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3G lauch to spark battle in data services mart
by Wanjira, Alice Munyua 21 Nov '07

21 Nov '07

3G lauch to spark battle in data services mart Written by Kui Kinyanjui: Buisness Daily 3G enabled services will help facilitate various modern e-applications such as remote medical diagnosis, remote education, as well as a variety of business-to-business and business-to-government applications. November 5, 2007: Kenyas telecoms scene is set for a major revolution following the recent launch by service provider Safaricom of a new technology. The technology -- commonly known as 3G -- is expected to change the way consumers use their phones besides bringing home the long held consumer dream of accessing the Internet and television from their mobile phones. The network differs from the current in its ability to deliver high quality media-rich content -- including audio and video to a mobile phone handset. It comes at a time when consumers are beginning to enjoy Telkom Wireless price cuts on similar offers through its CDMA platform -- setting the stage for a battle for data shillings on the new breed of networks. While Safaricoms may be the first commercial 3G service in Kenya, Telkom maintains that its CDMA platform offers more of the same features and at a more competitive price. This potential by Telkom, which is Safaricoms parent company, poses a looming threat to the mobile firms aspirations to become the leader in the provision of value-added services in the telecoms market. With 3G enabled phones, consumers will be able to use the telephone to access Internet services and transmit data. The mobile industry is counting on the arrival of 3G to boost the sale of data enabled handsets such as camera phones and to raise earnings through sale of high-end services such as mobile e-mail access. 3G enabled services will help facilitate various modern e-applications such as remote medical diagnosis, remote education, as well as a variety of business-to-business and business-to-government applications, said John Waweru, the director-general of the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK). Most Kenyan users will, however, be keen to use their phones to surf the internet. Third generation networks allow for faster download speeds for web pages, with prices dropping to less than Sh10 per megabyte downloaded. Having paid $25 million, nearly half what it paid for the original mobile operator licence, Safaricom is banking on the new service to drive revenue growth from users accessing more data heavy applications. Kenyas mobile phone sector is slated to grow by 87 per cent in the next five years, exceeding the 72 per cent forecast for the African continent, according to the GSM Association. Safaricoms entry into this service platform came as a surprise to many given that its CEO Michael Joseph indicated that the company would only implement the service if the cost-benefits were commensurate with the projected number of users. Rival mobile telephone service provider Celtel is said to be weighing the prospect of acquiring the pricey licence at this time. With the majority of new mobile subscribers expected to come from the countryside, it remains to be seen whether the projected levels of growth with translate into increased demand for valued added services. The race for rural subscribers has seen Safaricom commission a Sh500 million switching centre targeting the rural folk in western Kenya. Industry observers however say that Safaricom may have to wait a while to reap the benefits of the latest network upgrade. Japans NTT DoCoMo launched the worlds first official 3G system based on WCDMA in 2001 but only managed to fully migrate its users to the service by 2006. Two years after its launch in the UK, a 2005 survey by Harris Interactive revealed that the uptake of the new service was sluggish. The poll indicated that only nine per cent of the entire mobile phone market had upgraded to a 3G enabled mobile phone two years after the services launch, with 41 per cent of 3G users using their powerful gadgets for just for talking and texting. The silver lining in the Harris poll was however that 3G users were twice as likely to use their mobile phone for more than talking and texting. There is a danger in 3G being given away without effectively marketing 3G services to consumers. Service providers are seeding the market with the product and then relying on above and below the line marketing to generate momentum for key 3G services, said Derek Eccleston, technology research director at Harris Interactive. If 3G consumers do not begin to utilize the full range of 3G services, the return on general operator investment in 3G may not be realizedand this can have a negative impact on their profitability. But as with any new service, Safaricom will roll out its latest network addition with tremendous spend on advertising to highlight its offering. The firm is said to be in talks to enter into data services partnerships with interested companies. Besides, phone companies are maneuvering to strengthen their offerings in the high end gadget market, with some banking on the quick adoption rate of to drive sales of the relatively more expensive devices. Phone company LG recently launched YouTube enabled handsets in the local market that will allow users to interface to access and upload video content. This new service will connect people like never before. For the first time, LG customers will be able to film, upload and view videos on YouTube using their mobile phone just as they would from their home computers, said K.W. Kim, LG Middle East and Africa President.

