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Holding our Leaders Accountable
by Mr President 17 May '07

17 May '07

Yes Yes YesWe who know better should hold our leaders accountable for their ideas or LACK of them, the dismal attendance and lack of understanding, should form our mode of attackHow can we be led, by those who know nothing or very little,yet we talk about using ict to advance into the digital age while our "Leaders" are in the stone age ????Like i said before, this talk about E-Govt etc is hot air, i wish it was optical fiber- (i am VENTING) really members , this is just but the tip of the ice berg, in terms of caliber, capability and comprehension of those who lead OR aspire to lead us.Look at the quality of debate, the lack of quorum, the pettiness of discussion and the lack of focus, back to the aspirants, am sure they thought they were meeting a bunch of ?? Tea pickers or ICT planners ??We should lead in the planning, of ICT and the way foward, if the aspirants who are the cream of the bunch- ARE THEY ??- what about the rest in bunge ??Things are thick?I would appreciate ANY ONE who can explain a way out of this quagmire, my thots ??If they know nothing, they can offer nothing and are therefore not worthy of our votes ??Point to ponder? What of the incumbent ??You get my point ? The govt intends-of have obtained- billions to fund the Optical Fibre backbone, the Ps is talking of engaging with the European Submarine cable, who will pass the legislation ?? Those who know jack ??You tell me......We should debate this exhaustively lest we- who know better- get left with the egg in our face AMA ??Njenga M.P �those who fear to fail.will never try to succeded,for to fail to plan is to plan to FAIL _______________________________________________ No banners. No pop-ups. No kidding. Make My Way your home on the Web - http://www.myway.com

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Unleash Your Business Potential! BiD Challenge Kenya 2007 Is Now Open]
by Jose' 17 May '07

17 May '07

The Business in Development Challenge Kenya 2007 is open! This year, Kenyans can participate in the International Business in Development SME business plan competition both locally and internationally! You can win up to Ksh. 1,000,000 in the Local Challenge and Ksh. 1,800,000 plus a business trip to the Netherlands in the International Challenge! The BiD Challenge 2007 is open to start-up or established entrepreneurs with a business proposal for a new, or for the expansion of an existing enterprise in Kenya. For participation criteria, timeline and other information please visit our website: www.kenya.bidnetwork.org to: 1) get more information about the BiD Challenge 2007 2) create your profile and share your experience as entrepreneur, screener, coach, expert or investor in the BiD Network! 3) inspire others by forwarding this e-mail today to as many entreprenuers as you like! We kindly ask you to help us in our search for creative entrepreneurs. Creating a 3 page business concept to enter the challenge will take on average only 30 minutes! Please send out our promotional flyer to your personal and professional network AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE! In case of any queries, please contact Morris Muchemi or Annabel Onyando Kind regards, The BiD Network Kenya Team Unleash your business potential! Are you a Small or Medium Enterprise? Established or starting up and looking for capital between Ksh. 500,000 to Ksh. 35,000,000? Enter the SME Business Plan Competition Now! [Partners] [DEADLINE MAY 31st] Why Participate? International award is up to Ksh. 1,800,000 eqv. (Netherlands) for your business. National local awards are Ksh 1,000,000, Ksh. 750,000 and Ksh. 500,000 to support your business Receive professional coaching to develop a comprehensive business plan Get exposed to a network of potential investors, for business plans qualifying for finance ranging between Ksh. 500,000 to Ksh. 35,000,000 per business Promote your business plan and share experiences on the Business in> Development (BiD) Network: the first online marketplace supporting SME business in developing countries The BiD Challenge Kenya is part of an International Competition. Easy online Submission in about 30 minutes! Submit your proposal before 31st of May http://kenya.bidnetwork.org --------------------------------- Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV.

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Re: [kictanet] Kudos KICTANET on live stream
by Kagwe James 17 May '07

17 May '07

With the kind of response I'm hearing I would like to freely advice all the presidential hopefuls to have ICT consultants as members in their campaign trails and strategists otherwise at this rate they will never get any votes from us and more so from the youth who are well versed as long as ICT is concerned. And in any case why should they get our votes when they are saying nothing about what we beliefs is driving the world economies. How will they achieve the Millennium goals while in total ignorance of the obvious? Kind Regards, James Kagwe ************************************************************************ ********** Alexander Forbes Financial Services (EA) Ltd 9th floor, Nation Centre, Kimathi Street P. O. Box 52439 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: (254) 20 - 216 986 Fax: (254) 20 - 221 470 Confidentiality Warning ======================= The contents of this e-mail and any accompanying documentation are confidential and any use thereof, in what ever form, by anyone other than the addressee is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify actuaries(a)aforbes.co.ke or benefits(a)aforbes.co.ke and delete it immediately from your system.. Alexander Forbes Financial Services (EA) Limited from whom this e-mail originates accepts no responsibility for losses or damage as a result of any viruses and it is your responsibility to check attachments (if any) for viruses. ________________________________ From: kictanet-bounces+jkagwe=aforbes.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jose' Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2007 9:18 AM To: Kagwe James Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kudos KICTANET on live stream Kudus to KICtanet. "Kai U. Wulff" <kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke> wrote: Hello, We would be happy to stream all events and I am sure ISPs would be happy to store. We would even be happy to stream from Parliament (once we are allowed to terminate fiber there). Kai ________________________________ From: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Mr President Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 16:08 To: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kudos KICTANET on live stream Importance: High HI ALL To give credit where it is due? KICTANET for organising the event KDN for live streaming, infact as a precidence has been set, may be KDN could/ should live stream all KICTANET events? adn provide a library for archiving ? The act of Leading is not fearing to be ahead, the fear of being led is not knowing your LEADER, thus it is paramount that we, KNOW our leadrs and the views they hold, plans they have, directions they plan to take and visions they intend to ask us the public to share with them. Regards Njenga M.P those who fear to fail.will never try to succeded,for to fail to plan is to plan to FAIL ________________________________ No banners. No pop-ups. No kidding. Make My Way your home on the Web - http://www.myway.com <http://www.myway.com/> _______________________________________________ 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/ngunjirijnr%40yahoo.com Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || ________________________________ We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=49980/*http:/tv.yahoo.com/collections/265%0d %0a> (and love to hate): Yahoo! TV's Guilty Pleasures list. <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=49980/*http:/tv.yahoo.com/collections/265%0d %0a>

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INVITATION TO THE ICT NYERI ROADSHOW MAY 24TH, 2007.]
by alice 17 May '07

17 May '07

*RE: INVITATION TO THE ICT NYERI ROADSHOW MAY 24^TH , 2007.* Following the highly successful ICT Development Expo held in February 2007 at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, the Ministry of Information and Communication, in association with ICTvillage.com, would like to invite you to the official opening of the 2007 Nyeri ICT Roadshow on May 24^th , 2007 at 10.00 a.m. at the Temple Road Hall, in Nyeri town. The theme of the ICT Roadshow is “Bridging the Urban-Rural Digital Divide” by enabling ICT companies and organizations to showcase their products, services and programmes to the rural areas and to initiate the establishment of Digital Villages nationwide which will in turn accelerate implementation of the Kenya 2030 Vision. The programme of events is as follows: · *Thursday 24^th 9.00a.m. – 11.00a.m.* Opening Day · *Friday 25^th 9.00a.m. – 5.00p.m.* Commercial Day · *Saturday 26^th 9.00a.m. – 5.00p.m.* Community Day If you wish to participate as an exhibitor please get in touch with the undersigned at the contacts listed below and we will facilitate your placement. We look forward to your attendance. Yours faithfully, Njoki Mumira ------------------------------------ ICTvillage.com - Idea Factory Ltd, The Office Park, Riverside Drive. P O Box 12, Sarit Centre 00606, Nairobi, Kenya. Tel: 254-020-4449277. Tel: 254-020-4447655. Fax: 254-020-4449210. www.ictvillage.com

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Re: [kictanet] Kudos KICTANET on live stream
by Mr President 17 May '07

17 May '07

HI ALLTo give credit where it is due?KICTANET for organising the eventKDN for live streaming, infact as a precidence has been set, may be KDN could/ should live stream all KICTANET events? adn provide a library for archiving ?The act of Leading is not fearing to be ahead, the fear of being led is not knowing your LEADER, thus it is paramount that we, KNOW our leadrs and the views they hold, plans they have, directions they plan to take and visions they intend to ask us the public to share with them.Regards Njenga M.Pthose who fear to fail.will never try to succeded,for to fail to plan is to plan to FAIL _______________________________________________ No banners. No pop-ups. No kidding. Make My Way your home on the Web - http://www.myway.com

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Re: [kictanet] live stream-Oops! Apologies
by John Walubengo 16 May '07

16 May '07

Evelyn, we need to take this conversation ooffline...am not even sure I was the one supposed to do the flashing but I quickly send out a rejoinder to everyone! my bad...sorry...am out. walu. >>> "John Walubengo" <jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke> 05/16/07 01:59PM >>> what's your phone number? walu. >>> "Evelyn Rono" <evelyn.rono(a)kdn.co.ke> 05/16/07 09:54AM >>> Pls flash me in your cell phone I need to talk to you Warm Regards, Evelyn Rono External Affairs Manager Kenya Data Networks Tel: +254 20 556755, 828659/68/81 Mobile: 0724-255047, 0733-730504 Fax: +254 20 828685 URL: www.kdn.co.ke Kindly get in touch with us to experience the freedom. _____ From: kictanet-bounces+evelyn.rono=kdn.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Rebecca Wanjiku Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 9:46 AM To: evelyn.rono(a)kdn.co.ke Subject: [kictanet] live stream just to let you know that today there will be a live debate stream on http://idhaa.kenic.or.ke:8001/ its kenya's quest to create content, www.kenic.or.ke the adminstrators of the .co.ke Country Code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) teamed up with Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) and Kenya Data Networks to make this possible, we will also be using my blog- beckyit.blogspot.com so be on the loop am sure this can make good news wherever you are in case of further interest, please feel free to contact me Rebecca Wanjiku, journalist, p.o box 33515, Nairobi.00600 Kenya. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ _____ Yahoo! oneSearch: Finally, mobile <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=48252/*http:/mobile.yahoo.com/mobileweb/onesearc h?refer=1ONXIC> search that gives answers, not web links. _______________________________________________ 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/jwalubengo%40kcct.ac.ke

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Re: [kictanet] live stream
by John Walubengo 16 May '07

16 May '07

what's your phone number? walu. >>> "Evelyn Rono" <evelyn.rono(a)kdn.co.ke> 05/16/07 09:54AM >>> Pls flash me in your cell phone I need to talk to you Warm Regards, Evelyn Rono External Affairs Manager Kenya Data Networks Tel: +254 20 556755, 828659/68/81 Mobile: 0724-255047, 0733-730504 Fax: +254 20 828685 URL: www.kdn.co.ke Kindly get in touch with us to experience the freedom. _____ From: kictanet-bounces+evelyn.rono=kdn.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Rebecca Wanjiku Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 9:46 AM To: evelyn.rono(a)kdn.co.ke Subject: [kictanet] live stream just to let you know that today there will be a live debate stream on http://idhaa.kenic.or.ke:8001/ its kenya's quest to create content, www.kenic.or.ke the adminstrators of the .co.ke Country Code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) teamed up with Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) and Kenya Data Networks to make this possible, we will also be using my blog- beckyit.blogspot.com so be on the loop am sure this can make good news wherever you are in case of further interest, please feel free to contact me Rebecca Wanjiku, journalist, p.o box 33515, Nairobi.00600 Kenya. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ _____ Yahoo! oneSearch: Finally, mobile <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=48252/*http:/mobile.yahoo.com/mobileweb/onesearc h?refer=1ONXIC> search that gives answers, not web links.

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A HEROE worth his TIME
by Eric Osiakwan 16 May '07

16 May '07

Dear All, "A NATION that does not honour her HEROES, is not WORTH dying for" - the key words are "NATION, HEROES and WORTH". The NATION of Kenya honoured her HEROES and one of them is Brian Longwe, a GENERAL in his own RIGHT in the African ICT Fraternity. Please join me in CONGRATULATING a Living Saint @ http:// www.ictvillage.com/icthof_BrianLongwe.asp Eric here NB: Aplogise for cross posting 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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ICT debate
by Rebecca Wanjiku 16 May '07

16 May '07

hi, confirmations are flowing in, i hope you will be there on wednesday 2pm at Norfolk, the debate will surely be heated, regards becky Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ ____________________________________________________________________________________Luggage? GPS? Comic books? Check out fitting gifts for grads at Yahoo! Search http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=oni_on_mail&p=graduation+gifts&cs=bz

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USDA ANNOUNCES NEW PROPOSED RULES FOR BROADBAND IN RURAL COMMUNITIES
by Alex Gakuru 16 May '07

16 May '07

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: WWWhatsup <joly(a)punkcast.com> Date: May 15, 2007 10:27 PM Subject: [isoc-ny] USDA ANNOUNCES NEW PROPOSED RULES FOR BROADBAND IN RURAL COMMUNITIES To: isoc-ny(a)yahoogroups.com, discuss(a)isoc-ny.org USDA ANNOUNCES NEW PROPOSED RULES FOR BROADBAND IN RURAL COMMUNITIES [SOURCE: US Department of Agriculture] On Friday, Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr announced the publication of new proposed rules designed to facilitate the further deployment of broadband services to rural communities nationwide. Key elements include: 1) Promoting deployment to rural areas with little or no service; 2) Ensuring that residents in funded areas get broadband access more quickly; 3) Limiting funding in urban areas and areas where a significant share of the market is served by incumbent providers; 4) Clarifying and streamlining equity and marketing survey requirements; 5) Increasing the transparency of the application process, including legal notice requirements, to make more informed lending/borrowing decisions; 6) Promoting a better understanding of all application requirements, including market survey, competitive analysis, business plan, and system design requirements; and 7) ensuring that projects funding are keeping pace with increasing demand for bandwidth. http://www.dailywireless.org/2007/05/14/rural-broadband-gets-a-plan/ -----

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reminder
by Rebecca Wanjiku 15 May '07

15 May '07

hi, just to remind you of the upcoming debate on ICT at the Norfolk, on wednesday (16th) at 2pm the confirmations are coming in, and it will be good for members to attend in huge numbers, hope to see you there, regards becky ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a PS3 game guru. Get your game face on with the latest PS3 news and previews at Yahoo! Games. http://videogames.yahoo.com/platform?platform=120121

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Re: [kictanet] [Fwd: presidential aspirants' debate on ICT enabled Kenyan Economy
by Michuki Mwangi 15 May '07

15 May '07

waudo siganga wrote: > Thank you Engineer. I will be away for WITSA meetings in Kualr Lumpur > 14-19 May. Keziah Muthoni will attend on my behalf. > I see content opportunity - maybe if someone can provide bandwidth we can audio-stream the session live for those who not able to make it. Regards, -- Michuki Mwangi KENIC

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Live Streaming for presidential aspirants' debate on ICT enabled Kenyan Economy. Mainsteraming ICTs into the National Agenda
by alice 15 May '07

15 May '07

Apologies for cross posting Dear All Courtesy of KENIC and KDN, there will be live streaming of this event for those who can not make it to be there physically. The URL is: http://idhaa.kenic.or.ke:8001/ best alice ------------------------------------------------------------------- Michuki Mwangi wrote: > I see content opportunity - maybe if someone can provide bandwidth we > can audio-stream the session live for those who not able to make it. > > Regards, > > _______________________________________________ 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/alice%40apc.org

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End of Online Deliberation - CCK Internet Report
by John Walubengo 14 May '07

14 May '07

Dear All, I wish to 'officially' declare the above deliberation closed after 3 weeks of enriching online exchange. I want to thank all of you who spared the time and effort to contribute your ideas on the various topics. I also want to thank all those who spared the time to READ those contributions - even though you may have said nothing, am sure you may have learnt alot more like I did. As for the way forward? Basically, I would be compiling a summary of the deliberations in form of a report which will be published on the list and possibly handed over to appropriate authorities in a short 'Breakfast' ceremony that will be announced later after confirmations. Thanx again to all and hope to get your participation in future online deliberations. J. Walubengo KICTANet ____________________________________________________________________________________ TV dinner still cooling? Check out "Tonight's Picks" on Yahoo! TV. http://tv.yahoo.com/

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KCCT looking for an Intergrated Management System.
by John Walubengo 14 May '07

14 May '07

Hey, Allow me to air some commercial, some of you may be ICT Consultants and may be interested.. ...KCCT went public (advertised) the other friday for the above system. Plse ask your colleagues who may be intrested in supplying the system to visit the url below for details. http://www.kcct.ac.ke/downloads/brochures/TenderNotice.pdf walu ____________________________________________________________________________________Get the Yahoo! toolbar and be alerted to new email wherever you're surfing. http://new.toolbar.yahoo.com/toolbar/features/mail/index.php

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"INFRASTRUCTURE SHARING" Nairobi, Kenya 6 – 7 June 2007: Eighth Forum on Telecommunications
by alice 13 May '07

13 May '07

"INFRASTRUCTURE SHARING" Nairobi, Kenya 6 – 7 June 2007 We are pleased to announce the eighth Forum on Telecommunications/ICT Regulation in Africa (FTRA-2007), organized by the Telecommunications Bureau (BDT) in collaboration with the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK).The Forum will be held in Nairobi, Republic of Kenya from 6 to 7 June 2007 and will be chaired by, Eng. John Waweru, the Director General, CCK. INFRASTRUCTURE SHARING: Africa is one of continents where countries are still working on the roll out of basic infrastructure, including the Telecommunications and Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Various utilities and various Telecommunications and ICT Operators in particular, are running parallel infrastructure that if shared could have reduced the costs; duplications and wasting of scarce resource. Further by sharing some infrastructure we could minimize the negative impact in our environment! Can Policy Makers and Regulators Promote Infrastructure Sharing without jeopardizing the competition and the benefits to consumers? Would the Sharing of Infrastructure minimize the impact on the environment? What are the issues to be looked at when considering the infrastructure sharing and what are the long term implications? These and other topic will be introduced in the discussion paper being prepared by the ITU/BDT for discussion in the Forum. The Forum will be preceded in the same venue by the Public and Private Partnership Forum (PPPF-2007) from 4 to 5 June 2007, providing the opportunity for the participants to meet formally and informally the representatives from the Private Sector, Policy Makers and Regulators http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/afr/events/FTRA/Nairobi-2007/index.html <http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/afr/events/FTRA/Nairobi-2007/index.html>

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KENYA’S TEAMS FIBRE PROJECT LOOKS SET TO DRAW IN OTHER COUNTRIES
by alice 13 May '07

13 May '07

From Balancing Act: KENYA’S TEAMS FIBRE PROJECT LOOKS SET TO DRAW IN OTHER COUNTRIES At the East African Broadband Workshop in Kigali on 8-9 May, five Governments signed a communiqué that may well be the first step on the road to the widening out of participation in the TEAMS fibre project to all East African Community countries: these now include: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Signatories included three Ministers (Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda) and two senior officials (Burundi and Tanzania). The event was organised by the Rwandan Ministry of Infrastructure and the US Digital Freedom Initiative. The communiqué noted that:”Progress must be made to bring undersea fibre optic cable systems and backbone connections to the region as quickly as possible.” In a diplomatically worded statement clearly aimed at the faltering NEPAD sponsored project it stated that all fibre projects “should aim to meet the requirements of all public and private stakeholders.” The Kenyan Government requested the nomination of technical teams from East African countries and said it would brief regional governments about the technical, legal and investment details in 4-6 weeks time. Furthermore, the signatories agreed that the EAC should adopt “an open access policy for backbone networks and agree that they should be operated on a non-discriminatory manner based on a cost model that is sustainable, which supports regional interconnectivity and allows for high end usage that is affordable to the end users within three months.”

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KENYA SPECIAL: MARKET GETS READY FOR CHEAPER BANDWIDTH
by alice 13 May '07

13 May '07

TOP STORY FROM BALANCING ACT: KENYA SPECIAL: MARKET GETS READY FOR CHEAPER BANDWIDTH _____________________________________________________________________ The Kenyan Internet market is set for a big change as the players transform their strategies to take advantage of new opportunities. With legal VoIP, they are now no longer looking at just offering Internet access. Once the long-delayed interconnect agreements are sorted out, these newcomers will start making inroads into the voice market. With the arrival of cheaper, plentiful international bandwidth in 2008, those who will flourish in a competitive market will no longer primarily sell bandwidth. With cheaper broadband offers, the number of their customers will increase and they will look to services and applications that they can sell their customers. The market is going through a major period of re-alignment and investment. Access Kenya’s IPO was four times over-subscribed, showing the level of interest there is in the market and it has plans to expand (see On the Money) . Telkom South Africa is now the proud owner of Africa Online and is devising its strategy for both the pan-African and local markets. ATC is now firmly at the helm of Wananchi and has ambitious expansion plans. There are also losers as we understand that there are at least two ISPs that are not in the best of financial health. Last week five governments signed a communiqué in Kigali saying that the East Africa Community “should adopt an open access policy for backbone networks”. TEAMS will be fast-tracked, promising to start in Q1 2008 and it will seek input from regional partners within 4-6 weeks. (see Internet News below). Meanwhile, a large team from the private sector competitor project, Sithe’s Seacom, was in Nairobi last week talking to potential customers. The heat is on to see who will be the first to market with cheaper international fibre. In this Kenya special, Russell Southwood interviews John Joseph, the new CEO of Africa Online who gives some pointers about its future direction and to Kai Wulff, CEO of KDN whose recent “free access” experiment provides a fascinating insight into the potential size of the market. After the flattening out of dial-up demand, the market’s on the move again with strategies to attract new customers in what looks set to become a much bigger market. * AFRICA ONLINE’S NEW CEO LAYS OUT HIS STALL In an interview last Friday, Africa Online’s new CEO talked to Russell Southwood about his strategy to revive the company and renew faith in its pan-continental brand. He spoke frankly about how he sees competitive markets and the kind of opportunities the company will pursue. Q: Why did Telkom buy Africa Online? It links immediately with the pan-African acquisition target Telkom has set itself and its desire to create a presence across the continent. It’s been looking right across the IT scale (at potential acquisitions), including fixed and mobile service providers. Africa Online gives us the opportunity to immediately get into eight countries and the ability to opportunity to expand in each of them. It gives us immediate access to the existing licences and the potential to acquire new licences in these territories. In addition, we have affiliates in 20 countries where they are resellers of our corporate connectivity services. We’re searching for affiliates in those countries where we currently don’t have a presence. There’s a also number of carriers in South Africa and the Far East who want to be able to deal with one service operator. We’re also talking to major European carriers who we will be pursuing to set up agreements to provide corporate connectivity and obviously similarly with Telkom SA. It’s always had difficulties with a number of corporates about creating a presence across Africa to meet their needs, companies like retailers and banking organisations, to provide reliable connectivity in their branches. Q: What about the competitors in that market? There’s very few competitors in that space and that’s what makes it attractive. We’ve also had discussions with providers in Hong Kong. Q: What’s the current subscriber base across the eight countries? There’s around 15,000 subscribers. Q: So where are you starting from? We’re offering dial-up and broadband access. The broadband we’re rolling out is using iBurst which is already set up in Kenya and Ghana. We’re currently sorting out spectrum licences to roll that out elsewhere. Our main business will become broadband. We want to significantly grow existing services and add growth in new markets. There’s currently limited iBurst coverage in Kenya with only Nairobi and Mombasa but we’re looking to expand. Q: What kinds of things will you be investing in? There’s currently a limitation on operations that we need to address to increase the top line. The way we do our business is limiting the number of orders per month we can handle. We need to invest in IT systems for process flow. There are limitations on connectivity and bandwidth. We need to increase in-country connectivity and international connectivity and get subscriber numbers up. We need to look at our initial technology choices – iBurst – and then have a wireless base station roll-out. We need to expand services like good quality VoIP services. We’re trialling these within African Online at the moment but we have to do a lot more to improve them. We need to invest in products like VoIP and video calling. Q: What about investment in the brand? I’ve picked up on the history of pride with the brand but this has faded over time. We need to create a passion for the brand in Kenya and other countries but also outside of the continent. Customers need to know what they might get so it’s the brand plus the quality of the product. The brand association should be quality and price. I see a lot of other ISPs advertising here in Kenya and elsewhere and we need to create our own external profile. But we also need to do create that profile internally within the company so that Africa Online is the employee of choice. Q: You mentioned the need for more plentiful, cheaper bandwidth. What’s your attitude to SAT3 and the new East coast fibre projects? My opinion is that there’s a real urgency to get an undersea fibre cable landed on the East coast. It will change the whole ICT marketplace in East Africa. It changes the capacity of price per consumer that would be possible and provides quality connectivity. I believe that the prices we now see on SAT3 and other projects are coming down. I’m flying to the west coast later this month to discuss this. We have to have more investment in fibre projects because it’s a supply and demand issue. Q: Will you be focusing only on services or will you also look at infrastructure? There’s some discussion on the West coast of Africa about looking at providing some infrastructure. Specifically we’re looking at bandwidth provision to other ISPs in some countries. There’s discussions about facilitating that so investment is focused on the service layer but progressing infrastructure and connectivity. Q: Will demand increase if prices come down? Even without price reductions, demand is not being met. We’re moving forward on broadband in Kenya and it’s going to be very competitive. We need to remove the bottlenecks and offer more cost effective offerings. There’s a great deal of demand there but it’s not being fulfilled because of the limitations of current coverage. Q: How does it feel being in a competitive market? I’ve seen greater liberalisation in East Africa than down in South Africa. Regulators in the region have moved more quickly towards competition and deregulating the marketplace. Within the South African marketplace, there’s great competition but there’s a need from the regulatory point of view to change the landscape more. The reality’s there but there’s the need for more implementation. Q: Telkom SA has expressed interest in buying Telkom Kenya. How would it work? Do you buy it or does the parent company? Africa Online is looking to expand. We’re looking at ISP operations, new markets and new licences to grow. However, we would not look at buying into Telkom Kenya as Africa Online. Telkom SA’s expansion plans are looking at all operations throughout Africa and that’s what they’re really pursuing. We are operating as an arms length subsidiary but generating synergies between the two operations. * KDN’S FREE ACCESS OFFER UNCOVERS EXTENT OF WI-FI DEVICES KDN’s Wi-Fi service called Butterfly has been offered for free with no login page on the basis of a word-of-mouth “whispering” campaign and the results have thrown up some potential surprises about the shape and size of the Kenyan market and what the users really want. The free trial took place over a public holiday when there would be plenty of bandwidth available. According to KDN’s CEO Kai Wulff:”We wanted to see where our traffic threshold was. It got up to 22,000 users and then we were smoked away. There were things like corrupted config files occurring.” When it crashed, it was provisioned for 40 megs up and 40 megs down. The significance of the test is that there are 22,000 users with separate MAC addresses using Wi-Fi-enabled devices, purely on the basis of spreading news about the offer on a word-of-mouth basis. It guesses that the figure may actually be double or triple that number. KDN itself has sold around 2,000 Wi-Fi cards in the last few months. At present, Wulff says that:”A broadband service costs on average around KS30,000 a month and I’m confident that by the end of the year there will be 20-30,000 users on a pay-for basis.” Interestingly, customer expectations have gone up considerably with the provision of the Wi-Fi service. Wulff says:”Customers expect the service to be like a leased line. When they see the Wi-Fi indicator going from 48 meg to 36 meg, I start to get customers ringing me on my mobile.” So what was the demand from customers over the free period? Lots were browsing international content. There was a lot of VoIP usage, particularly Skype, where users were phoning each other both within the country and outside it. The network was offered without bandwidth restrictions and it enabled peer-to-peer services like Skype to work well. Apparently lots of students found out about the offer and went out and bought Wi-Fi cards to take advantage of it. Peak use period was after-office hours between 7-9 pm. On a pay for basis, VoIP use (by traffic) on the KDN network is between 10-15% but rises to 20% on the Butterfly service. It’s possible to have a Skype conversation between two people without delays. Unfortunately users are not as security conscious with Skype and viruses are now being spread by users. KDN is now offering all its ADSL 2 customers (unless they specifically request otherwise) Funkwerk modems with Wi-Fi capability. Out of the 24 meg capacity, 4 meg is devoted to Wi-Fi, in effect creating lots of little base stations and thus rolling out coverage to an ever wider number of places. It has tested IP-TV over Wi-Fi and although this is not yet commercially available, it is talking to KTN about offering content.

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{Disarmed} {Filename?} FW: [www.eThinkTankTz.org] Short term opportunities for Software developers ..
by Harry Hare 13 May '07

13 May '07

Warning: This message has had one or more attachments removed Warning: (Tender No. 38 .pdf). Warning: Please read the "smtpout.swiftkenya.com-Attachment-Warning.txt" attachment(s) for more information. Any takers? _____ From: eThinkTankTz(a)yahoogroups.com [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Raymun Mutagahywa Sent: Friday, May 11, 2007 11:32 AM To: eThinkTankTz(a)yahoogroups.com Subject: [www.eThinkTankTz.org] Short term opportunities for Software developers .. Hi EThinkers, We have advertised this call for Expressions of Interest as of Monday 7th May 2007. I would encourage any capable ethinkers to respond or, inform people whom they think are capable. We would also welcome any hints on any other forums (in the East Africa region) that would have people interested in software development work using JAVA, MS Visual Studio, ASP.Net and MS SQL or Oracle databases. Please respond to my official address: raymondmutagahywa@ <mailto:raymondmutagahywa%40estabs.go.tz> estabs.go.tz and cc: to raymunm@hotmail. <mailto:raymunm%40hotmail.com> com Thanks and Best Regards, Raymond Mutagahywa M & E Database Specialist Presidents Office - Public Service Management >From: eThinkTankTz@ <mailto:eThinkTankTz%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com >Reply-To: "No Reply"<notify-dg-eThinkTan <mailto:notify-dg-eThinkTankTz%40yahoogroups.com> kTz(a)yahoogroups.com> >To: eThinkTankTz@ <mailto:eThinkTankTz%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com >Subject: [www.eThinkTankTz.org] Digest Number 2006 >Date: 10 May 2007 10:21:50 -0000 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >Think Tank on the development of Information and Communications Technology >as the "infostructure" for socio-economic progress > > > > > > Think Tank on the development of Information and Communications >Technology as the "infostructure" for socio-economic progress > > > Messages In This Digest (2 > Messages) > > > > > 1a. > > Re: World Bank in turmoil > From: > eberhardblocher > > > 2. > > Hardening your Firefox browser > From: > Dharmin > > > > View All Topics | Create New Topic > > > Messages > > > > 1a. > > > > Re: World Bank in turmoil > > Posted by: "eberhardblocher" > director@ourtanzani <mailto:director%40ourtanzania.com> a.com > > > eberhardblocher > > > > Wed May 9, 2007 8:01 am (PST) > > > Greetings eThinkers, > > > >now this is totally off-topic. But sorry, couldn't resist. > >It was David Sawe who started this thread, by the way, didn't you, > >David? Thanks to Mervyn Lobo of Tanzanet for pointing out this piece > >of news, giving a new twist to the matter. > > > >Wolfowitz's Girlfriend Resigns as Wolfowitz's Girlfriend > > > >Relinquishes Girlfriend Post `Effective Immediately' > > > >In yet another setback for the embattled World Bank > >president, Paul Wolfowitz's girlfriend Shaha Riza > >announced today that she was resigning as Mr. > >Wolfowitz's girlfriend, "effective immediately." > > > >While Ms. Riza's role in the conflict of interest > >scandal involving Mr. Wolfowitz and the World Bank had > >placed her in the eye of the media storm, few had > >expected her to relinquish her girlfriend post without > >a fight. > > > >But according to a source close to Ms. Riza, the > >increasing pressure on the high-profile couple in > >recent days had convinced her that she "could no > >longer function effectively as Paul Wolfowitz's > >girlfriend." > > > >A joint communiqué released by the couple indicated > >that the decision to leave her girlfriend post was > >entirely Ms. Riza's, but sources close to Mr. > >Wolfowitz suggest that the idea had originated not > >with her, but with the World Bank president himself. > > > >According to one source, "Paul had dinner with Shaha > >last night and told her they should start seeing other > >banks." > > > >News of Ms. Riza's departure sparked speculation that > >Mr. Wolfowitz's might have difficulty acquiring a new > >girlfriend, but according to Vice President Dick > >Cheney, who has served as Mr. Wolfowitz's unofficial > >"wingman" for years, nothing could be farther from the > >truth. > > > >"The fact that the World Bank found Paul guilty of > >wrongdoing gives him an air of danger," Mr. Cheney > >said. "The ladies dig that." > > > >--- In eThinkTankTz@ <mailto:eThinkTankTz%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com, "David Sawe" <david.sawe@...> wrote: > > > > > > Greetings eThinkers, > > > > > > > > > > > > This posting may be a little off-topic in our forum. But given the > >global > > > role of the World Bank in our areas of interest, it is certainly of > > > relevance to us. The article below contains some interesting > >perspectives, > > > while depicting of how key countries are dealing with this widely > >publicised > > > crisis situation. It seems that departure is now imminent, and only > > > questions about modalities remain at this stage. > > > > > > > > Back to top > > Reply to sender > | > > Reply to group > | > > Reply via web post > > > > Messages in this topic > (3) > > > > 2. > > > > Hardening your Firefox browser > > Posted by: "Dharmin" > Dharmin.Mandalia@ <mailto:Dharmin.Mandalia%40tanganet.net> tanganet.net > > > dharmin98 > > > > Thu May 10, 2007 12:36 am (PST) > > > Hello > > > >As some of you use Firefox browser, worth reading info on below url :- > >http://searchenterp <http://searchenterpriselinux.techtarget.com/tip/0,289483,sid39_gci1254195,0 0.html> riselinux.techtarget.com/tip/0,289483,sid39_gci1254195,00.html > >http://firekeeper. <http://firekeeper.mozdev.org/index.html> mozdev.org/index.html > >and > >http://prefbar. <http://prefbar.mozdev.org/> mozdev.org/ > > > >Regards > >Dharmin > > > > > > > > Back to top > > Reply to sender > | > > Reply to group > | > > Reply via web post > > > > Messages in this topic > (1) > > > > > > > > > > Recent Activity > > > > 3 > New Members > > > > > > > > > > Visit Your Group > SPONSORED LINKS > > > Tanzania safaris > Tanzania travel > Information and communication technology > Communication technology > Ict > > > > > > > Yahoo! Music > >Check Who's Next > >Discover new bands > >before anyone else > > Y! Messenger > >Instant hello > >Chat over IM with > >group members. > > Yahoo! Mail > >Drag & drop > >With the all-new > >Yahoo! Mail Beta > > > > > Need to Reply? > >Click one of the "Reply" links to respond to a specific message in the >Daily Digest. > > > > > > Create New Topic | > > Visit Your Group on the Web > > > > > > Messages > | Files > | Photos > | Links > | Database > | Polls > | Members > | Calendar > > > Anyone who would like to join eThinkTankTz is welcome to do so >by sending a blank email to: > >eThinkTankTz- <mailto:eThinkTankTz-subscribe%40yahoogroups.com> subscribe(a)yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) > > Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Individual | Switch >format to Traditional > > > Visit Your Group | > > Yahoo! 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How to Upgrade 22,000 Nurses in Kenya
by Harry Hare 13 May '07

