- KICTANet - KICTANet

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by alice＠apc.org 02 Mar '07

02 Mar '07

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KIXP History in the making!
by Michuki Mwangi 02 Mar '07

02 Mar '07

FYI, KIXP hit its highest traffic capacity rates yesterday following the online publication of the KCSE Results 32Mbps. This is clear leadership from the Government in promoting/generating local content. We need a couple more of such. Bravo! -- Michuki Mwangi KENIC

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Needed: Experts for Detailed Feasibility Study for the implementation of asubmarine cable system for the Indian Ocean Commission countries
by Harry Hare 28 Feb '07

28 Feb '07

FYI .apologies for cross-posting. Harry ------- Original Message ------- >From : Jane Møller Larsen[mailto:-jml@ict.danishma-nagement.-dk] Sent : 2/28/2007 2:34:21 PM To : jml(a)ict.danishmanag-ement.dk Cc : Subject : FW: Needed: Experts for Detailed Feasibility Study for the implementation of asubmarine cable system for the Indian Ocean Commission countries Dear Sir/Madam, Please also distribute this to personal contacts and networks where you believe that experts could find interest in this. Thank you in advance. ____________-_________-_________-_________-_________-_________-_________-__ We are presently looking for experts who have an interest in the following position: Project title: Detailed feasibility study (DFS) for the implementation of a submarine cable system for the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) countries Application deadline: As soon as possible and at the latest 9 March 2007 Contract duration: Short term Company: Danish Management A/S (http://www.-danishmanagement-.dk/) for the RICTSP/COMESA. ____________-_________-_________-_________-_________-_________-_________-__ General information: The objective: The IOC requires a Detailed Feasibility Study (DFS) exploring all options to ensure adequate and sustainable international broadband connection to its member countries (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion Island and Seychelles). Scope of work: The DFS will cover the technical, commercial and financial feasibility investigations, developing and analyzing detailed configurations, as well as economic and financial analysis for connecting the countries to a submarine cable system. Results to be delivered: i. A complete traffic study for IOC countries over a 10-15 year period; ii. A description of the competitive environment and its impact on the ICT development on the islands; iii. A technical, commercial and financial analysis for each cable option; iv. A review and subsequent recommendation on the optimal financing and ownership structures; v. A desktop study of the base configuration including the potential landing sites in the IOC Mission days/total: The assignment is scheduled to cover 168 man-days in total, with a team of two experts. One economist as Team Leader, and one ICT engineer. Regions/Countries to visit: Zambia, Kenya, South Africa, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion Island and Seychelles Estimated contract start: As soon as possible. Profiles of the Experts: Economist 15 years working experience with broad experience in the development of models and forecasting scenarios in the telecommunications sector, as well as in assessment of business environment and of technical and competitive commercial options including analysis of cost estimations. Telecommunications engineer Knowledge of submarine cable connectivity configurations, with 10 years of working experience in feasibility studies for international connectivity, including 3 years experience in submarine cable systems. Experience with inter-island connectivity will be an asset. Experience in carrying out feasibility studies in the formulation of telecommunication and international connectivity strategies. Eligibility (who can apply?): EU citizens and citizens from: Angola, Burundi, DR Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan AND citizens of the ACP member states: http://www.acpsec.-org/en/acp_-states.htm Languages: The team must be proficient in ENGLISH and FRENCH. Background information: Website of Indian Ocean Commission: http://www.coi--info.org/ http://www.eafricac-ommission.-org/project_-infrastructure.-html http://www.eassy.-org/ http://www.fibrefor-africa.net/ Please find ToR enclosed. If you find the position of interest and your - or one of your proposed expert's - profile complies with the stated criteria, please contact us immediately and send us a short professional presentation of yourself and an updated CV with relevant similar experience (stating your age, nationality, languages spoken, education and exactly in what you are an expert). Send your application to: ictjobs(a)danishmanag-ement.dk Contact person: Jane Moeller Larsen Danish Management A/S Margretheholmsvej 2 1432 Copenhagen, Denmark Phone: +45 70 200 298 Direct: +45 35 250 655 Kind regards, Jane Moller Larsen __._,_.___ -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.412 / Virus Database: 268.18.4/703 - Release Date: 2/26/2007 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.412 / Virus Database: 268.18.4/703 - Release Date: 2/26/2007

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Elections take center-stage on the internet
by Bill Kagai 28 Feb '07