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[Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] REMINDER -- Fellowships for India - deadline is 26 NOVEMBER - Paris Open]
by alice 21 Nov '07

21 Nov '07

http://www.icann.org/fellowships/ 31st International Public ICANN meeting New Delhi, India February 10-15 Application round open: 24 October Application round close: 26 November AND FOR THE 32nd International Public ICANN meeting in Paris, France June 22-27 Application round open: December 2007 Application round close: January 2008 Cheers ar _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Fwd: [TIER] UN agreement on freeing spectrum for wireless
by Eric Osiakwan 21 Nov '07

21 Nov '07

fyi Begin forwarded message: > From: Jennifer Bussell <jbussell(a)berkeley.edu> > Date: 19 November 2007 19:54:38 GMT+03:00 > To: TIER <tier(a)tier.cs.berkeley.edu> > Subject: [TIER] UN agreement on freeing spectrum for wireless > > > http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/2ece0dd2-962c-11dc-b7ec-0000779fd2ac.html > Radio spectrum freed for mobiles > By Frances Williams in Geneva > Published: November 19 2007 01:23 | Last updated: November 19 2007 > 01:23 > Valuable radio spectrum now used mainly by broadcasters is to be > opened up to broadband services offered by mobile phone operators > under a United Nations agreement endorsed on Friday by governments > from over 160 countries. > > For the first time, the decision will provide a common chunk of > spectrum for mobile broadband services globally, boosting the > market for new wireless technologies. It is also expected to reduce > significantly the cost of expanding mobile networks in poor or > predominantly rural nations. > > The accord follows a month-long diplomatic conference that pitted > traditional broadcasters against mobile phone operators in a battle > over who should benefit from the “digital dividend” provided by the > continuing switch from analogue to digital television. > > Digital signals require much less bandwidth, freeing space in the > coveted ultra-high frequency (UHF) band, which has been the almost > exclusive preserve of broadcasters. > > Mobile phone companies have pushed for access to the UHF band for > two reasons. One is that the quality signals support high-speed > mobile broadband connections, enabling faster downloads of data and > video to mobile devices and encouraging the development of new > internet-based services. > > The other is that UHF signals can penetrate buildings and travel > long distances, so fewer base stations are required for coverage of > large areas, cheapening the cost of rolling out wireless broadband > networks. > > Under the deal, the Americas and much of Asia, including China and > India, will open up the 698-806 Megahertz band to mobile wireless > broadband services between now and 2015 as the transition from > analogue to digital television proceeds. > > In Europe, Africa and the Middle East, where broadcasters have > retained a bigger share of UHF spectrum, only the 790-862 Megahertz > band will be available for mobile wireless broadband and not before > 2015. > > Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2007 > > _______________________________________________ > TIER mailing list > Website: http://tier.cs.berkeley.edu > TIER(a)tier.cs.berkeley.edu > https://www.millennium.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/tier Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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workshop at Gazebo
by Rebecca Wanjiku 20 Nov '07

20 Nov '07

just to let you know that the workshop will be at the Gazebo Banda, Jacaranda hotel E-WASTE PROJECT KENYA - INTRODUCTION MEETING WEDNESDAY November 21st , 2007 PROGRAMME - TIME ACTIVITY 9.00- 9.15am Welcome and Introduction – Harry Hare 9.15-10.00am Regional perspective - Alan Finlay – Open Research 10:00-10.30am Tea Break 10.30-11.30pm Global perspective – Cisse Khan - Digital Solidarity Fund (DSF) & Mathias Schluep – EMPA National perspective – Alice Munyua 11.30 – 12.30 General discussions, comments, input from stakeholders, vote of thanks Close Facilitated by Africa e-Development Resource Centre Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ Get easy, one-click access to your favorites. Make Yahoo! your homepage. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better sports nut! Let your teams follow you with Yahoo Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/sports;_ylt=At9_qDKvtAbMuh1G1SQtBI7ntAcJ