13 May '07

Dear Colleagues, As we debate the CCK report its also important to reflect on other successful initiative in the country. On such initiative is a partnership between AMREF, the Nursing Council of Kenya and Accenture, a global management consultancy, technology services, and outsourcing company, where 22,000 nurses will have an opportunity of continuous professional development through ICT or if you like eLearning. I wonder how many such initiatives are taking root albeit quietly in the country. Congratulations are in order to both AMREF and the Nursing Council of Kenya for this effort. Kindest Regards Harry http://www.checkpoint-elearning.com/article/3925.html How to Upgrade 22,000 Nurses in Kenya Nairobi (KEN), May 2007 - In a public-private partnership, Accenture and the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) have developed the Kenya Nurses Training Program. eLearning Program Manager Adesuwa Akinboro from AMREF will present this very successful case study in the conference section "Online Learning Opportunities for Health Professionals". How did the cooperation with Accenture come to be? Adesuwa Akinboro: AMREF and the Nursing Council of Kenya have been involved in the training of nurses for over five years now. Initially, this was through the distance education print-based mode. However, due to the chronic nurse shortage, the need to accelerate the training of health workers arose. AMREF approached Accenture, a global management consultancy, technology services, and outsourcing company with many years of experience in eLearning for a solution. Together, AMREF, Accenture, and the Nursing Council of Kenya designed a solution to address the chronic shortage of registered nurses in the country. Could you please describe the outline of the program? Adesuwa Akinboro: Twenty-seven nursing schools are currently implementing the program. Their role is to enrol the students, who are drawn from hospitals, health centers, non-governmental organisations, and from the general population. The students must meet the following requirements: * A community health nurse certificate (ECHN); * Furthermore, government employees should have more than three years of service. Once enrolled, the students take the course at their places of work on computers that are installed and maintained by AMREF. The program currently has 100 of these centers equipped with a total of 340 computers. These include hospitals and medical training colleges. The eLearning centers have an AMREF trained mentor whose responsibility is to assist the students during their clinical placements and to serve as the first level of computer help-desk support. The upgrading program is structured into four modules. Every module consists of several units with two self-tests in each module. In addition to the self-tests, the schools administer a written exam at the end of each module and a final exam at the end of the course. The school also monitors student progress on an ongoing basis. The need for practical experience cannot be over emphasised. The program requires that all students receive practical experience at approved hospitals, and this is one of its strengths since it allows students to put into practice the knowledge they will have acquired almost immediately. What has been the most important experience? Which obstacles did you have to overcome? Adesuwa Akinboro: This has been a very exciting program. It has motivated the nurses enrolled in their provision of health services across the country. The nurse managers have also noted and commented on the improved service delivery as a result of the eLearning programme. In addition, it has enabled many nurses who previously did not have the opportunity to take the course to do so. Such multi-faceted national level programs will encounter obstacles in implementation, particularly when they contain such innovative components. The program has a strong risk management strategy in place and thus mitigates the following risks and challenges: * The need for internet access, connectivity, and IT infrastructure in the hospitals where the nurses work. AMREF has provided computers but is currently looking into the connectivity issue. * The release of students from hospitals to take up the training, since nurse managers initially did not quite grasp the benefits that eLearning can bring. * The fees charged by schools. As you might expect, the cost of taking the course should be less than that of a residential course. This has not always been the case. Through stakeholder sensitisation, this is gradually being achieved. * Policy issues: there is the need to integrate eLearning into the training policy for health workers. * Stakeholder identification and involvement is crucial to ensuring their participation support and continued buy-in. So far over 2,000 student nurses have been enrolled for the eLearning courses. Can you tell us any success stories? Adesuwa Akinboro: Through our monitoring and evaluation exercises, we have received feedback from nurse managers regarding improvement in the quality of care provided by the trainee nurses. The managers have attributed this to the eLearning course. In addition, nurses have broadened their managerial and technical knowledge and acquired IT skills. This has enhanced their confidence and motivation. The program has enabled more nurses to enroll than was previously possible with the residential programme. Some nurses who previously could not get admitted to the course due to the limited number of places available and who have tried for over ten years have finally been able to enroll. The uptake of the program by students, schools, and hospitals has been overwhelming. Many more nurses need to be trained. What are the next steps that need to be taken? Adesuwa Akinboro: A core component of this program is skills transfer and as such, the partnership has built up the capabilities of AMREF, the Nursing Council of Kenya, and the schools, including through a bespoke training programme delivered by Accenture Learning. The eLearning model can be used to train other cadres of health workers even to the degree level. We now cover all of the country's eight provinces. This infrastructure is capable of training the remaining nurses. We also intend to hook up the centers to the Internet so that we can improve communication and access to information, encourage collaboration among students, improve data management, and get the most out of our Learning Management System. Will the cooperation between AMREF and Accenture continue? Adesuwa Akinboro: Yes, the cooperation will continue. As a result of this program, AMREF and Accenture have extended the partnership to include other organizational areas such as strategic support. Furthermore, discussions are also underway that will allow replication of the program in other African nations. This is indeed just the beginning and an excellent example of North-to-South cooperation and of a public-private partnership. -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.

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Naturing the next ICT Gurus
by Jose' 12 May '07

12 May '07

Apologies Walu and all for interrupting the discussion on the CCK internet study report. Kimathi Information centre "DIGITAL VILLAGE" is now One year and five months old.We have upto 13 computers connected to ADSL internet that serves upto 5 communities around our constituency.We are the only running digital village in our Kamukunji costituency and Nairobi area. We believe in naturing young talent and approaching different age groups with their interest.Part of our 6 computers are used by children from 4 year olds to 12 year olds to play computer games thus creating a craving for them to learn more on how the computers work. Due to the overwhelming number of children per day on weekends,(70 per day on weekends),we have aquired Two Play stations. We therefore require two television sets to use them on the Play stations(PS) to actually meet the game demand.It doent matter if the televisions are second hand.This kids need to be adressed at there level.Kindly respond if you can help the next ICT gurus. Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || Got a little couch potato? Check out fun summer activities for kids. ____________________________________________________________________________________Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell. http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/

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Re: [kictanet] Day 7-9 -The Impact of The Recommendations-CCKInternet Rprt
by Meoli Kashorda 11 May '07

11 May '07

The recommendation does NOT state that the regulator should build the national fiber backbone. It is the government, DCNOs, and partners (see http://www.cck.go.ke/recommendations) Report does not go into the details of how these will be achieved. However, the government plans to establish a Universal Service Fund defined in ICT Policy 2006 and draft KIC 2006 bill. The government has also recently created the ICT board (see relevant gazette notice). In addition, Mobile operators and DCNOs continue to build national telecommunications and Internet infrastructures. There are therefore many vehicles that could be used to create a national broadband backbone. Data shows that in the last five years, the national Internet infrastructure has been growing very slowly and largely in the Nairobi and Mombasa. Only the Mobile Internet might increase penetration if it follows mobile coverage. But there are only about 200,000 mobile Internet customers out of the total 8 million mobile customers (2.5%). A National Information Infrastructure (NII) is really an ICT strategy that is aligned to the national strategic economic plans (see Singapore, Mauritius, China NII ). That is, NII aligns the national economic/development strategy with the national ICT strategy (not policy). That is the only way to translate infrastructure to traffic and therefore revenue for the operators. By the way, have any of you ever wondered why so many of us prefer to send SMS messages at 5/- per 160 bytes while Mobile Internet is available at 10/- per Mbytes from the same provider? Does it mean affordability does not matter? Meoli _____ From: kictanet-bounces+mkashorda=strathmore.edu(a)kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Eric Osiakwan Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2007 7:45 PM To: Meoli Kashorda Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 7-9 -The Impact of The Recommendations-CCKInternet Rprt 1. Regulator building national fiber infrastructure is a VERY BAD recommendation, am sorry. Regulator is Referre and MUST remain asuch. 3. Develop National Information Infrastructure, please watch this too. Am surprised though that there is no recommendation for the regulator to gain MORE AUTONOMY and INDEPENDENCE through laid out engagements with the government and more oversight from the industry stakeholders. Eric here On 9 May 2007, at 08:01, John Walubengo wrote: In trying to improve on the arising Internet Statistics, the Report set out specific recommendations for the Regulator(CCK) some of which are summarised by Category below. 1.Network Infrastructure (CCK Action Points) *Build National Fiber Infrastructure *Merge ISP & IGO Licenses(Create DCNO licenses) *Make SLA (Service Level Agreements) mandatory for Operators *Operate the National Internet eXchange Point (KIXP) on a PPP basis 2. Affordability (CCK Action Points) *Make Tariff Publishing Mandatory of (Internet) Operators *Require Flat-rate or Volume Based Pricing for Dialup & Mobile Internet Services *Increase competition for Fixed Line and Mobile Services 3. Dispersion (CCK Action Points) *Fund Annual 'Demand-Side' Internet Studies *Develop National Information Infrastructure *Review and implement Univesal Access Fund/Strategy Again, Operators, Consumers, Govt, Regulator, Academia and others Lets hear your views. To what extend do you think the above action points will improve on the status of Infrastructure, Affordability and Dispersion? More importantly, why do you think some of the Action Points will not fly (work)? And what specific changes would make them work? We have upto Friday 11th May on this conclusive phase. Lets think 'beyond' the box and plse don't hold back your ideas, the more unconventional the better ;-). walu. ________________________________________________________________________ ____________ The fish are biting. Get more visitors on your site using Yahoo! Search Marketing. http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/arp/sponsoredsearch_v2.php _______________________________________________ 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/eric%40afrispa.org 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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Naturing the next ICT Gurus
by Jose' 11 May '07

11 May '07

Apologies Walu and all for interrupting the discussion on the CCK internet study report. Kimathi Information centre "DIGITAL VILLAGE" is now One year and five months old.We have upto 13 computers connected to ADSL internet that serves upto 5 communities around our constituency.We are the only running digital village in our Kamukunji costituency and Nairobi area. We believe in naturing young talent and approaching different age groups with their interest.Part of our 6 computers are used by children from 4 year olds to 12 year olds to play computer games thus creating a craving for them to learn more on how the computers work. Due to the overwhelming number of children per day on weekends,(70 per day on weekends),we have aquired Two Play stations. We therefore require two television sets to use them on the Play stations(PS) to actually meet the game demand.It doent matter if the televisions are second hand.This kids need to be adressed at there level.Kindly respond if you can help the next ICT gurus. Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || ____________________________________________________________________________________ Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games. http://sims.yahoo.com/

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Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability- CCKInternetStudyReport
by Florence Etta 11 May '07

11 May '07

Looks like we are looking to issues around the last mile for which a whole mesh of possibilities, actors and services must be considered, planned for and provided. If monopolies continue, forget lower prices and affordability! The governemnt is right in looking to provide the super highway and so it ought. And in doing so it is in its purview to take any loans from any development banks that it can get and at reasonably low interest rates. My only concern is that the AfDB is nowhere in sight or is it? With such high ROI on th continent from ICT investments as I am told where is the AfDB playing? Some one pls tell me or indeed the national dev banks? Are they any to speak of? O just for news; the Nigerian ICT community is celebrating the hand over of managemnt of the top level domain name .ng to nigerians! Cheers from hot and humid Lagos, FE ----- Original Message ---- From: alice <alice(a)apc.org> To: feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk Sent: Monday, 7 May, 2007 11:08:31 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability- CCKInternetStudyReport Dear all Talking about government’s engagement in infrastructure development, the Malaysian government, for example was one of the first to attempt to replicate the Silicon Valley model in a developing country. “In its attempt to move the ICT sector to attract domestic and foreign private investment, the Malaysian government invested in creating a world class physical and information infrastructure. Called the Multimedia Super Corridor, this USD 40 billion initiative now serves as the backbone for the country’s information superhighway. The network is supported by a high-speed link, which connects to Japan, ASEAN, the US and Europe. The network is also capable of supporting extensive public, education and business applications”. Beyond infrastructure, the Malaysian government provides attractive tax incentives for world-class technology-led companies to participate in the MSC initiative. And most importantly, it launched actions to provide a well-educated work force with relevant skill levels ranging from technical to research. I see nothing wrong with the Kenya government investing in infrastructure for public good, while private sector supporting this venture by perhaps focusing on the infrastructure as well, technology aspect, content, applications, skills, civil society assisting by ensuring there is demand at the local/rural level, etc The idea here being partnerships. We do seriously need to consider strategies for partnerships, which would involve leveraging the creative potential of the different actors, allowing them to work on the basis of both established as well as new roles and responsibilities. That implies sharing of resources and responsibilities (sharing not shifting risks). For this to happen there is need to ensure that there is sufficient mutual respect and trust between partners to enable them to work together. (The above comments are is entirely personal and do not reflect any position of the organisations I am affiliated with) alice Kai U. Wulff wrote: > Well, > > If you tender the capacity you require in Garissa, we will quote a price and > commit a deployment of fiber. > > Kai > > -----Original Message----- > From: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke > [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of > bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > Sent: Monday, May 07, 2007 18:10 > To: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability- > CCKInternetStudyReport > > Dear All, > Please do not be misled. The Government will never compete with anybody. > All that is being done is to develop a platform where big and small can > reasonably compete. I think Kai is confusing Telkom projects and > Government infrastructure projects. If the private sector indeed wanted > to do infrastructure projects they will have done so but most private > sector have to have a business case first. I wonder why Kai did not do > the Garisa route first before heading to Uganda. Please understand that > Government has the obligation to provide infrastructure. > > > Regards > > > Bitange Ndemo. > > > > > > >> My point is: >> >> Yu have limited room for infrastructure since the cost is constant and >> only >> increased usage can drop the price. The Government should NOT be a >> competitor but a price sensitive user! >> >> You will have enough people now competing for the business of the >> Government >> and the private users .. That forces prices down. Having a state owned >> cable >> or a state owned Telkom is in my opinion not the way forward. >> >> Rgds >> >> Kai >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke >> [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of >> Wainaina Mungai >> Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2007 10:35 >> To: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability- >> CCKInternetStudyReport >> >> Kai said; >> >>> The problem is when you create the demand and then some World Bank money >>> starts to compete before you can recover the cost.. >>> ...The private sector needs the Government as a user there as well as >>> the >>> private companies and consumers. [Only then will the prices drop!] >>> >> Pricing >> I would like to assume that competition from government is as good as >> competition from other market players. The beauty of competition is in the >> way it forces the private sector to put a smile on the face of every >> consumer ;-) so as to guarantee revenue. I am convinced that a significant >> drop in prices results only from fierce competition and some degree of >> regulation. TESPOK and others fought for years to introduce competition >> which resulted in the current lower prices of internet and telephony >> services. >> >> >> The recent intervention of CCK on the pricing of mobile services is a case >> that proves that price controls may become necessary to protect consumers. >> For internet services, we need many 'small scale' providers whose products >> and pricing would be more market-driven and responsive to fluctuations in >> consumer needs. >> >> For instance, an internet user paying KShs. 6,000 per month for DSL per >> month is actually incurring 14 cents per minute for a 30-day month. This >> is >> a great deal for any 24 hour user who may even make money through such >> access to the internet. The same user would be said to incur 28 cents per >> minute if s/he were to use the link for an average 12 hours per day at the >> same monthly rate. There may be a catch here but there is a high >> probability >> that more businesses can survive on such low rates and pass such rates >> down >> to rural consumer. >> >> >> >> --- >> Wainaina Mungai >> http://www.madeinkenya.org >> >> SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT is development that meets the needs of the present >> without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own >> needs. >> >> >> >>> FROM: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke >>> [mailto:[email protected]] ON BEHALF >>> OF >>> Rebecca Wanjiku >>> SENT: Friday, May 04, 2007 10:23 >>> TO: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke >>> SUBJECT: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - >>> CCKInternetStudyReport >>> >>> >>> thanks Kai for the response, >>> we need many people responding to this issue, >>> >>> in my opinion, the government should find a way of using the WB money >>> through the private sector, so that the private sector does not see as >>> if >>> the government is competing and killing the profit margin, >>> >>> in this regard, the government could come up with some MOU with the >>> private sector so that some of the money invested is government's and >>> >> some >> >>> PS. >>> that way, part of the profits will be ploughed back (it will be >>> mandatory) >>> >>> i remember during the OFC workshop, Kai shared how IFC funded a private >>> secotor consortium to carry out some survey at USD 300k and a similar >>> survey carried out by govts was valued at USD 3m >>> >>> maybe this can help reduce costs and provide a way for govt and PS to >>> work together and deliver quality market services, develop the content >>> >> and >> >>> all.. >>> >>> its just an opinion, its not absolute, >>> >>> lets hear as many voices as possible, >>> it is at these forums/discussions that great ideas come up, >>> >>> regards >>> >>> _KAI WULFF <KAI.WULFF(a)KDN.CO.KE>_ wrote: >>> >>> Hello, >>> >>> we leave it to the ISPs to create the demand. We were hoping that with >>> our >>> rural initiatives, like connecting schools and showing them how to >>> educate >>> the parents (and make money with this) will increase the demand on a >>> natural >>> way. >>> >>> What we have seen wit some Rural BTS, it takes about 12 month until it >>> is >>> >>> break even ... >>> >>> The problem is when you create the demand and then some World Bank >>> money >>> starts to compete before you can recover the cost. It is my strong >>> believe >>> that wherever a device can be operated, there WILL be a market. The >>> private >>> sector needs the Government as a user there as well as the private >>> companies >>> and consumers. Only then will the prices drop! We still focus too much >>> on >>> >>> the INTERNET, what most people need for a start is LOCAL information >>> and >>> communication .. so I would say: 90% local IP traffic and 10% >>> international >>> .. >>> >>> Kai >>> >>> >>> ----- Original Message ----- >>> From: "Joan Walumbe" >>> To: >>> Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 10:26 >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - >>> CCKInternetStudy Report >>> >>> >>> > Walu, >>> > >>> > I agree with you that affordablity is a factor especially for rural >>> > communities when it comes to access to the internet. But I think that >>> lack >>> > of awareness is an even bigger factor. It's fine for the urban folk >>> (who >>> > already recognise the benefits to the internet etc.) taking a short >>> break >>> > in >>> > shags to have the internet access when back home, but it there is no >>> > demand >>> > for the internet among the residents what is the point? >>> > >>> > So does KDN enter a market and then hope to create demand or is their >>> a >>> > market that demands the service or is it a little of both? >>> > >>> > I understand that Kai would not be venturing into the rural areas if >>> it >>> >>> > did >>> > not make any financial sense. Can anyone provide some info/statistics >>> on >>> > demand for internet access in rural areas? >>> > >>> > Joan Walumbe >>> > >>> > ----- Original Message ----- >>> > From: "John Walubengo" >>> > To: >>> > Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 9:01 AM >>> > Subject: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - CCK >>> > InternetStudy >>> > Report >>> > >>> > >>> > Day 5- Statistics on Affordability. >>> > >>> > I acknowledge an interesting thread filtering in on Trust >>> relationships >>> >>> > b/w >>> > IGOs/ISPs...feel free to continue contributing on that as well as on >>> > today's theme on affordability (multi-tasking >>> > encouraged by internet technologies ...) >>> > >>> > and just to pick up from Kai's projection of KDN fiber hitting >>> Bungoma >>> in >>> > early August 2007. This would be quite a welcome and timely >>> development, >>> > but at what cost to the consumer? To what extend will the (internet) >>> > services be affordable to the rural/average communities? >>> > >>> > Affordability is a subjective term gven that what is considered cheap >>> by >>> > the >>> > Bill Gates of this world is probably not so for the average Kenyan on >>> the >>> > street. In trying to get an objective measurement for affordability, >>> the >>> > Report pegged it on the national average incomes. In other words, if >>> the >>> > monthly average income in Kenya is around 100USD and if the average >>> > monthly >>> > cost for internet access is also around 100USD then obviously the >>> average >>> > Kenyan will not bother with accessing the Internet - it just becomes >>> way >>> > beyond their means or too expensive or not affordable. >>> > >>> > The report indicated that access through the more convenient Internet >>> > Dial-up/Desktop services costed over 200% the average incomes (too >>> > expensive), while the same access through mobile phones was costing >>> just >>> > 8% >>> > of the average incomes (quite affordable). What needs to be done in >>> > order >>> > to make Internet Services more afforable to Kenyans? >>> > >>> > 1 day deliberation on this one. >>> > >>> > walu. >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > _______________________________________________ >>> > 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/kai.wulff%40kdn.co.ke >>> > >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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/rebeccawanjiku%40yahoo.com > >>> Rebecca Wanjiku, >>> journalist, >>> p.o box 33515, >>> Nairobi.00600 >>> Kenya. >>> >>> Tel. 254 720 318 925 >>> >>> blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ >>> >>> >>> -------------------- >>> >>> >>> Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? >>> Check out [LINK: >>> >>> > http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=48245/*http:/autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html;_ylc=X > >> 3oDMTE1YW1jcXJ2BF9TAzk3MTA3MDc2BHNlYwNtYWlsdGFncwRzbGsDbmV3LWNhcnM-] >> >>> new cars at Yahoo! Autos. >>> -------------------- >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> [LINK: compose.php?to=kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke] kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >>> [LINK: http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet] >>> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> Please unsubscribe or change your options at [LINK: >>> >>> >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wainaina%40madeinkenya.org] >> > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wainaina%40madeinkenya.org > >> _______________________________________________ >> 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/kai.wulff%40kdn.co.ke >> _______________________________________________ >> 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/bitange%40jambo.co.ke >> > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > > > _______________________________________________ > 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/kai.wulff%40kdn.co.ke > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > 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/alice%40apc.org _______________________________________________ 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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Day 7-9: The Impact of the Recommendations-CCK Internet Report
by John Walubengo 10 May '07

10 May '07

In trying to improve on the arising Internet Statistics, the Report set out specific recommendations for the Regulator(CCK) some of which are summarised by Category below. 1.Network Infrastructure (CCK Action Points) *Build National Fiber Infrastructure *Merge ISP & IGO Licenses(Create DCNO licenses) *Make SLA (Service Level Agreements) mandatory for Operators *Operate the National Internet eXchange Point (KIXP) on a PPP basis 2. Affordability (CCK Action Points) *Make Tariff Publishing Mandatory of (Internet) Operators *Require Flat-rate or Volume Based Pricing for Dialup & Mobile Internet Services *Increase competition for Fixed Line and Mobile Services 3. Dispersion (CCK Action Points) *Fund Annual 'Demand-Side' Internet Studies *Develop National Information Infrastructure *Review and implement Univesal Access Fund/Strategy Again, Operators, Consumers, Govt, Regulator, Academia and others Lets hear your views. To what extend do you think the above action points will improve on the status of Infrastructure, Affordability and Dispersion? More importantly, why do you think some of the Action Points will not fly (work)? And what specific changes would make them work? We have upto Friday 11th May on this conclusive phase. Lets think 'beyond' the box and plse don't hold back your ideas, the more unconventional the better ;-). walu.

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presidential aspirants' debate by Kictanet
by Rebecca Wanjiku 10 May '07

10 May '07

Mainstreaming Information Communication Technology (ICT) Agenda in 2007 national electioneering debate The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) wishes to invite you the ICT debate titled- Mainstreaming ICT agenda in 2007 national electioneering debate scheduled for May 16th 2007 at 2 pm, at the Norfolk hotel. KICTANet has invited political leaders- hon. Julia Ojiambo, hon. Joseph Nyaga, hon. William Ruto, hon. Kalonzo Musyoka, hon. Musalia Mudavadi, hon. Raila Odinga, hon. Mutahi Kagwe, Nazlin Umar, hon. Najib Balala and hon. Uhuru Kenyatta to share their vision of an ICT enabled Kenyan economy. As a member of KICTANet, your presence is important so that we can pose questions concerning private sector, civil society, media, academia, and government Because you are an expert in your area, the questions you have ever wanted to ask the leaders, you can ask them that day. KICTANet hopes that the debate will assist in advancing ICT issues and demonstrate why we need to start holding our leaders accountable. As we head to the general elections, KICTANet desires to lift ICT issues into the political agenda and demonstrate how the two issues can be meshed up to accelerate development in Kenya and bridge the digital divide. KICTANet is counting on you to make this a success. Yours faithfully, Eng. James Rege, KICTANet ____________________________________________________________________________________ Don't get soaked. Take a quick peak at the forecast with the Yahoo! Search weather shortcut. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/shortcuts/#loc_weather

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[Fwd: Re: RE : [AfrICANN-discuss] http://www.icann.org/fellowships/ - please distribute]
by alice 10 May '07

10 May '07

Apologies Walu and all for interrupting the discussion on the CCK internet study report. Herewith additional information on fellowships for Participation in ICANN meeting coming up in June in Puerto Rico. best alice -------------------------- Dear All, Applications can be sent until May 18, 2007. Cheers ar */Anne-Rachel Inné <annerachel(a)gmail.com <mailto:[email protected]>>/* a écrit : ******************************************************************* Dear All, Please find below information about the trial fellowship programme at ICANN. Be advised that the African region has a very limited number of fellowships this time because prices are so high for airline tickets especially. Given that ICANN has rotating meetings, each region will get more participants from its region as meetings come to that region. Please read the information carefully and apply directly online. Good luck. ********************************************************************** ICANN Meeting Fellowships Trial *About this Trial* This is a trial of the ICANN fellowships programme. Documentation and policies are being rolled out in a test format for the San Juan ICANN meeting June 25-29, 2007. Following the San Juan meeting ICANN will evaluate the programme and make changes based on participant and community feedback. We are excited about the opportunity this program presents for both ICANN and the developing world and are looking forward its success. *Questions/Comments? *fellowships(a)icann.org <mailto:[email protected]> *Current Round* : ICANN San Juan, Puerto Rico, June 25-29 *Application Opens*: May 1 Online Application Form <http://survey.icann.org/cgi/fellowship> *Documentation * Terms and Conditions <http://www.icann.org/fellowships/terms-and-conditions.htm> Fellowships Committee <http://www.icann.org/fellowships/fellowship-committee.htm> *Overview * *What is ICANN? * **The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is responsible for the global coordination of the Internet's system of unique identifiers. These include domain names (like .org or .museum, and country codes like .UK), as well as the addresses used in a variety of Internet protocols. Computers use these identifiers to reach each other over the Internet. Careful management of these resources is vital to the Internet's operation. ICANN's global stakeholders meet regularly to develop policies that ensure the Internet's ongoing security and stability. The domain name system (DNS) and Internet Protocol (IP) addressing systems rely on global input and perspectives in order to ensure they continue to function in a stable and secure fashion. ICANN's fellowships program helps ensure that voices from all regions of the world have the opportunity to provide that input. *What is an ICANN fellowship and who are the fellowships for? * An ICANN fellowship is a one time grant of support to enable attendance at an ICANN organised meeting. They are awarded to enable individuals from stakeholder groups from around the world to attend ICANN meetings. The fellowship covers the cost of airfare, hotel and basic expenses. Recipients are expected to actively contribute to ICANN processes and be a part of the next generation of ICANN leadership. ICANN Government advisory committee representatives and ccNSO members from eligible countries will be prioritised but anyone (apart from participants in the ICANN At-Large advisory committee, which has its own programme) is welcome to apply. *How are the fellowships awarded? * Fellowships are awarded by a selection committee based on a mix of criteria including applicant experience and references, geographic proximity to meeting, receipt of past fellowships, etc. Due to financial limitations ICANN may not be able to provide fellowships for all applicants. In the case of a dispute or similar applications final decisions will be made by the fellowships committee <http://www.icann.org/fellowships/fellowship-committee.htm>. *Who may apply for and be awarded a fellowship? * * Applications are targeted to individuals from government, the ccTLD community, and non-profits not involved in or associated with the at-large advisory committee. * Preference will be given to citizens who are resident in a low, lower-middle, or upper-middle income economy according to the World Bank country groups classification <http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/DATASTATISTICS/0,,contentMDK:20421…>. * Successful applicants will have demonstrated: o Ability to utilize the experiences gained from the fellowship to become a part of the next generation of ICANN leadership o A role or interest in the Internet space o An interest in contributing to: + ICANN policy development processes. + The ICANN fellowship alumni network. + A leadership role in stimulating local interest in ICANN. + An ICANN supporting organization or advisory committee. *Overview of fellowship procedures * The fellowship agreement with ICANN includes several clauses that relate directly to travel and related expenses. Please note that all ICANN supported air travel will be by economy class and use the most direct and economical routing. See ICANN Fellowship Terms and Conditions <http://www.icann.org/fellowships/terms-and-conditions.htm>. Per diem costs are covered via a lump sum stipend of US$ 300.00 for the entire period of the fellowship. The stipend will be provided to each fellow upon his or her arrival at the meeting. During the fellowship fellows are responsible for their own personal health and safety. Fellows should consult travel and health advisories in advance of the fellowship. Following the completion of the fellowship, all fellows will be invited to join a network of ICANN fellowship alumni. This global network will provide instant connections with peers worldwide who share a common interest in ICANN related issues. Please note that consideration for future fellowships will depend on active contribution to ICANN policy development processes. Completion of post-fellowship reports and feedback forms is a critical part of gauging the level of contribution made by each fellow. *Frequently Asked Questions * *How will my travel be covered? ** * Travel will be covered by ICANN directly. * * *How will my hotel be covered? * Hotels will be booked and covered by ICANN directly. All additional hotel charges beyond the room are the responsibility of the fellow. *How will the stipend work? * **All fellows receive a flat stipend of 300 US Dollars. The stipends will be provided in the form of an AMEX check card or travellers checks depending on the location of the meeting. Stipends will be given to fellows at the fellow orientation session on day one of the ICANN meeting. * * *Do I need insurance? * ICANN will provide access to travel insurance for the fellowship. It is the fellow's responsibility to review the policy and process any resulting claims. *I would like to add personal or other business segments to my travel. What do I do? * This is not possible. _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net <mailto:[email protected]> https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Découvrez une nouvelle façon d'obtenir des réponses à toutes vos questions ! Profitez des connaissances, des opinions et des expériences des internautes sur Yahoo! Questions/Réponses <http://fr.rd.yahoo.com/evt=42054/*http://fr.answers.yahoo.com>. -- Anne-Rachel Inne _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Day 7-9 -The Impact of The Recommendations-CCK Internet Rprt
by John Walubengo 10 May '07

10 May '07

In trying to improve on the arising Internet Statistics, the Report set out specific recommendations for the Regulator(CCK) some of which are summarised by Category below. 1.Network Infrastructure (CCK Action Points) *Build National Fiber Infrastructure *Merge ISP & IGO Licenses(Create DCNO licenses) *Make SLA (Service Level Agreements) mandatory for Operators *Operate the National Internet eXchange Point (KIXP) on a PPP basis 2. Affordability (CCK Action Points) *Make Tariff Publishing Mandatory of (Internet) Operators *Require Flat-rate or Volume Based Pricing for Dialup & Mobile Internet Services *Increase competition for Fixed Line and Mobile Services 3. Dispersion (CCK Action Points) *Fund Annual 'Demand-Side' Internet Studies *Develop National Information Infrastructure *Review and implement Univesal Access Fund/Strategy Again, Operators, Consumers, Govt, Regulator, Academia and others Lets hear your views. To what extend do you think the above action points will improve on the status of Infrastructure, Affordability and Dispersion? More importantly, why do you think some of the Action Points will not fly (work)? And what specific changes would make them work? We have upto Friday 11th May on this conclusive phase. Lets think 'beyond' the box and plse don't hold back your ideas, the more unconventional the better ;-). walu. ____________________________________________________________________________________ The fish are biting. Get more visitors on your site using Yahoo! Search Marketing. http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/arp/sponsoredsearch_v2.php

2 2

Re: [kictanet] Flight KQ 507: Did the Media cross the line?
by Kagwe James 09 May '07

09 May '07

Just concerned and probably out of context as far as the discussions we've been having are concerned. Isn't there a technology, probably GPRS based that can be used to track aeroplanes all over the world? Just like the way car track traces cars using GPRS. Is it possible to have such to track and trace aeroplanes. The time it took to trace the KQ plane was quite worrying and given that aeroplanes traverse deserts, seas and forests, then a system like this would make a difference in the time that it takes to trace a plane and probably save peoples lives. Just a view, no politics please!!!!!!! -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+jkagwe=aforbes.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Wainaina Mungai Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2007 8:19 PM To: Kagwe James Subject: [kictanet] Flight KQ 507: Did the Media cross the line? Was the media insensitive and offensive as they competed to air and publish reports of the flight KQ507 crash? Read about it on http://www.madeinkenya.org/forum_files/forum0507-2.php _______________________________________________ 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/jkagwe%40aforbes.co.ke

5 4

Global Fellowships Program to enhance participation in ICANN's meeting in Puerto Rico
by alice 09 May '07

09 May '07

*Fellowship Program to Enhance Global Participation in ICANN **MARINA DEL REY, Calif.*: People from across the world will have more opportunities to attend ICANN's 29th Public Meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico thanks to the trial global fellowships program <http://www.icann.org/fellowships/> launched today. "We want to foster increased participation from developing and least developed nations at our public meetings and this fellowship program will do just that," said Paul Levins, ICANN's Executive Officer and Vice President Corporate Affairs. Priority will be given to current residents of developing and least developed nations who are interested in participating in the ICANN government advisory committee, the country code names supporting organization, and the generic names supporting organization. The fellowship will assist in covering airfare, hotel and a stipend. Recipients will be expected to actively participate in and contribute to ICANN processes. As always, registration for ICANNs meetings is free for anyone wanting to attend. "The program will play a key role in meeting part of ICANN's operational plan which has been through extensive public discussions and consultations to create a program to encourage and find participation by interested parties in developing countries," Levins said. After the San Juan meeting, which takes place 2530 June, ICANN will get feedback on the program from participants and the public, and identify areas where there might be improvements. "As a global organization ICANN is working hard to reach out and work with people from every part of the world, and especially individuals and organizations from developing countries," Levins added. "Making sure we have participation from people who normally couldnt attend means ICANNs work in the administration of the Domain Name and Internet Protocol addressing systems is more accountable and transparent." _______________________________________________ ALAC mailing list ALAC(a)atlarge-lists.icann.org http://atlarge-lists.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/alac_atlarge-lists.icann.org www.alac.icann.org www.icannalac.org