28 Feb '07

Hiya, I have received a fone call from an ODM supporter wishing to find out why their website www.odm-kenya.org is pointing to a government website. This poses a serious challenge to us in the 'internet business' with regard to whether we have secure systems in place. However, upon digging a bit deeper, I have realised that possibly, this is a simple blackmail prank since the WHOIS records have not been altered and only the MX record has been changed to point the website to an innocent Govt server. Tracert'ing the address also shows that it is the admin and registrant of the website who have access to the odm website registry. I am sure many ODM supporters might be pointing a finger at Govt just because someone managed to ping the communications website and put the server address on the opposition website to create a furore and possibly make money Pablo Escobar Way. [Plata o plomo] Spanish for [silver or lead] literally meaning pay up the bribe or face assassination. How do we contain these Matheri's of the internet???. Seems the games have just begun??? -- -- With Kind Regards, Bildad Kagai MD - Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd Content & Training Partner - JKUAT E-Government Academy Suite B2, Tetu Apartments, State House Avenue P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel. 254 20 272 8332 Fax. Rendered Obsolete URL. www.circuitspackets.co.ke URL. www.JKUATEgovAcademy.ac.ke

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Fwd: [ke-internetusers] Wi-fi explained
by Alex Gakuru 27 Feb '07

27 Feb '07

ABC of Wi-Fi Judy Adhiambo <judy.adhiambo(a)gmail.com> wrote: Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2007 17:54:23 +0300 From: "Judy Adhiambo" <judy.adhiambo(a)gmail.com> To: ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net Subject: [ke-internetusers] Wi-fi explained Q&A: Wi-fi explained Wireless hotspots are spreading across the UK, with blanket wi-fi zones now being rolled out in many city centres. Operators are promising wireless surfing at the touch of a button from the park, the bus or the street corner. So what does the wireless future have to offer and will it live up to the hype? What is wi-fi? Wi-fi is the acronym for Wireless Fidelity, essentially a set of standards for transmitting data over a wireless network. Wi-fi allows you to connect to the net at broadband speeds without cables, as long as you have the right equipment and, in most cases, a regular internet service provider and a wi-fi account. To understand the technology behind wi-fi, imagine using a walkie-talkie. Your voice is picked up by a microphone, encoded onto a radio frequency and transmitted with the antenna to another walkie-talkie, which decodes your voice. Wi-fi works in broadly in the same way, but using a better radio that is capable of handling a lot more data per second. HOW DOES WI-FI WORK? 1: Wi-fi uses antennas around which wi-fi "hotspots" are created. The hotspots are outlets equipped to receive the radiowaves that power wireless networking. Until recently, wi-fi has been confined to more than 10,000 hot-spots in cafes, bars and airport lounges. But various projects are under way to set up city-wide zones, where a series of antennas are installed in the streets, on lampposts or street signs. The hotspots around them together create a much wider area of coverage. Norwich has a mesh network which links each lamppost antenna to the next creating a seamless wi-fi hotspot around the centre of the city. 2: The source internet connection is provided by a PC or server to which the antennas are connected either wirelessly or via a cable. 3: Some mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDA) now have wi-fi chips installed. With mobile phones, this means conventional networks can be bypassed and inexpensive long-distance calls made over the web (using Voice over Internet Protocol, VoIP). 4: Many laptops and handheld computers now come with built-in wi-fi connectivity; it is also possible to add wi-fi to your computer with a special card that plugs into a port on your laptop. How do I use a giant wi-fi zone? In the UK, there are already more than 10,000 wi-fi hotspots in public places such as restaurants, hotels, cafes, libraries and airports. Wi-fi-enabled laptops and phones can be set up to connect to these hotspots automatically; usage is generally paid through a credit card at a login page on a web browser. Frequent users may even have accounts with service providers such as T-Mobile, BT Openzone, O2, SkypeZones and Nintendo wi-fi. Will it catch on? So far, wi-fi has been a service that is most useful for business people who need to work on the move; but operators want to make it available to all. However, some analysts warn that wi-fi could be the "next dotcom crash", mainly because of patchy hotspot coverage, lack of enabled hardware and uncertainty over how to make money. There are still a few big challenges ahead for wi-fi. Finalising interoperability and standards is one, and the concern over security is another. Just because there are more than 10,000 wi-fi hotspots in the UK does not mean that a pass to use one means you can use all of them. Currently wi-fi hotspots are divided by who controls them. In Norwich the local authority and regional development agency are pioneering a free wi-fi service. This model could catch on, if successful. More than 3,000 connections are being made to the city's wi-fi network each week Logging on to the internet via wi-fi in different locations brings the risk (just as it does at home or in the office) of your computer being infected by computer viruses and worms. Experts advise you to install security software and update it regularly. Who stands to profit? Some critics argue that wireless hotspots can be a rip-off - the price of installing a wireless router in, say, a coffee shop, involves a one-off cost of a few hundred pounds but customers may be charged upwards of £5 an hour. Users of the new city-wide wi-fi networks will be required to pay access charges to an account provider, such as BT Openzone or T-Mobile. The revenues will be shared between the owners of the street furniture on which the equipment is installed (usually local councils), wi-fi hotspot suppliers and the internet service providers. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4758722.stm _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers --------------------------------- Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debate in the Yahoo! Answers Food & Drink Q&A. _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers