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workshop programme
by Rebecca Wanjiku 20 Nov '07

20 Nov '07

E-WASTE PROJECT KENYA - INTRODUCTION MEETING WEDNESDAY November 21st , 2007 PROGRAMME - TIME ACTIVITY 9.00- 9.15am Welcome and Introduction – Harry Hare 9.15-10.00am Regional perspective - Alan Finlay – Open Research 10:00-10.30am Tea Break 10.30-11.30pm Global perspective – Cisse Khan - Digital Solidarity Fund (DSF) & Mathias Schluep – EMPA National perspective – Alice Munyua 11.30 – 12.30 General discussions, comments, input from stakeholders, vote of thanks Close Facilitated by Africa e-Development Resource Centre Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

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An ITWeb article from [email protected]
by brian＠isisweb.nl 20 Nov '07

20 Nov '07

This article has been sent to you from brian(a)isisweb.nl as a courtesy of ITWeb. Comment: FYI Mblayo African achievement recognised The winners of the ninth annual African ICT Achievers Awards were announced at a gala banquet, held at the Sandton Convention Centre, on Saturday.Kenya dominated in the individual award section, taking home three of the eight awards. Brian Longwe Munyao, from InHand, was awarded top businessman of the year; Jyoti Mukherjee, of Software Technologies, was recognised as top businesswoman; and Mwende Gatabaki, from the Kenya Tea Development Agency, scooped the top public sector CIO award.Rwandan president Paul Kagame received the lifetime achievement award.SA was strongest in the organisational categories. Dimension Data was recognised as top ICT company in Africa. Accenture was awarded the most transformed company. IBM SA and Integr8 IT were judged the top ICT workplace provider and most innovative company, respectively.ForgeAhead, in partnership with the Department of Communications, presented the annual awards, which recognise individuals and organisations that have made a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.These individuals and organisations support the challenge that countries in Africa face in leveraging ICT to make a difference around the continent, organisers said. This year's awards took on the same theme as last year: "Make the African Century a Reality".[PICTURE]Jane Mosebi, MD of ForgeAhead, explained the origin of the awards: "What started as a programme to encourage black people to enter the ICT industry in SA has grown beyond our borders and has spread to the rest of Africa."Mosebi highlighted the corporate social investment focus of the awards, saying: "We want to ensure we do not just recognise achievement. We must harness it and channel it back into the communities that are the hearts and future of our continent."Xhead = Make a differenceAlbert Butare, minister of state in charge of energy and communications, at the Ministry of Infrastructure of Rwanda, spoke on behalf of Kagame, delivering a keynote address.He said to realise an African century, countries need to build the foundations of science and technology to ensure Africa could move ahead with the rest of the world. "The future of Africa depends on being able to compete effectively with a highly globalised world community."[PICTURE]Africa is poorly connected, both within the continent and to the rest of the world, he said. "The gaps in IT infrastructure in Africa continue to hinder investment, economic growth and employment in this critical sector."Speaking on behalf of Vodacom, governance director at Vodafone SA Bob Collymore highlighted the economic impact connectivity can make for Africa. "ICT has already changed lives forever."He said Vodacom implemented a base-station project on the borders of the Kruger National Park to connect and educate farmers on the best uses of cellular technology. "Some of those farmers have already quadrupled their income."The award for top private sector CIO was not presented this year. "The finalists in this category did not reflect the status of the award, especially in the context of Africa. As such, the judges declined to present a winner," explained Mosebi.[PICTURE]Related stories: <a href="http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/business/2007/0711061501.asp" target="_newAchiever finalists announced <a href="http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/business/2007/0710311400.asp" target="_newNepad backs Achievers programme <a href="http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/computing/2007/0708101420.asp" target="_newSummit to discuss African ICT <a href="http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/business/2007/0707201333.asp" target="_newICT Achievers nominations open Posted: 11/19/2007 10:40:43 AM --------------------------------------------------- ITWeb - First with IT news. Every day. For more topical IT industry news, views and analysis, visit us at http://www.itweb.co.za ---------------------------------------------------