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Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - CCKInternetStudyReport
by Wainaina Mungai 09 May '07

09 May '07

Kai said; > The problem is when you create the demand and then some World Bank money > starts to compete before you can recover the cost > .The private sector needs the Government as a user there as well as the > private companies and consumers. [Only then will the prices drop!] Pricing I would like to assume that competition from government is as good as competition from other market players. The beauty of competition is in the way it forces the private sector to put a smile on the face of every consumer ;-) so as to guarantee revenue. I am convinced that a significant drop in prices results only from fierce competition and some degree of regulation. TESPOK and others fought for years to introduce competition which resulted in the current lower prices of internet and telephony services. The recent intervention of CCK on the pricing of mobile services is a case that proves that price controls may become necessary to protect consumers. For internet services, we need many small scale providers whose products and pricing would be more market-driven and responsive to fluctuations in consumer needs. For instance, an internet user paying KShs. 6,000 per month for DSL per month is actually incurring 14 cents per minute for a 30-day month. This is a great deal for any 24 hour user who may even make money through such access to the internet. The same user would be said to incur 28 cents per minute if s/he were to use the link for an average 12 hours per day at the same monthly rate. There may be a catch here but there is a high probability that more businesses can survive on such low rates and pass such rates down to rural consumer. --- Wainaina Mungai http://www.madeinkenya.org SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. > > FROM: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke > [mailto:[email protected]] ON BEHALF OF > Rebecca Wanjiku > SENT: Friday, May 04, 2007 10:23 > TO: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > SUBJECT: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - > CCKInternetStudyReport > > > thanks Kai for the response, > we need many people responding to this issue, > > in my opinion, the government should find a way of using the WB money > through the private sector, so that the private sector does not see as if > the government is competing and killing the profit margin, > > in this regard, the government could come up with some MOU with the > private sector so that some of the money invested is government's and some > PS. > that way, part of the profits will be ploughed back (it will be > mandatory) > > i remember during the OFC workshop, Kai shared how IFC funded a private > secotor consortium to carry out some survey at USD 300k and a similar > survey carried out by govts was valued at USD 3m > > maybe this can help reduce costs and provide a way for govt and PS to > work together and deliver quality market services, develop the content and > all.. > > its just an opinion, its not absolute, > > lets hear as many voices as possible, > it is at these forums/discussions that great ideas come up, > > regards > > _KAI WULFF <KAI.WULFF(a)KDN.CO.KE>_ wrote: > > Hello, > > we leave it to the ISPs to create the demand. We were hoping that with > our > rural initiatives, like connecting schools and showing them how to > educate > the parents (and make money with this) will increase the demand on a > natural > way. > > What we have seen wit some Rural BTS, it takes about 12 month until it is > > break even ... > > The problem is when you create the demand and then some World Bank money > starts to compete before you can recover the cost. It is my strong > believe > that wherever a device can be operated, there WILL be a market. The > private > sector needs the Government as a user there as well as the private > companies > and consumers. Only then will the prices drop! We still focus too much on > > the INTERNET, what most people need for a start is LOCAL information and > communication .. so I would say: 90% local IP traffic and 10% > international > .. > > Kai > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Joan Walumbe" > To: > Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 10:26 > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - > CCKInternetStudy Report > > > > Walu, > > > > I agree with you that affordablity is a factor especially for rural > > communities when it comes to access to the internet. But I think that > lack > > of awareness is an even bigger factor. It's fine for the urban folk > (who > > already recognise the benefits to the internet etc.) taking a short > break > > in > > shags to have the internet access when back home, but it there is no > > demand > > for the internet among the residents what is the point? > > > > So does KDN enter a market and then hope to create demand or is their a > > market that demands the service or is it a little of both? > > > > I understand that Kai would not be venturing into the rural areas if it > > > did > > not make any financial sense. Can anyone provide some info/statistics > on > > demand for internet access in rural areas? > > > > Joan Walumbe > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "John Walubengo" > > To: > > Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 9:01 AM > > Subject: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - CCK > > InternetStudy > > Report > > > > > > Day 5- Statistics on Affordability. > > > > I acknowledge an interesting thread filtering in on Trust relationships > > > b/w > > IGOs/ISPs...feel free to continue contributing on that as well as on > > today's theme on affordability (multi-tasking > > encouraged by internet technologies ...) > > > > and just to pick up from Kai's projection of KDN fiber hitting Bungoma > in > > early August 2007. This would be quite a welcome and timely > development, > > but at what cost to the consumer? To what extend will the (internet) > > services be affordable to the rural/average communities? > > > > Affordability is a subjective term gven that what is considered cheap > by > > the > > Bill Gates of this world is probably not so for the average Kenyan on > the > > street. In trying to get an objective measurement for affordability, > the > > Report pegged it on the national average incomes. In other words, if > the > > monthly average income in Kenya is around 100USD and if the average > > monthly > > cost for internet access is also around 100USD then obviously the > average > > Kenyan will not bother with accessing the Internet - it just becomes > way > > beyond their means or too expensive or not affordable. > > > > The report indicated that access through the more convenient Internet > > Dial-up/Desktop services costed over 200% the average incomes (too > > expensive), while the same access through mobile phones was costing > just > > 8% > > of the average incomes (quite affordable). What needs to be done in > > order > > to make Internet Services more afforable to Kenyans? > > > > 1 day deliberation on this one. > > > > walu. > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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/kai.wulff%40kdn.co.ke > > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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/rebeccawanjiku%40yahoo.com > > > Rebecca Wanjiku, > journalist, > p.o box 33515, > Nairobi.00600 > Kenya. > > Tel. 254 720 318 925 > > blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ > > > -------------------- > > > Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? > Check out [LINK: > http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=48245/*http:/autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html;_ylc=…] > new cars at Yahoo! Autos. > -------------------- > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > [LINK: compose.php?to=kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke] kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke > [LINK: http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet] > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > Please unsubscribe or change your options at [LINK: > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wainaina%40madeinkenya.org] > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wainaina%40madeinkenya.org

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A world laggard, the U.S. needs a real policy to bring affordable, high-speed Internet service to everyone
by Alex Gakuru 09 May '07

09 May '07

[Local consumers are not alone in this discourse.] [Mercury News] http://www.mercextra.com/blogs/vindu/2007/05/06/a-world-laggard-the-us-need… <snip> When it comes to reasonably priced, high-speed Internet service, the United States is an embarrassment. Despite years of promises from politicians and technology titans, the U.S. continues to lag far behind our global competitors. During the past year, the U.S. slipped from 12th to 15th place in broadband Internet penetration per capita, behind much of Western Europe, Korea, Japan and Canada, according to a new report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Worse, much of U.S. "broadband" service is only a smidgen faster than a dialup modem. Japan leads the world in cutting-edge fiber connections, offering speeds of up to 100 Mbps to 7.9 million home subscribers in 2006. In the U.S., only a paltry 700,000 have fiber connections. ..... Both government and the telecommunications industry are to blame. The technology to deliver truly high-speed Internet access is there, especially for cable subscribers. Customers need to demand better service from providers. ..... What can you do about this shameful state of Internet access? First of all, speak up as a customer. If you're in the Bay Area, complain to Comcast and AT&T/SBC/Pacific Bell and ask them why they offer such slow Internet speeds. Demand better. A coalition of consumer groups has launched SavetheInternet.com, which is principally dedicated to net neutrality (the principle that no Web site should get favored access from an Internet service provider) but also crusades for affordable broadband. You can join their efforts to push for better broadband. Contact the FCC directly and tell them you're tired of seeing the U.S. lag the rest of the world and they need to start pushing the cable and DSL companies to upgrade service. Ask the president why we he has utterly failed to keep his 2004 promise to give every American access to high-speed Internet service. And finally, contact your congressional representatives. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi campaigned last year on bringing affordable broadband to everyone within five years. Hold her to it! <snip>

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Flight KQ 507: Did the Media cross the line?
by Wainaina Mungai 09 May '07

09 May '07

Was the media insensitive and offensive as they competed to air and publish reports of the flight KQ507 crash? Read about it on http://www.madeinkenya.org/forum_files/forum0507-2.php

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Common services policy
by Mr President 08 May '07

08 May '07

Hi ALLWould it be possible to have a common services policy, that would entail laying of services like communications, internet via optical fibre,electricity etc in common ducts.This would anable sharing of costs by users for maintenance, access by all providers, and a reduction is costs of digging up trenches for each service provider ?It would also enable easy access for repairs and upgrades.A certain amount of "joint" planning -which is lacking- would reduce the over all cost of rolling out the infrastructure nationwide.It can be financed, via govt investment bonds, that� should have NO capital gains tax,council and municipal bonds etc.My take is that the funds can not only be� sourced but also applied in the most logical way, and this would provide massive employment for rolling out the sameLater the infrastructure can be given to firm(s) to maitain at a nominal fee as "local" outsourcing for none core business.Lawyers could work out legalities, contractors "LOCAL" not chinese prisoners being fronted as cheap labour, municipal and other local authorities could have the service now and not later, funds could also be sourced via the women funds, youth funds, lasdap, latf and CDF whcih is set to increase to 10%The aformentioned would enable urban and rural industrialisation by 2010 as envision by Hon Raila and not 2030 by reactives� as opposed to pro-actives.The� "Greemen" concept sounds to me like the wheel, yet we seem to want to invent it again "kenyan " style ama ?MAy the souls of those who departed rest in peace and may all of us observe a moment of silence and prayer for them and their loved onesNjenga M.P�those who fear to fail.will never try to succeded,for to fail to plan is to plan to FAIL _______________________________________________ No banners. No pop-ups. No kidding. Make My Way your home on the Web - http://www.myway.com

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Re: [kictanet] Day 6 of 10 - Statistics on Dispersion- CCK Internet Report
by John Walubengo 08 May '07

08 May '07

Lets extend 1day (today) on the above theme... I know the recent posts have commented on the above. In particular, the 'conflicting' approaches with regard to infrastructure development b/w Govt & Private Sector. I think Govt feels that the Private sector initiatives into the rural areas has been lacking hence their intervention. Private sector may feel that Govt is 'duplicating' their efforts or presenting 'unfair' competition in that space. I think the report had a middle ground where the Universal Access Fund (UAF)is deployed. Private sector would be 'funded' to implement infrastructure in non-economic zones using the UAF. In other words the Goverment advances the funds and the Private Sector implements the projects. I don't know if this would present a middle-ground or addresses a different issue? walu. --- John Walubengo <jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke> wrote: > <<<a prayer for the missing KQ passengers, Mt Elgon & > other Land-Clashes victims observed>>> > > and now I Wish to thank all for the surge of > contributions that are continuing to come through. Plse > keep them flowing as we move into today's theme > -Statistics on Dispersion. > > snip >>The Report found that even though ISPs were > present in all the 8 Provinces, they were hardly present > at the districts level * covering only 30% of the > districts in Kenya. In addition, of the three key > stakeholders, Government, Educational and Commercial, the > Commercial sector had the bulk of the existing Internet > Connectivity (80%) while the Education Sector had the > lowest (less than 2%). Finally, of the estimated 2.8 > Million Internet users in the country, 80% are in the > capital city Nairobi, 9% in Mombasa and the rest (11%) > are spread across the country.<<snip > > Quite bleak statistics and my recent trip to my rural > home (Bungoma) confirmed it. Even the supposedly > ubiqitous GPRS access failed to deliver and yet it works > wonders in the urban setting. The fixed line access was > out of question - despite me having a laptop that could > have hooked onto the (suprisingly?) available telephone > line. Problem was that the phone was 'Hard-wired' to the > headset -old models- that cannot allow flexibility to > port onto a laptop. > > The other wireless option (Wifi, Wimax or Butterfly et > al) are yet to hit he region...so the question is what > initiatives can be done to improve on the above bleak > statistics? > > 1-day discussion. > > walu. > > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Our KQ 507
by alice 07 May '07

07 May '07

Apologies, members this is not an ICT related issue, but there is ICT in it. One of the things that make me so proud to be Kenyan is our Kenya Airways, so it is indeed very sad that another one of our planes, KQ 507 has "disappeared in Cameroon. Condolences to those who had friends/relatives, people they knew on that flight. alice

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ICANN extends nomination deadline
by Rebecca Wanjiku 07 May '07

07 May '07

in order to provide additional time for candidates to submit Statements of Interest, the 2007 ICANN Nominating Committee has extended the deadline for Statements of Interest until 18 May 2007 23:59 UTC. Candidates should submit completed Statements of Interest to nomcom2007(a)icann.org. The 2007 Nominating Committee began its work in December 2006 at the ICANN Annual Meeting in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and is actively seeking qualified candidates for the following key positions within ICANN: 3 seats on the ICANN Board of Directors 2 members to Generic Names Supporting Organization Council (GNSO) 3 members of the At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) (from Africa, Latin America and Caribbean and Asia/Australia/Pacific regions) 1 Country Code Names Support Organization Council (ccNSO) member The 2007 Nominating Committee has received 33 Statements of Interest, 29 of the candidates are male, while 4 are female. 14 candidates are from Europe, 6 are from Asia/Australia/Pacific, 5 are from Latin America/Caribbean, 5 are from North America, and 3 are from Africa. 25 candidates have declared a willingness to serve on the ICANN Board, 12 have declared a willingness to serve on the GNSO Council, 7 have declared a willingness to serve on the ccNSO Council, and 7 have declared a willingness to serve on the ALAC. Please note that some candidates have asked to be considered for more than one position. Those individuals selected by the Nominating Committee will have a unique opportunity to work with accomplished colleagues from around the globe, address intriguing technical coordination problems and related policy development challenges with diverse functional, cultural, and geographic dimensions, and gain valuable insights and experience from working across these boundaries of knowledge, responsibility and perspective. Information about the 2007 Nominating Committee is available at http://nomcom.icann.org. Information on the formal call for Statements of Interest is available at http://nomcom.icann.org/formal-call-2007.html. This file last modified 30-Apr-2007 © 2007 Internet Corporation For Assigned Names and Numbers ____________________________________________________________________________________ Bored stiff? Loosen up... Download and play hundreds of games for free on Yahoo! Games. http://games.yahoo.com/games/front

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Fwd: AccessKenya IPO Research Report
by Bill Kagai 07 May '07

07 May '07

An IPO worth supporting. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: info(a)mediacorp.co.ke <info(a)mediacorp.co.ke> Date: Apr 16, 2007 1:02 PM Subject: AccessKenya IPO Research Report To: info(a)mediacorp.co.ke Cc: info(a)mediacorp.co.ke Dear Sir/Madam, Please find attached the AccessKenya Report attached. Regards, MediaCorp Research Unit

3 3

internet loyalty...
by Rebecca Wanjiku 07 May '07

07 May '07

where is your loyalty on the net???? Monday 30 April 2007, 12:23:00 All Countries Written by Net 4 Now British Internet users are six times more likely to choose a .uk rather than .com address when looking for information via an Internet search engine. In an online survey of 2,324 Internet users, which was carried out by YouGov, 62% believe a .uk address suggests a company is local or more relevant than a .com, and a third (32%) believe that it is important for international companies to have local domain names in order to attract local customers. When asked about searching for a particular company on the Internet, 72% said they would visit a .uk web address above any other and only 5% of respondents would try the .com option first. Nominet CEO, Lesley Cowley commented: “The findings show that British Internet users are loyal to local web sites and have higher levels of trust for .uk domain names. It’s clear that the trust issue is one of increasing importance to the Internet industry, as well as Internet users.” ____________________________________________________________________________________ Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debate in the Yahoo! Answers Food & Drink Q&A. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545367

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Day 6 of 10 - Statistics on Dispersion- CCK Internet Report
by John Walubengo 07 May '07

07 May '07

<<<a prayer for the missing KQ passengers, Mt Elgon & other Land-Clashes victims observed>>> and now I Wish to thank all for the surge of contributions that are continuing to come through. Plse keep them flowing as we move into today's theme -Statistics on Dispersion. snip >>The Report found that even though ISPs were present in all the 8 Provinces, they were hardly present at the districts level * covering only 30% of the districts in Kenya. In addition, of the three key stakeholders, Government, Educational and Commercial, the Commercial sector had the bulk of the existing Internet Connectivity (80%) while the Education Sector had the lowest (less than 2%). Finally, of the estimated 2.8 Million Internet users in the country, 80% are in the capital city Nairobi, 9% in Mombasa and the rest (11%) are spread across the country.<<snip Quite bleak statistics and my recent trip to my rural home (Bungoma) confirmed it. Even the supposedly ubiqitous GPRS access failed to deliver and yet it works wonders in the urban setting. The fixed line access was out of question - despite me having a laptop that could have hooked onto the (suprisingly?) available telephone line. Problem was that the phone was 'Hard-wired' to the headset -old models- that cannot allow flexibility to port onto a laptop. The other wireless option (Wifi, Wimax or Butterfly et al) are yet to hit he region...so the question is what initiatives can be done to improve on the above bleak statistics? 1-day discussion. walu.

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Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability -CCKInternetStudy Report
by Alex Gakuru 07 May '07

07 May '07

Affordability: This will never be realised so long as there exists dominant market private monopolies. Government does not need to subsidize, but only enable local participation at the last mile. The only "problem" right now is the used-to-corporate-customers-only business models looks to still miss to see the rural connectivity business case. Assertion 1 ; INFRASTRUCTURE MONOPOLY Grameen Telecom's original goal was to have a phone in every one of Bangladesh's 65,000 villages by 2000, but only 4,543 village phones were in service as of March, 2001. The primary constraint has been a distorted telecommunications market controlled by a monopolistic government provider, BTTB. Because BTTB has been unwilling to increase its interconnect capacity, despite GP's offer to pay for the upgrading, GP and other mobile companies have been unable to connect additional phones to the national switched network and instead have had to offer primarily mobile-to-mobile phone services (3). This infrastructure barrier has also limited expansion of the rural phone network. Assertion 2: BUSINESS CASE: Grameen Telecom (GT) has the explicit goal of helping Grameen Bank's members shift from relatively low-yield traditional ventures like animal husbandry into the technology sector, by creating micro-enterprises that can both generate individual income and provide whole villages with connectivity. GT uses GrameenPhone's advanced GSM technology in stationary village phones owned and operated by local entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs purchase the phones with money borrowed from Grameen Bank (2), and sell phone service to customers by the call. Rates are generally twice the wholesale rate charged by GP plus taxes and airtime fees. An average of 70 customers a month uses each phone; this shared-access business model concentrates demand and creates relatively high cash flow, even in poor villages, enabling operators to make regular loan payments and still turn a profit. Repayment rates to Grameen Bank are 90-95%. Rural telephones are also very profitable for GrameenPhone, bringing in revenues per phone of $93 a month in March 2001, twice as much as GP's urban mobile phones. However, rural phones represent less than 2% of the phones used on GP's network and bring in only 8 % of the company's total revenue, so that the company's profitability depends primarily on its urban business. [http://www.digitaldividend.org/case/case_grameen.htm] ---- United States ----- Let me just share with you a little story -- the reason that I'm excited about this thing being possible. I took a trip to Minnesota and there was a company called Optical Solutions. They market what is called a passive optical network in which they bring fiber right to the household. They were describing a farmer in Northwestern Minnesota who's at the end of this passive optical network. He has a couple hundred digital channels. They even sent in another fiber for a couple of analog channels. He has 10 to 100 megabytes per second symmetric up in northern Minnesota. He's doing this for $80 to $120 per month. So I'm saying here in the northern Virginia high tech corridor where I live I'm 100 feet from a central office of the RBOC and I can only get 56K dial up modem. I think something is wrong with this picture. [http://www.technology.gov/reports/TechPolicy/BB_Wkshop020325.pdf pp33-34] --------- Transparency (read Freedom of Information) It is impossible/very difficult to get annual inter-government departments expenditure on communications. While we are at it could the government be transparent with the fibre optic financing. Consumers hope of affordable communication is pegged on this cable to ally fear our fears to hear later some questionable financing arrangements we entered into behind our backs. Conclusion Efficient e-government services demand affordable fibre infrastructure that will not end up a very costly taxpayers burnen >> more poverty. Government offices can afford broadband through fibre free inter-gov offices MPs to/from their rural constituencies. ICAK is well into actualising community fibres initiatives throughout Kenya with other like minded partners. We shall use alternative infrastructure rollout, we are lobbying for rural electrification to include an overhead fibre cable by KPLC. Development finance and govt support can/will leverage this low cost to cover the cost of the necessary last mile infrastructure. --------- * jamesrege(a)africaonline.co.ke" <jamesrege(a)africaonline.co.ke>* wrote: Walu, Your concern on affordability of internet access by rural communities is justified. I don't think fibre optics (being a point-to-point) network can benefit a majority of rural communities economically unless there is a seriously subsidized provision of the last-mile network. Thousands of schools and Government offices which are situated far away from the fibre optics paths will never sniff the benefits of broadband communications supplied through fibre optics pipe. Fibre optics, microwave and satellite media always complement each other, especially for restoration purposes. Kenya is lucky to have them all. Can Walu's concern be addressed in all the cases? On 5/3/07 9:01 AM, "John Walubengo" wrote: > Day 5- Statistics on Affordability. > > I acknowledge an interesting thread filtering in on Trust relationships b/w > IGOs/ISPs...feel free to continue contributing on that as well as on today's > theme on affordability (multi-tasking > encouraged by internet technologies ...) > > and just to pick up from Kai's projection of KDN fiber hitting Bungoma in > early August 2007. This would be quite a welcome and timely development, but > at what cost to the consumer? To what extend will the (internet) services be > affordable to the rural/average communities? > > Affordability is a subjective term gven that what is considered cheap by the > Bill Gates of this world is probably not so for the average Kenyan on the > street. In trying to get an objective measurement for affordability, the > Report pegged it on the national average incomes. In other words, if the > monthly average income in Kenya is around 100USD and if the average monthly > cost for internet access is also around 100USD then obviously the average > Kenyan will not bother with accessing the Internet - it just becomes way > beyond their means or too expensive or not affordable. > > The report indicated that access through the more convenient Internet > Dial-up/Desktop services costed over 200% the average incomes (too > expensive), while the same access through mobile phones was costing just 8% > of the average incomes (quite affordable). What needs to be done in order to > make Internet Services more afforable to Kenyans? > > 1 day deliberation on this one. > > walu. > > > _______________________________________________ > 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/jamesrege%40africaonline.co.k e > -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://link.mail2web.com/mail2web _______________________________________________ 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/alex.gakuru%40yahoo.com

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Kenya Wins Technology in Government in Africa Award
by John Kariuki 07 May '07

07 May '07

*Kenya has won a Technology in Government in Africa(TIGA) Award in the category * *"Improved educational services through the use of ICTs" *This award recognizes outstanding achievements by organisations or teams in developing and implementing innovative projects to improve online as well as Government eServices using other forms of education service delivery; Specific examples include using ICTs for innovation in learning and teaching for citizens and communities as well as the provision of e-administration in the delivery of education services. The project which won the award is the Automation of Secondary School Placement and Online Exam Result Delivery, Kenya http://www.education.go.ke; http://www.kenya.go.ke . The project ia a Government of Kenya initiative to improve access to educational information and services through use of ICTs. For more information on TIGA Awards visit http://www.uneca.org/aisi/

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List Subscription
by Alex Gakuru 06 May '07

06 May '07

Hi all, I have just re-subscribed with a second gmail email address (alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com) because I am told my subscription problem has to do with the Yahoo email, which I hope the list moderators retail as well. Now, I look forward to a smoother participation flow also happier Gmail will organise discussions by threads thus matter when a lister comments, that message will pop right at the top of my inbox. My yahoo address remains active therefore no messages will be lost through this address (alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com) Sincerely, Alex --------------------------------- Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos.

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Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics onAffordability- CCKInternetStudyReport
by Judy Okite 06 May '07

06 May '07

Thnx Harry, to add on to Ur concern, as long as the ISP/IGO licenses are nt reviewed On 5/5/07, Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> wrote: > Dear Colleagues, > > I was hoping to remain a spectator in this debate but looks that is becoming > difficult to achieve. I think we need to look at ICT infrastructure and > especially connectivity differently. We need to elevate the status and > importance of ICT infrastructure to the same level as roads and power. > Meaning any new infrastructural development in the country, should have > connectivity considerations factored in. > > For instance when doing the feasibility study for the new roads soon to be > commissioned and to be supported by the Chinese Government, there should be > considerations of whether there is need to lay fiber alongside other > amenities such as power, lighting, walks ways and sewage. > > Regards > Harry > > -----Original Message----- > From: kictanet-bounces+harry=africanedevelopment.org(a)kictanet.or.ke > [mailto:[email protected]] On > Behalf Of Lucy Kimani > Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2007 11:24 AM > To: harry(a)africanedevelopment.org > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics onAffordability- > CCKInternetStudyReport > > Kai: > > I see your point, again I will use my previous domicile as a case in > point, the Federal Government is the biggest employer/buyer of supplies > and services in the Washington DC metro area (Virginia, Maryland, and of > course Washington DC) hence e-governance/e-learning is a must and I think > the Kenyan government recognizes this from the various initiatives > currently on going, I just think its just a matter of time. > > The only point where you and i part ways is your stand that the Government > should not be involved in infrastructure building because the Government > has an obligation to ensure that all Kenyans have access to the internet > while the private sector has to have a business case to justify coverage > of any particular area, so I say both efforts Government and Private > sector must compliment each other. > > With all the initiates on the drawing boards of both the government and > the private sector, I say let all move from the drawing boards into > implementation, Kai the computers at Kambaa Girls are gathering dust, and > Bw. Ndemo, I signed up for both the digital village and digital school > during the KICC expo and I have not heard a word on the way forward from > your end. > > LK > > > > My point is: > > > > Yu have limited room for infrastructure since the cost is constant and > > only > > increased usage can drop the price. The Government should NOT be a > > competitor but a price sensitive user! > > > > You will have enough people now competing for the business of the > > Government > > and the private users .. That forces prices down. Having a state owned > > cable > > or a state owned Telkom is in my opinion not the way forward. > > > > Rgds > > > > Kai > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke > > [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of > > Wainaina Mungai > > Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2007 10:35 > > To: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability- > > CCKInternetStudyReport > > > > Kai said; > >> The problem is when you create the demand and then some World Bank money > >> starts to compete before you can recover the cost.. > >> ...The private sector needs the Government as a user there as well as > >> the > >> private companies and consumers. [Only then will the prices drop!] > > > > Pricing > > I would like to assume that competition from government is as good as > > competition from other market players. The beauty of competition is in the > > way it forces the private sector to put a smile on the face of every > > consumer ;-) so as to guarantee revenue. I am convinced that a significant > > drop in prices results only from fierce competition and some degree of > > regulation. TESPOK and others fought for years to introduce competition > > which resulted in the current lower prices of internet and telephony > > services. > > > > > > The recent intervention of CCK on the pricing of mobile services is a case > > that proves that price controls may become necessary to protect consumers. > > For internet services, we need many 'small scale' providers whose products > > and pricing would be more market-driven and responsive to fluctuations in > > consumer needs. > > > > For instance, an internet user paying KShs. 6,000 per month for DSL per > > month is actually incurring 14 cents per minute for a 30-day month. This > > is > > a great deal for any 24 hour user who may even make money through such > > access to the internet. The same user would be said to incur 28 cents per > > minute if s/he were to use the link for an average 12 hours per day at the > > same monthly rate. There may be a catch here but there is a high > > probability > > that more businesses can survive on such low rates and pass such rates > > down > > to rural consumer. > > > > > > > > --- > > Wainaina Mungai > > http://www.madeinkenya.org > > > > SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT is development that meets the needs of the present > > without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own > > needs. > > > > > >> > >> FROM: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke > >> [mailto:[email protected]] ON BEHALF > >> OF > >> Rebecca Wanjiku > >> SENT: Friday, May 04, 2007 10:23 > >> TO: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > >> SUBJECT: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - > >> CCKInternetStudyReport > >> > >> > >> thanks Kai for the response, > >> we need many people responding to this issue, > >> > >> in my opinion, the government should find a way of using the WB money > >> through the private sector, so that the private sector does not see as > >> if > >> the government is competing and killing the profit margin, > >> > >> in this regard, the government could come up with some MOU with the > >> private sector so that some of the money invested is government's and > > some > >> PS. > >> that way, part of the profits will be ploughed back (it will be > >> mandatory) > >> > >> i remember during the OFC workshop, Kai shared how IFC funded a private > >> secotor consortium to carry out some survey at USD 300k and a similar > >> survey carried out by govts was valued at USD 3m > >> > >> maybe this can help reduce costs and provide a way for govt and PS to > >> work together and deliver quality market services, develop the content > > and > >> all.. > >> > >> its just an opinion, its not absolute, > >> > >> lets hear as many voices as possible, > >> it is at these forums/discussions that great ideas come up, > >> > >> regards > >> > >> _KAI WULFF <KAI.WULFF(a)KDN.CO.KE>_ wrote: > >> > >> Hello, > >> > >> we leave it to the ISPs to create the demand. We were hoping that with > >> our > >> rural initiatives, like connecting schools and showing them how to > >> educate > >> the parents (and make money with this) will increase the demand on a > >> natural > >> way. > >> > >> What we have seen wit some Rural BTS, it takes about 12 month until it > >> is > >> > >> break even ... > >> > >> The problem is when you create the demand and then some World Bank > >> money > >> starts to compete before you can recover the cost. It is my strong > >> believe > >> that wherever a device can be operated, there WILL be a market. The > >> private > >> sector needs the Government as a user there as well as the private > >> companies > >> and consumers. Only then will the prices drop! We still focus too much > >> on > >> > >> the INTERNET, what most people need for a start is LOCAL information > >> and > >> communication .. so I would say: 90% local IP traffic and 10% > >> international > >> .. > >> > >> Kai > >> > >> > >> ----- Original Message ----- > >> From: "Joan Walumbe" > >> To: > >> Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 10:26 > >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - > >> CCKInternetStudy Report > >> > >> > >> > Walu, > >> > > >> > I agree with you that affordablity is a factor especially for rural > >> > communities when it comes to access to the internet. But I think that > >> lack > >> > of awareness is an even bigger factor. It's fine for the urban folk > >> (who > >> > already recognise the benefits to the internet etc.) taking a short > >> break > >> > in > >> > shags to have the internet access when back home, but it there is no > >> > demand > >> > for the internet among the residents what is the point? > >> > > >> > So does KDN enter a market and then hope to create demand or is their > >> a > >> > market that demands the service or is it a little of both? > >> > > >> > I understand that Kai would not be venturing into the rural areas if > >> it > >> > >> > did > >> > not make any financial sense. Can anyone provide some info/statistics > >> on > >> > demand for internet access in rural areas? > >> > > >> > Joan Walumbe > >> > > >> > ----- Original Message ----- > >> > From: "John Walubengo" > >> > To: > >> > Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 9:01 AM > >> > Subject: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - CCK > >> > InternetStudy > >> > Report > >> > > >> > > >> > Day 5- Statistics on Affordability. > >> > > >> > I acknowledge an interesting thread filtering in on Trust > >> relationships > >> > >> > b/w > >> > IGOs/ISPs...feel free to continue contributing on that as well as on > >> > today's theme on affordability (multi-tasking > >> > encouraged by internet technologies ...) > >> > > >> > and just to pick up from Kai's projection of KDN fiber hitting > >> Bungoma > >> in > >> > early August 2007. This would be quite a welcome and timely > >> development, > >> > but at what cost to the consumer? To what extend will the (internet) > >> > services be affordable to the rural/average communities? > >> > > >> > Affordability is a subjective term gven that what is considered cheap > >> by > >> > the > >> > Bill Gates of this world is probably not so for the average Kenyan on > >> the > >> > street. In trying to get an objective measurement for affordability, > >> the > >> > Report pegged it on the national average incomes. In other words, if > >> the > >> > monthly average income in Kenya is around 100USD and if the average > >> > monthly > >> > cost for internet access is also around 100USD then obviously the > >> average > >> > Kenyan will not bother with accessing the Internet - it just becomes > >> way > >> > beyond their means or too expensive or not affordable. > >> > > >> > The report indicated that access through the more convenient Internet > >> > Dial-up/Desktop services costed over 200% the average incomes (too > >> > expensive), while the same access through mobile phones was costing > >> just > >> > 8% > >> > of the average incomes (quite affordable). What needs to be done in > >> > order > >> > to make Internet Services more afforable to Kenyans? > >> > > >> > 1 day deliberation on this one. > >> > > >> > walu. > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > _______________________________________________ > >> > 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/kai.wulff%40kdn.co.ke > >> > > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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/rebeccawanjiku%40yahoo.com > >> > >> > >> Rebecca Wanjiku, > >> journalist, > >> p.o box 33515, > >> Nairobi.00600 > >> Kenya. > >> > >> Tel. 254 720 318 925 > >> > >> blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ > >> > >> > >> -------------------- > >> > >> > >> Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? > >> Check out [LINK: > >> > > > http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=48245/*http:/autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html;_ylc=X > > 3oDMTE1YW1jcXJ2BF9TAzk3MTA3MDc2BHNlYwNtYWlsdGFncwRzbGsDbmV3LWNhcnM-] > >> new cars at Yahoo! Autos. > >> -------------------- > >> _______________________________________________ > >> kictanet mailing list > >> [LINK: compose.php?to=kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke] kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke > >> [LINK: http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet] > >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> > >> Please unsubscribe or change your options at [LINK: > >> > > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wainaina%40madeinkenya.org] > >> > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wainaina%40madeinkenya.org > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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/kai.wulff%40kdn.co.ke > > _______________________________________________ > > 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/lkimani%40comnews.co.ke > > > > ----------------------------------------- > This email was sent using Communicatons Solutions LTD WebMail. > " " > http://www.accesskenya.com/ > > _______________________________________________ > 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/harry%40africanedevelopment.o > rg > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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/judyokite%40gmail.com > -- 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."