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Fwd: [Idlelo2] FW: [ipr] WIPO: Winds of Change
by Judy Okite 27 Feb '07

27 Feb '07

FYI ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Ashraf Patel <AshrafP(a)osisa.org> Date: Feb 27, 2007 4:05 PM Subject: [Idlelo2] FW: [ipr] WIPO: Winds of Change To: idlelo2(a)fossfa.net -----Original Message----- From: owner-ipr(a)mailhost.soros.org [mailto:owner-ipr@mailhost.soros.org] On Behalf Of Vera Franz Sent: Saturday, February 24, 2007 1:38 PM To: ipr(a)mailhost.soros.org Subject: [ipr] WIPO: Winds of Change The reform of WIPO, which many of us had first discussed at the TACD Meeting in October 2003, made important progress here in Geneva yesterday: As part of the Development Agenda process, Member States agreed that WIPO will have to take into account access to knowledge concerns, such as the protection of the public domain and the control of anti-competitive practices. WIPO might finally abonadon its vision of a maximalist IP regime. More below, as well as at eff.org, eifl.net, cptech.org http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-love/wipo-embraces-reform-on-i_b_419 51.html WIPO Embraces Reform on Intellectual Property Mission <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-love/wipo-embraces-reform-on-i_b_41 951.html> by JAMES LOVE Geneva: Today the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) concluded the first of a two-part review of proposals for a reform effort called the "development agenda." In doing so, WIPO and its member states have done something very positive, and surprising -- both because it signals important reforms, and because it happened with very strong support from all of the WIPO members, including the United States and members of Europe, delegations that usually take a hard line in global negotiations on intellectual property issues. <http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/huffingtonpost/blog/politics;nickname=ja mes-love;entry_id=41951;United+States=1;European+Commission=1;Geneva=1;p tile=2;sz=300x250;abr=!ie4;abr=!ie5;abr=!ie6;ord=123456789?> The negotiations have just broken up. This is our statement on the outcome: Knowledge Ecology International Statement on WIPO Development Agenda negotiation The agreement on dozens of WIPO reforms was broader and more substantive than had been anticipated. Some of the measures signal important changes in this controversial UN body. WIPO members agreed to "consider the preservation of the public domain within WIPO's normative processes and deepen the analysis of the implication and benefits of a rich and accessible public domain." WIPO agreed to "promote measures that will help countries deal with IP related anticompetitive practices." "Norm-setting activities shall . . . take into account different levels of development" and "take into consideration a balance between costs and benefits." WIPO adopted an expanded mandate to undertake studies to assess the economic, social and cultural impact of intellectual property practices and norm setting activities. All of this signals a new tone and approach for WIPO. In a sense, WIPO is finally entering the new century, and responding to the growing demand for reforms, and a more balanced ! approach to intellectual property protection. In some areas, however, the agreement was quite limited. The cluster that included "access to knowledge," was quite thin, for example. In June, WIPO will look at a much more ambitious set of proposals, most of which were opposed by the United States or the European Commission in 2005. The June meeting, which is expected to be much more difficult, will look at topics such as proposed treaty on access to knowledge -- a startling departure from WIPO's longstanding efforts to focus largely on expanding the scope and enforcement of intellectual property rights. This week's negotiation went far better than almost anyone had anticipated, and many share the credit for the excellent outcome. The United States government had greatly moderated its positions and tone, and was credited by many delegates for its constructive and open approach to the negotiations on a topic for which the US is normally considered a hard-liner. Several European States, including for example the UK, Germany and Switzerland had worked hard to find ways to reaching consensus with key developing countries. Indian persistent efforts to engage the US and European negotiators was helpful and effective. Argentina and Brazil were among the countries that had pushed the hardest for the reform agenda. Chile's leadership on the issue of the public domain was key. The contributions from the Africa Group were excellent, including for example countries like South Africa. Very high marks were given to Trevor Clarke, the impressive Chair of the meeting, who hails from Barbado! s. Many non-government organizations (NGOs) and experts have labored long and hard on the development agenda negotiations, not all of which were able to attend this meeting, which comes after at least seven WIPO meetings where this topic has been discussed. The contributions of the (north and south, east and west) development, consumer, free software, library and public interest groups working on technology issues were very important, and it has been a pleasure