is taking place daily at the Global Voices website (http://globalvoicesonline.org) Please consider sharing this with your network of friends and blogging about it. If there are HIV/AIDS organizations and support groups in your region, please send them a copy of the guide. World AIDS Day "Blogging Positively" Chat: December 3, 2009 at 11am EST (USA) To join us, please visit: http://www.worknets.org/chat/base Select "English" and press "Next". We will create chat rooms for other languages if the opportunity arises. The chat will begin at 11am EST (Boston-New York). This is 2pm (Buenos Aires), 4pm (London), 6pm (Cape Town, Beirut), 7pm (Nairobi), 9:30pm (New Delhi) 12am (Dec 4) (Beijing, Manila), 1am (Tokyo), 3am (Dec 4) (Sydney). For other WAD coverage at Global Voices Online: http://globalvoicesonline.org Thanks and hope you will join us for one or all of these activities! Janet Feldman ActALIVE (www.actalive.org) KAIPPG International (www.kaippg.org) Creator and Co-Editor, Blogging Positively Guide (Rising Voices) kaippg(a)earthlink.net

1 0

Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500
by Sam Gatere 30 Nov '09

30 Nov '09

Nice gesture Kai, and If you are serious I'm willing to receive and early Broadband Christmas! But will your pricing go back to normal in January? I guess what we need to hear, are the qualifications of what cheaper really means. Does it mean "more affordable" as it is now with double bandwidth for the same price? or are we talking real shillings? If we say cheaper are we looking at broadband connectivity below Kes 1000 per month or less? SammyG~ On Mon, Nov 30, 2009 at 5:30 PM, kai wulff <kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke> wrote: > This is a different debate about the banking system .. If you ask me, > protection of the banks caused and will continue to cause a problem. > > > > Let us stick to simple products like IP …. At least this can’t be borrowed > or bubbled .. > > > > > > As a X-Mas Present .. What would you say if I gave DSL and Butterfly for > free for December? > > > > Kai > > > > > > > > > > *Von:* kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto: > kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff <kictanet-bounces%2Bkai.wulff>=kdn.co.ke@ > lists.kictanet.or.ke] *Im Auftrag von *Eric M.K Osiakwan > *Gesendet:* Monday, November 30, 2009 16:40 > > *An:* kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > *Cc:* KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > *Betreff:* Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 > for US$100-500 > > > > On 30 Nov 2009, at 06:28, Crystal Watley Kigoni wrote: > > > > Regulatory bodies are designed to ensure fair play. In the case of > Internet connectivity and pricing, the demand for services has outpaced the > production. As it stands. more bandwidth is on its way via sea and air which > will naturally make prices fall. With the landing of the cables, we have a > trickle that we are counting as a landslide. It takes time to implement > capacity. Within the next year prices will fall due to market mechanism not > due to regulatory action. > > Sure but dont forget cartels sometimes are formed to keep the status quo in > competition situations. As for the markets, they have moods which are > determinant. ask yourself, why did the global financial situation not fix > itself, afterall there is still demand and supply in play? > > > > > Crystal Kigoni > > Eric here > > > > > > On Mon, Nov 30, 2009 at 5:59 AM, kai wulff <kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke> wrote: > > Define “artificial”? > > > > Did you divide the cost of a cable by the “available” capacity or by the > anticipated uptake? > > > > Example: > > > > If an A320 costs 6000 USD per flight hour “wet” and has 120 seats, the cost > per passenger seat is 50 USD > > If an A380 costs 20 000 USD per flight hour “wet” and has 800 seats, the > cost per passenger seat is 25 USD > > > > So do we say that a Tour Operator can only sell a seat for USD 25 plus a > small (and again .. What is small) margin? > > > > What if you only fly at 10% load on your first flight … Isn’t your cost per > passenger now 250 USD … > > > > Kai > > > > *Von:* kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto: > kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff <kictanet-bounces%2Bkai.wulff>=kdn.co.ke@ > lists.kictanet.or.ke] *Im Auftrag von *Eric M.K Osiakwan > *Gesendet:* Sunday, November 29, 2009 22:27 > > > *An:* kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > *Cc:* KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > *Betreff:* Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 > for US$100-500 > > > > > > Kai, > > > > I would observe the sabath by writing my last email on this subject. > > > > I was at the said workshop and indeed have worked on the subject > extensively prior to the announcement by the regulator and in the new story, > "supply bandwidth" is the term, otherwise i wont make an apple and oranges > analysis. At least you should credit my non-distortionist approach to this > subject. > > > > The situation we are dealing with is the artificial high price of bandwidth > to the continent which has held back the industry, those prices MUST come > into the realm of reality and then the forces of demand and supply would > make usage and local content the catalyst. Offcourse, education, > electrification etc are all in the value chain. > > > > Eric here > > > > > > On 29 Nov 2009, at 19:00, kai wulff wrote: > > > > Eric, > > > > Please read carefully what I wrote. > > > > I have no problem with meaningful regulation .. This regulation should > focus on promoting usage .. > > > > Your example of the Central Bank does not fit here .. The rate set by a > Central bank would in our case be the cost for which an Operator (Bank) can > buy capacity (borrows money). The Central Banks don’t regulate the retail > end .. > > > > I mentioned before, the main tools to drive down Broadband prices would be > usage and local content. > > > > More usage can be created by education, electrification and other factors. > > > > Rgds > > > > Kai > > > > *Von:* kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto: > kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff <kictanet-bounces%2Bkai.wulff>=kdn.co.ke@ > lists.kictanet.or.ke] *Im Auftrag von *Eric M.K Osiakwan > *Gesendet:* Sunday, November 29, 2009 21:34 > *An:* kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > *Cc:* KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > *Betreff:* Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 > for US$100-500 > > > > Kai, > > > > The Central Bank as the regulator of the financial sector in every economy > sets prime rates and other industry indicators based on their calculation of > the market forces as they interplay with demand and supply. i dont see why > you sense danger with the regulator of the coms industry setting "prime > rate" based on the commoditized calculation..... > > > > You generate a lot of weight in your submission below on the private sector > factors as a basis to slap the need for regulatory intervention in a market > situation that has held the industry back for a very longtime. Am a private > sector spice like you but if there is any lesson for us to learn from the > current global financial crisis, it is that, we need regulatory > interventions in the market theatre as markets have mood and are by that > extension in perfect. > > > > My comment is, all the factors you have enumerated are great but they dont > negate the need for regulatory intervention to bring artificially high > prices down for the masses to have access, a market expansion mechanism. > > > > Eric here > > > > > > > > On 29 Nov 2009, at 17:59, kai wulff wrote: > > > > Eric, > > > > This is exactly the type of statement that is dangerous. It is a little bit > like deflation … > > > > Because everybody expect cheaper prices nobody moves .. And because of > this, uptake is below the potential, usage of the cable is sub optimal and > prices don’t come down … Result: People will wait longer .. > > > > I still don’t understand why we are so set on the E1 price (actually we > should talk about 2M duplex and not old school) for a BPO .. Quality is what > matters .. > > > > With a good quality compression you can push more than 256 calls at any > given time. So in an 8 hour shift you could have 122880 call minutes with > 256 agents .. Assume 70% load, this makes 86016 minutes. Surely, you will > have to terminate them into a network. Assume 0.02USD per minute. > > > > So my question: What is your staff cost? Let’s argue 700KSH per day and > person? Electricity? KSH 20 per day and person? Rent KSH 50 per day and > person (assuming you work 2 shifts, 7 days a week). > > > > Add software, overheads ….. > > > > So now, what is the cost of communication? > > > > Currently an E1 in Kenya costs 1200 USD (not using the free offer) list > price. So we said 2 shifts, 30 days, 70% load .. > > > > 5160960 call minutes a month > > > > That makes 0,0174 KSH per minute (took a rate of 75 to the USD) for the > submarine portion! > > We add KSH 2 for termination = 2,0174 KSH communications per minute > > > > Salaries: 1,45 KSH per minute (and this includes the idle ones or KSH 2,08 > per minute at 70% > > > > You see the contribution of the pure Submarine portion .. It is NEXT TO > NOTHING. > > > > Any comments? > > > > Kai > > > > > > > > > > > > *Von:* kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto: > kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff <kictanet-bounces%2Bkai.wulff>=kdn.co.ke > @lists.kictanet.or.ke] *Im Auftrag von *Eric M.K Osiakwan > *Gesendet:* Sunday, November 29, 2009 20:35 > *An:* kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > *Cc:* KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > *Betreff:* [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for > US$100-500 > > > > A two day workshop called “Fiber Optic Undersea (Submarine) cable”, in > collaboration with West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly > (WATRA) <http://98.130.227.12/>, the German Technical Group (GTZ)<http://www.gtz.de/en/> and > also the National Communications Authority (NCA) <http://www.nca.org.gh/> at > the La Palm Royal Hotel. > > The workshop offered WATRA <http://98.130.227.12/> members the guidance > regarding the regulation of access to new undersea cables and also come up > with adoptable guidelines for issuance of undersea cable licenses and > landing rights agreement. This would ensure the transparency in deployment > and pricing of undersea cables. > > A Member of the Board of Directors of NCA <http://www.nca.org.gh/>, > Solomon Quandzie has observed that the availability of international > bandwidth, coupled with NCA’s plans for licensing additional terrestrial > fiber optic cables systems, and also wireless broadband access (through > things like WiMAX) operators would finally set the deployment of broadband > networks throughout the country and further lay the foundation for rapid > economic growth in the ICT sector. > > He said, application of Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) and > Government’s decentralization program would enhance various e-government > packages which would increase the social-economic development of the > citizenry in a manner never witnessed in this country over the past several > years. > > Quandzie said that the NCA is committed to opening up the market base of > the telecommunication industry by offering an additional fiber optic cable > operator (WACS), which would add more capacity to the existing one, all > within a 24 month period. > > According to Quandzie, the current SAT 3 cable systems provides an > estimated three gigabytes capacity of international bandwidth to the country > at approx systems to become operational, adding that “They will be adding > respectively, for a total of 1,920 gigabytes or 640 fold increase to the > current capacity of international bandwidth in the country”. > > Quandzie said that NCA expectation of a supply bandwidth a price goal of > $100-500 per E1 should be possible within the very near future which would > provide the necessary framework for the attainment of such an outcome. > > He concluded that with the right regulatory framework established, reliable > and affordable broadband networks, coupled with low cost of available > international bandwidth can be provided through undersea fiber optic cables. > (Source: The Ghanaian Chronicle) > > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > > Director > > Internet Research > > www.internetresearch.com.gh > > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > > Fax: +233.21.258811 > > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > > > > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > > Director > > Internet Research > > www.internetresearch.com.gh > > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > > Fax: +233.21.258811 > > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > > > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > > Director > > Internet Research > > www.internetresearch.com.gh > > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > > Fax: +233.21.258811 > > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/crystal%40voicesofafri… > > > > > -- > Crystal "Naliaka" Watley Kigoni > Voices of Africa for Sustainable Development > crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org > http://www.voicesofafrica.org/ > > "You must be the change you wish to see" - Gandhi > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/emko%40internetresearc… > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > > Director > > Internet Research > > www.internetresearch.com.gh > > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > > Fax: +233.21.258811 > > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > >

2 1

Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500
by Eric M.K Osiakwan 30 Nov '09

30 Nov '09

On 30 Nov 2009, at 14:30, kai wulff wrote: > This is a different debate about the banking system .. If you ask me, protection of the banks caused and will continue to cause a problem. Okay, lets discuss this in Cape Town over beer later this week, the tab is on me.... > > Let us stick to simple products like IP …. At least this can’t be borrowed or bubbled .. Agreed but can be hijacked. > > > As a X-Mas Present .. What would you say if I gave DSL and Butterfly for free for December? Sure as an experiment to see uptake over the period. Kai, I must confess, your ability to generate business with humour is impeccable.....:-) Okay, let me not miss my flight, see you in Zuma's South Africa. > > Kai Eric here > > > > > Von: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] Im Auftrag von Eric M.K Osiakwan > Gesendet: Monday, November 30, 2009 16:40 > An: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Betreff: Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500 > > On 30 Nov 2009, at 06:28, Crystal Watley Kigoni wrote: > > > Regulatory bodies are designed to ensure fair play. In the case of Internet connectivity and pricing, the demand for services has outpaced the production. As it stands. more bandwidth is on its way via sea and air which will naturally make prices fall. With the landing of the cables, we have a trickle that we are counting as a landslide. It takes time to implement capacity. Within the next year prices will fall due to market mechanism not due to regulatory action. > Sure but dont forget cartels sometimes are formed to keep the status quo in competition situations. As for the markets, they have moods which are determinant. ask yourself, why did the global financial situation not fix itself, afterall there is still demand and supply in play? > > > > Crystal Kigoni > Eric here > > > > On Mon, Nov 30, 2009 at 5:59 AM, kai wulff <kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke> wrote: > Define “artificial”? > > Did you divide the cost of a cable by the “available” capacity or by the anticipated uptake? > > Example: > > If an A320 costs 6000 USD per flight hour “wet” and has 120 seats, the cost per passenger seat is 50 USD > If an A380 costs 20 000 USD per flight hour “wet” and has 800 seats, the cost per passenger seat is 25 USD > > So do we say that a Tour Operator can only sell a seat for USD 25 plus a small (and again .. What is small) margin? > > What if you only fly at 10% load on your first flight … Isn’t your cost per passenger now 250 USD … > > Kai > > Von: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] Im Auftrag von Eric M.K Osiakwan > Gesendet: Sunday, November 29, 2009 22:27 > > An: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Betreff: Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500 > > > Kai, > > I would observe the sabath by writing my last email on this subject. > > I was at the said workshop and indeed have worked on the subject extensively prior to the announcement by the regulator and in the new story, "supply bandwidth" is the term, otherwise i wont make an apple and oranges analysis. At least you should credit my non-distortionist approach to this subject. > > The situation we are dealing with is the artificial high price of bandwidth to the continent which has held back the industry, those prices MUST come into the realm of reality and then the forces of demand and supply would make usage and local content the catalyst. Offcourse, education, electrification etc are all in the value chain. > > Eric here > > > On 29 Nov 2009, at 19:00, kai wulff wrote: > > > Eric, > > Please read carefully what I wrote. > > I have no problem with meaningful regulation .. This regulation should focus on promoting usage .. > > Your example of the Central Bank does not fit here .. The rate set by a Central bank would in our case be the cost for which an Operator (Bank) can buy capacity (borrows money). The Central Banks don’t regulate the retail end .. > > I mentioned before, the main tools to drive down Broadband prices would be usage and local content. > > More usage can be created by education, electrification and other factors. > > Rgds > > Kai > > Von: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] Im Auftrag von Eric M.K Osiakwan > Gesendet: Sunday, November 29, 2009 21:34 > An: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Betreff: Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500 > > Kai, > > The Central Bank as the regulator of the financial sector in every economy sets prime rates and other industry indicators based on their calculation of the market forces as they interplay with demand and supply. i dont see why you sense danger with the regulator of the coms industry setting "prime rate" based on the commoditized calculation..... > > You generate a lot of weight in your submission below on the private sector factors as a basis to slap the need for regulatory intervention in a market situation that has held the industry back for a very longtime. Am a private sector spice like you but if there is any lesson for us to learn from the current global financial crisis, it is that, we need regulatory interventions in the market theatre as markets have mood and are by that extension in perfect. > > My comment is, all the factors you have enumerated are great but they dont negate the need for regulatory intervention to bring artificially high prices down for the masses to have access, a market expansion mechanism. > > Eric here > > > > On 29 Nov 2009, at 17:59, kai wulff wrote: > > > > Eric, > > This is exactly the type of statement that is dangerous. It is a little bit like deflation … > > Because everybody expect cheaper prices nobody moves .. And because of this, uptake is below the potential, usage of the cable is sub optimal and prices don’t come down … Result: People will wait longer .. > > I still don’t understand why we are so set on the E1 price (actually we should talk about 2M duplex and not old school) for a BPO .. Quality is what matters .. > > With a good quality compression you can push more than 256 calls at any given time. So in an 8 hour shift you could have 122880 call minutes with 256 agents .. Assume 70% load, this makes 86016 minutes. Surely, you will have to terminate them into a network. Assume 0.02USD per minute. > > So my question: What is your staff cost? Let’s argue 700KSH per day and person? Electricity? KSH 20 per day and person? Rent KSH 50 per day and person (assuming you work 2 shifts, 7 days a week). > > Add software, overheads ….. > > So now, what is the cost of communication? > > Currently an E1 in Kenya costs 1200 USD (not using the free offer) list price. So we said 2 shifts, 30 days, 70% load .. > > 5160960 call minutes a month > > That makes 0,0174 KSH per minute (took a rate of 75 to the USD) for the submarine portion! > We add KSH 2 for termination = 2,0174 KSH communications per minute > > Salaries: 1,45 KSH per minute (and this includes the idle ones or KSH 2,08 per minute at 70% > > You see the contribution of the pure Submarine portion .. It is NEXT TO NOTHING. > > Any comments? > > Kai > > > > > > Von: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] Im Auftrag von Eric M.K Osiakwan > Gesendet: Sunday, November 29, 2009 20:35 > An: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Betreff: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500 > > A two day workshop called “Fiber Optic Undersea (Submarine) cable”, in collaboration with West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), the German Technical Group (GTZ) and also the National Communications Authority (NCA) at the La Palm Royal Hotel. > The workshop offered WATRA members the guidance regarding the regulation of access to new undersea cables and also come up with adoptable guidelines for issuance of undersea cable licenses and landing rights agreement. This would ensure the transparency in deployment and pricing of undersea cables. > A Member of the Board of Directors of NCA, Solomon Quandzie has observed that the availability of international bandwidth, coupled with NCA’s plans for licensing additional terrestrial fiber optic cables systems, and also wireless broadband access (through things like WiMAX) operators would finally set the deployment of broadband networks throughout the country and further lay the foundation for rapid economic growth in the ICT sector. > He said, application of Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) and Government’s decentralization program would enhance various e-government packages which would increase the social-economic development of the citizenry in a manner never witnessed in this country over the past several years. > > Quandzie said that the NCA is committed to opening up the market base of the telecommunication industry by offering an additional fiber optic cable operator (WACS), which would add more capacity to the existing one, all within a 24 month period. > > According to Quandzie, the current SAT 3 cable systems provides an estimated three gigabytes capacity of international bandwidth to the country at approx systems to become operational, adding that “They will be adding respectively, for a total of 1,920 gigabytes or 640 fold increase to the current capacity of international bandwidth in the country”. > > Quandzie said that NCA expectation of a supply bandwidth a price goal of $100-500 per E1 should be possible within the very near future which would provide the necessary framework for the attainment of such an outcome. > > He concluded that with the right regulatory framework established, reliable and affordable broadband networks, coupled with low cost of available international bandwidth can be provided through undersea fiber optic cables. > (Source: The Ghanaian Chronicle) > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > Director > Internet Research > www.internetresearch.com.gh > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > Fax: +233.21.258811 > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > Director > Internet Research > www.internetresearch.com.gh > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > Fax: +233.21.258811 > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > Director > Internet Research > www.internetresearch.com.gh > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > Fax: +233.21.258811 > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/crystal%40voicesofafri… > > > > > -- > Crystal "Naliaka" Watley Kigoni > Voices of Africa for Sustainable Development > crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org > http://www.voicesofafrica.org/ > > "You must be the change you wish to see" - Gandhi > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/emko%40internetresearc… > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > Director > Internet Research > www.internetresearch.com.gh > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > Fax: +233.21.258811 > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan Director Internet Research www.internetresearch.com.gh emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 Fax: +233.21.258811 Cell: +233.24.4386792