3 4

Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics onAffordability- CCKInternetStudyReport
by judy okite 05 May '07

05 May '07

Sir, why is my point dissected,till it doesnt make sense? Kind Regards, Okite --- kictanet-bounces+judyokite=yahoo.com(a)kictanet.or.ke <judyokite(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Then there mayb need to re-define 'cheap' ,because someone has to pay > the cost....Consumer? Kind Regards, > > On 5/5/07, Judy Okite <judyokite(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > No cost reduction/tax waiver on modems,poles,switches etc the basics > > of internet connection > > > > On 5/5/07, Judy Okite <judyokite(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > Thnx Harry, to add on to Ur concern, as long as the ISP/IGO licenses > > > are nt reviewed > > > > > > On 5/5/07, Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> wrote: > > > > Dear Colleagues, > > > > > > > > I was hoping to remain a spectator in this debate but looks that is > > > becoming > > > > difficult to achieve. I think we need to look at ICT infrastructure and > > > > especially connectivity differently. We need to elevate the status and > > > > importance of ICT infrastructure to the same level as roads and power. > > > > Meaning any new infrastructural development in the country, should have > > > > connectivity considerations factored in. > > > > > > > > For instance when doing the feasibility study for the new roads soon to > > be > > > > commissioned and to be supported by the Chinese Government, there should > > > be > > > > considerations of whether there is need to lay fiber alongside other > > > > amenities such as power, lighting, walks ways and sewage. > > > > > > > > Regards > > > > Harry > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > > > From: kictanet-bounces+harry=africanedevelopment.org(a)kictanet.or.ke > > > > [mailto:[email protected]] > > On > > > > Behalf Of Lucy Kimani > > > > Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2007 11:24 AM > > > > To: harry(a)africanedevelopment.org > > > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics onAffordability- > > > > CCKInternetStudyReport > > > > > > > > Kai: > > > > > > > > I see your point, again I will use my previous domicile as a case in > > > > point, the Federal Government is the biggest employer/buyer of supplies > > > > and services in the Washington DC metro area (Virginia, Maryland, and of > > > > course Washington DC) hence e-governance/e-learning is a must and I > > think > > > > the Kenyan government recognizes this from the various initiatives > > > > currently on going, I just think its just a matter of time. > > > > > > > > The only point where you and i part ways is your stand that the > > Government > > > > should not be involved in infrastructure building because the Government > > > > has an obligation to ensure that all Kenyans have access to the internet > > > > while the private sector has to have a business case to justify coverage > > > > of any particular area, so I say both efforts Government and Private > > > > sector must compliment each other. > > > > > > > > With all the initiates on the drawing boards of both the government and > > > > the private sector, I say let all move from the drawing boards into > > > > implementation, Kai the computers at Kambaa Girls are gathering dust, > > and > > > > Bw. Ndemo, I signed up for both the digital village and digital school > > > > during the KICC expo and I have not heard a word on the way forward from > > > > your end. > > > > > > > > LK > > > > > > > > > > > > > My point is: > > > > > > > > > > Yu have limited room for infrastructure since the cost is constant and > > > > > only > > > > > increased usage can drop the price. The Government should NOT be a > > > > > competitor but a price sensitive user! > > > > > > > > > > You will have enough people now competing for the business of the > > > > > Government === Message Truncated === ____________________________________________________________________________________ Don't get soaked. Take a quick peak at the forecast with the Yahoo! Search weather shortcut. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/shortcuts/#loc_weather

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Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability -CCKInternetStudy Report
by jamesrege＠africaonline.co.ke 05 May '07

05 May '07

Walu, Your concern on affordability of internet access by rural communities is justified. I don't think fibre optics (being a point-to-point) network can benefit a majority of rural communities economically unless there is a seriously subsidized provision of the last-mile network. Thousands of schools and Government offices which are situated far away from the fibre optics paths will never sniff the benefits of broadband communications supplied through fibre optics pipe. Fibre optics, microwave and satellite media always complement each other, especially for restoration purposes. Kenya is lucky to have them all. Can Walu's concern be addressed in all the cases? On 5/3/07 9:01 AM, "John Walubengo" <jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke> wrote: > Day 5- Statistics on Affordability. > > I acknowledge an interesting thread filtering in on Trust relationships b/w > IGOs/ISPs...feel free to continue contributing on that as well as on today's > theme on affordability (multi-tasking > encouraged by internet technologies ...) > > and just to pick up from Kai's projection of KDN fiber hitting Bungoma in > early August 2007. This would be quite a welcome and timely development, but > at what cost to the consumer? To what extend will the (internet) services be > affordable to the rural/average communities? > > Affordability is a subjective term gven that what is considered cheap by the > Bill Gates of this world is probably not so for the average Kenyan on the > street. In trying to get an objective measurement for affordability, the > Report pegged it on the national average incomes. In other words, if the > monthly average income in Kenya is around 100USD and if the average monthly > cost for internet access is also around 100USD then obviously the average > Kenyan will not bother with accessing the Internet - it just becomes way > beyond their means or too expensive or not affordable. > > The report indicated that access through the more convenient Internet > Dial-up/Desktop services costed over 200% the average incomes (too > expensive), while the same access through mobile phones was costing just 8% > of the average incomes (quite affordable). What needs to be done in order to > make Internet Services more afforable to Kenyans? > > 1 day deliberation on this one. > > walu. > > > _______________________________________________ > 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/jamesrege%40africaonline.co.k e > -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://link.mail2web.com/mail2web

1 0

Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics onAffordability- CCKInternetStudyReport
by Judy Okite 05 May '07

05 May '07

Thnx Harry, to add on to Ur concern, as long as the ISP/IGO licenses are nt reviewed, no tax waiver On 5/5/07, Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> wrote: > Dear Colleagues, > > I was hoping to remain a spectator in this debate but looks that is becoming > difficult to achieve. I think we need to look at ICT infrastructure and > especially connectivity differently. We need to elevate the status and > importance of ICT infrastructure to the same level as roads and power. > Meaning any new infrastructural development in the country, should have > connectivity considerations factored in. > > For instance when doing the feasibility study for the new roads soon to be > commissioned and to be supported by the Chinese Government, there should be > considerations of whether there is need to lay fiber alongside other > amenities such as power, lighting, walks ways and sewage. > > Regards > Harry > > -----Original Message----- > From: kictanet-bounces+harry=africanedevelopment.org(a)kictanet.or.ke > [mailto:[email protected]] On > Behalf Of Lucy Kimani > Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2007 11:24 AM > To: harry(a)africanedevelopment.org > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics onAffordability- > CCKInternetStudyReport > > Kai: > > I see your point, again I will use my previous domicile as a case in > point, the Federal Government is the biggest employer/buyer of supplies > and services in the Washington DC metro area (Virginia, Maryland, and of > course Washington DC) hence e-governance/e-learning is a must and I think > the Kenyan government recognizes this from the various initiatives > currently on going, I just think its just a matter of time. > > The only point where you and i part ways is your stand that the Government > should not be involved in infrastructure building because the Government > has an obligation to ensure that all Kenyans have access to the internet > while the private sector has to have a business case to justify coverage > of any particular area, so I say both efforts Government and Private > sector must compliment each other. > > With all the initiates on the drawing boards of both the government and > the private sector, I say let all move from the drawing boards into > implementation, Kai the computers at Kambaa Girls are gathering dust, and > Bw. Ndemo, I signed up for both the digital village and digital school > during the KICC expo and I have not heard a word on the way forward from > your end. > > LK > > > > My point is: > > > > Yu have limited room for infrastructure since the cost is constant and > > only > > increased usage can drop the price. The Government should NOT be a > > competitor but a price sensitive user! > > > > You will have enough people now competing for the business of the > > Government > > and the private users .. That forces prices down. Having a state owned > > cable > > or a state owned Telkom is in my opinion not the way forward. > > > > Rgds > > > > Kai > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke > > [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of > > Wainaina Mungai > > Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2007 10:35 > > To: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability- > > CCKInternetStudyReport > > > > Kai said; > >> The problem is when you create the demand and then some World Bank money > >> starts to compete before you can recover the cost.. > >> ...The private sector needs the Government as a user there as well as > >> the > >> private companies and consumers. [Only then will the prices drop!] > > > > Pricing > > I would like to assume that competition from government is as good as > > competition from other market players. The beauty of competition is in the > > way it forces the private sector to put a smile on the face of every > > consumer ;-) so as to guarantee revenue. I am convinced that a significant > > drop in prices results only from fierce competition and some degree of > > regulation. TESPOK and others fought for years to introduce competition > > which resulted in the current lower prices of internet and telephony > > services. > > > > > > The recent intervention of CCK on the pricing of mobile services is a case > > that proves that price controls may become necessary to protect consumers. > > For internet services, we need many 'small scale' providers whose products > > and pricing would be more market-driven and responsive to fluctuations in > > consumer needs. > > > > For instance, an internet user paying KShs. 6,000 per month for DSL per > > month is actually incurring 14 cents per minute for a 30-day month. This > > is > > a great deal for any 24 hour user who may even make money through such > > access to the internet. The same user would be said to incur 28 cents per > > minute if s/he were to use the link for an average 12 hours per day at the > > same monthly rate. There may be a catch here but there is a high > > probability > > that more businesses can survive on such low rates and pass such rates > > down > > to rural consumer. > > > > > > > > --- > > Wainaina Mungai > > http://www.madeinkenya.org > > > > SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT is development that meets the needs of the present > > without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own > > needs. > > > > > >> > >> FROM: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke > >> [mailto:[email protected]] ON BEHALF > >> OF > >> Rebecca Wanjiku > >> SENT: Friday, May 04, 2007 10:23 > >> TO: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > >> SUBJECT: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - > >> CCKInternetStudyReport > >> > >> > >> thanks Kai for the response, > >> we need many people responding to this issue, > >> > >> in my opinion, the government should find a way of using the WB money > >> through the private sector, so that the private sector does not see as > >> if > >> the government is competing and killing the profit margin, > >> > >> in this regard, the government could come up with some MOU with the > >> private sector so that some of the money invested is government's and > > some > >> PS. > >> that way, part of the profits will be ploughed back (it will be > >> mandatory) > >> > >> i remember during the OFC workshop, Kai shared how IFC funded a private > >> secotor consortium to carry out some survey at USD 300k and a similar > >> survey carried out by govts was valued at USD 3m > >> > >> maybe this can help reduce costs and provide a way for govt and PS to > >> work together and deliver quality market services, develop the content > > and > >> all.. > >> > >> its just an opinion, its not absolute, > >> > >> lets hear as many voices as possible, > >> it is at these forums/discussions that great ideas come up, > >> > >> regards > >> > >> _KAI WULFF <KAI.WULFF(a)KDN.CO.KE>_ wrote: > >> > >> Hello, > >> > >> we leave it to the ISPs to create the demand. We were hoping that with > >> our > >> rural initiatives, like connecting schools and showing them how to > >> educate > >> the parents (and make money with this) will increase the demand on a > >> natural > >> way. > >> > >> What we have seen wit some Rural BTS, it takes about 12 month until it > >> is > >> > >> break even ... > >> > >> The problem is when you create the demand and then some World Bank > >> money > >> starts to compete before you can recover the cost. It is my strong > >> believe > >> that wherever a device can be operated, there WILL be a market. The > >> private > >> sector needs the Government as a user there as well as the private > >> companies > >> and consumers. Only then will the prices drop! We still focus too much > >> on > >> > >> the INTERNET, what most people need for a start is LOCAL information > >> and > >> communication .. so I would say: 90% local IP traffic and 10% > >> international > >> .. > >> > >> Kai > >> > >> > >> ----- Original Message ----- > >> From: "Joan Walumbe" > >> To: > >> Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 10:26 > >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - > >> CCKInternetStudy Report > >> > >> > >> > Walu, > >> > > >> > I agree with you that affordablity is a factor especially for rural > >> > communities when it comes to access to the internet. But I think that > >> lack > >> > of awareness is an even bigger factor. It's fine for the urban folk > >> (who > >> > already recognise the benefits to the internet etc.) taking a short > >> break > >> > in > >> > shags to have the internet access when back home, but it there is no > >> > demand > >> > for the internet among the residents what is the point? > >> > > >> > So does KDN enter a market and then hope to create demand or is their > >> a > >> > market that demands the service or is it a little of both? > >> > > >> > I understand that Kai would not be venturing into the rural areas if > >> it > >> > >> > did > >> > not make any financial sense. Can anyone provide some info/statistics > >> on > >> > demand for internet access in rural areas? > >> > > >> > Joan Walumbe > >> > > >> > ----- Original Message ----- > >> > From: "John Walubengo" > >> > To: > >> > Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 9:01 AM > >> > Subject: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - CCK > >> > InternetStudy > >> > Report > >> > > >> > > >> > Day 5- Statistics on Affordability. > >> > > >> > I acknowledge an interesting thread filtering in on Trust > >> relationships > >> > >> > b/w > >> > IGOs/ISPs...feel free to continue contributing on that as well as on > >> > today's theme on affordability (multi-tasking > >> > encouraged by internet technologies ...) > >> > > >> > and just to pick up from Kai's projection of KDN fiber hitting > >> Bungoma > >> in > >> > early August 2007. This would be quite a welcome and timely > >> development, > >> > but at what cost to the consumer? To what extend will the (internet) > >> > services be affordable to the rural/average communities? > >> > > >> > Affordability is a subjective term gven that what is considered cheap > >> by > >> > the > >> > Bill Gates of this world is probably not so for the average Kenyan on > >> the > >> > street. In trying to get an objective measurement for affordability, > >> the > >> > Report pegged it on the national average incomes. In other words, if > >> the > >> > monthly average income in Kenya is around 100USD and if the average > >> > monthly > >> > cost for internet access is also around 100USD then obviously the > >> average > >> > Kenyan will not bother with accessing the Internet - it just becomes > >> way > >> > beyond their means or too expensive or not affordable. > >> > > >> > The report indicated that access through the more convenient Internet > >> > Dial-up/Desktop services costed over 200% the average incomes (too > >> > expensive), while the same access through mobile phones was costing > >> just > >> > 8% > >> > of the average incomes (quite affordable). What needs to be done in > >> > order > >> > to make Internet Services more afforable to Kenyans? > >> > > >> > 1 day deliberation on this one. > >> > > >> > walu. > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > _______________________________________________ > >> > 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/kai.wulff%40kdn.co.ke > >> > > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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/rebeccawanjiku%40yahoo.com > >> > >> > >> Rebecca Wanjiku, > >> journalist, > >> p.o box 33515, > >> Nairobi.00600 > >> Kenya. > >> > >> Tel. 254 720 318 925 > >> > >> blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ > >> > >> > >> -------------------- > >> > >> > >> Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? > >> Check out [LINK: > >> > > > http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=48245/*http:/autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html;_ylc=X > > 3oDMTE1YW1jcXJ2BF9TAzk3MTA3MDc2BHNlYwNtYWlsdGFncwRzbGsDbmV3LWNhcnM-] > >> new cars at Yahoo! Autos. > >> -------------------- > >> _______________________________________________ > >> kictanet mailing list > >> [LINK: compose.php?to=kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke] kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke > >> [LINK: http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet] > >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> > >> Please unsubscribe or change your options at [LINK: > >> > > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wainaina%40madeinkenya.org] > >> > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wainaina%40madeinkenya.org > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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/kai.wulff%40kdn.co.ke > > _______________________________________________ > > 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/lkimani%40comnews.co.ke > > > > ----------------------------------------- > This email was sent using Communicatons Solutions LTD WebMail. > " " > http://www.accesskenya.com/ > > _______________________________________________ > 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/harry%40africanedevelopment.o > rg > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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/judyokite%40gmail.com > -- 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."

1 0

Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics onAffordability- CCKInternetStudyReport
by Judy Okite 05 May '07

05 May '07

Thnx Harry, to add on to Ur concern, as long as the ISP/IGO licenses are nt reviewed, no tax waiver On 5/5/07, Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> wrote: > Dear Colleagues, > > I was hoping to remain a spectator in this debate but looks that is becoming > difficult to achieve. I think we need to look at ICT infrastructure and > especially connectivity differently. We need to elevate the status and > importance of ICT infrastructure to the same level as roads and power. > Meaning any new infrastructural development in the country, should have > connectivity considerations factored in. > > For instance when doing the feasibility study for the new roads soon to be > commissioned and to be supported by the Chinese Government, there should be > considerations of whether there is need to lay fiber alongside other > amenities such as power, lighting, walks ways and sewage. > > Regards > Harry > > -----Original Message----- > From: kictanet-bounces+harry=africanedevelopment.org(a)kictanet.or.ke > [mailto:[email protected]] On > Behalf Of Lucy Kimani > Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2007 11:24 AM > To: harry(a)africanedevelopment.org > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics onAffordability- > CCKInternetStudyReport > > Kai: > > I see your point, again I will use my previous domicile as a case in > point, the Federal Government is the biggest employer/buyer of supplies > and services in the Washington DC metro area (Virginia, Maryland, and of > course Washington DC) hence e-governance/e-learning is a must and I think > the Kenyan government recognizes this from the various initiatives > currently on going, I just think its just a matter of time. > > The only point where you and i part ways is your stand that the Government > should not be involved in infrastructure building because the Government > has an obligation to ensure that all Kenyans have access to the internet > while the private sector has to have a business case to justify coverage > of any particular area, so I say both efforts Government and Private > sector must compliment each other. > > With all the initiates on the drawing boards of both the government and > the private sector, I say let all move from the drawing boards into > implementation, Kai the computers at Kambaa Girls are gathering dust, and > Bw. Ndemo, I signed up for both the digital village and digital school > during the KICC expo and I have not heard a word on the way forward from > your end. > > LK > > > > My point is: > > > > Yu have limited room for infrastructure since the cost is constant and > > only > > increased usage can drop the price. The Government should NOT be a > > competitor but a price sensitive user! > > > > You will have enough people now competing for the business of the > > Government > > and the private users .. That forces prices down. Having a state owned > > cable > > or a state owned Telkom is in my opinion not the way forward. > > > > Rgds > > > > Kai > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke > > [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of > > Wainaina Mungai > > Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2007 10:35 > > To: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability- > > CCKInternetStudyReport > > > > Kai said; > >> The problem is when you create the demand and then some World Bank money > >> starts to compete before you can recover the cost.. > >> ...The private sector needs the Government as a user there as well as > >> the > >> private companies and consumers. [Only then will the prices drop!] > > > > Pricing > > I would like to assume that competition from government is as good as > > competition from other market players. The beauty of competition is in the > > way it forces the private sector to put a smile on the face of every > > consumer ;-) so as to guarantee revenue. I am convinced that a significant > > drop in prices results only from fierce competition and some degree of > > regulation. TESPOK and others fought for years to introduce competition > > which resulted in the current lower prices of internet and telephony > > services. > > > > > > The recent intervention of CCK on the pricing of mobile services is a case > > that proves that price controls may become necessary to protect consumers. > > For internet services, we need many 'small scale' providers whose products > > and pricing would be more market-driven and responsive to fluctuations in > > consumer needs. > > > > For instance, an internet user paying KShs. 6,000 per month for DSL per > > month is actually incurring 14 cents per minute for a 30-day month. This > > is > > a great deal for any 24 hour user who may even make money through such > > access to the internet. The same user would be said to incur 28 cents per > > minute if s/he were to use the link for an average 12 hours per day at the > > same monthly rate. There may be a catch here but there is a high > > probability > > that more businesses can survive on such low rates and pass such rates > > down > > to rural consumer. > > > > > > > > --- > > Wainaina Mungai > > http://www.madeinkenya.org > > > > SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT is development that meets the needs of the present > > without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own > > needs. > > > > > >> > >> FROM: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke > >> [mailto:[email protected]] ON BEHALF > >> OF > >> Rebecca Wanjiku > >> SENT: Friday, May 04, 2007 10:23 > >> TO: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > >> SUBJECT: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - > >> CCKInternetStudyReport > >> > >> > >> thanks Kai for the response, > >> we need many people responding to this issue, > >> > >> in my opinion, the government should find a way of using the WB money > >> through the private sector, so that the private sector does not see as > >> if > >> the government is competing and killing the profit margin, > >> > >> in this regard, the government could come up with some MOU with the > >> private sector so that some of the money invested is government's and > > some > >> PS. > >> that way, part of the profits will be ploughed back (it will be > >> mandatory) > >> > >> i remember during the OFC workshop, Kai shared how IFC funded a private > >> secotor consortium to carry out some survey at USD 300k and a similar > >> survey carried out by govts was valued at USD 3m > >> > >> maybe this can help reduce costs and provide a way for govt and PS to > >> work together and deliver quality market services, develop the content > > and > >> all.. > >> > >> its just an opinion, its not absolute, > >> > >> lets hear as many voices as possible, > >> it is at these forums/discussions that great ideas come up, > >> > >> regards > >> > >> _KAI WULFF <KAI.WULFF(a)KDN.CO.KE>_ wrote: > >> > >> Hello, > >> > >> we leave it to the ISPs to create the demand. We were hoping that with > >> our > >> rural initiatives, like connecting schools and showing them how to > >> educate > >> the parents (and make money with this) will increase the demand on a > >> natural > >> way. > >> > >> What we have seen wit some Rural BTS, it takes about 12 month until it > >> is > >> > >> break even ... > >> > >> The problem is when you create the demand and then some World Bank > >> money > >> starts to compete before you can recover the cost. It is my strong > >> believe > >> that wherever a device can be operated, there WILL be a market. The > >> private > >> sector needs the Government as a user there as well as the private > >> companies > >> and consumers. Only then will the prices drop! We still focus too much > >> on > >> > >> the INTERNET, what most people need for a start is LOCAL information > >> and > >> communication .. so I would say: 90% local IP traffic and 10% > >> international > >> .. > >> > >> Kai > >> > >> > >> ----- Original Message ----- > >> From: "Joan Walumbe" > >> To: > >> Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 10:26 > >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - > >> CCKInternetStudy Report > >> > >> > >> > Walu, > >> > > >> > I agree with you that affordablity is a factor especially for rural > >> > communities when it comes to access to the internet. But I think that > >> lack > >> > of awareness is an even bigger factor. It's fine for the urban folk > >> (who > >> > already recognise the benefits to the internet etc.) taking a short > >> break > >> > in > >> > shags to have the internet access when back home, but it there is no > >> > demand > >> > for the internet among the residents what is the point? > >> > > >> > So does KDN enter a market and then hope to create demand or is their > >> a > >> > market that demands the service or is it a little of both? > >> > > >> > I understand that Kai would not be venturing into the rural areas if > >> it > >> > >> > did > >> > not make any financial sense. Can anyone provide some info/statistics > >> on > >> > demand for internet access in rural areas? > >> > > >> > Joan Walumbe > >> > > >> > ----- Original Message ----- > >> > From: "John Walubengo" > >> > To: > >> > Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 9:01 AM > >> > Subject: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - CCK > >> > InternetStudy > >> > Report > >> > > >> > > >> > Day 5- Statistics on Affordability. > >> > > >> > I acknowledge an interesting thread filtering in on Trust > >> relationships > >> > >> > b/w > >> > IGOs/ISPs...feel free to continue contributing on that as well as on > >> > today's theme on affordability (multi-tasking > >> > encouraged by internet technologies ...) > >> > > >> > and just to pick up from Kai's projection of KDN fiber hitting > >> Bungoma > >> in > >> > early August 2007. This would be quite a welcome and timely > >> development, > >> > but at what cost to the consumer? To what extend will the (internet) > >> > services be affordable to the rural/average communities? > >> > > >> > Affordability is a subjective term gven that what is considered cheap > >> by > >> > the > >> > Bill Gates of this world is probably not so for the average Kenyan on > >> the > >> > street. In trying to get an objective measurement for affordability, > >> the > >> > Report pegged it on the national average incomes. In other words, if > >> the > >> > monthly average income in Kenya is around 100USD and if the average > >> > monthly > >> > cost for internet access is also around 100USD then obviously the > >> average > >> > Kenyan will not bother with accessing the Internet - it just becomes > >> way > >> > beyond their means or too expensive or not affordable. > >> > > >> > The report indicated that access through the more convenient Internet > >> > Dial-up/Desktop services costed over 200% the average incomes (too > >> > expensive), while the same access through mobile phones was costing > >> just > >> > 8% > >> > of the average incomes (quite affordable). What needs to be done in > >> > order > >> > to make Internet Services more afforable to Kenyans? > >> > > >> > 1 day deliberation on this one. > >> > > >> > walu. > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > _______________________________________________ > >> > 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/kai.wulff%40kdn.co.ke > >> > > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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/rebeccawanjiku%40yahoo.com > >> > >> > >> Rebecca Wanjiku, > >> journalist, > >> p.o box 33515, > >> Nairobi.00600 > >> Kenya. > >> > >> Tel. 254 720 318 925 > >> > >> blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ > >> > >> > >> -------------------- > >> > >> > >> Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? > >> Check out [LINK: > >> > > > http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=48245/*http:/autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html;_ylc=X > > 3oDMTE1YW1jcXJ2BF9TAzk3MTA3MDc2BHNlYwNtYWlsdGFncwRzbGsDbmV3LWNhcnM-] > >> new cars at Yahoo! Autos. > >> -------------------- > >> _______________________________________________ > >> kictanet mailing list > >> [LINK: compose.php?to=kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke] kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke > >> [LINK: http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet] > >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> > >> Please unsubscribe or change your options at [LINK: > >> > > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wainaina%40madeinkenya.org] > >> > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wainaina%40madeinkenya.org > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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/kai.wulff%40kdn.co.ke > > _______________________________________________ > > 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/lkimani%40comnews.co.ke > > > > ----------------------------------------- > This email was sent using Communicatons Solutions LTD WebMail. > " " > http://www.accesskenya.com/ > > _______________________________________________ > 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/harry%40africanedevelopment.o > rg > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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/judyokite%40gmail.com > -- 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."

1 0

Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics onAffordability- CCKInternetStudyReport
by Eric Osiakwan 05 May '07

05 May '07

Harry, thanks for adding your voice to this important rendition, this is one of our key recommendation in the Open Access study to the WorldBank but our leaders must ensure it happens because it is in our interest to make it happen. By the way, this is exactly how fiber grew in Sweden back in the Seventies and Eighties. Eric here On 5 May 2007, at 15:01, Harry Hare wrote: > Dear Colleagues, > > I was hoping to remain a spectator in this debate but looks that is > becoming > difficult to achieve. I think we need to look at ICT infrastructure > and > especially connectivity differently. We need to elevate the status and > importance of ICT infrastructure to the same level as roads and power. > Meaning any new infrastructural development in the country, should > have > connectivity considerations factored in. > > For instance when doing the feasibility study for the new roads > soon to be > commissioned and to be supported by the Chinese Government, there > should be > considerations of whether there is need to lay fiber alongside other > amenities such as power, lighting, walks ways and sewage. > > Regards > Harry > > -----Original Message----- > From: kictanet-bounces+harry=africanedevelopment.org(a)kictanet.or.ke > [mailto:kictanet-bounces > +harry=africanedevelopment.org(a)kictanet.or.ke] On > Behalf Of Lucy Kimani > Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2007 11:24 AM > To: harry(a)africanedevelopment.org > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics onAffordability- > CCKInternetStudyReport > > Kai: > > I see your point, again I will use my previous domicile as a case in > point, the Federal Government is the biggest employer/buyer of > supplies > and services in the Washington DC metro area (Virginia, Maryland, > and of > course Washington DC) hence e-governance/e-learning is a must and I > think > the Kenyan government recognizes this from the various initiatives > currently on going, I just think its just a matter of time. > > The only point where you and i part ways is your stand that the > Government > should not be involved in infrastructure building because the > Government > has an obligation to ensure that all Kenyans have access to the > internet > while the private sector has to have a business case to justify > coverage > of any particular area, so I say both efforts Government and Private > sector must compliment each other. > > With all the initiates on the drawing boards of both the government > and > the private sector, I say let all move from the drawing boards into > implementation, Kai the computers at Kambaa Girls are gathering > dust, and > Bw. Ndemo, I signed up for both the digital village and digital school > during the KICC expo and I have not heard a word on the way forward > from > your end. > > LK > > >> My point is: >> >> Yu have limited room for infrastructure since the cost is constant >> and >> only >> increased usage can drop the price. The Government should NOT be a >> competitor but a price sensitive user! >> >> You will have enough people now competing for the business of the >> Government >> and the private users .. That forces prices down. Having a state >> owned >> cable >> or a state owned Telkom is in my opinion not the way forward. >> >> Rgds >> >> Kai >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke >> [mailto:[email protected]] On >> Behalf Of >> Wainaina Mungai >> Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2007 10:35 >> To: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability- >> CCKInternetStudyReport >> >> Kai said; >>> The problem is when you create the demand and then some World >>> Bank money >>> starts to compete before you can recover the cost.. >>> ...The private sector needs the Government as a user there as >>> well as >>> the >>> private companies and consumers. [Only then will the prices drop!] >> >> Pricing >> I would like to assume that competition from government is as good as >> competition from other market players. The beauty of competition >> is in the >> way it forces the private sector to put a smile on the face of every >> consumer ;-) so as to guarantee revenue. I am convinced that a >> significant >> drop in prices results only from fierce competition and some >> degree of >> regulation. TESPOK and others fought for years to introduce >> competition >> which resulted in the current lower prices of internet and telephony >> services. >> >> >> The recent intervention of CCK on the pricing of mobile services >> is a case >> that proves that price controls may become necessary to protect >> consumers. >> For internet services, we need many 'small scale' providers whose >> products >> and pricing would be more market-driven and responsive to >> fluctuations in >> consumer needs. >> >> For instance, an internet user paying KShs. 6,000 per month for >> DSL per >> month is actually incurring 14 cents per minute for a 30-day >> month. This >> is >> a great deal for any 24 hour user who may even make money through >> such >> access to the internet. The same user would be said to incur 28 >> cents per >> minute if s/he were to use the link for an average 12 hours per >> day at the >> same monthly rate. There may be a catch here but there is a high >> probability >> that more businesses can survive on such low rates and pass such >> rates >> down >> to rural consumer. >> >> >> >> --- >> Wainaina Mungai >> http://www.madeinkenya.org >> >> SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT is development that meets the needs of the >> present >> without compromising the ability of future generations to meet >> their own >> needs. >> >> >>> >>> FROM: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke >>> [mailto:[email protected]] ON >>> BEHALF >>> OF >>> Rebecca Wanjiku >>> SENT: Friday, May 04, 2007 10:23 >>> TO: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke >>> SUBJECT: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - >>> CCKInternetStudyReport >>> >>> >>> thanks Kai for the response, >>> we need many people responding to this issue, >>> >>> in my opinion, the government should find a way of using the WB >>> money >>> through the private sector, so that the private sector does not >>> see as >>> if >>> the government is competing and killing the profit margin, >>> >>> in this regard, the government could come up with some MOU with the >>> private sector so that some of the money invested is >>> government's and >> some >>> PS. >>> that way, part of the profits will be ploughed back (it will be >>> mandatory) >>> >>> i remember during the OFC workshop, Kai shared how IFC funded a >>> private >>> secotor consortium to carry out some survey at USD 300k and a >>> similar >>> survey carried out by govts was valued at USD 3m >>> >>> maybe this can help reduce costs and provide a way for govt and >>> PS to >>> work together and deliver quality market services, develop the >>> content >> and >>> all.. >>> >>> its just an opinion, its not absolute, >>> >>> lets hear as many voices as possible, >>> it is at these forums/discussions that great ideas come up, >>> >>> regards >>> >>> _KAI WULFF <KAI.WULFF(a)KDN.CO.KE>_ wrote: >>> >>> Hello, >>> >>> we leave it to the ISPs to create the demand. We were hoping >>> that with >>> our >>> rural initiatives, like connecting schools and showing them how to >>> educate >>> the parents (and make money with this) will increase the demand >>> on a >>> natural >>> way. >>> >>> What we have seen wit some Rural BTS, it takes about 12 month >>> until it >>> is >>> >>> break even ... >>> >>> The problem is when you create the demand and then some World Bank >>> money >>> starts to compete before you can recover the cost. It is my strong >>> believe >>> that wherever a device can be operated, there WILL be a market. The >>> private >>> sector needs the Government as a user there as well as the private >>> companies >>> and consumers. Only then will the prices drop! We still focus >>> too much >>> on >>> >>> the INTERNET, what most people need for a start is LOCAL >>> information >>> and >>> communication .. so I would say: 90% local IP traffic and 10% >>> international >>> .. >>> >>> Kai >>> >>> >>> ----- Original Message ----- >>> From: "Joan Walumbe" >>> To: >>> Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 10:26 >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - >>> CCKInternetStudy Report >>> >>> >>>> Walu, >>>> >>>> I agree with you that affordablity is a factor especially for rural >>>> communities when it comes to access to the internet. But I think >>>> that >>> lack >>>> of awareness is an even bigger factor. It's fine for the urban folk >>> (who >>>> already recognise the benefits to the internet etc.) taking a short >>> break >>>> in >>>> shags to have the internet access when back home, but it there >>>> is no >>>> demand >>>> for the internet among the residents what is the point? >>>> >>>> So does KDN enter a market and then hope to create demand or is >>>> their >>> a >>>> market that demands the service or is it a little of both? >>>> >>>> I understand that Kai would not be venturing into the rural >>>> areas if >>> it >>> >>>> did >>>> not make any financial sense. Can anyone provide some info/ >>>> statistics >>> on >>>> demand for internet access in rural areas? >>>> >>>> Joan Walumbe >>>> >>>> ----- Original Message ----- >>>> From: "John Walubengo" >>>> To: >>>> Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 9:01 AM >>>> Subject: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - CCK >>>> InternetStudy >>>> Report >>>> >>>> >>>> Day 5- Statistics on Affordability. >>>> >>>> I acknowledge an interesting thread filtering in on Trust >>> relationships >>> >>>> b/w >>>> IGOs/ISPs...feel free to continue contributing on that as well >>>> as on >>>> today's theme on affordability (multi-tasking >>>> encouraged by internet technologies ...) >>>> >>>> and just to pick up from Kai's projection of KDN fiber hitting >>> Bungoma >>> in >>>> early August 2007. This would be quite a welcome and timely >>> development, >>>> but at what cost to the consumer? To what extend will the >>>> (internet) >>>> services be affordable to the rural/average communities? >>>> >>>> Affordability is a subjective term gven that what is considered >>>> cheap >>> by >>>> the >>>> Bill Gates of this world is probably not so for the average >>>> Kenyan on >>> the >>>> street. In trying to get an objective measurement for >>>> affordability, >>> the >>>> Report pegged it on the national average incomes. In other >>>> words, if >>> the >>>> monthly average income in Kenya is around 100USD and if the average >>>> monthly >>>> cost for internet access is also around 100USD then obviously the >>> average >>>> Kenyan will not bother with accessing the Internet - it just >>>> becomes >>> way >>>> beyond their means or too expensive or not affordable. >>>> >>>> The report indicated that access through the more convenient >>>> Internet >>>> Dial-up/Desktop services costed over 200% the average incomes (too >>>> expensive), while the same access through mobile phones was costing >>> just >>>> 8% >>>> of the average incomes (quite affordable). What needs to be done in >>>> order >>>> to make Internet Services more afforable to Kenyans? >>>> >>>> 1 day deliberation on this one. >>>> >>>> walu. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> 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/kai.wulff% >>>> 40kdn.co.ke >>>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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/rebeccawanjiku% > 40yahoo.com >>> >>> >>> Rebecca Wanjiku, >>> journalist, >>> p.o box 33515, >>> Nairobi.00600 >>> Kenya. >>> >>> Tel. 254 720 318 925 >>> >>> blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ >>> >>> >>> -------------------- >>> >>> >>> Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? >>> Check out [LINK: >>> >> > http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=48245/*http:/autos.yahoo.com/ > new_cars.html;_ylc=X >> 3oDMTE1YW1jcXJ2BF9TAzk3MTA3MDc2BHNlYwNtYWlsdGFncwRzbGsDbmV3LWNhcnM-] >>> new cars at Yahoo! Autos. >>> -------------------- >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> [LINK: compose.php?to=kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke] >>> kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >>> [LINK: http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet] >>> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> Please unsubscribe or change your options at [LINK: >>> >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wainaina% >> 40madeinkenya.org] >>> > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wainaina% > 40madeinkenya.org >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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/kai.wulff%40kdn.co.ke >> _______________________________________________ >> 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/lkimani% >> 40comnews.co.ke > > > > ----------------------------------------- > This email was sent using Communicatons Solutions LTD WebMail. > " " > http://www.accesskenya.com/ > > _______________________________________________ > 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/harry% > 40africanedevelopment.o > rg > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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/eric%40afrispa.org > 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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Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability -CCKInternetStudy Report
by Wainaina Mungai 05 May '07