to work with all of them. It is now time to turn our attentions to the June negotiations on the next group of proposals for the development agenda, which go much further, and present more controversy. It is also important to ensure that WIPO implements the new reforms. The first step is very important, but it is a long journey. Here are some quotes from others who are here: (Indian Delegate) "As a delegation we feel it is a very significant forward movement. The meeting concluded in a spirit of compromise and consensus. This augers well for future deliberation which may lead to the finalization of a development agenda for WIPO. It is imperative that the member states maintain this spirit in the next meeting of the PCDA." (Nigerian Delegate) "It has been a very long and tortuous route but we have at last come out of the tunnel into the brilliant prospects of implementing the Development Agenda in WIPO." Teresa Hackett (EIFL.NET) "The Chairman was breath of fresh air. After two years, it feels like things are moving forward. The public domain received unexpected attention, but it gave us the opportunity to talk about why WIPO should care about a rich and accessible public domain." Miriam M. Nisbet (American Library Association) "Despite some confusing and conflicting statements about the public domain, it has been gratifying to hear lively debates by the WIPO delegates that reinforce the importance of the topic." Ren Buchholz (Electronic Frontier Foundation) "WIPO made a refreshing amount of progress this week. The excellent Chair kept things moving and Member States seemed happy to be hard at work. However, it's critical that the spirit of this session is present at the June meeting. If certain countries obstruct fair consideration of the rest of the proposals -- and there are many -- we should not be surprised if this week's success suffers." David Tannenbaum (Yale Information Society Project) "It is disorienting to see such a breathtakingly good outcome come out of a process that was largely closed. The language is very general and it will be important to use these principles to guide current and future treaty negotiations." Cliffor Guimares (Brazilian Copyright Office) "The final results of the discussions of the Annex A are positive. Group B showed some flexibility in order to reach an agreement. . The African Group devoted a lot of effort to reaching agreement on technical assistance matters. Of course, Annex A comprises only part of the negotiation. Brazil hopes that the spirit of cooperation and goodwill displayed in PCDA3 is extended to PCDA4." Iryna Kuchma (eIFL) "It was my first participation at PCDA and it was a pleasure for me to see the progress in the Development agenda. As an Eastern European the only pity I have is that other East European countries don't realize that Development agenda will be as beneficial for them as for the Friends of Development." Malini Aisola (Knowledge Ecology International) "After many days of negotiations, I am glad that WIPO Member States were able to reach decisions on Annex A proposals. This is surely a favorable first result in the development agenda process. In order for the process to be completed, it is crucial that member states rise to the challenging task of reaching consensus on the remaining proposals in the June meeting. Witnessing the cooperation and collaboration of the nations at the PCDA has been a valuable experience for me." Eddan Katz (Yale Information Society Project) "This is an important moment for the recognition of the role of human development in innovation. agreement on these principles will help us move forward in promoting access to knowledge as a commitment for the whole world." (Senior member of the US delegation) "We sensed a different atmosphere on both sides this time". Vera Franz "With this week's meeting we are a step closer to making WIPO fit for the 21st century. Back in 2003 WIPO had argued that a meeting on open collaborative knowledge projects would fall outside the agency's mandate. With today WIPO has put these issues firmly on its agenda, acknowledging that in a healthy and competitive knowledge economy more IP is not always better. What is next? These changes will have to impact future norm-setting at the agency." Thiru Balasubramaniam (Knowledge Ecology International) "The Chair, Ambassador Trevor Clarke of Barbados, steered the helm of the Development Agenda process with judicious authority rejuvenating hopes that WIPO can mainstream public interest concerns into its core mandate. Kudos to Pakistan, Chile, India, Brazil, South Africa and the United States for their spirit of cooperation and goodwill It was refreshing to hear WIPO Member States laud the value of the public domain. Crunch time begins in June where proposals detailing an elaboration of a Treaty on Access to Knowledge and a Medical R&D Treaty will be discussed." <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-love/wipo-embraces-reform-on-i_b_41 951.html> _______________________________________________ Idlelo2 mailing list Idlelo2(a)fossfa.net http://mailman.dst.gov.za/mailman/listinfo/idlelo2 -- Judy Ann Okite, +254-721237507,+254-734252336 P.O. BOX 2228 00100, NAIROBI,KENYA. "Even if you are on the right track, you'll still get run over if you just sit there."