1 0

Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500
by Eric M.K Osiakwan 30 Nov '09

30 Nov '09

On 30 Nov 2009, at 14:17, kai wulff wrote: > There must be a balanced approach … Absolutely..... > > I am against any form of price regulation .. Not because of greed but because it does not work .. Sometimes it is necessary, the US and Europe has records on that and in recent times Asia. > > Even if an E1 was 200 USD … It is still not in the income bracket … But closer to reality thank 4.5k USD > > Currently you get 4M straight without contention for 600USD list (so 300 per E1) … Now show me the uptake and then we see what happens at the consumer end … I should be asking you that, no? > > If 90% becomes local content and we are using all the Submarine Capacity that lands … Maybe we can have unlimited internet for KSH 100,- a month? Agreed > > Going back to my example of the plane … > > > You are better off paying 50 USD for a ticket that will bring you somewhere you can create value than 25 for a trip that is wasted .. I hope you are not suggesting that international traffic is "wasted" - i would say more local traffic but international capacity is a necessary evil > > Kai Eric here > > Von: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] Im Auftrag von Eric M.K Osiakwan > Gesendet: Monday, November 30, 2009 16:31 > An: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Betreff: Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500 > > Kai, > > There is empirical evidence to support the mass update of broadband if the market price is within the disposable income bracket. You and I had access to the TEAMS feasibility study and the pent up demand was incredible. > > The business case that changes the market adoption is "low margin, high volume" as opposed to the current "high margin, low volume". now i tack that to your example below, the A380 can take 800 seats and charge 25USD so more people can fly but because the "corporate greed" is high, we decided to fit the A320 with 120 seats so we can charge 50USD, allowing only few people to fly - that is an artificial element within the marketplace and sometime you need the big stick to bring it down. > > Look SAT3 cost an e1 $30k to the Cameroonian market and the same cable in Ghana cost en e1 $4.5k to the Ghanaian market. The A320 is flying at 10% on the first flight in Cameroun because of the price to the market, not because the market is not anticipatory. > > MainOne has not landed and yet they have gone public with an e1 between $500 and $600, are they not also in business to make money? > > Eric here > > > On 30 Nov 2009, at 02:59, kai wulff wrote: > > > Define “artificial”? > > Did you divide the cost of a cable by the “available” capacity or by the anticipated uptake? > > Example: > > If an A320 costs 6000 USD per flight hour “wet” and has 120 seats, the cost per passenger seat is 50 USD > If an A380 costs 20 000 USD per flight hour “wet” and has 800 seats, the cost per passenger seat is 25 USD > > So do we say that a Tour Operator can only sell a seat for USD 25 plus a small (and again .. What is small) margin? > > What if you only fly at 10% load on your first flight … Isn’t your cost per passenger now 250 USD … > > Kai > > Von: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] Im Auftrag von Eric M.K Osiakwan > Gesendet: Sunday, November 29, 2009 22:27 > An: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Betreff: Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500 > > Kai, > > I would observe the sabath by writing my last email on this subject. > > I was at the said workshop and indeed have worked on the subject extensively prior to the announcement by the regulator and in the new story, "supply bandwidth" is the term, otherwise i wont make an apple and oranges analysis. At least you should credit my non-distortionist approach to this subject. > > The situation we are dealing with is the artificial high price of bandwidth to the continent which has held back the industry, those prices MUST come into the realm of reality and then the forces of demand and supply would make usage and local content the catalyst. Offcourse, education, electrification etc are all in the value chain. > > Eric here > > > On 29 Nov 2009, at 19:00, kai wulff wrote: > > > > Eric, > > Please read carefully what I wrote. > > I have no problem with meaningful regulation .. This regulation should focus on promoting usage .. > > Your example of the Central Bank does not fit here .. The rate set by a Central bank would in our case be the cost for which an Operator (Bank) can buy capacity (borrows money). The Central Banks don’t regulate the retail end .. > > I mentioned before, the main tools to drive down Broadband prices would be usage and local content. > > More usage can be created by education, electrification and other factors. > > Rgds > > Kai > > Von: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] Im Auftrag von Eric M.K Osiakwan > Gesendet: Sunday, November 29, 2009 21:34 > An: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Betreff: Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500 > > Kai, > > The Central Bank as the regulator of the financial sector in every economy sets prime rates and other industry indicators based on their calculation of the market forces as they interplay with demand and supply. i dont see why you sense danger with the regulator of the coms industry setting "prime rate" based on the commoditized calculation..... > > You generate a lot of weight in your submission below on the private sector factors as a basis to slap the need for regulatory intervention in a market situation that has held the industry back for a very longtime. Am a private sector spice like you but if there is any lesson for us to learn from the current global financial crisis, it is that, we need regulatory interventions in the market theatre as markets have mood and are by that extension in perfect. > > My comment is, all the factors you have enumerated are great but they dont negate the need for regulatory intervention to bring artificially high prices down for the masses to have access, a market expansion mechanism. > > Eric here > > > > On 29 Nov 2009, at 17:59, kai wulff wrote: > > > > > Eric, > > This is exactly the type of statement that is dangerous. It is a little bit like deflation … > > Because everybody expect cheaper prices nobody moves .. And because of this, uptake is below the potential, usage of the cable is sub optimal and prices don’t come down … Result: People will wait longer .. > > I still don’t understand why we are so set on the E1 price (actually we should talk about 2M duplex and not old school) for a BPO .. Quality is what matters .. > > With a good quality compression you can push more than 256 calls at any given time. So in an 8 hour shift you could have 122880 call minutes with 256 agents .. Assume 70% load, this makes 86016 minutes. Surely, you will have to terminate them into a network. Assume 0.02USD per minute. > > So my question: What is your staff cost? Let’s argue 700KSH per day and person? Electricity? KSH 20 per day and person? Rent KSH 50 per day and person (assuming you work 2 shifts, 7 days a week). > > Add software, overheads ….. > > So now, what is the cost of communication? > > Currently an E1 in Kenya costs 1200 USD (not using the free offer) list price. So we said 2 shifts, 30 days, 70% load .. > > 5160960 call minutes a month > > That makes 0,0174 KSH per minute (took a rate of 75 to the USD) for the submarine portion! > We add KSH 2 for termination = 2,0174 KSH communications per minute > > Salaries: 1,45 KSH per minute (and this includes the idle ones or KSH 2,08 per minute at 70% > > You see the contribution of the pure Submarine portion .. It is NEXT TO NOTHING. > > Any comments? > > Kai > > > > > > Von: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] Im Auftrag von Eric M.K Osiakwan > Gesendet: Sunday, November 29, 2009 20:35 > An: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Betreff: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500 > > A two day workshop called “Fiber Optic Undersea (Submarine) cable”, in collaboration with West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), the German Technical Group (GTZ) and also the National Communications Authority (NCA) at the La Palm Royal Hotel. > The workshop offered WATRA members the guidance regarding the regulation of access to new undersea cables and also come up with adoptable guidelines for issuance of undersea cable licenses and landing rights agreement. This would ensure the transparency in deployment and pricing of undersea cables. > A Member of the Board of Directors of NCA, Solomon Quandzie has observed that the availability of international bandwidth, coupled with NCA’s plans for licensing additional terrestrial fiber optic cables systems, and also wireless broadband access (through things like WiMAX) operators would finally set the deployment of broadband networks throughout the country and further lay the foundation for rapid economic growth in the ICT sector. > He said, application of Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) and Government’s decentralization program would enhance various e-government packages which would increase the social-economic development of the citizenry in a manner never witnessed in this country over the past several years. > > Quandzie said that the NCA is committed to opening up the market base of the telecommunication industry by offering an additional fiber optic cable operator (WACS), which would add more capacity to the existing one, all within a 24 month period. > > According to Quandzie, the current SAT 3 cable systems provides an estimated three gigabytes capacity of international bandwidth to the country at approx systems to become operational, adding that “They will be adding respectively, for a total of 1,920 gigabytes or 640 fold increase to the current capacity of international bandwidth in the country”. > > Quandzie said that NCA expectation of a supply bandwidth a price goal of $100-500 per E1 should be possible within the very near future which would provide the necessary framework for the attainment of such an outcome. > > He concluded that with the right regulatory framework established, reliable and affordable broadband networks, coupled with low cost of available international bandwidth can be provided through undersea fiber optic cables. > (Source: The Ghanaian Chronicle) > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > Director > Internet Research > www.internetresearch.com.gh > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > Fax: +233.21.258811 > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > Director > Internet Research > www.internetresearch.com.gh > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > Fax: +233.21.258811 > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > Director > Internet Research > www.internetresearch.com.gh > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > Fax: +233.21.258811 > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > Director > Internet Research > www.internetresearch.com.gh > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > Fax: +233.21.258811 > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan Director Internet Research www.internetresearch.com.gh emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 Fax: +233.21.258811 Cell: +233.24.4386792