05 May '07

Kai said; > The problem is when you create the demand and then some World Bank money > starts to compete before you can recover the cost > .The private sector needs the Government as a user there as well as the > private companies and consumers. [Only then will the prices drop!] Pricing I would like to assume that fair competition from government is as good as competition from other market players. The beauty of competition is in the way it forces the private sector to put a smile on the face of every consumer ;-) so as to guarantee revenue. I am convinced that a significant drop in prices results only from fierce competition and some degree of regulation. TESPOK and others fought for years to introduce competition which resulted in the current lower prices of internet and telephony services. The recent intervention of CCK on the pricing of mobile services is a case that proves that price controls may become necessary to protect consumers. For internet services, we need many small scale providers whose products and pricing would be more market-driven and responsive to fluctuations in consumer needs. For instance, an internet user paying KShs. 6,000 per month for DSL per month is actually incurring 14 cents per minute for a 30-day month. This is a great deal for any 24 hour user who may even make money through such access to the internet. The same user would be said to incur 28 cents per minute if s/he were to use the link for an average 12 hours per day at the same monthly rate. There may be a catch here but there is a high probability that more businesses can survive on such low rates and pass such rates down to rural consumer. --- Wainaina Mungai http://www.madeinkenya.org SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. > -------Original Message------- > From: Joan Walumbe <jwalumbe(a)globalnetcorps.org> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability -CCKInternetStudy Report > Sent: 04 May '07 17:46 > > Thanks Fatma, > > Much appreciated. > > Joan > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Fatma Bashir" <fbashir(a)cyberschooltech.com> > To: "Kenya ICT Action Network - KICTANet" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> > Sent: Friday, May 04, 2007 1:31 PM > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on > Affordability -CCKInternetStudy Report > > > > Joan, > > > > I dont have statistics but working in the education sector, I see what KDN > > sees in the schools, schools will be the incubation ground for the demand > > for ICT in the rural areas (60% of schools are in rural areas). In about a > > year and a half years time the picture will start changing as high school > > graduates will be computer savvy and naturally opt to continue pursuing > > interests ranging from search of opportunities for enterpreneurship to > > formal job hunting using the internet or just keeping intouch!. > > > > Further more when we look at schools and their facilities, they can easily > > become the information centres for the communities around them and also > > offer affordable capacity building to the parents of the students nearby. > > Then they will start to look for ways to make some money and the > > international/local content picture will start to swing in our favor. > > > > Imagine one day you will go online and order your chopped sukuma wiki and > > packet of carrots from the local mama mbogo outside your estate, she will > > deliver to your house you will pay her on your way back home or GOd knows > > even online?. its the form form leaver who will have designed the website > > for her and its the nearby school that will have taught her computer 101. > > > > whats missing is the segment that should be dealing with Capacity Building > > in an informal way or even sensitizing and awareness ( ie we dont have to > > attend college proper we can just go to the neighbourhood place and learn > > some basics) I think that this is where the Lag might be felt by the likes > > of KDN...and others. > > > > Fatma > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Joan Walumbe" <jwalumbe(a)globalnetcorps.org> > > To: <fbashir(a)cyberschooltech.com> > > Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 10:26 AM > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - > > CCKInternetStudy Report > > > > > > > Walu, > > > > > > I agree with you that affordablity is a factor especially for rural > > > communities when it comes to access to the internet. But I think that > lack > > > of awareness is an even bigger factor. It's fine for the urban folk (who > > > already recognise the benefits to the internet etc.) taking a short > break > > > in > > > shags to have the internet access when back home, but it there is no > > > demand > > > for the internet among the residents what is the point? > > > > > > So does KDN enter a market and then hope to create demand or is their a > > > market that demands the service or is it a little of both? > > > > > > I understand that Kai would not be venturing into the rural areas if it > > > did > > > not make any financial sense. Can anyone provide some info/statistics > on > > > demand for internet access in rural areas? > > > > > > Joan Walumbe > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > From: "John Walubengo" <jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke> > > > To: <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> > > > Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 9:01 AM > > > Subject: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - CCK > > > InternetStudy > > > Report > > > > > > > > > Day 5- Statistics on Affordability. > > > > > > I acknowledge an interesting thread filtering in on Trust relationships > > > b/w > > > IGOs/ISPs...feel free to continue contributing on that as well as on > > > today's theme on affordability (multi-tasking > > > encouraged by internet technologies ...) > > > > > > and just to pick up from Kai's projection of KDN fiber hitting Bungoma > in > > > early August 2007. This would be quite a welcome and timely > development, > > > but at what cost to the consumer? To what extend will the (internet) > > > services be affordable to the rural/average communities? > > > > > > Affordability is a subjective term gven that what is considered cheap by > > > the > > > Bill Gates of this world is probably not so for the average Kenyan on > the > > > street. In trying to get an objective measurement for affordability, > the > > > Report pegged it on the national average incomes. In other words, if > the > > > monthly average income in Kenya is around 100USD and if the average > > > monthly > > > cost for internet access is also around 100USD then obviously the > average > > > Kenyan will not bother with accessing the Internet - it just becomes way > > > beyond their means or too expensive or not affordable. > > > > > > The report indicated that access through the more convenient Internet > > > Dial-up/Desktop services costed over 200% the average incomes (too > > > expensive), while the same access through mobile phones was costing > just > > > 8% > > > of the average incomes (quite affordable). What needs to be done in > > > order > > > to make Internet Services more afforable to Kenyans? > > > > > > 1 day deliberation on this one. > > > > > > walu. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > 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/fbashir%40cyberschooltech.com > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > > This message has been scanned for viruses and > > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > > believed to be clean. > > --------------------------------------------- > > "easy access to the world" > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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/wainaina%40madeinkenya.org >

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Re: [kictanet] kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - CCKInternetStudyReport
by Wainaina Mungai 05 May '07

05 May '07

>"but if there is no demand for the internet among the residents what is the point?" Maybe we need to look back at what models worked or failed at the turn of the millennium: WHAT WORKED In 1999, very few people believed there was enough demand to support 7 million enthusiastic mobile phone users in a country with less than 35 million people. The thirst for convenient communication services has proved overwhelming and is yet to be quenched. For the internet, the challenge is in creating an accessible network and making users connect at lowest possible set-up cost (just like GSM firms offer KShs. 2500 for mobile phone plus SIM). The internet services should also be modelled to meet varied user profiles (such as is the case with mobile service tariffs). WHAT DIDNT WORK Low levels of internet usage may be blamed on lack of an accessible network (landline or otherwise). Telkom Kenya failed to connect hundreds of thousands of landline phone subscribers who would have become a pool of voice and data service users continually bringing in revenue. They are now aggressively selling CDMA solutions to increase users and make money from usage rather than connection fees. This is the same problem that KPLC created by failing to see the future demand for electricity and relying heavily ion connection fees instead of usage fees. They are only now racing with time for subscribers under the Umeme Pamoja and even reaching out to slum dwellers with special tariffs. NETWORK OF USERS Some ISPs realised rather early that the real value of their network is in the increased connections of paying users. To many of us, the demand for internet access in rural areas may not be directly evident for now. It may however be seen in the thirst' for convenience, speedy communication and related value-added services. It may also be seen in the overwhelming demand for mobile telephony in the most remote and poor regions of Kenya. As has been stated earlier, we should not sell 'the internet' per se but should shift emphasis to the benefits of access for rural consumers especially the improvement of their quality of life. 2 cents worth... --- Wainaina Mungai http://www.madeinkenya.org SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

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Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - CCKInternetStudy Report
by Wainaina Mungai 05 May '07

05 May '07

>> In my opinion, the government should find a way of using the WB money through the >> private sector, so that the private sector does not see as if the government is competing >> and killing the profit margin I think private sector should appreciate the role of govt in addressing needs of the disadvantaged via social programmes (e.g. education, health, fibre connectivity) and view the competition from government on the connectivity front as a challenge to model their businesses in the way that is responsive to rural market. I would prefer if; 1. Government uses the funds to provide business-friendly loans via a model similar to the youth enterprise fund. 2. A money-making outfit demonstrates a convincing "business for development" case or partners with a not-for-profit (e.g. CBO or other community-focussed group) if it is to access the WB-like grants. 3. Funds go to not-for-profit organisation to operate rural ICT centres on low-overheads (the focus here being on the consumer in rural areas). The WorldBank kind-of-money should go towards nurturing rural ICT SMEs that bring internet access rates to under a shilling per minute at the cybercafé end and even lower for a home or business user. I would expect a private sector outfit cushioned by government/WorldBank support should extend its break-even period to ensure the lowest prices at highest penetration levels. ...2 cents... --- Wainaina Mungai http://www.madeinkenya.org SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. > -------Original Message------- > From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - CCKInternetStudy Report > Sent: 04 May '07 13:16 > > Agreed with Becky, > > I expected more views on this touchy subject of > affordability. I do know we had technical hiccups but I > trust they are now over...so lets hear more from the > stakeholders - Consumers, Operators, Government, > Regulators, etc. > > walu. > > --- Rebecca Wanjiku <rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > > thanks Kai for the response, > > we need many people responding to this issue, > > > > in my opinion, the government should find a way of using > > the WB money through the private sector, so that the > > private sector does not see as if the government is > > competing and killing the profit margin, > > > > in this regard, the government could come up with some > > MOU with the private sector so that some of the money > > invested is government's and some PS. > > that way, part of the profits will be ploughed back (it > > will be mandatory) > > > > i remember during the OFC workshop, Kai shared how IFC > > funded a private secotor consortium to carry out some > > survey at USD 300k and a similar survey carried out by > > govts was valued at USD 3m > > > > maybe this can help reduce costs and provide a way for > > govt and PS to work together and deliver quality market > > services, develop the content and all.. > > > > its just an opinion, its not absolute, > > > > lets hear as many voices as possible, > > it is at these forums/discussions that great ideas come > > up, > > > > regards > > > > Kai Wulff <kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke> wrote: Hello, > > > > we leave it to the ISPs to create the demand. We were > > hoping that with our > > rural initiatives, like connecting schools and showing > > them how to educate > > the parents (and make money with this) will increase the > > demand on a natural > > way. > > > > What we have seen wit some Rural BTS, it takes about 12 > > month until it is > > break even ... > > > > The problem is when you create the demand and then some > > World Bank money > > starts to compete before you can recover the cost. It is > > my strong believe > > that wherever a device can be operated, there WILL be a > > market. The private > > sector needs the Government as a user there as well as > > the private companies > > and consumers. Only then will the prices drop! We still > > focus too much on > > the INTERNET, what most people need for a start is LOCAL > > information and > > communication .. so I would say: 90% local IP traffic and > > 10% international > > .. > > > > Kai > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Joan Walumbe" > > To: > > Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 10:26 > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on > > Affordability - > > CCKInternetStudy Report > > > > > > > Walu, > > > > > > I agree with you that affordablity is a factor > > especially for rural > > > communities when it comes to access to the internet. > > But I think that lack > > > of awareness is an even bigger factor. It's fine for > > the urban folk (who > > > already recognise the benefits to the internet etc.) > > taking a short break > > > in > > > shags to have the internet access when back home, but > > it there is no > > > demand > > > for the internet among the residents what is the point? > > > > > > So does KDN enter a market and then hope to create > > demand or is their a > > > market that demands the service or is it a little of > > both? > > > > > > I understand that Kai would not be venturing into the > > rural areas if it > > > did > > > not make any financial sense. Can anyone provide some > > info/statistics on > > > demand for internet access in rural areas? > > > > > > Joan Walumbe > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > From: "John Walubengo" > > > To: > > > Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 9:01 AM > > > Subject: [kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability > > - CCK > > > InternetStudy > > > Report > > > > > > > > > Day 5- Statistics on Affordability. > > > > > > I acknowledge an interesting thread filtering in on > > Trust relationships > > > b/w > > > IGOs/ISPs...feel free to continue contributing on that > > as well as on > > > today's theme on affordability (multi-tasking > > > encouraged by internet technologies ...) > > > > > > and just to pick up from Kai's projection of KDN fiber > > hitting Bungoma in > > > early August 2007. This would be quite a welcome and > > timely development, > > > but at what cost to the consumer? To what extend will > > the (internet) > > > services be affordable to the rural/average > > communities? > > > > > > Affordability is a subjective term gven that what is > > considered cheap by > > > the > > > Bill Gates of this world is probably not so for the > > average Kenyan on the > > > street. In trying to get an objective measurement for > > affordability, the > > > Report pegged it on the national average incomes. In > > other words, if the > > > monthly average income in Kenya is around 100USD and if > > the average > > > monthly > > > cost for internet access is also around 100USD then > > obviously the average > > > Kenyan will not bother with accessing the Internet - it > > just becomes way > > > beyond their means or too expensive or not affordable. > > > > > > The report indicated that access through the more > > convenient Internet > > > Dial-up/Desktop services costed over 200% the average > > incomes (too > > > expensive), while the same access through mobile > > phones was costing just > > > 8% > > > of the average incomes (quite affordable). What needs > > to be done in > > > order > > > to make Internet Services more afforable to Kenyans? > > > > > > 1 day deliberation on this one. > > > > > > walu. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > 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/kai.wulff%40kdn.co.ke > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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/rebeccawanjiku%40yahoo.com > > > > > > > > Rebecca Wanjiku, > > journalist, > > p.o box 33515, > > Nairobi.00600 > > Kenya. > > > > Tel. 254 720 318 925 > > > > blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ > > > > > === message truncated ===> > _______________________________________________ > > 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/jwalu%40yahoo.com > > > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around > http://mail.yahoo.com > > _______________________________________________ > 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/wainaina%40madeinkenya.org >

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kictanet] Day 5 - Statistics on Affordability - CCKInternetStudyReport
by bitange＠jambo.co.ke 04 May '07

04 May '07

Dear All, I think you are getting it wrong on the World Bank Loan. The purpose of the loan is to stimulate demand a head of cheap bandwidth from the fibre cable. Areas that we thought needed stimulation include Rural ICT Centres, the Government, Universities and Colleges and BPOs. The procurement of subsidized bandwidth is to be done openely where all operators would have a chance. This does not in anyway compromise any private sector because they would be paid the market rate of bandwidth. The participation of Government in construction of Terrestrial fibre networks and the undersea cable was to fast track availability of cheap bandwidth that would in turn help the economy to grow faster. Secondly, we needed an open access model that would help SMEs in this country to compete with the big boys. With this network we shall see SMEs competing with the likes of Jamii, KDN on an equal footing. Thirdly, the private sector had failed to provide necessary infrastructure for economic development and finaly no operator was interested in rural Kenya until the Government made the business case for rural ICTs. In any case the Government has no interest in competing with the private sector. Our role is to facilitate development. Infrastructure in the ICT sector had lagged behind and what we have done is simply to facilitate its development and leave the private sector to compete in an open access platform. We have the obligation to enable every Kenyan citizen to play a role in economic development especially our SMEs that consititute 95% of businesses in this country. Therefore, there is absolutely nothing wrong with borrowing from the WB to stimulate demand for the investment we are making in the ICT sector. Some of the funds will be used to develop capacity to utilize ICTs and development of local content. In essense we are stimulating demand that would become consumers of private sector products. Regards Bitange Ndemo. ---------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. --------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world"

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Statistics on Affordability - CCK InternetStudy Report
by Mr President 03 May '07

03 May '07

Hi AllMy take on the affordability of the internet is basically simpleHow many rural home have electricityHow many have telephone linesHow many rural towns have cybers that earn an incom solely form internet services ?That is the basics, go to secondary issues like priorities for income usage??To buy food, kerosene etc or surf ?Taking I.T to the rural areas should be unde r the universal coverage policy and not for profit unless for value added services ama??Njenga M.P those who fear to fail.will never try to succeded,for to fail to plan is to plan to FAIL _______________________________________________ No banners. No pop-ups. No kidding. Make My Way your home on the Web - http://www.myway.com

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Re: [kictanet] Listserver problem
by John Walubengo 03 May '07

03 May '07

Dear Listers, I must admit and apologise that we are experiencing some technical hitches on the listserver but the engineers are working around the clock to resolve the issue. Plse continue with your contributions since they are getting logged onto the central servers and will be re-played once the technical hitches are resolved. I would also add that in light of this development, the remaining two themes will taken early next week but this also gives us more time to dwell on the affordability issues... walu. >>> "Bill Kagai" <mediacorp.research(a)mediacorp.co.ke> 05/03/07 12:16PM >>> On 5/3/07, Eric Osiakwan <eric(a)afrispa.org> wrote: > > > The danger in allowing everybody to do everything is; > 1. enumorse duplication of investment in the highend of the market > ????? Nini hii??

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Technical Glitches
by Alex Gakuru 03 May '07

03 May '07

I have not received any of the messages attached and I had to dig the kictanet archives to view them. This is about my fourth time to complain about my messages being affected by this glitch. One feels it would be good practice for the technicians responsible to ensure online freedom of information while we collectively front advocacy for the same from government. Should the continued glitches affect only some subscribers, then there would be good grounds to seek alternative kictanet list hosting server, just like we had kiplist in Canada then for fear of government censorship. A thorough reply would be appreciated Regards Alex --------------------------------- Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos.

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test 20070502 12.35p.m EAT - ignore
by John Walubengo 03 May '07

03 May '07

testing. walu. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

6 7

ICT BILL & PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
by Wainaina Mungai 03 May '07

03 May '07

ICT BILL WILL IMPROVE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN TECHNOLOGY Source: http://www.madeinkenya.org/forum_files/forum0507.php A few weeks ago, many Kenyans were amazed to hear that Police had tracked down Matheri, the most wanted criminal in Kenya, by monitoring his mobile phone. This news led many to ask if they were also being watched and if someone was reading their SMS messages and keeping track of their movements. --- Wainaina Mungai http://www.madeinkenya.org SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

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in case of interest.. IP , rootservers, et al
by Rebecca Wanjiku 03 May '07

03 May '07

just in case you have been wondering about the whole jargon of IP, TLD, ccTLD and stuff, here is a simplified version.. its long but makes good reading.... bex The Internet Protocol Journal - Volume 10, No. 1 Geographic Implications of DNS Infrastructure Distribution by Steve Gibbard, Packet Clearing House The past several years have seen significant efforts to keep local Internet communications local in places far from the well-connected core of the Internet. Although considerable work remains to be done, Internet traffic now stays local in many places where it once would have traveled to other continents, lowering costs while improving performance and reliability. Data sent directly between users in those areas no longer leaves the region. Applications and services have become more localized as well, not only lowering costs but keeping those services available at times when the region's connectivity to the outside world has been disrupted. I discussed the need for localization in a previous paper, "Internet Mini-Cores: Local connectivity in the Internet's spur regions." [1] What follows here is a more specific look at a particular application, the Domain Name System (DNS). Most Internet applications depend on the DNS, which maps human-readable domain names to the Internet Protocol (IP) addresses computers understand. Two Internet hosts may have connectivity to each other but be unable to communicate because no DNS server can be reached. This article examines the placement of DNS servers for root and top-level domains and the implications of that placement on the reliability of the services these servers provide in different parts of the world. It is not a "how-to" guide to the construction of DNS infrastructure and does not contain recommendations on DNS policy; it is rather a look at the placement of DNS infrastructure as currently constructed. Although it is possible to access Internet resources without the DNS by entering numeric IP addresses directly, this type of access is not generally done. IP addresses, such as 209.131.36.158, are difficult to remember, are generally unpublished outside the DNS, and often change without notice. Local caching of DNS information can mask temporary problems with DNS data for commonly accessed domain names, but caches are emptied when caching resolvers are restarted, data in caches expires, and nothing is cached until the first time it is accessed by a local user. It should be noted that information about DNS deployment is changing rapidly. Several organizations are working on new DNS deployment. Information in this article can be considered current, to the best of my knowledge, as of May 2006. DNS Hierarchy The DNS is a hierarchy of domains within domains. The levels of the hierarchy are separated by dots. At the top of the hierarchy is the root, usually invisible but sometimes represented as a trailing dot. Using www.yahoo.com as an example, the com domain is contained within the root. Com contains yahoo, and yahoo contains www. Domains in the position com takes in this example are known as Top-Level Domains, or TLDs; they are the first level in the root domain. Domains in the position of yahoo are known as Second-Level Domains. In this example, www occupies the third level, and so forth. The information that makes up the Domain Name System is stored on DNS servers. That information is divided into zones, which for our purposes are synonymous with domains. Each zone is stored on a set of authoritative servers, which are queried when users or applications attempt to access a service on the Internet. In the simplest case, a domain name query works like the following: A caching resolver (so named because it caches information it receives) that has not yet cached any DNS zone data receives a query for www.yahoo.com. Because its cache is empty, it uses the hints distributed with the DNS software to contact one of the root servers and asks, "Where is www.yahoo.com?" The root server replies with a list of servers for .com. The caching server then asks one of the .com servers, "Where is www.yahoo.com?" and gets a response that directs it to servers for yahoo.com. It asks the same question of those servers and finally gets an answer to the question it was asking. Generally several servers can answer questions about any domain, but if all the servers for any single level are broken or unreachable, the query fails and the service the user is looking for is unreachable. It is therefore important that the DNS be reliable, and that the servers for each zone throughout the hierarchy be reachable from anywhere the servers they point at are being used. Root Servers Without root servers, none of the DNS works. As of this writing, 117 root servers exist worldwide, operated by 12 different organ-izations. [2] Root servers are added frequently, so the number may be significantly greater by the time this article is in circulation. Because of protocol limitations, the root servers can use only 13 IP addresses. Each root-server operator is responsible for one or two of those addresses. Using a technique called anycast, which allows servers in separate locations to share a single IP address, six of those operators operate multiple servers using the same IP address [3], meaning that only 13 of them are visible at the same time from any single location, but those 13 should in most cases include the topologically closest one. [4] The distribution of root servers is rather uneven. North America and Europe have similar numbers: 38 in North America and 35 in Europe. The 35 in Europe are distributed fairly evenly, with the largest concentrations (four each) in London and Amsterdam, Europe's two largest Internet hubs. North America has 8 in Washington, D.C., 8 in the San Francisco Bay Area, and 5 in Los Angeles. In the United States, all cities that host root servers are on the coasts except Atlanta and Chicago. All seven of the remaining IP addresses represented by only a single server, known as unicast roots, are in the Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Los Angeles areas. Australia has two root servers in Brisbane, one in Perth, and one in Sydney. New Zealand has two, one in Wellington and one in Auckland. Singapore and the wealthier parts of East Asia are well-covered, and there are two root servers in Jakarta and one each in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. A year ago, there were none in the vast expanse between Bangkok and Dubai, but three have recently been added in India, along with others in Dhaka and Karachi. Mainland China and the former USSR each have two. There are three in Africa: two in Johannesburg and one in Nairobi. Another will be installed in Nairobi shortly, but most of the rest of Africa lacks direct connectivity to Johannesburg or Nairobi and must cross satellite or intercontinental fiber links to reach the nearest root servers. All four of the root servers in South America are in Brazil and Chile, with two in Sao Paulo and one each in Brasilia and Santiago de Chile. With some exceptions, root-server density tends to correlate strongly with per-capita income. This fact is not surprising—it is true for other forms of infrastructure as well—but it means that those with the greatest dependence on external infrastructure are those least able to pay for external connectivity. Root-Server Placement In areas that have local root servers, finding the name servers for a top-level domain should be fairly reliable. In areas without local root servers, the ability to query the root servers is dependent on other long-distance infrastructure. In some places this infrastructure is well-developed, so this problem is not a significant one. Elsewhere long-distance infrastructure is slow, expensive, and unreliable, consisting of satellite links or a single fiber connection that may take several days to fix if it breaks. Sri Lanka, for example, is connected to the rest of the world by a single fiber connection, which was cut in 2004 by a ship that dragged anchor in the Colombo harbor. [5] Although Sri Lanka has an exchange point that should have allowed connectivity to local Internet services, news reports said that Sri Lanka's "Internet and long-distance phone service" had been cut off. I have not received a good account of what Internet connectivity looked like from anyone in Sri Lanka at the time, but it is likely that even local Internet connections would not have worked without a local root server. Sri Lanka is not an isolated case. The dots in Figure 1 show the locations of all root servers. The light grey areas are regions in which multiple fiber paths are available to root servers. The remainder of the world can reach root servers only by a single fiber path or by satellite. Large areas of the world are poorly covered. Figure 1: Root Server Locations and Areas of Redundant Connectivity Root-Server Expansion Four of the 12 root-server operators are presently working to install root servers in areas that lack them. Although the 117 root servers currently in operation are a big improvement over the 13 that were in operation three years ago, many regions still do not have any. Those root-server operators are installing servers wherever they can get the funding to do so. Funding is generally provided either by grants, especially from the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) in the Asia-Pacific region, by local governments or Internet Service Provider (ISP) associations. Because the addition of new anycast copies of root servers is relatively easy given sufficient funding, the main limitation preventing the installation of root servers in new locations is lack of funding. One question probably best addressed in a more central manner is whether it makes sense to have many copies of one or two root-server IP addresses in some regions or whether it would be better to have more of a mix of root-server IP addresses. Currently, only 6 of the 13 root-server addresses are anycasted, only 4 are anycasted in large numbers, and 2 of those focus on specific regions, meaning that in many of the more remote parts of the world the only nearby root servers are Internet Systems Consortium (ISC)'s "F" and Autonomica's "I" roots, and some places have several of one of those closer than the next one of the other. Because some DNS resolvers have their own mechanisms for finding the closest server and for handling failures of types that do not include route withdrawals, having multiple IP addresses nearby seems like a good thing. A more complex question is whether it would be worthwhile to anycast all 13 of them widely, or if there is some smaller number that would be sufficient to have nearby. Previous research on this topic has assumed a limit of 13 root servers, producing conclusions that are not applicable to the modern Internet. [6] This article should not be seen as a criticism of the places with large numbers of root servers. Although the U.S. distribution looks strange, with the San Francisco Bay and D.C. area clusters perhaps excessive, it comes close to following the Internet topology in the United States. Indeed, the U.S. concentration may be appropriate to handle server load. Western Europe's dense but relatively even distribution of root servers through the region appears to be an optimal distribution, because most populated areas have multiple root servers nearby. Likewise, Jakarta is one of the very few cities in the developing world to have more than one, and that provides local redundancy that much of the developing world lacks. If root-server deployment were funded from a single global budget, the distribution across the world's regions would look very unfair. But because Internet infrastructure is mostly funded locally, Jakarta and Western Europe are examples other regions could emulate. TLD Distribution Use of the DNS also requires access to TLD servers. To access something in the .com domain, a user's local DNS resolver must be able to reach the .com servers. This statement is true for any TLD, whether it is a generic TLD (gTLD), such as .com, .net, and .org, or a country code TLD (ccTLD). Unlike the root, it is not necessary that all TLDs be reliable from all locations; if a TLD is not used to name local resources in a region, having local access to that TLD will not help if that the region gets cut off from the rest of the world. gTLD Distribution Of the gTLDs, .com is by far the largest. It is well-connected to the Internet core, the area with well-meshed internal connectivity mainly comprising North America, Western Europe, East Asia, and Singapore. (See Figure 2.) The .com servers are located in Australia, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. states of California, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and Washington. The .com servers are well-connected to areas well-connected to those regions but poorly connected to Africa, South Asia, and parts of South America. Figure 2: Server Locations for .com and .net and Areas of Redundant Connectivity UltraDNS, the operator of .org, .info, .mobi, and .coop among others, is also somewhat well-connected to the Internet core, although not to the extent the .com servers are. It has publicly accessible servers in four metropolitan areas in the United States as well as in London and Hong Kong. It has a couple of noncore locations, in Delhi and Johannesburg. UltraDNS also has servers in other locations, accessible only to the resolvers of certain large ISPs. Because those servers are not available to the general public in their regions, they are omitted from discussion here. (See Figure 3.) Figure 3: Server Locations for .org, .info, and .mobi and Areas of Redundant Connectivity Other gTLDs do not do considerably better. Table 1 shows the locations of all the gTLDs. Table 1: Locations of TLD Servers gTLD Locations by Country or U.S. State .aero Switzerland, Germany, India, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, and the following states in the United States: California, Illinois, and Virginia .biz Australia, Hong Kong, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, United Kingdom, and the following states in the United States: California, Florida, Georgia, New York, Virginia, and Washington .com Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore, United Kingdom, and the following states in the United States: California, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and Washington .coop United Kingdom and the following states in the United States: California, Illinois, and Massachusetts .edu Netherlands, Singapore, and the following states in the United States: California, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia .gov Canada, Germany, and the following states in the United States: California, Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas .info India, Hong Kong, South Africa, United Kingdom, and the following states in the United States: California, Illinois, and Virginia .int Netherlands, United Kingdom, and California in the United States .jobs Netherlands, Singapore, and the following states in the United States: California, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia .mil The following states in the United States: California, Maryland, Virginia, and other unknown locations .mobi India, Hong Kong, South Africa, United Kingdom, and the following states in the United States: California, Illinois, and Virginia .museum Sweden and California in the United States .name Singapore, United Kingdom, and the following states in the United States: California, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and Washington .net Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore, United Kingdom, and the following states in the United States: California, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and Washington .org India, Hong Kong, South Africa, United Kingdom, and the following states in the United States: California, Illinois, and Virginia .pro Canada and the following states in the United States: Illinois and Texas .travel Australia, Hong Kong, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, United Kingdom, and the following states in the United States: California, Florida, Georgia, New York, Virginia, and Washington Although gTLDs are typically marketed for their applicability to specific types of organization, or in the case of .com because it is the only domain many people have heard of, geography should also be considered in selecting domains. Most of the gTLDs have reasonable coverage throughout the Internet core region, but there are exceptions. The .int and .museum domains are hosted only in North America and Europe, and .pro is hosted only in North America. Outside the Internet core there is little gTLD presence. Only .biz, .travel, .com, and .net are present in Australia and New Zealand. South Africa and India have .aero, .info, .mobi, and .org, making them the only gTLDs hosted in either Africa or the South Asian region. South America hosts only .com and .net, with servers in two cities in Brazil. Taken together, these are the only Southern Hemisphere gTLD locations as of this writing, and no gTLD has any presence in parts of the world without external fiber-optic connectivity, although that may be changing. Where gTLDs should be hosted, and with what scope, are somewhat open questions. Should these domains address resources anywhere, or should their scope be local? This question is really one for the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), or for the gTLD sponsors or registries, and beyond the scope of this article. Verisign, the company that administers .com, and .net, points out that database replication with the amount of changes in the .com zone is a significant problem over slow network links. ccTLD Distribution Questions about where ccTLDs, the top-level domains assigned to individual countries, ought to work seem more straightforward. Working effectively in their own countries seems like the top priority, with connectivity to the Internet core and to other regions with which people in the country communicate regularly being somewhat lower priorities. Just over two-thirds of ccTLDs are hosted in their own countries; refer to Figure 4 for the bigger countries, and the online appendices for the full list. Although the third of ccTLDs not hosted in their own countries include some marketed more for international use than global use—Cocos Island's .cc, Tonga's .to, Turkmenistan's .tm, and Tuvalu's .tv, among others—those are very much the exception. Indonesia has local access to the root and to its ccTLD (.id). Pakistan has a root server, but no local access to its ccTLD (.pk). Let's compare what happens when someone in Indonesia does a lookup on an .id domain name with what happens when someone in Pakistan does a lookup of a name in the .pk domain. In Indonesia, the query goes to a root DNS server at the Indonesian Internet Exchange in Jakarta, where it is answered with the locations of the .id servers, several of which are also in Indonesia. The query then goes to the local .id server and is answered locally, whereupon the user can start sending traffic to the host he or she was trying to connect to, which is presumably also local. The traffic need not leave Indonesia, and if all the parties involved are in Jakarta it need not leave town. The Pakistani case is quite different. Until early 2006, there were no root servers in Pakistan, nor were there local servers for the .pk domain. There is now a root server in Karachi, but lacking servers for any TLDs it is of limited utility. DNS resolvers start out querying the local root server, but the response directs them to servers for the .p domain, all located in the United States, at least 10 time zones away. They then send their lookup packets across the single fiber connection all the way to the United States and wait for the response. At best, this process is slow. If that fiber connection goes down, or if there is any other problem between Pakistan and these U.S. servers, local communications in Pakistan are crippled. The situation with traditional gTLDs (.com, .net, and .org) in Indonesia and Pakistan is somewhat different. In Indonesia, local root servers provide addresses for the .com, .net, and .org servers. The .com and .net, lookups can be handled in Singapore, 18 milliseconds away. Theoretically, .org lookups can be handled in Hong Kong, but traceroutes indicate .org queries being answered in California instead. Thus, in Indonesia, .id is hosted mostly locally, .com and .net are nearby, and .org is considerably farther away. In Pakistan, in contrast, .pk queries and .org queries are answered from the United States, more than 200 milliseconds away, while .com and .net are answered from Singapore, 80 milliseconds away. For Pakistani users of all TLDs, there are single points of failure, but .com and .net do appear to be somewhat better connected than .pk. In Nairobi, Kenya, there are local copies of a root server and the local ccTLD (.ke). All external connectivity is by satellite, and most ISPs have only a single satellite link. Two Internet users in Nairobi wanting to communicate can do a lookup on the local root server to find the servers for .ke and can do a lookup on a local .ke server to find the servers for a subdomain of .ke. Assuming the subdomain being used is served locally, they can do a local lookup for a host within that subdomain and then send data across the local exchange point. Thus the two users in the same town can send data back and forth without having to send any data elsewhere. According to Verisign, Nairobi will soon have servers for .com and .net as well. In contrast, to use the .org domain they can again obtain addresses of the .org server from their local root server, but the lookup of the .org domain must go over a satellite link to Europe in order to be answered by a server in London. If the satellite link is up, this process adds half a second of latency to the query. If the satellite link is down, whatever local resource they are trying to connect to is out of reach. Figure 4: Countries that Host Their Own ccTLDs in Grey; Those that Do Not in Black There is also a concern about ccTLDs not served from the global core; if their region or upstream provider is cut off from the Internet outside their region, the rest of the world is unable to see that ccTLD. (See Table 2.) This situation may or may not be of concern; if all Internet resources within that ccTLD become unreachable in the same outage, the DNS portion of the outage may have no additional effect. However, if there is anything in that ccTLD that is not in the ccTLD's region, or if people or systems outside prefer to get a DNS response for an unreachable IP address rather than no DNS response at all, it may be of concern. Indeed, having servers that are well-connected to "the Internet as a whole" is a recommendation of RFC 2182, though the RFC does not consider the case of large portions of the Internet not being well-connected to each other. Table 2: TLDs Not Served in the "Internet Core" Region TLD Country Location of DNS Servers BB Barbados Barbados BD Bangladesh Bangladesh BH Bahrain Bahrain CN China China EC Ecuador Ecuador GF French Guiana French Guiana and Guadeloupe JM Jamaica Jamaica KG Kyrgyzstan Kazakhstan KW Kuwait Kuwait MP Northern Mariana Islands Guam MQ Martinique Guadeloupe and Martinique PA Panama Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, and Panama PF French Polynesia French Polynesia QA Qatar Qatar SR Suriname Suriname TJ Tajikistan Tajikistan ZM Zambia South Africa and Zambia Lack of Exchange Points and Local Peering In the "Internet Mini-Cores" article [1], I noted that local hosting of critical infrastructure is moot if there is not either a local exchange point or a monopoly transit provider in the region. If data needed in a poorly connected region must leave the area and return to reach the user requesting it, the communication has double the latency, and possibly double the reliability problems, that it would have if it were hosted somewhere in the core. For the specific examples used in this article, I have mostly chosen areas that do have exchange points. I have not analyzed the underlying local infrastructure in all countries. Methodology The addresses of DNS servers for a TLD are available through several means: by looking at the root zone, by doing digs for the name servers, and by looking in the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) whois data, among others. I did lookups against an anycast root server on my own network, because that seemed easiest to automate. My script then did a lookup for the address of each name server, stripped off the last octet, and produced a list of TLDs hosted in each /24 subnet. There are 635 /24s containing name servers for TLDs; 142 of them host multiple TLDs; the rest host just one. I assumed that all DNS servers in a given /24 were likely to be in the same or nearby locations. This situation appears not to be the case for the UUNet name servers, and there are probably a few other exceptions that will show up as errors in my data. I looked at a few automated geolocation systems to attempt to attach locations to the DNS servers, but none of them appeared to be producing accurate information. Instead, I guessed at the locations of the 600 subnets, using traceroutes from a variety of locations, paying attention to DNS, latency, and the results of whois queries for address space along the way. I also asked lots of questions of DNS operators and others and am particularly grateful to several anycast DNS operators, whose locations would not have all been found by my traceroutes. Some of my guesses are likely incorrect, and corrections are appreciated. I may be missing some information about the UltraDNS TLD servers, because UltraDNS has locations it regards as confidential. This information about UltraDNS servers is from Afilias's .net application, traceroutes from a variety of locations, and UltraDNS. [7] Locations of root servers are easier to find; they are listed at http://www.root-servers.org. Some supplemental information about j.root-servers.net was supplied by Verisign. If there are operational root servers not included on www.root-servers.org other than the J-roots, I did not count them. The full lists of locations of all TLDs and TLD servers are in the appendices to this article, at: http://www.pch.net/resources/papers/infrastructure-distribution/dns-distrib…. References [1] Steve Gibbard, "Internet Mini-Cores: Local connectivity in the Internet's spur regions" (2005). [2] Root Server Technical Operations Association. [3] Joe Abley, "Hierarchical anycast for global service distribution," ISC Tech Notes (2003). [4] Bradley Huffaker, "Two days in the life of three DNS root servers" (2006). [5] Tim Richardson, "Ship's anchor cuts cable to Sri Lanka," The Register, August 24, 2004. [6] Tony Lee, Bradley Huffaker, Marina Fomenkov, and kc claffy, "On the problem of optimization of DNS root servers' placement" (2003). [7] Afilias, ".NET Application Form". STEVE GIBBARD is a Network Architect for the nonprofit organization, Packet Clearing House, based in Berkeley, California. He runs an anycast DNS network that hosts the top-level domains for several countries and several of the "I" root anycast DNS servers, maintains PCH's network of route collectors and route servers at exchange points around the world, and researches the interconnection of Internet networks. In addition, Steve carries out network architecture and peering work as a consultant for several ISPs in the San Francisco Bay Area and elsewhere. Steve is a former Senior Network Engineer at Cable & Wireless, and has held network engineering positions at Digital Island and World Wide Net. E-mail: scg(a)pch.net Contacts & Feedback | Help | Site Map © 1992-2007 Cisco Systems Inc. All rights reserved. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Statement | Cookie Policy | Trademarks of Cisco Systems Inc. Rebecca Wanjiku, journalist, p.o box 33515, Nairobi.00600 Kenya. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Week 1 Online Discussion Summaries- CCK Internet Report(Resending)
by John Walubengo 02 May '07