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An ITWeb article from [email protected]
by brian＠isisweb.nl 20 Nov '07

20 Nov '07

This article has been sent to you from brian(a)isisweb.nl as a courtesy of ITWeb. Comment: FYI Mblayo African achievement recognised The winners of the ninth annual African ICT Achievers Awards were announced at a gala banquet, held at the Sandton Convention Centre, on Saturday.Kenya dominated in the individual award section, taking home three of the eight awards. Brian Longwe Munyao, from InHand, was awarded top businessman of the year; Jyoti Mukherjee, of Software Technologies, was recognised as top businesswoman; and Mwende Gatabaki, from the Kenya Tea Development Agency, scooped the top public sector CIO award.Rwandan president Paul Kagame received the lifetime achievement award.SA was strongest in the organisational categories. Dimension Data was recognised as top ICT company in Africa. Accenture was awarded the most transformed company. IBM SA and Integr8 IT were judged the top ICT workplace provider and most innovative company, respectively.ForgeAhead, in partnership with the Department of Communications, presented the annual awards, which recognise individuals and organisations that have made a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.These individuals and organisations support the challenge that countries in Africa face in leveraging ICT to make a difference around the continent, organisers said. This year's awards took on the same theme as last year: "Make the African Century a Reality".[PICTURE]Jane Mosebi, MD of ForgeAhead, explained the origin of the awards: "What started as a programme to encourage black people to enter the ICT industry in SA has grown beyond our borders and has spread to the rest of Africa."Mosebi highlighted the corporate social investment focus of the awards, saying: "We want to ensure we do not just recognise achievement. We must harness it and channel it back into the communities that are the hearts and future of our continent."Xhead = Make a differenceAlbert Butare, minister of state in charge of energy and communications, at the Ministry of Infrastructure of Rwanda, spoke on behalf of Kagame, delivering a keynote address.He said to realise an African century, countries need to build the foundations of science and technology to ensure Africa could move ahead with the rest of the world. "The future of Africa depends on being able to compete effectively with a highly globalised world community."[PICTURE]Africa is poorly connected, both within the continent and to the rest of the world, he said. "The gaps in IT infrastructure in Africa continue to hinder investment, economic growth and employment in this critical sector."Speaking on behalf of Vodacom, governance director at Vodafone SA Bob Collymore highlighted the economic impact connectivity can make for Africa. "ICT has already changed lives forever."He said Vodacom implemented a base-station project on the borders of the Kruger National Park to connect and educate farmers on the best uses of cellular technology. "Some of those farmers have already quadrupled their income."The award for top private sector CIO was not presented this year. "The finalists in this category did not reflect the status of the award, especially in the context of Africa. As such, the judges declined to present a winner," explained Mosebi.[PICTURE]Related stories: <a href="http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/business/2007/0711061501.asp" target="_newAchiever finalists announced <a href="http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/business/2007/0710311400.asp" target="_newNepad backs Achievers programme <a href="http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/computing/2007/0708101420.asp" target="_newSummit to discuss African ICT <a href="http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/business/2007/0707201333.asp" target="_newICT Achievers nominations open Posted: 11/19/2007 10:40:43 AM --------------------------------------------------- ITWeb - First with IT news. Every day. For more topical IT industry news, views and analysis, visit us at http://www.itweb.co.za ---------------------------------------------------

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Online resources from regulators
by A.K. Mahan 19 Nov '07