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Re: [kictanet] Will the new alliance against Celtel last?
by Florence Etta 27 Feb '07

27 Feb '07

CELTEL really ought to go ahead and consolidate a continental position across al the countries where they operate and have a first continental roaming/home rate arrangement to the chagrin of their competitors and the joy of thier customers. They should show us their true capitalist spirit and drive prices down and their banks accounts bursting with one stroke of genius! Imagine the scoop of joining Nigeria to the CELTEL EA network. Thats CAPITALISM right? Or have I missed soemthing? Cheers, FE Florence Etta P.O. Box 14285,00800 Westlands-Nairobi, Kenya Tel: Mobile + 254-733-621851 Terrestrial: + 254-20-7121506 Fax: + 254-20-7125732 Alternative Email:florence.etta@gmail.com ----- Original Message ---- From: "alice(a)apc.org" <alice(a)apc.org> To: feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk Sent: Tuesday, 27 February, 2007 9:04:06 AM Subject: [kictanet] Will the new alliance against Celtel last? Will the new alliance against Celtel last? When Celtel unveiled its single EA network there was a lot of trepidation in the communications sector on the implications of such a move. Talking heads and officious spectators immediately began wondering how the other two communications service providers in the Ugandan market, MTN and Uganda Telecom, would react. The decision to embrace East Africa, a first from Celtel, startled its competitors. The genius who came up with the idea deserves every bit of his pay cheque and more. No strategy will possibly have as far reaching results as this first from Celtel - who in Uganda were the pioneer mobile-phone service provider, although they squandered all the advantages of first entry with a premium pricing strategy - but that is a story for another day. The responses have been rapid and varied. MTN immediately commenced negotiations with Vodafone and Safaricom and presto, we have the three musketeers. The challenge posed by Celtel was sorted, or was it? Uganda Telecom, on the other hand, quickly signed a multimillion deal to sell Uganda's international gateway (256) to Gemtel, a Sudanese-based firm whose ownership is still being investigated by parliament. Before entering into an analysis of the merits and demerits of such a course of action, let us utilise the timeless lessons taught to us by our forefathers in Acholi folklore. There once was an able and robust hunter who chanced upon a baby leopard deserted by its mother. Nyaga, fascinated by the beautiful fur, carried the leopard home and commenced looking after it. Elders admonished Nyaga, women cautioned him on the folly of keeping something no human being had ever dared to keep, noting that the creature had long, sharp nails. To all this well-intentioned advice, Nyaga blocked his ears. In consequence, as the leopard grew bigger and bolder, one day in jest it wounded Nyaga. Niccolo Machevelli had nothing but disdain for mercenaries or auxiliaries in the defence of a principality. Similarly, auxiliaries leave the one who calls them in a lurch if they are defeated and in the power of the mercenaries if they win. It is through this prism that I choose to look at the response of the three musketeers to the challenge posed by Celtel. Yet even after painting such a grim scenario, we are yet to address the question of who the tiger in the alliance is or how long it will be sustained. Watmon Mike Kinyera via e-mail http://www.nationmedia.com/eastafrican/current/Opinion/opinion2602073. htm _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/feanywhere%40yahoo.co.uk ___________________________________________________________ New Yahoo! Mail is the ultimate force in competitive emailing. Find out more at the Yahoo! Mail Championships. Plus: play games and win prizes. http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/evt=44106/*http://mail.yahoo.net/uk

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Fwd: [UgaBYTES] From KTN2 Kenya Network of Telecentres-KENTEL
by chelimo kenneth 27 Feb '07

27 Feb '07

Note: forwarded message attached. --------------------------------- The fish are biting. Get more visitors on your site using Yahoo! Search Marketing.