1 0

Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500
by Crystal Watley Kigoni 30 Nov '09

30 Nov '09

Regulatory bodies are designed to ensure fair play. In the case of Internet connectivity and pricing, the demand for services has outpaced the production. As it stands. more bandwidth is on its way via sea and air which will naturally make prices fall. With the landing of the cables, we have a trickle that we are counting as a landslide. It takes time to implement capacity. Within the next year prices will fall due to market mechanism not due to regulatory action. Crystal Kigoni On Mon, Nov 30, 2009 at 5:59 AM, kai wulff <kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke> wrote: > Define “artificial”? > > > > Did you divide the cost of a cable by the “available” capacity or by the > anticipated uptake? > > > > Example: > > > > If an A320 costs 6000 USD per flight hour “wet” and has 120 seats, the cost > per passenger seat is 50 USD > > If an A380 costs 20 000 USD per flight hour “wet” and has 800 seats, the > cost per passenger seat is 25 USD > > > > So do we say that a Tour Operator can only sell a seat for USD 25 plus a > small (and again .. What is small) margin? > > > > What if you only fly at 10% load on your first flight … Isn’t your cost per > passenger now 250 USD … > > > > Kai > > > > *Von:* kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto: > kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff <kictanet-bounces%2Bkai.wulff>=kdn.co.ke@ > lists.kictanet.or.ke] *Im Auftrag von *Eric M.K Osiakwan > *Gesendet:* Sunday, November 29, 2009 22:27 > > *An:* kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > *Cc:* KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > *Betreff:* Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 > for US$100-500 > > > > Kai, > > > > I would observe the sabath by writing my last email on this subject. > > > > I was at the said workshop and indeed have worked on the subject > extensively prior to the announcement by the regulator and in the new story, > "supply bandwidth" is the term, otherwise i wont make an apple and oranges > analysis. At least you should credit my non-distortionist approach to this > subject. > > > > The situation we are dealing with is the artificial high price of bandwidth > to the continent which has held back the industry, those prices MUST come > into the realm of reality and then the forces of demand and supply would > make usage and local content the catalyst. Offcourse, education, > electrification etc are all in the value chain. > > > > Eric here > > > > > > On 29 Nov 2009, at 19:00, kai wulff wrote: > > > > Eric, > > > > Please read carefully what I wrote. > > > > I have no problem with meaningful regulation .. This regulation should > focus on promoting usage .. > > > > Your example of the Central Bank does not fit here .. The rate set by a > Central bank would in our case be the cost for which an Operator (Bank) can > buy capacity (borrows money). The Central Banks don’t regulate the retail > end .. > > > > I mentioned before, the main tools to drive down Broadband prices would be > usage and local content. > > > > More usage can be created by education, electrification and other factors. > > > > Rgds > > > > Kai > > > > *Von:* kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto: > kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff <kictanet-bounces%2Bkai.wulff>=kdn.co.ke@ > lists.kictanet.or.ke] *Im Auftrag von *Eric M.K Osiakwan > *Gesendet:* Sunday, November 29, 2009 21:34 > *An:* kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > *Cc:* KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > *Betreff:* Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 > for US$100-500 > > > > Kai, > > > > The Central Bank as the regulator of the financial sector in every economy > sets prime rates and other industry indicators based on their calculation of > the market forces as they interplay with demand and supply. i dont see why > you sense danger with the regulator of the coms industry setting "prime > rate" based on the commoditized calculation..... > > > > You generate a lot of weight in your submission below on the private sector > factors as a basis to slap the need for regulatory intervention in a market > situation that has held the industry back for a very longtime. Am a private > sector spice like you but if there is any lesson for us to learn from the > current global financial crisis, it is that, we need regulatory > interventions in the market theatre as markets have mood and are by that > extension in perfect. > > > > My comment is, all the factors you have enumerated are great but they dont > negate the need for regulatory intervention to bring artificially high > prices down for the masses to have access, a market expansion mechanism. > > > > Eric here > > > > > > > > On 29 Nov 2009, at 17:59, kai wulff wrote: > > > > > Eric, > > > > This is exactly the type of statement that is dangerous. It is a little bit > like deflation … > > > > Because everybody expect cheaper prices nobody moves .. And because of > this, uptake is below the potential, usage of the cable is sub optimal and > prices don’t come down … Result: People will wait longer .. > > > > I still don’t understand why we are so set on the E1 price (actually we > should talk about 2M duplex and not old school) for a BPO .. Quality is what > matters .. > > > > With a good quality compression you can push more than 256 calls at any > given time. So in an 8 hour shift you could have 122880 call minutes with > 256 agents .. Assume 70% load, this makes 86016 minutes. Surely, you will > have to terminate them into a network. Assume 0.02USD per minute. > > > > So my question: What is your staff cost? Let’s argue 700KSH per day and > person? Electricity? KSH 20 per day and person? Rent KSH 50 per day and > person (assuming you work 2 shifts, 7 days a week). > > > > Add software, overheads ….. > > > > So now, what is the cost of communication? > > > > Currently an E1 in Kenya costs 1200 USD (not using the free offer) list > price. So we said 2 shifts, 30 days, 70% load .. > > > > 5160960 call minutes a month > > > > That makes 0,0174 KSH per minute (took a rate of 75 to the USD) for the > submarine portion! > > We add KSH 2 for termination = 2,0174 KSH communications per minute > > > > Salaries: 1,45 KSH per minute (and this includes the idle ones or KSH 2,08 > per minute at 70% > > > > You see the contribution of the pure Submarine portion .. It is NEXT TO > NOTHING. > > > > Any comments? > > > > Kai > > > > > > > > > > > > *Von:* kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto: > kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff <kictanet-bounces%2Bkai.wulff>=kdn.co.ke > @lists.kictanet.or.ke] *Im Auftrag von *Eric M.K Osiakwan > *Gesendet:* Sunday, November 29, 2009 20:35 > *An:* kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > *Cc:* KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > *Betreff:* [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for > US$100-500 > > > > A two day workshop called “Fiber Optic Undersea (Submarine) cable”, in > collaboration with West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly > (WATRA) <http://98.130.227.12/>, the German Technical Group (GTZ)<http://www.gtz.de/en/> and > also the National Communications Authority (NCA) <http://www.nca.org.gh/> at > the La Palm Royal Hotel. > > The workshop offered WATRA <http://98.130.227.12/> members the guidance > regarding the regulation of access to new undersea cables and also come up > with adoptable guidelines for issuance of undersea cable licenses and > landing rights agreement. This would ensure the transparency in deployment > and pricing of undersea cables. > > A Member of the Board of Directors of NCA <http://www.nca.org.gh/>, > Solomon Quandzie has observed that the availability of international > bandwidth, coupled with NCA’s plans for licensing additional terrestrial > fiber optic cables systems, and also wireless broadband access (through > things like WiMAX) operators would finally set the deployment of broadband > networks throughout the country and further lay the foundation for rapid > economic growth in the ICT sector. > > He said, application of Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) and > Government’s decentralization program would enhance various e-government > packages which would increase the social-economic development of the > citizenry in a manner never witnessed in this country over the past several > years. > > Quandzie said that the NCA is committed to opening up the market base of > the telecommunication industry by offering an additional fiber optic cable > operator (WACS), which would add more capacity to the existing one, all > within a 24 month period. > > According to Quandzie, the current SAT 3 cable systems provides an > estimated three gigabytes capacity of international bandwidth to the country > at approx systems to become operational, adding that “They will be adding > respectively, for a total of 1,920 gigabytes or 640 fold increase to the > current capacity of international bandwidth in the country”. > > Quandzie said that NCA expectation of a supply bandwidth a price goal of > $100-500 per E1 should be possible within the very near future which would > provide the necessary framework for the attainment of such an outcome. > > He concluded that with the right regulatory framework established, reliable > and affordable broadband networks, coupled with low cost of available > international bandwidth can be provided through undersea fiber optic cables. > (Source: The Ghanaian Chronicle) > > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > > Director > > Internet Research > > www.internetresearch.com.gh > > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > > Fax: +233.21.258811 > > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > > > > > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > > Director > > Internet Research > > www.internetresearch.com.gh > > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > > Fax: +233.21.258811 > > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > > > > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > > Director > > Internet Research > > www.internetresearch.com.gh > > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > > Fax: +233.21.258811 > > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/crystal%40voicesofafri… > > -- Crystal "Naliaka" Watley Kigoni Voices of Africa for Sustainable Development crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org http://www.voicesofafrica.org/ "You must be the change you wish to see" - Gandhi