02 May '07

Hi all, I went off-air for a while - actually I travelled upcountry to my parents home in Bungoma -its a remote town from NRB(450Km away) but the 2nd largest town in Western Province and yes, Internet access in those parts of the world is quite a challenge. But that's a story for another day... Today, I thought it would be nice to reflect on last weeks contributions before we move into the this final week's discussion. Tomorrow we start on the theme 'The Statistics on Affordability', but below I have put together what I think was last weeks summary contribution and hope you can go through it and raise final (if any) comments on last weeks themes. These were International Bandwidth, Heirarchy of Providers(ISP/IGO) and the Statistics on Infrastructure. ---Last weeks summary begin----- Week 1 Summary. Day 1:Background Concepts/Overview Mr. J. Walubengo gave an overview of the Internet Study report saying that it aimed to establish the status of Internet Infrastructure, Internet Affordability and Internet Use & Dispersion in Kenya. He reported that the study had various recommendations aimed at improving on the above internet indicators. This included amongst others; getting the government intervention in extending the domestic internet infrastructure, introducing further competition both within the Fixed Line and Mobile subsectors, utilizing the Universal access fund to extend Internet reach, promoting creation and use of local content as well as supporting Consumer Awareness initiatives. Mr. A. Gakuru lauded the study as well as its recommendations but noted that a similar study would be required that focused on the demand-side rather than the Supply-side of the internet market. He was glad that the Regulator was finally making deliberate efforts to support consumer awareness initiatives. He wondered if naming and shaming those ISPs that failed to route traffic through the local internet exchange point (KIXP) would help in enhancing the use of KIXP. Day 2: International & Domestic Bandwidth Usage In his opening remarks, Mr. Walubengo said that the report indicated that the International Internet Traffic was skewed (90%) towards external sources (content). Kenya was a net importer of Internet content and was therefore a consumer rather than a creator of Internet content. Value (economic or otherwise) goes to the creators of Internet Content and Kenya should aim to be a generator rather than just consumers of Internet Content. Mr. M. Michuki observed that most Kenyans visited external sources due to lack of local content. He suggested that ISPs should come up with pricing smodels that encouraged the creation of and access to local content. For example, geo-specific tariffs could be designed that would deliberately make it cheaper to access local (.KE) conent i.e. users could be charged less if and when they accessed or used local services(local websites, emails, etc) as opposed to foreign services. In addition, ISPs could come up with time-based tariffs that took advantage of the traffic models registered on the KIXP i.e. provide even lower rates for local content during evenings and weekends.He however conceded that Online Government Services, eHealth, eBanking, eLearning, etc would have to be in place in order to make such pricing models successful. Mr. J. Ngunjiri added that training or capacity building initiatives must also be supported to further gaurantee the success of the initiative. Day 3: Hierarchy of Internet Service Providers (IGO,ISP) The Internet Study Report recommended that the seperation between Internet Gateway Operators (IGO) and Internet Service Providers be dissolved with expected results being cheaper and higher quality services. In his opening remarks, Mr. Walubengo asked members to react to this recommendation. Lucy Kimani wondered if IGO would be able to cope with the technical and administrative overheads experienced by ISPs such as a larger number of customer accounts, increased need for support services, etc. She added that the cost of services may not come necessarily come down as expected due to the need to cover such overheads. Mr. Walubengo cited the case of TKL (Telkom Kenya) who are currently operating at both the Gateway and the ISP level without significant cost reductions in their Internet Service. Mr. S. Buruchara felt that historically, ISPs have had a rough time in trying to set up their own Internet Gateway Operations - having been forced by regulation to route their traffic through expensive and monopolistic Internet Gateways. He argued that if the upstream providers (IGO) were expensive, it was only natural that these costs would be passed downstream to the consumers. In addition, he noted that even todate the Licensing requirements were still prohibitive (expensive) for ISPs to move into the IGO level and if they did, they may need to recoup their (Licensing & other) investments at the expense of offering cheaper Internet Access rates. Mr. Kai Wulff commented that giving ISPs the IGO facilities may not necessarily reduce prices, citing case of Uganda where internet costs are still high despite many ISPs having IGO facilities. Day 4: Statistics on Infrastructure The report indicated that ISPs (internet services) were only operating in 30% of the districts in Kenya. The leased line services were mainly concentrated in urban centers (NRB & MSA) meaning that Internet Infrastructure was clearly challenged and the Report urges Government to intervene by leading the build-up of Internet/Network infrastructure accross the country. In her reaction, Alice Munyua, said that a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach must be made to avoid having infrastructure that would eventually serve no purpose. Aggressive infrastructure build up without content would be an exercise in futility since the internet pipes would be idle and underutilised most of the time. She added that additional initiatives such as Construction and Supply of Electrical Power, Literacy Initiatives, Local Content and 'Demand-side' Internet Requirements must move side by side with the infrastructure roll-out. Day 5- Statistics on Affordability will be on tomorrow (thrs 3rd May) morning. Today is open for final comments on the Day 1, 2, 3 & 4 Themes. walu. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

2 1

Week 1 Online Discussion Summaries- CCK Internet Report
by John Walubengo 02 May '07

02 May '07

Hi all, I went off-air for a while - actually I travelled upcountry to my parents home in Bungoma -its a remote town from NRB(450Km away) but the 2nd largest town in Western Province and yes, Internet access in those parts of the world is quite a challenge. But that's a story for another day... Today, I thought it would be nice to reflect on last weeks contributions before we move into the this final week's discussion. Tomorrow we start on the theme 'The Statistics on Affordability', but below I have put together what I think was last weeks summary contribution and hope you can go through it and raise final (if any) comments on last weeks themes. These were International Bandwidth, Heirarchy of Providers(ISP/IGO) and the Statistics on Infrastructure. ---Last weeks summary begin----- Week 1 Summary. Day 1:Background Concepts/Overview Mr. J. Walubengo gave an overview of the Internet Study report saying that it aimed to establish the status of Internet Infrastructure, Internet Affordability and Internet Use & Dispersion in Kenya. He reported that the study had various recommendations aimed at improving on the above internet indicators. This included amongst others; getting the government intervention in extending the domestic internet infrastructure, introducing further competition both within the Fixed Line and Mobile subsectors, utilizing the Universal access fund to extend Internet reach, promoting creation and use of local content as well as supporting Consumer Awareness initiatives. Mr. A. Gakuru lauded the study as well as its recommendations but noted that a similar study would be required that focused on the demand-side rather than the Supply-side of the internet market. He was glad that the Regulator was finally making deliberate efforts to support consumer awareness initiatives. He wondered if naming and shaming those ISPs that failed to route traffic through the local internet exchange point (KIXP) would help in enhancing the use of KIXP. Day 2: International & Domestic Bandwidth Usage In his opening remarks, Mr. Walubengo said that the report indicated that the International Internet Traffic was skewed (90%) towards external sources (content). Kenya was a net importer of Internet content and was therefore a consumer rather than a creator of Internet content. Value (economic or otherwise) goes to the creators of Internet Content and Kenya should aim to be a generator rather than just consumers of Internet Content. Mr. M. Michuki observed that most Kenyans visited external sources due to lack of local content. He suggested that ISPs should come up with pricing smodels that encouraged the creation of and access to local content. For example, geo-specific tariffs could be designed that would deliberately make it cheaper to access local (.KE) conent i.e. users could be charged less if and when they accessed or used local services(local websites, emails, etc) as opposed to foreign services. In addition, ISPs could come up with time-based tariffs that took advantage of the traffic models registered on the KIXP i.e. provide even lower rates for local content during evenings and weekends.He however conceded that Online Government Services, eHealth, eBanking, eLearning, etc would have to be in place in order to make such pricing models successful. Mr. J. Ngunjiri added that training or capacity building initiatives must also be supported to further gaurantee the success of the initiative. Day 3: Hierarchy of Internet Service Providers (IGO,ISP) The Internet Study Report recommended that the seperation between Internet Gateway Operators (IGO) and Internet Service Providers be dissolved with expected results being cheaper and higher quality services. In his opening remarks, Mr. Walubengo asked members to react to this recommendation. Lucy Kimani wondered if IGO would be able to cope with the technical and administrative overheads experienced by ISPs such as a larger number of customer accounts, increased need for support services, etc. She added that the cost of services may not come necessarily come down as expected due to the need to cover such overheads. Mr. Walubengo cited the case of TKL (Telkom Kenya) who are currently operating at both the Gateway and the ISP level without significant cost reductions in their Internet Service. Mr. S. Buruchara felt that historically, ISPs have had a rough time in trying to set up their own Internet Gateway Operations - having been forced by regulation to route their traffic through expensive and monopolistic Internet Gateways. He argued that if the upstream providers (IGO) were expensive, it was only natural that these costs would be passed downstream to the consumers. In addition, he noted that even todate the Licensing requirements were still prohibitive (expensive) for ISPs to move into the IGO level and if they did, they may need to recoup their (Licensing & other) investments at the expense of offering cheaper Internet Access rates. Mr. Kai Wulff commented that giving ISPs the IGO facilities may not necessarily reduce prices, citing case of Uganda where internet costs are still high despite many ISPs having IGO facilities. Day 4: Statistics on Infrastructure The report indicated that ISPs (internet services) were only operating in 30% of the districts in Kenya. The leased line services were mainly concentrated in urban centers (NRB & MSA) meaning that Internet Infrastructure was clearly challenged and the Report urges Government to intervene by leading the build-up of Internet/Network infrastructure accross the country. In her reaction, Alice Munyua, said that a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach must be made to avoid having infrastructure that would eventually serve no purpose. Aggressive infrastructure build up without content would be an exercise in futility since the internet pipes would be idle and underutilised most of the time. She added that additional initiatives such as Construction and Supply of Electrical Power, Literacy Initiatives, Local Content and 'Demand-side' Internet Requirements must move side by side with the infrastructure roll-out. Day 5- Statistics on Affordability will be on tomorrow (thrs 3rd May) morning. Today is open for final comments on the Day 1, 2, 3 & 4 Themes. walu. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Fwd: [Idlelo2] FW: dgCommunities Invited to Attend World Bank Global Dialogue Events & Live Webcasts
by Judy Okite 01 May '07

01 May '07

FYI Kind Regards, ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Fouad Riaz Bajwa <fouadbajwa(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, 1 May 2007 02:33:20 +0500 Subject: [Idlelo2] FW: dgCommunities Invited to Attend World Bank Global Dialogue Events & Live Webcasts To: idlelo2(a)fossfa.net, openstds(a)ipjustice.org, ugabytes(a)ugabytes.org From: e-government(a)developmentgateway.org [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, April 30, 2007 11:47 PM Subject: dgCommunities Invited to Attend World Bank Global Dialogue Events & Live Webcasts Dear Members, For your interest I am writing to alert you to a series of World Bank Global Dialogues on e-government and ICT. The World Bank's e-Development Thematic Group invites all interested dgCommunities members to participate in its upcoming e-government/ICT related Global Dialogues by means of live webcast/online discussion, via videoconference (in several countries which will be connected) or in person (if in Washington DC). The following are details of these sessions: Open Systems for e-Government (May 02, 9:00 - 11.30 am EST) While open source software has achieved growing acceptance in the marketplace, open standards are also increasingly seen as key enablers of the transfer and use of information across organizations, systems, and devices. This seminar focuses on the embrace of open information and communications technology systems by governments and businesses alike in the face of growing demands for the effective, customer-centric delivery of services. What does "open" mean in the context of software, standards, and document formats, and is it relevant to the experience and challenges faced by developing and transition countries? Can open source, open standards, and ODF be leveraged to maximize the impact of ICT investments in public-sector reform and modernization efforts? A panel including experts from the World Bank, IBM, Microsoft, Open Source Institute, and the ODF Alliance will gather to discuss this interesting topic. Please click here for more information: http://go.worldbank.org/OPRW4CL1N0 Prioritizing e-Services - The case of Pakistan (May 09, 9:00 - 11:30 am EST) Many e-Government program initiatives are faced with a myriad of choices for e-Services; hence there is an obvious need to prioritize due to various constraints. There are different methodologies available for identifying and prioritizing these e-services, and all governments implementing such programs have gone through this phase with varying outcomes. The e-Services prioritization process is therefore an essential component of e-Government programs, and selecting and applying the appropriate methodology is fundamental for e-Government program success. The session experts and practitioners will present a general overview of the various methodologies available for prioritization of e-Services and will discuss the experience of Pakistan, one of the latest case studies from the field. More information about this event will be available online shorlty at http://www.worldbank.org/edevelopment. Additional Upcoming Events: e-Government Portals (May 30, 9:00 - 11:30 am EST) Designing e-Government Strategies (June 19, 9:00-11:30 am EST) About the World Bank e-Development Thematic Group The e-Development Thematic Group's mission is to promote the efficient use of ICT in development and World Bank operations by facilitating knowledge sharing on good practices in e-development, and more frequent dialogue among interested parties thus catalyzing specific program and project proposals. The e-Development Thematic Group was created in 2003 in response to the increasing demand from various countries and sectors that are involved in the design and implementation of a variety of e-development and e-government projects, on the basis of the e-Government Thematic Group. The e-Development Thematic Group is open for participation by both World Bank staff and external clients and partners. For more information about the Group and its events, knowledge-base, toolkits and other resources, please visit the website at http://www.worldbank.org/edevelopment. To find out how to participate in these events, join the mailing list or partner with e-TG, please write to edevelopment(a)worldbank.org or contact Oleg Petrov at +1202-473-8861. Best regards, Mike Pereira ___________________________________ Mike Pereira Director, Global Online Communities Development Gateway Foundation 1889 F Street NW Washington DC 20006 202-572-9259 202-572-9290 (fax) http://home.developmentgateway.org/?intcmp=906 http://topics.developmentgateway.org/?intcmp=906 _______________________________________________ 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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ICT Africa 2007 October 1-5 Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Nairobi, Kenya: NEPAD Council
by alice 30 Apr '07

30 Apr '07

nclogo *ICT Africa 2007* <http://ictafrica.nepadcouncil.org>* * *Sponsorship Opportunities * <http://cmpgnr.com/r.html?c=949995&r=949245&t=934038436&l=1&d=88273771&u=htt…>*** * *Conference Registration * <http://cmpgnr.com/r.html?c=949995&r=949245&t=934038436&l=1&d=88273770&u=htt…>*** * *Abstract/Paper Submission * <http://cmpgnr.com/r.html?c=949995&r=949245&t=934038436&l=1&d=88273774&u=htt…>*** * *Conference Committees * <http://cmpgnr.com/r.html?c=949995&r=949245&t=934038436&l=1&d=88273769&u=htt…>*** * <javascript:var win = window.open("http://cmpgnr.com/r.html?c=949995&r=949245&t=934038436&l=1&d=88273775&u=htt…", "openWin", "width=400, height=250, scrollbars=yes")> Supporters nepadkenya kenyagov Preliminary list of sponsors jcb <http://cmpgnr.com/r.html?c=949995&r=949245&t=934038436&l=1&d=88273773&u=htt…> connectworld <http://cmpgnr.com/r.html?c=949995&r=949245&t=934038436&l=1&d=88273772&u=htt…> kdn pic1 ICT Africa 2007 October 1-5 The Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Nairobi, Kenya ICT Africa is an annual continental information and communications technology conference addressing all aspects of ICT development in Africa. The conference is convened by NEPAD council in collaboration with the NEPAD Kenya secretariat. The 2007 event will be organized by Global Conferences, Cape Town, South Africa. ICT Africa 2007 is scheduled for October 1 to 5. The conference will feature hundreds of new ideas on ICT development, lessons leant from other regions of the world, many industry’s top minds, discussions on policy, investment, regional projects and research and development. The conference is a venue for agencies working on different projects in different parts of the continent to meet, exchange ideas and form synergies. With technical tutorials, demonstrations, news in the making and the opportunity to talk to experts, this event will be an experience for all attendees. Whether attendees are entrepreneurs, university professors, scientists or engineers, exhibitors or members of the press, the conference program will be tailored to their information needs and interest. *Programming* ICT Africa will consist of a plenary session, conference tracks, technical tutorials and an exhibition. _Plenary session_ ICT Africa 2007 will consist of a plenary session to be addressed by ministers (or their representatives) from all regions of Africa. The plenary session is expected to address infrastructure projects throughout Africa including The East Africa Marine System (TEAMS) and the East Africa Submarine System (EASSy). The Kenyan ministry of information and communications will host the plenary session. _Conference tracks_ The rest of the conference will be divided into two main tracks, a technical/academic track and a policy/business track. The technical/academic track will feature presentations from peer reviewed papers by scientists, engineers, professors and students from Africa and abroad. The policy/business track addresses policy and business challenges of ICT development in Africa. Topics will include, but not limited to; deregulation, monopoly, and ICT investment. _Technical tutorials_ One day will be dedicated to technical tutorials. NEPAD Council experts and other experts from different parts of the world will deliver short courses in next generation networks, fibre optics, and voice over Internet protocol and other topics of interest to attendees. _Exhibition_ The 2007 event will consist of an Industry exhibition running parallel to the conference. The exhibition is organized by Togo consultants. *Venue:* As with ICT Africa 2006, ICT Africa 2007 will be held at the Kenyatta International Conference Center in Nairobi, Kenya. The central position of Kenya in Africa, the easy of flight connections from different parts of the world to Kenya, the commitment of the Kenyan ministry of information and communication to ICT development and to ICT Africa and the commitment of NEPAD Kenya to ICT Africa are some of the considerations for the choice of Kenya as a venue. *Other events* Organized pre and post conference tours Reception Accompanying persons program *General conference contact:* *Riedwaan Jacobs* Global Conferences Gardener Place, 1st Floor Howard Dr. Pinelands, Cape Town, South Africa Phone: +27 21532 6333 Fax +27 21 532 6331 rjacobs(a)globalconf.co.za <mailto:[email protected]> You are subscribed as alice(a)apc.org. To unsubscribe please click here <http://cmpgnr.com/r.html?c=949995&r=949245&t=934038436&l=6&[email protected]…>. Web Bug from http://cmpgnr.com/app/campaigner/trk/opn.jsp?cid=949995&rid=949245&ctd=9340…

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Re: [kictanet] MPS SUPPORT E-GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION IN KENYA
by Jose' 30 Apr '07

30 Apr '07

This is so amaizing! During the weekend we were just talking over this issue in the forum.Now the government has gotten an 8 billion grant!! for the commissioning? :-O. Kudus to Dr.Ndemo and his ministry on digital villages initiative. Time to roll it out is now!! Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || ----- Original Message ---- From: Alex Gakuru <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> To: ngunjirijnr(a)yahoo.com Sent: Monday, April 30, 2007 8:06:38 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] MPS SUPPORT E-GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION IN KENYA [Daily Nation] ‘Digital villages’ to be set up all over Kenya to speed up access to data Story by NATION correspondent Publication Date: 2007/04/30 The Government plans to set up ‘digital villages’ throughout the country, to ease access to information for its citizens. Information assistant minister Mr Koigi Wamwere said during the weekend that the villages to be set up in all the 210 constituencies, will facilitate easy access to information that would trigger economic development in those areas. Commissioning The minister was speaking in Kisumu during the commissioning of the Od Mikayi satellite information centre, where the project by the Government also received a major boost with the approval of a Sh8 billion grant by the World Bank. This will see local communities exposed to new technologies such as the internet and SMS banking. “We intend to roll out the first of these projects in August,” said Mr Wamwere. He added, “The laying of fibre optic cables throughout the country is on course and when completed, Kenyans are going to enjoy the benefits of high speed internet connectivity.” This initiative is intended to double the number of people having access to such services from 2.7 to 6 million, he said. Also targeted will be telephone subscribers, whose numbers are expected to rise significantly from the current 8.5 million to 15 million before the year ends. Learning centres “We also intend to set up E- learning centres in all schools in addition to computerising all Government departments in the country. "This will enhance transparency in the running of Government affairs,” said the minister. http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?premiumid=0&cate…> ------ Alex Gakuru <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> wrote: Alice, Thanks for this wonderful news. Please send me the link. Alex alice <alice(a)apc.org> wrote: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From Balancing Act MPS SUPPORT E-GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION IN KENYA Kenya's legislators have surprisingly added their voice in support of the transformation to electronic governance in their operations, both within parliament and in at the constituency level. During a two-day meeting held in Nairobi recently, the members of parliament (MPs) discussed various issues related to Kenya Information Society including e-government and ICT strategies in the country and what should be the role of parliamentarians in the process of implementation and monitoring. The meeting with theme: "Empowering Kenya's MPs and National Assembly staff on Building the country's Knowledge Economy," was organised by the UN's Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Canadian e-Policy Resource Network (ePolNet). e-PolNet aims at supporting the implementation of the African Information Society through the provision of various kinds of expertise. The participants, who included 15 MPs, discussed how ICTs can accelerate the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and various applications like e-health, e-learning, e-commerce and open platform. This is in response to the eighth goal of MDGs, declared during the UN's Millennium Declaration in 2000, which aims to develop a global partnership for development (including a target to make available the benefits of ICTs to all the world's inhabitants). The participants resolved that there is need to take advantage of the on-going restructuring of all parliamentary committees in order to have ICT either accommodated in one of the committees or set up an independent committee on the subject. In his opening address, Mathioya MP, Joseph Kamotho, said that through the use of ICT, governments become less bureaucratic, and more efficient. "With deployment of ICTs, several opportunities that corrupt public officials normally use for their private gain are eliminated or greatly reduced therefore increasing transparency and accountability in the management of public resources," said Kamotho. Kamotho said that governments in Africa must, therefore, invest in ICT so that the public is able to monitor the performance of their representatives through the establishment of websites where citizens can get information about their institution, leaders and the laws made. On electoral processes, participants gave the example of Zambia where the voters register bears the holder's photo to stem vote rigging. (SOURCE: East African Business Week) _______________________________________________ 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/alex.gakuru%40yahoo.com Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check out new cars at Yahoo! Autos. Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check out new cars at Yahoo! Autos. _______________________________________________ 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/ngunjirijnr%40yahoo.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Re: [kictanet] FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL
by Mr President 30 Apr '07

30 Apr '07

Hello Bwana PSThakns for the information and i together with others shall be honoured to attend the talks on the freedom of Information bill , that shall go a long way to making Kenya an open democratic government and an example for the rest of Africa .Look foward to meeting you then.Njenga M.Pthose who fear to fail.will never try to succeded,for to fail to plan is to plan to FAIL _______________________________________________ No banners. No pop-ups. No kidding. Make My Way your home on the Web - http://www.myway.com

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Re: [kictanet] MPS SUPPORT E-GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION IN KENYA
by Alex Gakuru 30 Apr '07

30 Apr '07

[Daily Nation] Digital villages to be set up all over Kenya to speed up access to data Story by NATION correspondent Publication Date: 2007/04/30 The Government plans to set up digital villages throughout the country, to ease access to information for its citizens. Information assistant minister Mr Koigi Wamwere said during the weekend that the villages to be set up in all the 210 constituencies, will facilitate easy access to information that would trigger economic development in those areas. Commissioning The minister was speaking in Kisumu during the commissioning of the Od Mikayi satellite information centre, where the project by the Government also received a major boost with the approval of a Sh8 billion grant by the World Bank. This will see local communities exposed to new technologies such as the internet and SMS banking. We intend to roll out the first of these projects in August, said Mr Wamwere. He added, The laying of fibre optic cables throughout the country is on course and when completed, Kenyans are going to enjoy the benefits of high speed internet connectivity. This initiative is intended to double the number of people having access to such services from 2.7 to 6 million, he said. Also targeted will be telephone subscribers, whose numbers are expected to rise significantly from the current 8.5 million to 15 million before the year ends. Learning centres We also intend to set up E- learning centres in all schools in addition to computerising all Government departments in the country. "This will enhance transparency in the running of Government affairs, said the minister. http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?premiumid=0&cate…> ------ Alex Gakuru <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> wrote: Alice, Thanks for this wonderful news. Please send me the link. Alex alice <alice(a)apc.org> wrote: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From Balancing Act MPS SUPPORT E-GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION IN KENYA Kenya's legislators have surprisingly added their voice in support of the transformation to electronic governance in their operations, both within parliament and in at the constituency level. During a two-day meeting held in Nairobi recently, the members of parliament (MPs) discussed various issues related to Kenya Information Society including e-government and ICT strategies in the country and what should be the role of parliamentarians in the process of implementation and monitoring. The meeting with theme: "Empowering Kenya's MPs and National Assembly staff on Building the country's Knowledge Economy," was organised by the UN's Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Canadian e-Policy Resource Network (ePolNet). e-PolNet aims at supporting the implementation of the African Information Society through the provision of various kinds of expertise. The participants, who included 15 MPs, discussed how ICTs can accelerate the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and various applications like e-health, e-learning, e-commerce and open platform. This is in response to the eighth goal of MDGs, declared during the UN's Millennium Declaration in 2000, which aims to develop a global partnership for development (including a target to make available the benefits of ICTs to all the world's inhabitants). The participants resolved that there is need to take advantage of the on-going restructuring of all parliamentary committees in order to have ICT either accommodated in one of the committees or set up an independent committee on the subject. In his opening address, Mathioya MP, Joseph Kamotho, said that through the use of ICT, governments become less bureaucratic, and more efficient. "With deployment of ICTs, several opportunities that corrupt public officials normally use for their private gain are eliminated or greatly reduced therefore increasing transparency and accountability in the management of public resources," said Kamotho. Kamotho said that governments in Africa must, therefore, invest in ICT so that the public is able to monitor the performance of their representatives through the establishment of websites where citizens can get information about their institution, leaders and the laws made. On electoral processes, participants gave the example of Zambia where the voters register bears the holder's photo to stem vote rigging. (SOURCE: East African Business Week) _______________________________________________ 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/alex.gakuru%40yahoo.com --------------------------------- Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check out new cars at Yahoo! Autos. --------------------------------- Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos.