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Ground laid for TEAMS roll out project
by alice＠apc.org 27 Feb '07

27 Feb '07

Ground laid for TEAMS roll out project By JOHN KORIR Plan for the implementation of the multi-billion East African Marine Systems popularly known as TEAMS have been finalised, Information and Communication Permanent Secretary Dr Bitange Ndemo said yesterday. Speaking at a Nairobi hotel during an Information Communication Technology (ICT) industry stakeholders meeting, Dr Ndemo said the new technology will link the East African Coastline to the rest of the world, saying the coastline is the only one in the African continent that remains unconnected by the submarine cable. The PS told participants thatthe preparatory process for laying the framework is in high gear with a special team appointed working round the clock to ensure the detailed plans and other basic elements are put in place before the implementation of the project begins. He said the TEAMS will be laid from Fujairah and Mombasa , linking Kenya to the rest of the world. The PS said the new technology is a major milestone in the economy of the country. "With the shrinking distances round the world, our dreams and aspirations in being part of the rest of the world will only be realzed when our communication infrastructure enables us to undertake business with the rest of the world in real time and cheaply," Ndemo said. Dr Ndemo said the government is keen to stimulate the investments in ICTs and particularly the deployment of high bandwidth fibre-optical backbone newtworks. He further said the government is continuously developing the framework that facilitate the deployment of the telecommunications facilities and services. The PS observed that the country stands to benefit immensely from the connectivity, saying consumers are constantly yearning for high speeds and broadband connectivity that can propel the growth of e-commerce as well as lowering the costs of telecommunication acccess. Dr Ndemo at the same time called on players in the industry to explore ways of adopting the principle of infrastructure sharing so that resources could be optimally used. He said there was need for those in the industry to make efficient use of existing network facilities and save on costs that in most cases become sunk, saying the principle of infrastructure sharing is a global initiative aimed at cutting costs on the part of the players

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Will the new alliance against Celtel last?
by alice＠apc.org 27 Feb '07

27 Feb '07

Will the new alliance against Celtel last? When Celtel unveiled its single EA network there was a lot of trepidation in the communications sector on the implications of such a move. Talking heads and officious spectators immediately began wondering how the other two communications service providers in the Ugandan market, MTN and Uganda Telecom, would react. The decision to embrace East Africa, a first from Celtel, startled its competitors. The genius who came up with the idea deserves every bit of his pay cheque and more. No strategy will possibly have as far reaching results as this first from Celtel - who in Uganda were the pioneer mobile-phone service provider, although they squandered all the advantages of first entry with a premium pricing strategy - but that is a story for another day. The responses have been rapid and varied. MTN immediately commenced negotiations with Vodafone and Safaricom and presto, we have the three musketeers. The challenge posed by Celtel was sorted, or was it? Uganda Telecom, on the other hand, quickly signed a multimillion deal to sell Uganda's international gateway (256) to Gemtel, a Sudanese-based firm whose ownership is still being investigated by parliament. Before entering into an analysis of the merits and demerits of such a course of action, let us utilise the timeless lessons taught to us by our forefathers in Acholi folklore. There once was an able and robust hunter who chanced upon a baby leopard deserted by its mother. Nyaga, fascinated by the beautiful fur, carried the leopard home and commenced looking after it. Elders admonished Nyaga, women cautioned him on the folly of keeping something no human being had ever dared to keep, noting that the creature had long, sharp nails. To all this well-intentioned advice, Nyaga blocked his ears. In consequence, as the leopard grew bigger and bolder, one day in jest it wounded Nyaga. Niccolo Machevelli had nothing but disdain for mercenaries or auxiliaries in the defence of a principality. Similarly, auxiliaries leave the one who calls them in a lurch if they are defeated and in the power of the mercenaries if they win. It is through this prism that I choose to look at the response of the three musketeers to the challenge posed by Celtel. Yet even after painting such a grim scenario, we are yet to address the question of who the tiger in the alliance is or how long it will be sustained. Watmon Mike Kinyera via e-mail http://www.nationmedia.com/eastafrican/current/Opinion/opinion2602073. htm

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