3 2

Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500
by Eric M.K Osiakwan 30 Nov '09

30 Nov '09

Kai, There is empirical evidence to support the mass update of broadband if the market price is within the disposable income bracket. You and I had access to the TEAMS feasibility study and the pent up demand was incredible. The business case that changes the market adoption is "low margin, high volume" as opposed to the current "high margin, low volume". now i tack that to your example below, the A380 can take 800 seats and charge 25USD so more people can fly but because the "corporate greed" is high, we decided to fit the A320 with 120 seats so we can charge 50USD, allowing only few people to fly - that is an artificial element within the marketplace and sometime you need the big stick to bring it down. Look SAT3 cost an e1 $30k to the Cameroonian market and the same cable in Ghana cost en e1 $4.5k to the Ghanaian market. The A320 is flying at 10% on the first flight in Cameroun because of the price to the market, not because the market is not anticipatory. MainOne has not landed and yet they have gone public with an e1 between $500 and $600, are they not also in business to make money? Eric here On 30 Nov 2009, at 02:59, kai wulff wrote: > Define “artificial”? > > Did you divide the cost of a cable by the “available” capacity or by the anticipated uptake? > > Example: > > If an A320 costs 6000 USD per flight hour “wet” and has 120 seats, the cost per passenger seat is 50 USD > If an A380 costs 20 000 USD per flight hour “wet” and has 800 seats, the cost per passenger seat is 25 USD > > So do we say that a Tour Operator can only sell a seat for USD 25 plus a small (and again .. What is small) margin? > > What if you only fly at 10% load on your first flight … Isn’t your cost per passenger now 250 USD … > > Kai > > Von: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] Im Auftrag von Eric M.K Osiakwan > Gesendet: Sunday, November 29, 2009 22:27 > An: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Betreff: Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500 > > Kai, > > I would observe the sabath by writing my last email on this subject. > > I was at the said workshop and indeed have worked on the subject extensively prior to the announcement by the regulator and in the new story, "supply bandwidth" is the term, otherwise i wont make an apple and oranges analysis. At least you should credit my non-distortionist approach to this subject. > > The situation we are dealing with is the artificial high price of bandwidth to the continent which has held back the industry, those prices MUST come into the realm of reality and then the forces of demand and supply would make usage and local content the catalyst. Offcourse, education, electrification etc are all in the value chain. > > Eric here > > > On 29 Nov 2009, at 19:00, kai wulff wrote: > > > Eric, > > Please read carefully what I wrote. > > I have no problem with meaningful regulation .. This regulation should focus on promoting usage .. > > Your example of the Central Bank does not fit here .. The rate set by a Central bank would in our case be the cost for which an Operator (Bank) can buy capacity (borrows money). The Central Banks don’t regulate the retail end .. > > I mentioned before, the main tools to drive down Broadband prices would be usage and local content. > > More usage can be created by education, electrification and other factors. > > Rgds > > Kai > > Von: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] Im Auftrag von Eric M.K Osiakwan > Gesendet: Sunday, November 29, 2009 21:34 > An: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Betreff: Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500 > > Kai, > > The Central Bank as the regulator of the financial sector in every economy sets prime rates and other industry indicators based on their calculation of the market forces as they interplay with demand and supply. i dont see why you sense danger with the regulator of the coms industry setting "prime rate" based on the commoditized calculation..... > > You generate a lot of weight in your submission below on the private sector factors as a basis to slap the need for regulatory intervention in a market situation that has held the industry back for a very longtime. Am a private sector spice like you but if there is any lesson for us to learn from the current global financial crisis, it is that, we need regulatory interventions in the market theatre as markets have mood and are by that extension in perfect. > > My comment is, all the factors you have enumerated are great but they dont negate the need for regulatory intervention to bring artificially high prices down for the masses to have access, a market expansion mechanism. > > Eric here > > > > On 29 Nov 2009, at 17:59, kai wulff wrote: > > > > Eric, > > This is exactly the type of statement that is dangerous. It is a little bit like deflation … > > Because everybody expect cheaper prices nobody moves .. And because of this, uptake is below the potential, usage of the cable is sub optimal and prices don’t come down … Result: People will wait longer .. > > I still don’t understand why we are so set on the E1 price (actually we should talk about 2M duplex and not old school) for a BPO .. Quality is what matters .. > > With a good quality compression you can push more than 256 calls at any given time. So in an 8 hour shift you could have 122880 call minutes with 256 agents .. Assume 70% load, this makes 86016 minutes. Surely, you will have to terminate them into a network. Assume 0.02USD per minute. > > So my question: What is your staff cost? Let’s argue 700KSH per day and person? Electricity? KSH 20 per day and person? Rent KSH 50 per day and person (assuming you work 2 shifts, 7 days a week). > > Add software, overheads ….. > > So now, what is the cost of communication? > > Currently an E1 in Kenya costs 1200 USD (not using the free offer) list price. So we said 2 shifts, 30 days, 70% load .. > > 5160960 call minutes a month > > That makes 0,0174 KSH per minute (took a rate of 75 to the USD) for the submarine portion! > We add KSH 2 for termination = 2,0174 KSH communications per minute > > Salaries: 1,45 KSH per minute (and this includes the idle ones or KSH 2,08 per minute at 70% > > You see the contribution of the pure Submarine portion .. It is NEXT TO NOTHING. > > Any comments? > > Kai > > > > > > Von: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] Im Auftrag von Eric M.K Osiakwan > Gesendet: Sunday, November 29, 2009 20:35 > An: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Betreff: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500 > > A two day workshop called “Fiber Optic Undersea (Submarine) cable”, in collaboration with West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), the German Technical Group (GTZ) and also the National Communications Authority (NCA) at the La Palm Royal Hotel. > The workshop offered WATRA members the guidance regarding the regulation of access to new undersea cables and also come up with adoptable guidelines for issuance of undersea cable licenses and landing rights agreement. This would ensure the transparency in deployment and pricing of undersea cables. > A Member of the Board of Directors of NCA, Solomon Quandzie has observed that the availability of international bandwidth, coupled with NCA’s plans for licensing additional terrestrial fiber optic cables systems, and also wireless broadband access (through things like WiMAX) operators would finally set the deployment of broadband networks throughout the country and further lay the foundation for rapid economic growth in the ICT sector. > He said, application of Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) and Government’s decentralization program would enhance various e-government packages which would increase the social-economic development of the citizenry in a manner never witnessed in this country over the past several years. > > Quandzie said that the NCA is committed to opening up the market base of the telecommunication industry by offering an additional fiber optic cable operator (WACS), which would add more capacity to the existing one, all within a 24 month period. > > According to Quandzie, the current SAT 3 cable systems provides an estimated three gigabytes capacity of international bandwidth to the country at approx systems to become operational, adding that “They will be adding respectively, for a total of 1,920 gigabytes or 640 fold increase to the current capacity of international bandwidth in the country”. > > Quandzie said that NCA expectation of a supply bandwidth a price goal of $100-500 per E1 should be possible within the very near future which would provide the necessary framework for the attainment of such an outcome. > > He concluded that with the right regulatory framework established, reliable and affordable broadband networks, coupled with low cost of available international bandwidth can be provided through undersea fiber optic cables. > (Source: The Ghanaian Chronicle) > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > Director > Internet Research > www.internetresearch.com.gh > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > Fax: +233.21.258811 > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > Director > Internet Research > www.internetresearch.com.gh > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > Fax: +233.21.258811 > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > Director > Internet Research > www.internetresearch.com.gh > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > Fax: +233.21.258811 > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan Director Internet Research www.internetresearch.com.gh emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 Fax: +233.21.258811 Cell: +233.24.4386792