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MPS SUPPORT E-GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION IN KENYA
by alice 30 Apr '07

30 Apr '07

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From Balancing Act MPS SUPPORT E-GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION IN KENYA Kenya's legislators have surprisingly added their voice in support of the transformation to electronic governance in their operations, both within parliament and in at the constituency level. During a two-day meeting held in Nairobi recently, the members of parliament (MPs) discussed various issues related to Kenya Information Society including e-government and ICT strategies in the country and what should be the role of parliamentarians in the process of implementation and monitoring. The meeting with theme: "Empowering Kenya's MPs and National Assembly staff on Building the country's Knowledge Economy," was organised by the UN's Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Canadian e-Policy Resource Network (ePolNet). e-PolNet aims at supporting the implementation of the African Information Society through the provision of various kinds of expertise. The participants, who included 15 MPs, discussed how ICTs can accelerate the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and various applications like e-health, e-learning, e-commerce and open platform. This is in response to the eighth goal of MDGs, declared during the UN's Millennium Declaration in 2000, which aims to develop a global partnership for development (including a target to make available the benefits of ICTs to all the world's inhabitants). The participants resolved that there is need to take advantage of the on-going restructuring of all parliamentary committees in order to have ICT either accommodated in one of the committees or set up an independent committee on the subject. In his opening address, Mathioya MP, Joseph Kamotho, said that through the use of ICT, governments become less bureaucratic, and more efficient. "With deployment of ICTs, several opportunities that corrupt public officials normally use for their private gain are eliminated or greatly reduced therefore increasing transparency and accountability in the management of public resources," said Kamotho. Kamotho said that governments in Africa must, therefore, invest in ICT so that the public is able to monitor the performance of their representatives through the establishment of websites where citizens can get information about their institution, leaders and the laws made. On electoral processes, participants gave the example of Zambia where the voters register bears the holder's photo to stem vote rigging. (SOURCE: East African Business Week)

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FW: Day 3 of 10: Day 3 - Hierarchy of IGO & ISPs
by Fiona Asonga 29 Apr '07

29 Apr '07

Begin forwarded message: From: Sammy Buruchara <HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]"buruchara(a)mac.com> Date: April 27, 2007 5:18:27 PM GMT+03:00 To: Kenya ICT Action Network - KICTANet <HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]"kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 3 of 10: Day 3 - Hierarchy of IGO & ISPs Dear all, I find the conclusion of this report about the IGO and ISP quite ignorant of historical facts: - The government from the onset of the Internet Industry was reluctant to license ISPs because of TKL. At the time only TKL had International Gateway License. Even 5 years after giving them ISP license, ISPs were still not allowed to setup IG operations. CCK used to visit ISPs premises routinely to check if they have illegal VSAT. State security was usually the excuse. International bandwidth from TKL was then US$8000 per 64kbs half circuit. Naturally this was somehow passed on to the client. - ISPs got the license 5 years later (2000) JamboNet was set up but still ISPs (even GSM operators) had to go through TKL for all International bandwidth whether through JamboNet or dedicated circuit. Dedicated circuit was made prohibitively higher to force ISPs to use Jambonet. - It took Tespok campaigning and even harassment by CCK of Tespok leadership before CCK could concede to actually open up the Telecoms Market in 2004. Tespok went to the Tribunal and won a case with CCK forcing them to allow operators setup International gateways. ISPs paid for this court case which cost millions. Unfortunately the authorities had other ways of permanently preventing ISPs from ever getting an International Gateway facility: Licensing fees. To setup an International gateway license the license fees was and still is Ksh 16 million. Naturally most ISPs could not afford this. In Uganda, it is a paltry US$1000. The beneficiaries of the liberalization victories were therefore not ISP but other investors who previously were not anywhere near the industry play. So came up KDN, Jamii, and all other BOGs. In fact only UUNET recently joined the group after much lobbying. The market may judge what they may about the ISP, but it is good to know that from the beginning, the govt used unusually great energy to make sure they do not succeed because they happened to threaten their favorate baby, TKL. Now if the ISPs do not add value and only increase cost, the reason? Your guess is as good as mine. The rest is history. regards Sammy Buruchara CEO - NairobiNet Online On Apr 25, 2007, at 8:36 AM, John Walubengo wrote: Thanx Alex for your comments on Day 1, for a moment I was bracing myself for a 10 day Online monologue :-(! as opposed to the planned Online dialogue. Incidentally, belated Comments on previous days themes shall remain welcome - just click on the correct subject line and make your appropriate contributions... Anyway back to today's theme- The Question of Internet Gateway Operators (IGO, the Wholesalers of Internet Bandwidth) vs Internet Service Providers (ISPs, the Retailers of Internet Bandwidth). The report recommends that seperation b/w IGO and ISPs be dissolved. This is because the current structure Internet-> IGO -> ISP -> Consumers is considered unnecessarily too long. Apparently the ISP as we know them today are not adding significant value - instead they are adding cost to the service and probably degraging the quality of the Internet eventually delivered to the Customers. Cutting down the middle-man (ISPs) may offset the costs and while increasing the quality of the internet eventually delivered to the Consumer. Is this assumption true? Does allowing IGO to directly deal with Consumer result in cheaper Internet Services while improving on the quality of the internet? 1 day on this theme, at the least, I do hope to get some reactions at from any IGOs and ISPs. walu. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around HYPERLINK "http://mail.yahoo.com"http://mail.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]"kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke HYPERLINK "http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet"http://kictanet.or.ke/mailm an/listinfo/kictanet Please unsubscribe or change your options at HYPERLINK "http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/sammy%40opensystems.co.ke"ht tp://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/sammy%40opensystems.co.ke No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.463 / Virus Database: 269.6.1/777 - Release Date: 4/26/2007 3:23 PM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.463 / Virus Database: 269.6.1/777 - Release Date: 4/26/2007 3:23 PM

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Digital villages the way to go
by bitange＠jambo.co.ke 28 Apr '07

28 Apr '07

The SME debate here has brought out significant findings in the sense that inspite of the many information documents that we give, we have not either read all of them or chosen to ignore the facts and present opinions. If you read for example, the Summary National ICT Master Plan (Issued in February)under ICT Software, the Government has commited to encourage at least 50% of government software procurement is sourced from local software developers. Most local developers are SMEs. The Government from July will support cost of bandwidth for BPOs, Digital Villages and Universities in an effort to stimulate ICT growth. In July the Government will train thousands of ICT entrepreneurs to take advantages of emerging ICT opportunities. In essense, the Government has done its part. My message is to encourage you to emphasize available opportunities. Enable our people to understand these opportunities. The message I am getting from you is that most of us would rather complain permanently. Let us convert the energies for discussions into action. We need yourhelp in executing the digital village initiatives. Asante Bitange Ndemo. ---------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. --------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world"

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Internet costs set to drop as government rolls out fibre optics plan
by alice 28 Apr '07

28 Apr '07

Written by Kui Kinyanjui The cost of telephony and Internet connections is expected to drop by 80 per cent in 24 months thanks to an ambitious information technology project that aims to position Kenya as one of the most wired countries on the continent. Yesterday, the Government announced that it had set in motion a project that will see the country's 124 districts linked by a fibre optic raising the stakes in what has become the fastest growing sector in the economy. More than 5,000km of fibre optic cable will be laid to all corners of the country to serve as a national backbone that will provide consumers with access to broadband internet. "This infrastructure will serve as the pillar on which services will ride to support the demands of a modern economy," said Bitange Ndemo, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information. The government has committed to financing the project to the tune of $50 million (Sh3.5bn) hoping to provide high speed connectivity to areas that have thus far been ignored. Upon completion, the National Optic Fibre project is expected to herald the transformation of Kenya into top notch ICT country where consumers will have access to high-end market services such as cable and internet protocol television. Africa Analysis, a South African research firm estimates that Kenya's broadband data services market will grow by nearly 600 per cent between 2006 and 2011. Much of that growth will come from rural and home users as well as increased use of enhanced services such as tele-medicine and e- education as the cost of Internet connectivity drops. It is also expected that the terrestrial fibre network will create new business opportunities for entrepreneur, who can piggy-back on the Government's investment to extend ICT services to the rural folk. "With this infrastructure, we expect to attract service providers to remote and marginal areas at lower costs," said John Waweru, director- general of the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) that is overseeing the project. Mr Waweru said the fibre optics project is part of a bigger plan to make the country an Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) hub. It will be hinged on the 600km terrestrial fibre optic cable that Telkom Kenya has laid between the coastal city of Mombasa and Malaba town on the Kenya-Uganda border via Nairobi. "Our aim is to move the country to an infrastructure sharing system to reduce costs," Dr Ndemo said. Kenya Data Networks, a private firm that has invested millions of shillings in a cable connecting Mombasa to Busia via Nairobi yesterday shrugged off fears that it may be a victim of the initiative. "The more infrastructure that is in place, the better for the consumer," said David Owino, the general manger at KDN. Fibre optic cables can carry more data than satellite technology, which to date is the key infrastructure of internet services in Kenya. The government, who will seek to raise the $50 million for the national backbone project through grants, concessions and loans, has already short-listed nine international firms who have been invited to tender for the project. The range of international companies short-listed vying for the project includes Chinese Huawei and ZTE corporations, Sagem, Alcatel- Lucent and Siemens. "Africa is the new hot spot for telecommunications projects," said Sun Jun of ZTE. "The telecommunications market has a lot of potential in this country." NOFBI indicates the executive is giving the nod to the ICT industry to take up its position as an economic driver. As a service sector, the communications industry is contributing increasingly large amounts to the national kitty. Services now contribute to 65 per cent of the country's economy. In 2005, the ICT sector's contribution was pegged at over 10 per cent, up from 9 per cent in 2004. http://bdafrica.com/index2.php? <http://bdafrica.com/index2.php?> option=com_content&task=view&id=690&pop=1&page=0&Itemid=3094 _

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Digital villages the way to go
by Jose' 28 Apr '07

28 Apr '07

SMEs from the communial level need to be exposed to ICT possibilities to save them too much paper work and equiping them to be professional. My take on how to reduce the 16 million people living in abject poverty is for us IT stake holders to invest on DIGITAL VILLAGES thus impacting the communities that are around us with IT skills. I am so challanged with Microsoft south africa.Out of the 15 running digital villages,Microsoft is pertnering with south african communities and the SA Ministry of Communication and they are setting up upto 50 more digital villages this year.To be run by the comminities themselves.The initive of Microsoft to set up these Digital villages in south africa started five years ago. Our vision as we try to partner with the Ministry of commuication is to intergrate university students living near the Digital villages to come and practice by implimenting what they've learnt in the Digital centres. We need to train the Police,Electral commision,City council workers on how to make IT more productive in there perticular departments. I am still puzzled by police Stations when you go report a crime.They remove this big book and you have to explain one sentence at a time as they write on the book.This digital villages can train the police on how to use simple programs like Ms-word and train them on typing skills. Also for the electral commision.For you to see if your name has been registared,a big book will be opened and you have to wait for like 15 minuites before they get your name.This digital villages will train them on how to use Ms-Excell.they just click the search engine and find your name in a flash. The city council lets not even go there.Too much paper work!!You have to leave your requst and come after a week before its found. Lets copy the south Africans on how they are outlaying this Digital centres.Its not in vain.Imagine everybody in your community being computer literate and government workers.its going to be fantastic!! I herby attatch this URL from the btimes in south Africa. http://www.btimes.co.za/99/0926/survey/survey06.htm Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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My take on this: 27th April
by Mr President 27 Apr '07

27 Apr '07

Hi AliceThe thoughts you express are mutual to many i have spoken to about the "preparedness" for the anticipated Optical Fiber roll outMy view-together with others- is to compile a ckeck lis of what needs to be done vis what has to be done,Namely personnel to operate.Technical satff to install and later repairWorkshops/ repair shops and tools for the aboveMethods of quality control and licencing for playersCapacity building of the sameThen the secondary issues of;Content wether local or not.The incubation centers for trainingThe facilities currently avilable for the same.Ownership of the same for finance/loan/grasnts to the sameCapacity for student intake�Teachers or trainers database for distribution nationwide.Other issues would be;�Is equipment available locally or notIf to be imported would tax exemption benefit the consumer ?What would be the cost of service per minute Or per hour ? 100/= per day ?For teleworking, E-learning, E-medicine etc online cost is an important factor to be considered as with the recent release, stating income-rural- levels and priorities for spending incomeFor the majority who earn less than a dollar a day a nominal fee would make sense, the list is just but an idea tho not comprehensive, a detailed list can- in FACT -should be made.Have a blessed week endRegards Njenga M.Pthose who fear to fail.will never try to succeded,for to fail to plan is to plan to FAIL _______________________________________________ No banners. No pop-ups. No kidding. Make My Way your home on the Web - http://www.myway.com

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NSE Stock Calculator
by Bill Kagai 27 Apr '07

27 Apr '07

Dear All, The MediaCorp Research Unit is excited to introduce the MediaCorp Stock Calculator. The calculator intelligently analyses 6 key factors over a seven year historical period through market fundamentals to help you beat the odds when investing in the Nairobi Stock Exchange. Please find attached the analysis of the calculator and make your own intelligent choice. Are you investing in the right companies? What do you know about the companies you have put your money in to?? With kind Regards, Bildad Kagai MediaCorp Limited www.mediacorp.co.ke

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Day 4 of 10: CCK Internet Study-The Statistics on (Domestic) Infrastructure � 1day
by John Walubengo 27 Apr '07

27 Apr '07

Morning all, I think today we could take a look at the domestic (internet) infrastructure. The report indicates that even though ISPs were present in all the 8 Provinces, they were hardly present at the districts level covering only 30% of the districts in Kenya. They operate a total of about 3,000 leased lines (mostly concentrated in NRB & MBSA). In addition, there is a total of 400,000 dial-up lines in the country thought the report is silent on whether all these dial-up lines are hooked up on the Internet. Finally, the local internet exchange point (Kenya Internet eXchange Point) continues to register low figures indicating low domestic internet use. In its recommendation, the report urgest the Government to drive the build up exercise of extending the domestic internet infrastructure. Woud this sufficiently address the poor penetration of the domestic internet nfrastructure or could there be other interventions. 1 day + the Weekend on this one, the floor is open. walu. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Re: [kictanet] Day 2 Internet Study- International & Domestic Bandwidth Usage
by Jose' 27 Apr '07

27 Apr '07

Hi Walu, You ask what can be done to make us be exporters? Answer:-Human resource development is a very fundamnetal way of making us export bandwith.We need to provide individuals(web developers) with skills and access to information,knowledge and traing that will catalyze them to think and explore on grounds of export thus enabling them to perform effectively. Simply,let us all invest our resources to capacity building strategies. Whats your input Alex? Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || ----- Original Message ---- From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> To: ngunjirijnr(a)yahoo.com Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2007 9:13:04 AM Subject: [kictanet] Day 2 Internet Study- International & Domestic Bandwidth Usage Hi all, Yesterday was the most silent deliberation I have ever had - am told it may have been caused by the excitement of the 'Free PC & Cheap Internet' from LK and KDN... Any I do hope today we shall have some response on the above topic which incidentally have a bearing on the long-term success or otherwise of similar 'Free PC & Cheap Internet' initiatives...the question of International vs Domestic Internet Bandwidth. The Internet Study says that of the about 1G International International Bandwidth only 10% is outbound while 90% is inbound. What this mean is that kenya is a net IMPORTER of internet content. In internet economic terms we are therefore consumers rather than generators of internet content - which is a bad thing. Value is always retained by those who generate rather than just consume internet content i.e. the exporters of internet content. Put in another way, all the International bandwidth (KDN, Jamii & others) buys (imports) on our behalf implies that someone in the Northern hemisphere is getting paid for it - wouldn't it be better that KDN, Jamii & others get to sell (export) the same amount of bandwidth to consumers in the North? What can be done to get that to happen? Are the recommendations in the report sufficient to address this imbalance? 1 day discussion on this theme, the floor is open... walu. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ 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/ngunjirijnr%40yahoo.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Fw: INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT TO ADDRESS FUTURE OF BROADBAND
by Florence Etta 27 Apr '07

27 Apr '07

FYI sorry for cross poting. FE -----Original Message----- From: cu-wireless-announce-bounces(a)lists.cuwireless.net [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sascha Meinrath Sent: Monday, April 23, 2007 3:24 PM To: cu-wireless-announce(a)cuwin.net Subject: [CUWiN Press Release] Community Wireless Summit May 18-20,2007 -- Washington, DC. Contact: Sascha Meinrath Executive Director CUWiN Foundation summit(a)cuwin.net 217-278-3933 x31 INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT TO ADDRESS FUTURE OF BROADBAND -- Community Technology Leaders from Six Continents to Participate -- Champaign-Urbana, I.L., April 18 -- The CUWiN Foundation and the Center for Community Informatics (CCI) will host the International Summit for Community Wireless Networks (http://WirelessSummit.org) from May 18-20, 2007 at Loyola College in Columbia, Maryland. The summit is the largest gathering of wireless network developers, technology and policy experts, and community organizers working to build universal, low-cost broadband networks around the world. "We are proud to host an event that brings together technologists and activists committed to universal access to informatics," said Marco Figueiredo, CCI Director. "The International Summit for Community Wireless Networks explores the opportunities and challenges facing the growing movement to build community and municipal broadband networks," said Sascha Meinrath, co-founder and Executive Director of CUWiN. "This event showcases cutting-edge technologies and develops political strategies to increase digital inclusion." Since the first National Summit for Community Wireless Networks in 2004, over 300 Community Internet and municipal broadband projects have sprung up in the United States alone. The Summit will focus on how these networks can better serve their target populations, the policies needed to support broader deployment of community wireless systems, and the latest technological and software innovations. Presenters at previous summits have included FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, Jim Baller of the Baller Herbst Law Group, Annie Collins of Fiber for Our Future, Mark Cooper of the Consumer Federation of America, Harold Feld of Media Access Project, Robert W. McChesney of Free Press, Matt Rantanen of Tribal Digital Village, Greg Richardson of Civitium LLC, Paul Smith of the Center for Neighborhood Technologies, Jim Snider of the New America Foundation, Dana Spiegel of NYCwireless, Esme Vos of Muniwireless.com and many other luminaries. "High-speed broadband access is the electricity of the 21st century, yet many rural and poorer urban communities are being left off the grid," said Ben Scott, policy director of Free Press, the DC-based policy think-tank. "The innovators and organizers at the International Summit for Community Wireless Networks are blazing the trail to make broadband affordable and available to everyone." About CUWiN (http://www.cuwin.net) The CUWiN Foundation is a world-renowned coalition of wireless developers and community volunteers committed to providing low-cost, do-it-yourself, community-controlled alternatives to contemporary broadband models. CUWiN is fiscally sponsored by Grassroots.org, a non-profit 501c3. CUWiN's mission is to develop decentralized, community-owned networks that foster democratic cultures and local content. Through advocacy and through our commitment to open source technology, CUWiN supports organic networks that grow to meet the needs of their communities. About CCI (http://cci.cs.loyola.edu) The Center for Community Informatics engages Loyola College's students, faculty and staff in supporting the creation and deployment of informatics tools for community empowerment. CCI develops the Community Telecenter Free Software Toolset; promotes awareness events for the Loyola College community; offer courses in Community Informatics; promotes Digital Inclusion Conferences; researches and develops human-friendly technologies to facilitate inclusion in the New Society of Knowledge; and, evaluates, documents and develops sustainable models for Universal Access to Informatics. # # # _______________________________________________ CU-Wireless-Announce mailing list CU-Wireless-Announce(a)lists.cuwireless.net http://lists.chambana.net/cgi-bin/listinfo/cu-wireless-announce ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Mail is the world's favourite email. Don't settle for less, sign up for your free account today http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/evt=44106/*http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/mail/winter07.ht…

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Fwd: WiMax bypasses the Bells
by Alex Gakuru 27 Apr '07

27 Apr '07

Alex Gakuru <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> wrote: Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2007 21:29:30 -0700 (PDT) From: Alex Gakuru <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> Subject: WiMax bypasses the Bells To: ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net [Excellent technology eliminating many bandwidth middlemen resulting in reduced consumer costs. ("Bells" broadly refers cable monopoly telcos] [INFOWORLD] WiMax bypasses the Bells Posted by Jill Terry on April 26, 2007 03:00 AM Are Towerstream's metro meshes harbingers of freedom from Internet tiering? Internet tiering, the practice of assigning smaller subscribers reduced qualities of service, bugs the hell out of me. It's a move to reapportion bandwidth in oversold markets without lowering the price of service for those whose quality is reduced. Why, some wonder, can't we work around this? Entrepreneurs could buy enough telco bandwidth to qualify for top tier status, then chop up that bandwidth and resell it with the governors removed. The catch is that bandwidth resellers are stuck using the copper and fiber networks owned by the telcos against which they compete. They have to place their equipment in telcos' central offices in order to distribute their services. When tiering kicks in, telcos can stick bandwidth resellers, and therefore their subscribers, into whatever tier they like based on criteria fabricated by telcos. There is a way around this scam, or rather, above it. Towerstream is succeeding where a lot of would-be wireless Internet players have failed. It supplies scalable Internet connectivity to businesses in metropolitan areas through a web of WiMax transceivers. My interest is less in WiMax technology than in what Towerstream does with it. Its business model is almost impossibly simple and practically impervious to telco interference. It works like this: Towerstream leases small plots of space on the rooftops of office buildings. You'd never know it, but that's hot real estate up there, and most of Towerstream's early development hinged on snagging enough rooftop space to blanket the cities it serves. When Towerstream wins a spot on a roof, many of the buildings have telephony facilities and hosting providers on or near the top floors. Towerstream grabs a gigabit link from each of them, and through the magic of the WiMax mesh, adds to its total available bandwidth and eliminates the risk that subscribers face when they buy their bandwidth from a single carrier. This isn�t a tale of a telecommunications Robin Hood. At $500/month, its lowest-tier T-1 service (1.5 Mbps upstream and downstream) hovers around or slightly above average pricing for markets it serves. However, Towerstream gives its customers three extras that can make its service priceless. First, that T-1 includes DSL-like 3 Mbps "best effort" service; you get up to twice as much bandwidth when the network's not crowded. Towerstream offers a service level agreement (SLA) that's incomparably sweet for smaller subscribers: 99.99 percent guaranteed availability, a maximum of 75 ms round trip to the backbone and a max of 1 percent packet loss. And lastly, Towerstream's network assigns high QOS (quality of service) priority to VoIP traffic, so it's practical for a business to use its WiMax Internet service to offset its wired telephony costs. Did I say three extras? I missed the one that's the point of the whole story. You might recall that Towerstream buys its bandwidth in multiples of a gigabit, which puts it in the top tier in even the craftiest telco's book. Towerstream chops up that bandwidth and resells it, but there's no copper, no fiber, and no telco-owned infrastructure in the picture. Unless Towerstream loosens the 75 ms round trip delay and 1 percent packet loss provisions, it's promising that even its bottom end, T-1 customers won't be tiered. Neither wired nor wireless bandwidth can be free because the infrastructure costs too much to build and maintain, but Towerstream shows telcos for the carpetbaggers they are and presents a model for escaping their clutches. It's not perfect: Only residents of metro areas including New York, Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco are reached by Towerstream, and Towerstream has no plans to reach out to or beyond the 'burbs. But Towerstream counsels would-be WiMax players aiming for smaller markets. Telcos, the future of the Internet is way over your head. <http://weblog.infoworld.com/yager/archives/2007/04/wimax_bypasses.html?sour…> --------------------------------- Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check out new cars at Yahoo! Autos. --------------------------------- Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos.

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[Fwd: [APC Forum] Job vacancy at GreenNet]
by alice 26 Apr '07

26 Apr '07

-------- Original Message -------- Hi All, As GreenNet looks to put more energy into engaging and supporting our user community, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and technically skilled person to join our user-support team. Please circulate to anyone you think might be interested. Unfortunately we can't pay relocation costs for applicants from outside the UK, but we can offer support and advice on any necessary immigration requirements and accommodation arrangements. Anna ------------------------------------------------------ *GreenNet Logo Part-Time User Support Position at GreenNet* * Location: Central London / Old Street * Start Date: June 2007 * Salary: £25,680 per annum pro rata * Leave: 28 days per annum pro rata * Part-time (2-3 days a week): 9.30am-5.30pm * Deadline for Applications: 14th May 2007 *General Background:* GreenNet is a workers' collective, with a horizontal management structure. All staff are involved in decision making and strategic planning, and contribute to a friendly and supportive working environment. We provide networking support to social justice organisations and activists, and take an active role in campaigns for the promotion of communication rights. For more on GreenNet, see http://www.gn.apc.org *Duties:* * Answering user support queries by email, phone, and occasionally in person * Giving advice on configuration of a variety of email programs, web browsers, FTP clients and dial-up connections on most versions of Windows and Mac OS * Troubleshooting user website, email and connection problems * Basic mail, web and DNS server systems administration on Linux * Providing a link between users' online needs and service development at GreenNet * Promoting and offering advice on GreenNet services * Developing improved systems and processes for support and administration * Maintaining the support section of the GreenNet web site and developing support materials * Keeping abreast of ICT products and services & monitoring markets and competitors * Liaison with suppliers to provide best connectivity and services for users * Liaising with the technical team to contribute to software and technical developments * Outreach to the user community, overseeing printed materials, content and advertising exchanges * Overseeing volunteers where necessary * General contributions to the work of the collective (e.g. minute taking, planning, representing GreenNet in public, maintaining ethical policies, training) *Essential Skills:* * Good knowledge of the internet, email and related technologies * Good troubleshooting skills * Knowledge of most commonly-used email client programs (Outlook Express, Thunderbird, Eudora) and web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox) * Good knowledge of PC operating systems (Windows 95 – Vista, including NT) and Macs (Mac OS 8.5 to X) * Knowledge of at least one programming language * Interest and capacity for rapidly acquiring new technical skills * A willingness to participate and contribute to the collective management of GreenNet * A good service-orientated attitude and good telephone manner – patience essential! * Ability to explain complex technical information in a jargon-free way to people of wide-ranging abilities * Understanding of the voluntary sector working environment *Desirable skills:* * Interest in communication rights, Open Source software, social justice and environmental issues * Creativity and imagination in support, service development and skill sharing * Linux systems administration skills * Knowledge of networking (LAN, WAN, ADSL) and network troubleshooting * Interest or experience in website development and programming * Campaigning or project management experience *Application Requirements* Please send your CV and covering letter by E-mail to jobs(a)gn.apc.org, with *User Support Vacancy* in the subject line ____________________________________________ Anna Feldman GreenNet Web Projects Developer APC Wireless Connectivity Project Coordinator anna(a)gn.apc.org | http://www.gn.apc.org | http://www.apc.org/ T: +44 (0)20 7065 0940 +44 (0)20 8986 2893 F: +44 (0)20 7065 0936 ____________________________________________ ======================================= APC Forum is a meeting place for the APC community - people and institutions who are or have been involved in collaboration with APC, and share the APC vision - a world in which all people have easy, equal and affordable access to the creative potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to improve their lives and create more democratic and egalitarian societies. _______________________________________________ apc.forum mailing list apc.forum(a)lists.apc.org http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/apc.forum

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Day 3 of 10: Day 3 - Hierarchy of IGO & ISPs
by John Walubengo 26 Apr '07

26 Apr '07

Thanx Alex for your comments on Day 1, for a moment I was bracing myself for a 10 day Online monologue :-(! as opposed to the planned Online dialogue. Incidentally, belated Comments on previous days themes shall remain welcome - just click on the correct subject line and make your appropriate contributions... Anyway back to today's theme- The Question of Internet Gateway Operators (IGO, the Wholesalers of Internet Bandwidth) vs Internet Service Providers (ISPs, the Retailers of Internet Bandwidth). The report recommends that seperation b/w IGO and ISPs be dissolved. This is because the current structure Internet-> IGO -> ISP -> Consumers is considered unnecessarily too long. Apparently the ISP as we know them today are not adding significant value - instead they are adding cost to the service and probably degraging the quality of the Internet eventually delivered to the Customers. Cutting down the middle-man (ISPs) may offset the costs and while increasing the quality of the internet eventually delivered to the Consumer. Is this assumption true? Does allowing IGO to directly deal with Consumer result in cheaper Internet Services while improving on the quality of the internet? 1 day on this theme, at the least, I do hope to get some reactions at from any IGOs and ISPs. walu. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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successful journalists workshop
by Rebecca Wanjiku 26 Apr '07

26 Apr '07

hi, KICTANet together with ICT media network held a successful workshop this morning brought together more than 30 journalists was addressed by PS Ndemo and DG Waweru we are having the monthly forum this afternoon at 3pm..... dont miss the forum at Jacaranda... becky Rebecca Wanjiku, journalist, p.o box 33515, Nairobi.00600 Kenya. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos.

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Fw: [COMO Alliance] Public Interest Media Activism and Advocacy as a Social Movement: A Review of the Literature
by Florence Etta 26 Apr '07

26 Apr '07

FYI Public Interest Media Activism and Advocacy as a Social Movement: A Review of the Literature Abstract This report examines the academic literature focused on public interest media and communications activism and advocacy within the U.S. and abroad (labeled, in the name of brevity, the “media reform” movement throughout this report). This report first seeks to outline the parameters of the movement under consideration, in terms of the primary conceptual frames employed, outcomes pursued, and strategic approaches. As this section illustrates, the media reform movement is characterized by a diverse array of conceptual frames (ranging from “media reform” to “media justice” to “communication rights” to “media democracy”), and a hesitancy at this point to coalesce around a single unifying frame. The movement is similarly diverse in terms of its outcome priorities and in terms of the strategic approaches employed by its various member organizations. The second section of the report charts the origins and evolution of the research in this field. As this section illustrates, over time the analytical approach that scholars have brought to the topic increasingly has adopted a social movement theory perspective. The third section considers the media reform movement as a social movement, identifying key recurring themes in the literature related to the interaction between media reform and other social movements, to the relationship between social movements and the media, and to the organization and performance of the organizations driving the media reform movement. As this section illustrates, media reform is unique in the extent to which its goals can facilitate the success of other social movements, but also is uniquely hampered by the extent to which traditional mainstream media are motivated to deny press coverage to media reform. This section also highlights some of the most common critiques leveled at the media reform movement, ranging from a lack of coordination and collaboration between groups, to a lack of a strong nation-wide constituency, to a primarily reactive orientation toward policy issues. The concluding section summarizes the key findings of the report and offers a series of recommendations related to strategic approaches for the movement and to avenues for future research. Key Findings n The academic literature on the media reform movement is much more extensive than has previously been suggested, due in large part to tremendous growth in the literature in recent years, as well as due to the diverse terminology used to describe the movement (which can confound efforts to assemble an appropriately inclusive body of literature). n A significant proportion of the literature is internally generated (i.e., produced by individuals involved in the movement). n The tendency among scholars to conceptualize media reform as a social movement has become more common in recent years. n The media reform movement frequently has been characterized as unique due to the extent to which the ends of the movement support key means by which other social movements achieve their goals. n The media reform movement frequently has been characterized as subservient to broader social movements, given its tight linkages throughout its history to social movements such as civil rights, yet evidence of strong and systematic linkages between media reform and other social movements has been lacking. n The media reform movement frequently has been characterized as highly fragmented, lacking substantial inter-group coordination, and lacking a sufficiently large constituency. n The media reform movement frequently has been characterized as reaching its peak in the late 1960s and early 1970s, but also becoming highly rejuvenated within the past decade, in terms of public interest organization activity, citizen interest, and funding support. _______________________________________________ COMO_Alliance mailing list COMO_Alliance(a)lists.asc.upenn.edu http://lists.asc.upenn.edu/mailman/listinfo/como_alliance ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try it now. http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/

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Day 4 of 10:- Standby
by John Walubengo 26 Apr '07

26 Apr '07

Hi all, Its encouraging to see comments finally beginning to emerge. I feel it necessary to postpone Day 4 (The Statistics on Infrastructure) to tomorrow so that we can have more time to dwell particularly on the Day 2 'International & Domestic Bandwidth Usage' & Day 3 'Hierarchy of Providers (IBP,ISP)' themes. Kudos in particular to Alex, Michuki & LK for your insights so far. I can't believe we have not heard from Kai - hope he is not on a (butter?)-flight somewhere (;-) walu. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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members meeting today
by Rebecca Wanjiku 26 Apr '07

26 Apr '07

just to remind you of the meeting today at 3pm the theme will be e-learning, please plan to attend... Kictanet counts on you, you are Kictanet.... regards becky __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Day 2 Internet Study- International & Domestic Bandwidth Usage
by John Walubengo 25 Apr '07

25 Apr '07

Hi all, Yesterday was the most silent deliberation I have ever had - am told it may have been caused by the excitement of the 'Free PC & Cheap Internet' from LK and KDN... Any I do hope today we shall have some response on the above topic which incidentally have a bearing on the long-term success or otherwise of similar 'Free PC & Cheap Internet' initiatives...the question of International vs Domestic Internet Bandwidth. The Internet Study says that of the about 1G International International Bandwidth only 10% is outbound while 90% is inbound. What this mean is that kenya is a net IMPORTER of internet content. In internet economic terms we are therefore consumers rather than generators of internet content - which is a bad thing. Value is always retained by those who generate rather than just consume internet content i.e. the exporters of internet content. Put in another way, all the International bandwidth (KDN, Jamii & others) buys (imports) on our behalf implies that someone in the Northern hemisphere is getting paid for it - wouldn't it be better that KDN, Jamii & others get to sell (export) the same amount of bandwidth to consumers in the North? What can be done to get that to happen? Are the recommendations in the report sufficient to address this imbalance? 1 day discussion on this theme, the floor is open... walu. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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close debate on free PC's
by Rebecca Wanjiku 25 Apr '07

25 Apr '07

just to let you know that we have closed the debate on free PC's et al please focus the debate on the ongoing discussion on interconnectivity, local content.. et al here is the latest comment by Michuki have your say.... ----- Original Message ---- From: Michuki Mwangi <michuki(a)kenic.or.ke> To: rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2007 1:44:39 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 2 Internet Study- International & Domestic Bandwidth Usage Hi Walu, John Walubengo wrote: > The Internet Study says that of the about 1G International > International Bandwidth only 10% is outbound while 90% is > inbound. What this mean is that kenya is a net IMPORTER of > internet content. In internet economic terms we are > therefore consumers rather than generators of internet > content - which is a bad thing. Value is always retained > by those who generate rather than just consume internet > content i.e. the exporters of internet content. > Less than 50% of the International content is relevant to us yet it makes up 90% of our inbound traffic. That means that there is a potential of more than 50% percent of local content yet to be realised and monetized. >What can be done to get that to happen? IMHO, i see the following as key catalysts to the growth of local content in order to change the status quo. Before we think of exporting content, we need to have sufficient & relevant local content to the users. 1) ISPs & Service providers need to introduce creative products that focus more on local content. For instance an unlimited Internet connection for kshs 1,000 giving one unlimited local access per month. By local access means - can access any locally hosted website and send emails off a local web-based mail system. With affordability but lack of sufficient local content will spur; o creation of local user generated content o Better information on local corporate websites o Introduction of local online Gaming & entertainment o Introduction of online Services i.e banking, shopping, e-gov 2) Looking at the graphs availed (KIXP stats). The stats (picks and drops) are replayed across the International circuits at night and weekends for all operators. Thus the service providers need to monetize their services in Megabit per Second. This will mean that they can offer lower traffic rates i.e kshs 1,000 per month for unlimited Internet from 7pm to 7am and full weekends and national holidays. Looking at points 1 & 2 above it would be feasible (please note the values are just hypothetical) to have unlimited local and international night access for Kshs 2,000 per month for x Kbps of capacity. As the enterprising citizens of Kenya have found ways of monetizing SMS's - the same would apply to web content, email etc. Of course this would spawn off issues of net-neutrality but then we would be more conversant with the issues. 3) As a first step towards e-learning, if the academic sector would (initially the colleges and universities) have all student assignments, essays, reports etc submited online with the internally graded results being posted & accessed online. In essence it will trigger a demand for both computing and Internet resources. Being local content the above products 1 & 2 can serve the day-scholars and the boarders probably paying a flat rate of Kshs 500 per month for unlimited access to the university online resources and local Internet. As a result this will spur; o Academic/Scientific research content & traffic o enhance e-learning products and services o User generated content o Local social online networks. In summary, the infrastructure providers will keep investing as long as there's a business case. So far, there is immense Internet infrastructure capacity on the ground and more being laid out. But quite honestly its highly underutilized. The situation may not change significantly if special focus and emphasis is given to availability of local and RELEVANT content. Kenya is amongst the only two countries in Africa that have the core elements of the Internet locally namely the DNS Root Servers (F and J), the main TLD Root Servers (.KE, .COM and .NET) and a Gigabit capacity Exchange point. We need to take advantage of these resources and infrastructure sooner rather than later. > 1 day discussion on this theme, the floor is open... > Pole this comes more later than the set time. my 2 cents, -- Michuki Mwangi KENIC _______________________________________________ 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/rebeccawanjiku%40yahoo.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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forum and workshop
by Rebecca Wanjiku 25 Apr '07

25 Apr '07

please note that the workshop program starts at 8.30 am to 1pm the monthly forum starts at 3pm to 5.15pm i hope to see you there........ regards becky __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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forum prog.
by Rebecca Wanjiku 25 Apr '07

25 Apr '07

KICTANet MONTHLY FORUM THURSDAY APRIL 26, 2007 PROGRAMME TIME ACTIVITY 3.00- 3.15pm introduction 3.15-3.35pm E-learning initiatives by Ministry of Education- Andrew Gakiria 3:45-3.50pm Q&A 3.50-4.20pm e-learning- the e-picture- Fatma Bashir 4.20-4.25pm Q&A 4.25- 4.50pm Reviving village polytechnics E-learning initiatives by Ministry of Youth 4.50- 5:15pm Q&A 5.15 pm Tea GUESTS LEAVE AT THEIR PLEASURE __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Free Internet on KDN's Butterfly
by Vincent Wang'ombe 25 Apr '07

25 Apr '07

Dear Listers, We are in the process of testing some new features on our metropolitan Wi-Fi network, Butterfly. We will be providing free internet access on the Butterfly network over this weekend (28th and 29th) in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu. We would like to request KICTANET Listers who have Wi-Fi capable computers or PDAs to please try out the service and provide us with feedback on the experience. For those who would like to try and don't have Wi-Fi Kit, we'll be happy to "hook you up". Please help us in our endeavor to make Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu the first seamless Wi-Fi Cities in Africa. Your support will be highly appreciated. Regards, Vincent Wang'ombe Kenya Data Networks Tel: +254 20 556755, 828271 Fax: +254 20 828685 URL: www.kdn.co.ke <file:///\\fileserver\OpenArea\UserShares\stanley.nganga\E-mail%20Signature\ www.kdn.co.ke> Visit us on www.Butterfly.co.ke for more information.