19 Nov '07

LIRNE maintains a set of tables with links to regulatory authority websites around the world. These tables of regulators' annual reports, sector reports and statistical resources can be accessed from the WDR page on LIRNE.NET (http://lirne.net/wdr/) or directly from the links below. *Latin America and the Caribbean * http://lirne.net/resources/lac-resources/ *Africa* http://lirne.net/resources/online-resources-from-african-nras/ *Asia* http://lirne.net/resources/online-resources-from-asian-nras/ -- _______________________________________________ Amy Mahan, LIRNE.NET Coordinator Montevideo, Uruguay Tel: +598.2.410 2979 Fax: +44.870.759 8283 Skype ID: amahan (GMT -3) ________________________________________________

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Mobile Government: The New Frontier in Transforming Public Services - 29th November 2007
by Harry Hare 19 Nov '07

19 Nov '07

Dear Colleagues, Mobile services are quickly emerging as the new frontier in transforming government and making it even more accessible and citizen-centric by extending the benefits of remote delivery of government services and information to those who are unable or unwilling to access public services through the Internet or simply prefer to use mobile devices. In theory, many government services can be now made available on a 24x7x365 basis at any place in the country covered by mobile networks, which today means almost everywhere! Michael, correct me if Im wrong. It is from this background that the World Bank in partnership with eGovWorld 2007 (www.egovworld.com <http://www.egovworld.com/> ) and African eDevelopment Resource Centre presents a dialogue on Mobile Government (mGovernment) on 29th November 2007, 4.30pm -7.00pm at the World Bank offices, Nairobi. The dialogue is live Video Conference and an integral part of the eGovWorld 2007 conference taking place in India 29-30 November 2007. According to the ITU, the total number of mobile users worldwide as of late 2006 was about 2.7 billion and the number of internet users was just above 1.1 billion. This means that there is 33.6% of world population (and 22.2% of developing countries population) who already have mobile phones but are not yet using the Internet. * Does this provide a strong case for leveraging the mobile channel to dramatically improve access to public services, including electronic government services to those who can afford to use a personal or shared mobile phone? * Does this create an opportunity to connect in the near future the next two billion people to some of the benefits of e-government, e-health, e-education, e-banking and e-commerce? * How exactly can Mobile Government change the lives of common people in developing countries? What are best examples of such impact? * What are the key constraints to making this vision a reality? * How should governments change the way they do business to take advantage of mobile technologies? * What is the role of the private sector? Are there successful business models (e.g. PPP) for private sector companies to deliver value-added m-government services? These are some of the questions that will be addressed. Participation to the event is free; however, one needs to register to get access to the venue. If you are interested in participating send an email directly to susan(a)africanedevelopment.org for a registration form. Space is limited at the venue, only 20 places are available and will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis. Deadline for registration is Wednesday 22nd November. Program: +++++ Welcome & Introduction Samia Melhem, Senior Operations Officer, Global ICT, World Bank; and Chair, e-Development Thematic Group Vikas Kanungo, Chairman, The Society for Promotion of e-Governance, India & Convener, eGovWorld 2007 Opening Remarks/Keynote address R. Chandrashekhar, Additional Secretary (e-Governance), DIT, Government of India Speakers Ibrahim Kushchu, Associate Professor and Director, Mobile Government Consortium International & Author, "m-Government: An Emerging Direction in e-Government", UK Hannes Astok, Member of Parliament & former Deputy Mayor, City of Tartu, Estonia Kindest Regards Harry Hare Executive Director African eDevelopment Resource Centre 3rd Floor, Nelleon Place, Raphta Road, Westlands PO Box 49475 00100, Nairobi Tel +254 20 4453445 Cel +254 725 650044

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e-Waste
by Harry Hare 19 Nov '07

19 Nov '07

Some background info for those planning to attend the e-Waste event on Wednesday. http://www.elearning-africa.com/newsportal/english/news90.php Harry

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