2 1

ICDL Directive a slap in the face
by robert yawe 30 Nov '09

30 Nov '09

It was with shock and disbelieve when I read an article in the dailies indicating that the government has decided to use the Microsoft certification ICDL (International Computer Driving License) as the approved application compliance qualification. This is definitely a slap in the faces of all those associations and government agencies that have over the years developed generic curriculum for applications certification. How does the government frustrate all this efforts for years just to wake up one morning and literally cripple our institutions because a "donor" as offered "free" services. It is a fact that in 90% of cases the first sniff of cocaine that an addict took was given to them for free, due to its highly addictive properties the dealer knows that it will only be a matter of time before that free sampler becomes a hooked client. The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC), University of Nairobi, Computer Society of Kenya and even Pitmans have tried and tested curriculum for computer applications competency training. What makes this more practical that the ICDL is that they are generic and not product specific. In addition they are cheaper to administer and examine all most of them require is just an upgrade so that exams can be administered online further reducing costs. The cost of examinations for ICDL is Ksh. 24,000/- at an exchange rate of 78/- to the dollar, this is equivalent to 1 year tuition for a University degree program. Are we really serious about encouraging ICT education and effective utilization? "When they came for my neighbour I said nothing, when they came for my brother I said nothing and when they came for me there was no one to say anything" We said nothing when Cisco moved in a set up so called Cisco Academies yet we all knew that this was wrong as Cisco teaches a product specific routing implementation based on their operating system which denies the graduand an open mind when it comes to providing solutions. Microsoft was stopped from providing software and their certification programs to schools in the same way that depo provera was withdrawn from public health facilities in the US & Europe yet like a herd of sheep we adopt all blindly. Can we please stop this madness! Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

5 6

Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500
by Evans Ikua 30 Nov '09

30 Nov '09

To a large extent, I don't believe so much in regulation. I would rather free market economics. But this is only to a certain extent. With the situation we are faced with, I think its close to what we hear from KENIC. That they cant sell their .ke TLDs at a low enough price because they don't have the numbers to sustain their operations. How about they lower the prices and get the numbers? Same thing for the Bandwidth. Lower the prices, get the numbers and the money and content will follow. Haven't we learned anything from the mobile sector? -- Evans Ikua Linux Professional Association of Kenya Tel: +254-20-2250381, Cell: +254-722 955 831 Eagle House, 2nd Floor Kimathi Street, Opp. Corner House www.lpakenya.org Quoting kai wulff <kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke>: > Define "artificial"? > > > > Did you divide the cost of a cable by the "available" capacity or by the > anticipated uptake? > > > > Example: > > > > If an A320 costs 6000 USD per flight hour "wet" and has 120 seats, the cost > per passenger seat is 50 USD > > If an A380 costs 20 000 USD per flight hour "wet" and has 800 seats, the > cost per passenger seat is 25 USD > > > > So do we say that a Tour Operator can only sell a seat for USD 25 plus a > small (and again .. What is small) margin? > > > > What if you only fly at 10% load on your first flight . Isn't your cost per > passenger now 250 USD . > > > > Kai > > > > Von: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > [mailto:[email protected]] Im > Auftrag von Eric M.K Osiakwan > Gesendet: Sunday, November 29, 2009 22:27 > An: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Betreff: Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for > US$100-500 > > > > Kai, > > > > I would observe the sabath by writing my last email on this subject. > > > > I was at the said workshop and indeed have worked on the subject extensively > prior to the announcement by the regulator and in the new story, "supply > bandwidth" is the term, otherwise i wont make an apple and oranges analysis. > At least you should credit my non-distortionist approach to this subject. > > > > The situation we are dealing with is the artificial high price of bandwidth > to the continent which has held back the industry, those prices MUST come > into the realm of reality and then the forces of demand and supply would > make usage and local content the catalyst. Offcourse, education, > electrification etc are all in the value chain. > > > > Eric here > > > > > > On 29 Nov 2009, at 19:00, kai wulff wrote: > > > > > > Eric, > > > > Please read carefully what I wrote. > > > > I have no problem with meaningful regulation .. This regulation should focus > on promoting usage .. > > > > Your example of the Central Bank does not fit here .. The rate set by a > Central bank would in our case be the cost for which an Operator (Bank) can > buy capacity (borrows money). The Central Banks don't regulate the retail > end .. > > > > I mentioned before, the main tools to drive down Broadband prices would be > usage and local content. > > > > More usage can be created by education, electrification and other factors. > > > > Rgds > > > > Kai > > > > Von: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > [mailto:[email protected]] Im > Auftrag von Eric M.K Osiakwan > Gesendet: Sunday, November 29, 2009 21:34 > An: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Betreff: Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for > US$100-500 > > > > Kai, > > > > The Central Bank as the regulator of the financial sector in every economy > sets prime rates and other industry indicators based on their calculation of > the market forces as they interplay with demand and supply. i dont see why > you sense danger with the regulator of the coms industry setting "prime > rate" based on the commoditized calculation..... > > > > You generate a lot of weight in your submission below on the private sector > factors as a basis to slap the need for regulatory intervention in a market > situation that has held the industry back for a very longtime. Am a private > sector spice like you but if there is any lesson for us to learn from the > current global financial crisis, it is that, we need regulatory > interventions in the market theatre as markets have mood and are by that > extension in perfect. > > > > My comment is, all the factors you have enumerated are great but they dont > negate the need for regulatory intervention to bring artificially high > prices down for the masses to have access, a market expansion mechanism. > > > > Eric here > > > > > > > > On 29 Nov 2009, at 17:59, kai wulff wrote: > > > > > > > Eric, > > > > This is exactly the type of statement that is dangerous. It is a little bit > like deflation . > > > > Because everybody expect cheaper prices nobody moves .. And because of this, > uptake is below the potential, usage of the cable is sub optimal and prices > don't come down . Result: People will wait longer .. > > > > I still don't understand why we are so set on the E1 price (actually we > should talk about 2M duplex and not old school) for a BPO .. Quality is what > matters .. > > > > With a good quality compression you can push more than 256 calls at any > given time. So in an 8 hour shift you could have 122880 call minutes with > 256 agents .. Assume 70% load, this makes 86016 minutes. Surely, you will > have to terminate them into a network. Assume 0.02USD per minute. > > > > So my question: What is your staff cost? Let's argue 700KSH per day and > person? Electricity? KSH 20 per day and person? Rent KSH 50 per day and > person (assuming you work 2 shifts, 7 days a week). > > > > Add software, overheads ... > > > > So now, what is the cost of communication? > > > > Currently an E1 in Kenya costs 1200 USD (not using the free offer) list > price. So we said 2 shifts, 30 days, 70% load .. > > > > 5160960 call minutes a month > > > > That makes 0,0174 KSH per minute (took a rate of 75 to the USD) for the > submarine portion! > > We add KSH 2 for termination = 2,0174 KSH communications per minute > > > > Salaries: 1,45 KSH per minute (and this includes the idle ones or KSH 2,08 > per minute at 70% > > > > You see the contribution of the pure Submarine portion .. It is NEXT TO > NOTHING. > > > > Any comments? > > > > Kai > > > > > > > > > > > > Von: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > [mailto:[email protected]] Im > Auftrag von Eric M.K Osiakwan > Gesendet: Sunday, November 29, 2009 20:35 > An: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Betreff: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for > US$100-500 > > > > A two day workshop called "Fiber Optic Undersea (Submarine) cable", in > collaboration with <http://98.130.227.12/> West Africa Telecommunications > Regulators Assembly (WATRA), the <http://www.gtz.de/en/> German Technical > Group (GTZ) and also the <http://www.nca.org.gh/> National Communications > Authority (NCA) at the La Palm Royal Hotel. > > The workshop offered <http://98.130.227.12/> WATRA members the guidance > regarding the regulation of access to new undersea cables and also come up > with adoptable guidelines for issuance of undersea cable licenses and > landing rights agreement. This would ensure the transparency in deployment > and pricing of undersea cables. > > A Member of the Board of Directors of <http://www.nca.org.gh/> NCA, Solomon > Quandzie has observed that the availability of international bandwidth, > coupled with NCA's plans for licensing additional terrestrial fiber optic > cables systems, and also wireless broadband access (through things like > WiMAX) operators would finally set the deployment of broadband networks > throughout the country and further lay the foundation for rapid economic > growth in the ICT sector. > > He said, application of Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) and Government's > decentralization program would enhance various e-government packages which > would increase the social-economic development of the citizenry in a manner > never witnessed in this country over the past several years. > > Quandzie said that the NCA is committed to opening up the market base of the > telecommunication industry by offering an additional fiber optic cable > operator (WACS), which would add more capacity to the existing one, all > within a 24 month period. > > According to Quandzie, the current SAT 3 cable systems provides an estimated > three gigabytes capacity of international bandwidth to the country at approx > systems to become operational, adding that "They will be adding > respectively, for a total of 1,920 gigabytes or 640 fold increase to the > current capacity of international bandwidth in the country". > > Quandzie said that NCA expectation of a supply bandwidth a price goal of > $100-500 per E1 should be possible within the very near future which would > provide the necessary framework for the attainment of such an outcome. > > He concluded that with the right regulatory framework established, reliable > and affordable broadband networks, coupled with low cost of available > international bandwidth can be provided through undersea fiber optic cables. > (Source: The Ghanaian Chronicle) > > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > > Director > > Internet Research > > www.internetresearch.com.gh > > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > > Fax: +233.21.258811 > > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > > Director > > Internet Research > > www.internetresearch.com.gh > > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > > Fax: +233.21.258811 > > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > > Director > > Internet Research > > www.internetresearch.com.gh > > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > > Fax: +233.21.258811 > > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > > > > > > >

1 0

Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500
by Eric M.K Osiakwan 30 Nov '09

30 Nov '09

Kai, I would observe the sabath by writing my last email on this subject. I was at the said workshop and indeed have worked on the subject extensively prior to the announcement by the regulator and in the new story, "supply bandwidth" is the term, otherwise i wont make an apple and oranges analysis. At least you should credit my non-distortionist approach to this subject. The situation we are dealing with is the artificial high price of bandwidth to the continent which has held back the industry, those prices MUST come into the realm of reality and then the forces of demand and supply would make usage and local content the catalyst. Offcourse, education, electrification etc are all in the value chain. Eric here On 29 Nov 2009, at 19:00, kai wulff wrote: > Eric, > > Please read carefully what I wrote. > > I have no problem with meaningful regulation .. This regulation should focus on promoting usage .. > > Your example of the Central Bank does not fit here .. The rate set by a Central bank would in our case be the cost for which an Operator (Bank) can buy capacity (borrows money). The Central Banks don’t regulate the retail end .. > > I mentioned before, the main tools to drive down Broadband prices would be usage and local content. > > More usage can be created by education, electrification and other factors. > > Rgds > > Kai > > Von: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] Im Auftrag von Eric M.K Osiakwan > Gesendet: Sunday, November 29, 2009 21:34 > An: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Betreff: Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500 > > Kai, > > The Central Bank as the regulator of the financial sector in every economy sets prime rates and other industry indicators based on their calculation of the market forces as they interplay with demand and supply. i dont see why you sense danger with the regulator of the coms industry setting "prime rate" based on the commoditized calculation..... > > You generate a lot of weight in your submission below on the private sector factors as a basis to slap the need for regulatory intervention in a market situation that has held the industry back for a very longtime. Am a private sector spice like you but if there is any lesson for us to learn from the current global financial crisis, it is that, we need regulatory interventions in the market theatre as markets have mood and are by that extension in perfect. > > My comment is, all the factors you have enumerated are great but they dont negate the need for regulatory intervention to bring artificially high prices down for the masses to have access, a market expansion mechanism. > > Eric here > > > > On 29 Nov 2009, at 17:59, kai wulff wrote: > > > Eric, > > This is exactly the type of statement that is dangerous. It is a little bit like deflation … > > Because everybody expect cheaper prices nobody moves .. And because of this, uptake is below the potential, usage of the cable is sub optimal and prices don’t come down … Result: People will wait longer .. > > I still don’t understand why we are so set on the E1 price (actually we should talk about 2M duplex and not old school) for a BPO .. Quality is what matters .. > > With a good quality compression you can push more than 256 calls at any given time. So in an 8 hour shift you could have 122880 call minutes with 256 agents .. Assume 70% load, this makes 86016 minutes. Surely, you will have to terminate them into a network. Assume 0.02USD per minute. > > So my question: What is your staff cost? Let’s argue 700KSH per day and person? Electricity? KSH 20 per day and person? Rent KSH 50 per day and person (assuming you work 2 shifts, 7 days a week). > > Add software, overheads ….. > > So now, what is the cost of communication? > > Currently an E1 in Kenya costs 1200 USD (not using the free offer) list price. So we said 2 shifts, 30 days, 70% load .. > > 5160960 call minutes a month > > That makes 0,0174 KSH per minute (took a rate of 75 to the USD) for the submarine portion! > We add KSH 2 for termination = 2,0174 KSH communications per minute > > Salaries: 1,45 KSH per minute (and this includes the idle ones or KSH 2,08 per minute at 70% > > You see the contribution of the pure Submarine portion .. It is NEXT TO NOTHING. > > Any comments? > > Kai > > > > > > Von: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] Im Auftrag von Eric M.K Osiakwan > Gesendet: Sunday, November 29, 2009 20:35 > An: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Betreff: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500 > > A two day workshop called “Fiber Optic Undersea (Submarine) cable”, in collaboration with West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), the German Technical Group (GTZ) and also the National Communications Authority (NCA) at the La Palm Royal Hotel. > The workshop offered WATRA members the guidance regarding the regulation of access to new undersea cables and also come up with adoptable guidelines for issuance of undersea cable licenses and landing rights agreement. This would ensure the transparency in deployment and pricing of undersea cables. > A Member of the Board of Directors of NCA, Solomon Quandzie has observed that the availability of international bandwidth, coupled with NCA’s plans for licensing additional terrestrial fiber optic cables systems, and also wireless broadband access (through things like WiMAX) operators would finally set the deployment of broadband networks throughout the country and further lay the foundation for rapid economic growth in the ICT sector. > He said, application of Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) and Government’s decentralization program would enhance various e-government packages which would increase the social-economic development of the citizenry in a manner never witnessed in this country over the past several years. > > Quandzie said that the NCA is committed to opening up the market base of the telecommunication industry by offering an additional fiber optic cable operator (WACS), which would add more capacity to the existing one, all within a 24 month period. > > According to Quandzie, the current SAT 3 cable systems provides an estimated three gigabytes capacity of international bandwidth to the country at approx systems to become operational, adding that “They will be adding respectively, for a total of 1,920 gigabytes or 640 fold increase to the current capacity of international bandwidth in the country”. > > Quandzie said that NCA expectation of a supply bandwidth a price goal of $100-500 per E1 should be possible within the very near future which would provide the necessary framework for the attainment of such an outcome. > > He concluded that with the right regulatory framework established, reliable and affordable broadband networks, coupled with low cost of available international bandwidth can be provided through undersea fiber optic cables. > (Source: The Ghanaian Chronicle) > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > Director > Internet Research > www.internetresearch.com.gh > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > Fax: +233.21.258811 > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > Director > Internet Research > www.internetresearch.com.gh > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > Fax: +233.21.258811 > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan Director Internet Research www.internetresearch.com.gh emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 Fax: +233.21.258811 Cell: +233.24.4386792

2 1

Re: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500
by Eric M.K Osiakwan 29 Nov '09

29 Nov '09

Kai, The Central Bank as the regulator of the financial sector in every economy sets prime rates and other industry indicators based on their calculation of the market forces as they interplay with demand and supply. i dont see why you sense danger with the regulator of the coms industry setting "prime rate" based on the commoditized calculation..... You generate a lot of weight in your submission below on the private sector factors as a basis to slap the need for regulatory intervention in a market situation that has held the industry back for a very longtime. Am a private sector spice like you but if there is any lesson for us to learn from the current global financial crisis, it is that, we need regulatory interventions in the market theatre as markets have mood and are by that extension in perfect. My comment is, all the factors you have enumerated are great but they dont negate the need for regulatory intervention to bring artificially high prices down for the masses to have access, a market expansion mechanism. Eric here On 29 Nov 2009, at 17:59, kai wulff wrote: > Eric, > > This is exactly the type of statement that is dangerous. It is a little bit like deflation … > > Because everybody expect cheaper prices nobody moves .. And because of this, uptake is below the potential, usage of the cable is sub optimal and prices don’t come down … Result: People will wait longer .. > > I still don’t understand why we are so set on the E1 price (actually we should talk about 2M duplex and not old school) for a BPO .. Quality is what matters .. > > With a good quality compression you can push more than 256 calls at any given time. So in an 8 hour shift you could have 122880 call minutes with 256 agents .. Assume 70% load, this makes 86016 minutes. Surely, you will have to terminate them into a network. Assume 0.02USD per minute. > > So my question: What is your staff cost? Let’s argue 700KSH per day and person? Electricity? KSH 20 per day and person? Rent KSH 50 per day and person (assuming you work 2 shifts, 7 days a week). > > Add software, overheads ….. > > So now, what is the cost of communication? > > Currently an E1 in Kenya costs 1200 USD (not using the free offer) list price. So we said 2 shifts, 30 days, 70% load .. > > 5160960 call minutes a month > > That makes 0,0174 KSH per minute (took a rate of 75 to the USD) for the submarine portion! > We add KSH 2 for termination = 2,0174 KSH communications per minute > > Salaries: 1,45 KSH per minute (and this includes the idle ones or KSH 2,08 per minute at 70% > > You see the contribution of the pure Submarine portion .. It is NEXT TO NOTHING. > > Any comments? > > Kai > > > > > > Von: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] Im Auftrag von Eric M.K Osiakwan > Gesendet: Sunday, November 29, 2009 20:35 > An: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Betreff: [kictanet] NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500 > > A two day workshop called “Fiber Optic Undersea (Submarine) cable”, in collaboration with West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), the German Technical Group (GTZ) and also the National Communications Authority (NCA) at the La Palm Royal Hotel. > The workshop offered WATRA members the guidance regarding the regulation of access to new undersea cables and also come up with adoptable guidelines for issuance of undersea cable licenses and landing rights agreement. This would ensure the transparency in deployment and pricing of undersea cables. > A Member of the Board of Directors of NCA, Solomon Quandzie has observed that the availability of international bandwidth, coupled with NCA’s plans for licensing additional terrestrial fiber optic cables systems, and also wireless broadband access (through things like WiMAX) operators would finally set the deployment of broadband networks throughout the country and further lay the foundation for rapid economic growth in the ICT sector. > He said, application of Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) and Government’s decentralization program would enhance various e-government packages which would increase the social-economic development of the citizenry in a manner never witnessed in this country over the past several years. > > Quandzie said that the NCA is committed to opening up the market base of the telecommunication industry by offering an additional fiber optic cable operator (WACS), which would add more capacity to the existing one, all within a 24 month period. > > According to Quandzie, the current SAT 3 cable systems provides an estimated three gigabytes capacity of international bandwidth to the country at approx systems to become operational, adding that “They will be adding respectively, for a total of 1,920 gigabytes or 640 fold increase to the current capacity of international bandwidth in the country”. > > Quandzie said that NCA expectation of a supply bandwidth a price goal of $100-500 per E1 should be possible within the very near future which would provide the necessary framework for the attainment of such an outcome. > > He concluded that with the right regulatory framework established, reliable and affordable broadband networks, coupled with low cost of available international bandwidth can be provided through undersea fiber optic cables. > (Source: The Ghanaian Chronicle) > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > Director > Internet Research > www.internetresearch.com.gh > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh > 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 > Fax: +233.21.258811 > Cell: +233.24.4386792 > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan Director Internet Research www.internetresearch.com.gh emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 Fax: +233.21.258811 Cell: +233.24.4386792

2 1

NCA Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500
by Eric M.K Osiakwan 29 Nov '09

29 Nov '09

A two day workshop called “Fiber Optic Undersea (Submarine) cable”, in collaboration with West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), the German Technical Group (GTZ) and also the National Communications Authority (NCA) at the La Palm Royal Hotel. The workshop offered WATRA members the guidance regarding the regulation of access to new undersea cables and also come up with adoptable guidelines for issuance of undersea cable licenses and landing rights agreement. This would ensure the transparency in deployment and pricing of undersea cables. A Member of the Board of Directors of NCA, Solomon Quandzie has observed that the availability of international bandwidth, coupled with NCA’s plans for licensing additional terrestrial fiber optic cables systems, and also wireless broadband access (through things like WiMAX) operators would finally set the deployment of broadband networks throughout the country and further lay the foundation for rapid economic growth in the ICT sector. He said, application of Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) and Government’s decentralization program would enhance various e-government packages which would increase the social-economic development of the citizenry in a manner never witnessed in this country over the past several years. Quandzie said that the NCA is committed to opening up the market base of the telecommunication industry by offering an additional fiber optic cable operator (WACS), which would add more capacity to the existing one, all within a 24 month period. According to Quandzie, the current SAT 3 cable systems provides an estimated three gigabytes capacity of international bandwidth to the country at approx systems to become operational, adding that “They will be adding respectively, for a total of 1,920 gigabytes or 640 fold increase to the current capacity of international bandwidth in the country”. Quandzie said that NCA expectation of a supply bandwidth a price goal of $100-500 per E1 should be possible within the very near future which would provide the necessary framework for the attainment of such an outcome. He concluded that with the right regulatory framework established, reliable and affordable broadband networks, coupled with low cost of available international bandwidth can be provided through undersea fiber optic cables. (Source: The Ghanaian Chronicle) Eric M.K Osiakwan Director Internet Research www.internetresearch.com.gh emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 7031 Fax: +233.21.258811 Cell: +233.24.4386792

2 1

4th IGF 2009 Egypt: Diplo
by mwende njiraini 29 Nov '09

29 Nov '09

Dear all, At the recently concluded 4th IGF held in Sharm El Sheikh Egypt, the importance of capacity building, national and regional IGFs were recognized. "Short retrospective view of Diplo activities related to the Internet Governance Forum 2009. Everything begins a day after IGF2008 in India and ends at Sharm el Sheikh this November. It's a short review of Diplo efforts and also a perspective for the future.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKgc8KQh_4E Regards Mwende *Disclaimer: Views expressed here (except those quoted or referenced) are the author’s own*

1 0

Sir Tim Berners-lee web inventor on K24 Capital Talk on Monday 30th
by muriuki mureithi 27 Nov '09

27 Nov '09

Hi all stakeholders of the web Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the www inventor in 1989 and Time magazine member of 100 Most Important People of the 20th century honoured Kenya by a visit last week facilitated by KICTAnet. On the conclusion of the trip, he gave a wide ranging one-on-one interview to K24's Jeff Koinange Capital Talk to be aired on Monday 30th at 2000 hrs and 2200hrs. Make a date to hear first hand the inventor of the www. In his itinerary, he met and interacted with the cross-section of Kenyan web stakeholders - government, parliament, academia, techies, industry and civil society. This was a fact finding mission to understand how his invention is being exploited. He also profiled Web Foundation (www.webfoundation.org ) that he launched in Sharm el Sheikh IGF on 15th Nov, Web Science Research Initiative (www.wsri.org) and clarified some of the outputs of www consortium (w3c) in standard setting especially for the virtually impaired. He met government officials led by Vice President Hon Kalonzo Musyoka, Permanent Secretary Dr Bitange Ndemo and CCK DG Mr Charles Njoroge among others over lunch, had an interactive session with Parliamentary committee responsible for ICT led by Hon Eng James Rege. He also gave a one hour lecture to the academic community (view the video lecture at www.kenet.or.ke) and met Skunkworks at Strathmore University as well as TESPOK. A recurring theme was the opportunity provided by the www but can only be fully exploited by the development of content - just do it, put data on a web page and contribute to the growth of the web now estimated at 10 raised to power 18 pages and growing rapidly. >From the high and mighty, Sir Tim went to the grassroots. First stop was first hand interaction with the virtually impaired at the Kenya Society of the Blind. Yes, the blind who constitute up to 3% of the Kenyan population need to access the web and software to help them is available both for the computer and the cell phones. According to the virtually impaired ,the cost was a barrier, good pc software cost about $500 while for the cell phone cost $300, and open source was not as good. Equally, most of the Kenyan web developers do not incorporate features for virtually impaired. In addition, Sir Tim saw applications of the web as a social intervention to create jobs, reduce crime and organise a neighbourhood by the excellent work by Kimathi Information Centre, and the power of the community radio to extend the power of the web to those in the slums as ably illustrated by the SIDAREC radio - Ghetto 99.9. To crown the visit to SIDAREC, he talked live on Ghetto 99.9 FM and praised the efforts of the SIDAREC to empower the poor with information. His visit comes at time when Kenya has just plugged into submarine optic fibres cables and a repealed Kenya Communication Act chaperoning Kenya to the information society era. From the many interactions in his itinerary it was clear that all sectors of the society are highly sensitised on the opportunities created by www and ways to exploit the web. The only way to honour Sir Tim's visit is to ACT now. Cheers Muriuki Mureithi ---------------------------------- Summit Strategies Ltd ICT consulting and research Land mark Plaza 13th floor P O Box 62454 - 00200 Nairobi Kenya tel + 254-20- 3673925 Cell +254 722 520090 email - mureithi(a)summitstrategies.co.ke www.summitstrategies.co.ke

11 12

Mobile Boot Camp - Kenya Edition
by Jessica Colaço 26 Nov '09

26 Nov '09

Hi All, You are cordially invited to - Mobile Boot Camp - Kenya Edition. More details at: http://mobilebootcamp.srcc.co.ke Regards, -- Jessica Colaço Blog: www.jessicacolaco.wordpress.com Skype ID: jessica.colaco Twitter ID: JessicaColaco

1 0