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workshop prog
by Rebecca Wanjiku 25 Apr '07

25 Apr '07

The topic of the inaugural workshop is: FIBRE OPTIC CABLE: Financing models, ownership, business models and regulations. DATE: THURSDAY 26 APRIL 2007 VENUE: JACARANDA HOTEL KEYNOTE ADDRESS: CCK DIRECTOR-GENERAL, ENG. JOHN WAWERU OFFICIAL OPENING: PS, MIN. OF INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION, DR. BITANGE NDEMO Find enclosed a copy of the programme. PROGRAMME FOR FIRST ICT MEDIA NETWORK WORKSHOP ON THURSDAY APRIL 26, 20007 AT JACARANDA HOTEL ON: FIBRE OPTIC CABLE: Financing models, ownership, business models and regulations TIME ACTIVITY 8:30-9:00 Registration 9:00-9.45 Opening Remarks by CCK Director-General, Eng. John Waweru 9:45-10:15 Official opening by PS in the Ministry of Information and Communication, Dr. Bitange Ndemo 10:15-10:30 Q&A 10.30-10:45 Tea Break 10:45-11:30 John Walubengo, Lecturer, KCCT 11:30- 12:15 Alex Gakuru, CEO, Consumer Association of Kenya 12:15-12:30 Q&A Vote of thanks Eric Ombok 12:30- 1:30 Lunch GUESTS LEAVE AT THEIR PLEASURE __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Re: [kictanet] Free PC and cheap Internet for SMEs/Home Users
by judy okite 25 Apr '07

25 Apr '07

Hi, Just one Q: The connection cost comes to approximately 72k,is this per PC? Kind Regards, --- kictanet-bounces+judyokite=yahoo.com(a)kictanet.or.ke <lkimani(a)comnews.co.ke> wrote: > Alex, Joan, Florence and Njorohio, and all our well wishers: > > On behalf of Alunite, let me thank you very much for the kudos. > > Njorohio, if you already have a standalone PC and just need connection > call us, and we will review your requirements, and come up with an offer > you can not resist. > > Alunite is extremely serious about being the ISP for the "People by the > People" > > There will be something for everybody in the Alunite DSL "Kiondo" > > > Lucy Kimani > on behalf of > Alunite Communications, Ltd. > 020-273-7155 > > > Hi All > > This is great and will assist the SMES > > However I think the SMEs and even homeworkers can afford the PC but the > > hindrance has been the cost of the Bandwidth. > > Can the company consider as an alternative the charge for the link only. > > This may persuade those firms with standalone computers to subscribe to > > the service. > > Cheers > > > > Njorohio > > > > > > Florence Etta <feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: Brilliant!! > > > > > > Florence Etta > > > > > > ----- Original Message ---- > > From: Joan Walumbe <jwalumbe(a)globalnetcorps.org> > > To: feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk > > Sent: Monday, 23 April, 2007 4:16:18 PM > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap Internet > > forSMEs and Home Users > > > > Thanks Alex for the info, > > > > This is actually a great idea. Would you have a contact number or email > > address for Alunite? > > > > Joan Walumbe > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: Alex Gakuru > > To: Kictanet > > Sent: Monday, April 23, 2007 8:57 AM > > Subject: [kictanet] Fwd: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap > > Internet forSMEs and Home Users > > > > > > > > > > Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> wrote: Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2007 > > 08:51:01 +0300 > > From: "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru(a)gmail.com> > > To: ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > > Subject: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap Internet for SMEs and > > Home > > Users > > > > [This brightens a new dawn for Kenya's connectivity. I have often > > argued that lesser city traffic jams and higher national productivity > > can be achieved by taking internet outside the city centre, Nairobi > > currently having 80% of Kenya's internet. Many are bound to choose > > working from home to save on expensive city office rent overheads and > > "outsourcing" will definitely benefit considering the time > > differences > > become less of a problem, security is also a consideration. > > > > Forecasting on this possibility at a stakeholders workshop on 22 > > March > > 2007, I warned that it would only take "one clever ISP" to realise === Message Truncated === __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Re: [kictanet] Free PC and cheap Internet for SMEs/Home Users
by Lucy Kimani 24 Apr '07

24 Apr '07

Janet: Great seeing you in this forum too, and yes the two events are definately on my radar. Reachout is already on my list, and anywhere that KDN has a presence is a possiblity, but please share the addresses for all the centers via private email and I will request for a survey. Lucy > Hello Dear Lucy and All, > > We meet in another setting (where you're being given the same royal > treatment you deserve everywhere), and am thrilled to hear abt this > invaluable endeavor. Bravo!!!! > > I am wondering abt your presence in W Kenya now? Am thinking abt Mumias, > Kisumu, and Mbita (KAIPPG, Reachout, Lake Fellowship, Deaf Impact > Ministry, and others). > > Also, are you attending the e-learning conference in May, and/or the > telecentre meeting in June? Both would be great places for a "plug" > (advertising being connecting by other means), and I'd like to do some > networking re linking you up with folks I know who will be there. > > Thanks again so much (esp for being the "non-retiring" kind!), and "Kudos > to Kimani" (for uniting us "al", haha!), Janet (Feldman, > kaippg(a)earthlink.net) > > -----Original Message----- >>From: Lucy Kimani <lkimani(a)comnews.co.ke> >>Sent: Apr 23, 2007 1:45 PM >>To: Janet Feldman <kaippg(a)earthlink.net> >>Subject: [kictanet] Free PC and cheap Internet for SMEs/Home Users >> >>Alex, Joan, Florence and Njorohio, and all our well wishers: >> >>On behalf of Alunite, let me thank you very much for the kudos. >> >>Njorohio, if you already have a standalone PC and just need connection >>call us, and we will review your requirements, and come up with an offer >>you can not resist. >> >>Alunite is extremely serious about being the ISP for the "People by the >>People" >> >>There will be something for everybody in the Alunite DSL "Kiondo" >> >> >>Lucy Kimani >>on behalf of >>Alunite Communications, Ltd. >> >>> Hi All >>> This is great and will assist the SMES >>> However I think the SMEs and even homeworkers can afford the PC but >>> the >>> hindrance has been the cost of the Bandwidth. >>> Can the company consider as an alternative the charge for the link >>> only. >>> This may persuade those firms with standalone computers to subscribe >>> to >>> the service. >>> Cheers >>> >>> Njorohio >>> >>> >>> Florence Etta <feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: Brilliant!! >>> >>> >>> Florence Etta >>> >>> >>> ----- Original Message ---- >>> From: Joan Walumbe <jwalumbe(a)globalnetcorps.org> >>> To: feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk >>> Sent: Monday, 23 April, 2007 4:16:18 PM >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap >>> Internet >>> forSMEs and Home Users >>> >>> Thanks Alex for the info, >>> >>> This is actually a great idea. Would you have a contact number or >>> email >>> address for Alunite? >>> >>> Joan Walumbe >>> ----- Original Message ----- >>> From: Alex Gakuru >>> To: Kictanet >>> Sent: Monday, April 23, 2007 8:57 AM >>> Subject: [kictanet] Fwd: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap >>> Internet forSMEs and Home Users >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> wrote: Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2007 >>> 08:51:01 +0300 >>> From: "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru(a)gmail.com> >>> To: ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net >>> Subject: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap Internet for SMEs >>> and >>> Home >>> Users >>> >>> [This brightens a new dawn for Kenya's connectivity. I have often >>> argued that lesser city traffic jams and higher national >>> productivity >>> can be achieved by taking internet outside the city centre, >>> Nairobi >>> currently having 80% of Kenya's internet. Many are bound to choose >>> working from home to save on expensive city office rent overheads >>> and >>> "outsourcing" will definitely benefit considering the time >>> differences >>> become less of a problem, security is also a consideration. >>> >>> Forecasting on this possibility at a stakeholders workshop on 22 >>> March >>> 2007, I warned that it would only take "one clever ISP" to realise >>> this enormous small business and home user waiting market away >>> from >>> the current "corporates-only" internet (used between 8am to 5 pm >>> and >>> half-days on Saturdays which drops at lunch-time. (see the first >>> graph >>> at http://www.isoc.or.ke/connectivity.html - website under >>> development)] >>> ----------------------- >>> [Business Daily] >>> >>> ISP targets home users with free PC's >>> Written by Okkutah Mark >>> Monday, 23 April 2007 [NAIROBI] >>> >>> While most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) target corporate >>> users, >>> one new entrant into the online market is banking on capturing >>> residential, small and home business users with a unique offer: a >>> free >>> computer. >>> >>> The company, Alunite, says most Kenyans would love to be connected >>> to >>> a high-speed DSL Internet connection from home, but the lack of >>> affordable personal computers, and high bandwidth costs have kept >>> most >>> out of the loop. >>> >>> Lucy Kimani, the ISPs executive director said Alunite was >>> partnering >>> with Kenya Data Networks (KDN) and Keysde, a local company >>> involved >>> in >>> computer assembly in which Keysde will provide PCs, under a >>> guarantee >>> that the ISP settles the bill within 90 days. >>> >>> KDN will provide the DSL linkage to it's Metro optical fibre. >>> >>> "As an ISP we are linking the home subscribers to the KDN's link >>> which >>> will provide them with a high-speed connection," said Ms Kimani. >>> "We >>> also realised that a majority of people don't own computers, and >>> that's why we looked how we could solve this problem." >>> >>> The deal does come with a catch though. In exchange for a free >>> computer, subscribers must sign a one-year agreement to subscribe >>> to >>> Alunite's Internet sevices, which cost 5,945 per month. >>> >>> The computerÂan Intel Pentium 1.2 Ghz PCÂretails for Sh10,300 in >>> local shops. >>> >>> But Ms Kimani said it was more than just a freebie. >>> >>> "We eliminate the hassle of dealing with a separate connectivity >>> provider and provide attentive customer service," she said. "Our >>> company coordinates all aspects of the installation of the service >>> including site inspection." >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> ke-internetusers mailing list >>> ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net >>> http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers >>> >>> >>> >>> --------------------------------- >>> Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? >>> Check out new cars at Yahoo! Autos. >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> --------------------------------- >>> Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. >>> Try >>> it now._______________________________________________ >>> 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/gathuri_njorohio%40yahoo.com >>> >>> >>> --------------------------------- >>> Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? >>> Check outnew cars at Yahoo! >>> Autos._______________________________________________ >>> 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/lkimani%40comnews.co.ke >> >> >> >>----------------------------------------- >>This email was sent using Communicatons Solutions LTD WebMail. >> " " >>http://www.accesskenya.com/ >> >>_______________________________________________ >>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/kaippg%40earthlink.net > > > _______________________________________________ > 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/lkimani%40comnews.co.ke ----------------------------------------- This email was sent using Communicatons Solutions LTD WebMail. " " http://www.accesskenya.com/

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Day 1 of 10: CCK Internet Study-Background Concepts/Overview
by John Walubengo 24 Apr '07

24 Apr '07

Morning all, Today is Day 1 of our deliberation and would like to give a general overview that would constitute our working document for the rest of the deliberations. Please go through it and I welcome general reactions, comments, clarifications or objections as we set the background for the rest of the workshop. We have 24hrs on this before tomorrow when we shall go deeper into the issues of International and Domestic bandwidth. My (personal) summary of the report based on the official copy @ http://www.cck.go.ke/internet_market_study/ follows:- ~~~~00000~~~~~~~~~~ CCK commissioned Netcomm Information Systems (the Consultant) to undertake a study to establish amongst others, the following Internet indicators within the Kenyan Market: 1. The Internet service diffusion and usage patterns in different sectors of the Kenyan economy 2. The general Internet service costing mechanisms employed by operators and service providers 3. The key factors that hinder Internet market development 4. The vertical and horizontal relationships of the Internet market in the country In carrying out its terms of reference, the Consultant held several roundtable meetings with key stakeholders selected from the Government, Telco-operators, Internet Service providers and Consumers. The Consultant administered questionnaires which revealed the following key findings -categorised under Network Infrastructure, Internet Affordability and Dispersion as described below: Network Infrastructure: This indicator establishes the structure and quality of the International and National (domestic) internet backbone across the country. It was found that following the liberation of the telecom sector to allow more players at the International Internet Gateway Operator (IGO) level, there has been a steady increase in the International Bandwidth capacity-currently at 1G and representing over 10% growth since 2004. However, the domestic Internet capacity continued to register limited growth, despite the availability of the local Internet Exchange Point (KIXP). Internet Tariffs & Affordability: This indicator establishes the capacity of consumers to afford the Internet Services. It is taken as a factor of the gross national income, in other words, the average cost of 1 month Internet access measured against the average monthly salaries. It was found that internet service via mobile phone was much more affordable (costing 8% of average monthly incomes) as compared to via fixed lines (costing 200% of the average monthly incomes). This was despite the falling rates of International Internet Bandwidth occasioned by competition at that level. Dispersion: This indicator establishes geographic reach and sectoral absorption of the Intenet Service. In essence it describes the e-Readiness status of the economy or for the Country. It was found that even though ISPs were present in all the 8 Provinces, they were hardly present at the districts level covering only 30% of the districts in Kenya. In addition, of the three key stakeholders, Government, Educational and Commercial, the Commercial sector had the bulk of the existing Internet Connectivity (80%) while the Education Sector had the lowest (less than 2%). Finally, of the estimated 2.8 Million Internet users in the country, 80% are in the capital city Nairobi, 9% in Mombasa and the rest (11%) are spread across the country. In attempting to improve the above bleak indicators, the Consultant made the following key recommendations: Network Infrastructure: That the Government and the Operators make a deliberate effort to extend the domestic Internet backbone through out the country. In addition, that the current license separation between the Internet Gateway Operators (IGOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) be dissolved by combining their services into one license-the Data Communication Network Operator (DCNO) license. Finally, that the Regulator should publish and enforce quality standards in the provision of the Internet Services. Internet Tariffs & Affordability: That the Regulator, introduces competition in the Fixed Telephone line service and a flat-rate tariff or volume-based model for dial-up internet services. Also, that despite the relatively cheaper Mobile internet services, further competition be introduce within the sub-sector to further drive down the rates. Dispersion: That the Regulator reviews and implements the Universal Access strategy, enabling Operators to extend Internet Broadband services to non-economical rural areas in order to serve in particular educational and health institutions. That the Universal Access fund be utilised in promoting and creating local content in order to stimulate demand and usage. Finally, that the Regulator promotes Consumer Awareness programmes while the Government concludes and enacts the necessary legislative framework for supporting eCommerce uptake. -summary ends--- Plse, the floor is open for your reactions and a copy of the 10 day program is copied here as a reminder. Internet Study-Background Concepts/Overview 1day Internet Study-International & Domestic Bandwidth Usage 1day Internet Study-Hierarchy of Providers (IBP,ISP) 1day Internet Study-The Statistics on Infrastructure 1day Internet Study-The Statistics on Affordability 1day Internet Study-The Statistics on Dispersion 1day Internet Study-The Impact of the Recommendations-3days What is the way forward/Conclusions 1day walu. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Re: [kictanet] Free PC and cheap Internet for SMEs/Home Users
by Janet Feldman 23 Apr '07

23 Apr '07

Hello Dear Lucy and All, We meet in another setting (where you're being given the same royal treatment you deserve everywhere), and am thrilled to hear abt this invaluable endeavor. Bravo!!!! I am wondering abt your presence in W Kenya now? Am thinking abt Mumias, Kisumu, and Mbita (KAIPPG, Reachout, Lake Fellowship, Deaf Impact Ministry, and others). Also, are you attending the e-learning conference in May, and/or the telecentre meeting in June? Both would be great places for a "plug" (advertising being connecting by other means), and I'd like to do some networking re linking you up with folks I know who will be there. Thanks again so much (esp for being the "non-retiring" kind!), and "Kudos to Kimani" (for uniting us "al", haha!), Janet (Feldman, kaippg(a)earthlink.net) -----Original Message----- >From: Lucy Kimani <lkimani(a)comnews.co.ke> >Sent: Apr 23, 2007 1:45 PM >To: Janet Feldman <kaippg(a)earthlink.net> >Subject: [kictanet] Free PC and cheap Internet for SMEs/Home Users > >Alex, Joan, Florence and Njorohio, and all our well wishers: > >On behalf of Alunite, let me thank you very much for the kudos. > >Njorohio, if you already have a standalone PC and just need connection >call us, and we will review your requirements, and come up with an offer >you can not resist. > >Alunite is extremely serious about being the ISP for the "People by the >People" > >There will be something for everybody in the Alunite DSL "Kiondo" > > >Lucy Kimani >on behalf of >Alunite Communications, Ltd. > >> Hi All >> This is great and will assist the SMES >> However I think the SMEs and even homeworkers can afford the PC but the >> hindrance has been the cost of the Bandwidth. >> Can the company consider as an alternative the charge for the link only. >> This may persuade those firms with standalone computers to subscribe to >> the service. >> Cheers >> >> Njorohio >> >> >> Florence Etta <feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: Brilliant!! >> >> >> Florence Etta >> >> >> ----- Original Message ---- >> From: Joan Walumbe <jwalumbe(a)globalnetcorps.org> >> To: feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk >> Sent: Monday, 23 April, 2007 4:16:18 PM >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap Internet >> forSMEs and Home Users >> >> Thanks Alex for the info, >> >> This is actually a great idea. Would you have a contact number or email >> address for Alunite? >> >> Joan Walumbe >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: Alex Gakuru >> To: Kictanet >> Sent: Monday, April 23, 2007 8:57 AM >> Subject: [kictanet] Fwd: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap >> Internet forSMEs and Home Users >> >> >> >> >> Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> wrote: Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2007 >> 08:51:01 +0300 >> From: "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru(a)gmail.com> >> To: ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net >> Subject: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap Internet for SMEs and >> Home >> Users >> >> [This brightens a new dawn for Kenya's connectivity. I have often >> argued that lesser city traffic jams and higher national productivity >> can be achieved by taking internet outside the city centre, Nairobi >> currently having 80% of Kenya's internet. Many are bound to choose >> working from home to save on expensive city office rent overheads and >> "outsourcing" will definitely benefit considering the time >> differences >> become less of a problem, security is also a consideration. >> >> Forecasting on this possibility at a stakeholders workshop on 22 >> March >> 2007, I warned that it would only take "one clever ISP" to realise >> this enormous small business and home user waiting market away from >> the current "corporates-only" internet (used between 8am to 5 pm and >> half-days on Saturdays which drops at lunch-time. (see the first >> graph >> at http://www.isoc.or.ke/connectivity.html - website under >> development)] >> ----------------------- >> [Business Daily] >> >> ISP targets home users with free PC's >> Written by Okkutah Mark >> Monday, 23 April 2007 [NAIROBI] >> >> While most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) target corporate users, >> one new entrant into the online market is banking on capturing >> residential, small and home business users with a unique offer: a >> free >> computer. >> >> The company, Alunite, says most Kenyans would love to be connected to >> a high-speed DSL Internet connection from home, but the lack of >> affordable personal computers, and high bandwidth costs have kept >> most >> out of the loop. >> >> Lucy Kimani, the ISPs executive director said Alunite was partnering >> with Kenya Data Networks (KDN) and Keysde, a local company involved >> in >> computer assembly in which Keysde will provide PCs, under a guarantee >> that the ISP settles the bill within 90 days. >> >> KDN will provide the DSL linkage to it's Metro optical fibre. >> >> "As an ISP we are linking the home subscribers to the KDN's link >> which >> will provide them with a high-speed connection," said Ms Kimani. "We >> also realised that a majority of people don't own computers, and >> that's why we looked how we could solve this problem." >> >> The deal does come with a catch though. In exchange for a free >> computer, subscribers must sign a one-year agreement to subscribe to >> Alunite's Internet sevices, which cost 5,945 per month. >> >> The computeran Intel Pentium 1.2 Ghz PCretails for Sh10,300 in >> local shops. >> >> But Ms Kimani said it was more than just a freebie. >> >> "We eliminate the hassle of dealing with a separate connectivity >> provider and provide attentive customer service," she said. "Our >> company coordinates all aspects of the installation of the service >> including site inspection." >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> ke-internetusers mailing list >> ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net >> http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers >> >> >> >> --------------------------------- >> Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? >> Check out new cars at Yahoo! Autos. >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> >> >> >> >> >> >> --------------------------------- >> Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try >> it now._______________________________________________ >> 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/gathuri_njorohio%40yahoo.com >> >> >> --------------------------------- >> Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? >> Check outnew cars at Yahoo! >> Autos._______________________________________________ >> 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/lkimani%40comnews.co.ke > > > >----------------------------------------- >This email was sent using Communicatons Solutions LTD WebMail. > " " >http://www.accesskenya.com/ > >_______________________________________________ >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/kaippg%40earthlink.net

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Re: [kictanet] Fwd: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap Internet forSMEs and Home Users
by Florence Etta 23 Apr '07

23 Apr '07

Brilliant!! Florence Etta ----- Original Message ---- From: Joan Walumbe <jwalumbe(a)globalnetcorps.org> To: feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk Sent: Monday, 23 April, 2007 4:16:18 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap Internet forSMEs and Home Users Thanks Alex for the info, This is actually a great idea. Would you have a contact number or email address for Alunite? Joan Walumbe ----- Original Message ----- From: Alex Gakuru To: Kictanet Sent: Monday, April 23, 2007 8:57 AM Subject: [kictanet] Fwd: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap Internet forSMEs and Home Users Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> wrote: Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2007 08:51:01 +0300 From: "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru(a)gmail.com> To: ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net Subject: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap Internet for SMEs and Home Users [This brightens a new dawn for Kenya's connectivity. I have often argued that lesser city traffic jams and higher national productivity can be achieved by taking internet outside the city centre, Nairobi currently having 80% of Kenya's internet. Many are bound to choose working from home to save on expensive city office rent overheads and "outsourcing" will definitely benefit considering the time differences become less of a problem, security is also a consideration. Forecasting on this possibility at a stakeholders workshop on 22 March 2007, I warned that it would only take "one clever ISP" to realise this enormous small business and home user waiting market away from the current "corporates-only" internet (used between 8am to 5 pm and half-days on Saturdays which drops at lunch-time. (see the first graph at http://www.isoc.or.ke/connectivity.html - website under development)] ----------------------- [Business Daily] ISP targets home users with free PC's Written by Okkutah Mark Monday, 23 April 2007 [NAIROBI] While most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) target corporate users, one new entrant into the online market is banking on capturing residential, small and home business users with a unique offer: a free computer. The company, Alunite, says most Kenyans would love to be connected to a high-speed DSL Internet connection from home, but the lack of affordable personal computers, and high bandwidth costs have kept most out of the loop. Lucy Kimani, the ISPs executive director said Alunite was partnering with Kenya Data Networks (KDN) and Keysde, a local company involved in computer assembly in which Keysde will provide PCs, under a guarantee that the ISP settles the bill within 90 days. KDN will provide the DSL linkage to it's Metro optical fibre. "As an ISP we are linking the home subscribers to the KDN's link which will provide them with a high-speed connection," said Ms Kimani. "We also realised that a majority of people don't own computers, and that's why we looked how we could solve this problem." The deal does come with a catch though. In exchange for a free computer, subscribers must sign a one-year agreement to subscribe to Alunite's Internet sevices, which cost 5,945 per month. The computer—an Intel Pentium 1.2 Ghz PC—retails for Sh10,300 in local shops. But Ms Kimani said it was more than just a freebie. "We eliminate the hassle of dealing with a separate connectivity provider and provide attentive customer service," she said. "Our company coordinates all aspects of the installation of the service including site inspection." _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check out new cars at Yahoo! Autos. _______________________________________________ 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 ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try it now. http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/

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Free PC and cheap InternetforSMEs and Home Users
by Lucy Kimani 23 Apr '07

23 Apr '07

Alex, Joan, Florence and Njorohio, and all our well wishers: On behalf of Alunite, let me thank you very much for the kudos. Njorohio, if you already have a standalone PC and just need connection call us, and we will review your requirements, and come up with an offer you can not resist. Alunite is extremely serious about being the ISP for the "People by the People" There will be something for everybody in the Alunite DSL "Kiondo" Lucy Kimani on behalf of Alunite Communications, Ltd. 020-273-7155 > Hi All > This is great and will assist the SMES > However I think the SMEs and even homeworkers can afford the PC but the > hindrance has been the cost of the Bandwidth. > Can the company consider as an alternative the charge for the link only. > This may persuade those firms with standalone computers to subscribe to > the service. > Cheers > > Njorohio > > > Florence Etta <feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: Brilliant!! > > > Florence Etta > > > ----- Original Message ---- > From: Joan Walumbe <jwalumbe(a)globalnetcorps.org> > To: feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk > Sent: Monday, 23 April, 2007 4:16:18 PM > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap Internet > forSMEs and Home Users > > Thanks Alex for the info, > > This is actually a great idea. Would you have a contact number or email > address for Alunite? > > Joan Walumbe > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Alex Gakuru > To: Kictanet > Sent: Monday, April 23, 2007 8:57 AM > Subject: [kictanet] Fwd: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap > Internet forSMEs and Home Users > > > > > Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> wrote: Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2007 > 08:51:01 +0300 > From: "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru(a)gmail.com> > To: ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > Subject: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap Internet for SMEs and > Home > Users > > [This brightens a new dawn for Kenya's connectivity. I have often > argued that lesser city traffic jams and higher national productivity > can be achieved by taking internet outside the city centre, Nairobi > currently having 80% of Kenya's internet. Many are bound to choose > working from home to save on expensive city office rent overheads and > "outsourcing" will definitely benefit considering the time > differences > become less of a problem, security is also a consideration. > > Forecasting on this possibility at a stakeholders workshop on 22 > March > 2007, I warned that it would only take "one clever ISP" to realise > this enormous small business and home user waiting market away from > the current "corporates-only" internet (used between 8am to 5 pm and > half-days on Saturdays which drops at lunch-time. (see the first > graph > at http://www.isoc.or.ke/connectivity.html - website under > development)] > ----------------------- > [Business Daily] > > ISP targets home users with free PC's > Written by Okkutah Mark > Monday, 23 April 2007 [NAIROBI] > > While most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) target corporate users, > one new entrant into the online market is banking on capturing > residential, small and home business users with a unique offer: a > free > computer. > > The company, Alunite, says most Kenyans would love to be connected to > a high-speed DSL Internet connection from home, but the lack of > affordable personal computers, and high bandwidth costs have kept > most > out of the loop. > > Lucy Kimani, the ISPs executive director said Alunite was partnering > with Kenya Data Networks (KDN) and Keysde, a local company involved > in > computer assembly in which Keysde will provide PCs, under a guarantee > that the ISP settles the bill within 90 days. > > KDN will provide the DSL linkage to it's Metro optical fibre. > > "As an ISP we are linking the home subscribers to the KDN's link > which > will provide them with a high-speed connection," said Ms Kimani. "We > also realised that a majority of people don't own computers, and > that's why we looked how we could solve this problem." > > The deal does come with a catch though. In exchange for a free > computer, subscribers must sign a one-year agreement to subscribe to > Alunite's Internet sevices, which cost 5,945 per month. > > The computeran Intel Pentium 1.2 Ghz PCretails for Sh10,300 in > local shops. > > But Ms Kimani said it was more than just a freebie. > > "We eliminate the hassle of dealing with a separate connectivity > provider and provide attentive customer service," she said. "Our > company coordinates all aspects of the installation of the service > including site inspection." > > > > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > > > --------------------------------- > Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? > Check out new cars at Yahoo! Autos. > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try > it now._______________________________________________ > 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/gathuri_njorohio%40yahoo.com > > > --------------------------------- > Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? > Check outnew cars at Yahoo! > Autos._______________________________________________ > 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/lkimani%40comnews.co.ke ----------------------------------------- This email was sent using Communicatons Solutions LTD WebMail. " " http://www.accesskenya.com/

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workshop and forum...... no charges
by Rebecca Wanjiku 23 Apr '07

23 Apr '07

just a reminder that on thursday this week, we have a workshop for journalists on OFC, FOI and ICT bill updates, Dr. Ndemo and Eng. Waweru will give the opening address, its open to members interested in more information on the topics , its at Jacaranda from 8.30 to 1pm and the forum starts at 3 pm as usual, no charges...... that afternoon, KICTANet members will hold the monthly forum dedicated to e-learning, as you may be aware, the e-learning conference is taking place in nairobi next month, the forum will bring out some of the issues expected to come out of the conference next month, KICTANet is counting on your participation, you are the members, so you must come, regards becky __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Re: [kictanet] Fwd: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap Internet for SMEs and Home Users
by Florence Etta 23 Apr '07

23 Apr '07

This is the Egyptian model! ----- Original Message ---- From: Alex Gakuru <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> To: feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk Sent: Monday, 23 April, 2007 8:57:56 AM Subject: [kictanet] Fwd: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap Internet for SMEs and Home Users Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> wrote: Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2007 08:51:01 +0300 From: "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru(a)gmail.com> To: ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net Subject: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap Internet for SMEs and Home Users [This brightens a new dawn for Kenya's connectivity. I have often argued that lesser city traffic jams and higher national productivity can be achieved by taking internet outside the city centre, Nairobi currently having 80% of Kenya's internet. Many are bound to choose working from home to save on expensive city office rent overheads and "outsourcing" will definitely benefit considering the time differences become less of a problem, security is also a consideration. Forecasting on this possibility at a stakeholders workshop on 22 March 2007, I warned that it would only take "one clever ISP" to realise this enormous small business and home user waiting market away from the current "corporates-only" internet (used between 8am to 5 pm and half-days on Saturdays which drops at lunch-time. (see the first graph at http://www.isoc.or.ke/connectivity.html - website under development)] ----------------------- [Business Daily] ISP targets home users with free PC's Written by Okkutah Mark Monday, 23 April 2007 [NAIROBI] While most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) target corporate users, one new entrant into the online market is banking on capturing residential, small and home business users with a unique offer: a free computer. The company, Alunite, says most Kenyans would love to be connected to a high-speed DSL Internet connection from home, but the lack of affordable personal computers, and high bandwidth costs have kept most out of the loop. Lucy Kimani, the ISPs executive director said Alunite was partnering with Kenya Data Networks (KDN) and Keysde, a local company involved in computer assembly in which Keysde will provide PCs, under a guarantee that the ISP settles the bill within 90 days. KDN will provide the DSL linkage to it's Metro optical fibre. "As an ISP we are linking the home subscribers to the KDN's link which will provide them with a high-speed connection," said Ms Kimani. "We also realised that a majority of people don't own computers, and that's why we looked how we could solve this problem." The deal does come with a catch though. In exchange for a free computer, subscribers must sign a one-year agreement to subscribe to Alunite's Internet sevices, which cost 5,945 per month. The computer—an Intel Pentium 1.2 Ghz PC—retails for Sh10,300 in local shops. But Ms Kimani said it was more than just a freebie. "We eliminate the hassle of dealing with a separate connectivity provider and provide attentive customer service," she said. "Our company coordinates all aspects of the installation of the service including site inspection." _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check out new cars at Yahoo! Autos. _______________________________________________ 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 ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Mail is the world's favourite email. Don't settle for less, sign up for your free account today http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/evt=44106/*http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/mail/winter07.ht…

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reflecting on the internet
by Rebecca Wanjiku 23 Apr '07

23 Apr '07

Founding father of the Internet surveys his domainBy CLINT SWETT Wednesday, April 18, 2007 When the man known as a "founding father of the Internet" looks back on its 30-plus years of existence, Vinton Cerf sees a reflection of our best and worst instincts. What has most surprised and pleased the renowned Internet pioneer has been the continuing avalanche of free information that's become available since the advent of the worldwide Web in the mid-1990s. "I see an enormous desire for people to put information online with no compensation," said Cerf, speaking Monday night to a gathering of TechCoire, a group of technology entrepreneurs, in Davis, Calif. That information, he said, ranges from technical papers related to the human genome project to user-written entries on the Wikipedia online encyclopedia. "It's created the most democratic access to information we have ever seen," said Cerf, who in the 1970s helped develop software that became the basis for transmitting everything from e-mail to movies over the Internet. These days, in addition to staying busy with various Internet projects, Cerf serves as Google Inc.'s "chief Internet evangelist." In his talk, he also noted the number of less benign impulses that also flourish online. "We get spam, viruses, worms ... fraud and worthless content," Cerf said. "But we've already dealt with these problems in another context," noting that fraud has occurred for decades via the telephone and the Postal Service. Clad in his trademark three-piece suit set off with a crimson handkerchief, Cerf predicted that much of the Internet's future growth will be tied to mobile devices such as BlackBerry-style gadgets. He recalled being on a boat in southern India several months ago. "I was in the middle of this big lake and thinking I couldn't possibly get any service," said Cerf. "I turned on my BlackBerry and got 300 e-mails." That reinforced the notion that the Net's reach can far exceed the expensive telephone lines and cables that are now standard for getting online. That could be especially powerful in places like Africa where only about 35 million of that continent's estimated 1 billion inhabitants have Internet access, he said. He also predicted that scores of Internet-connected devices will someday be linked in a seamless way. For example, Cerf said, different foods sitting in a Net-connected refrigerator might contain radio frequency tags identifying them by type and date purchased. The fridge could inventory the food, compile recipes and even alert you to shortages while you're shopping. "You'll get a message from your refrigerator saying, 'Don't forget the marinara sauce,'" he said. In addition to his position with Google, Cerf is chairman of ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers that oversees Internet naming issues, and is working with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory on ways to efficiently transmit data in outer space. Cerf's job with Google, a part-time position he's held since 2005, includes talking with college students about the Internet's technical challenges. "Even though the Internet has been around for 35 years, there's lots of problems that need to be solved," he said, including beefing up security and finding more efficient ways to transmit data. And the 63-year-old Cerf apparently has no plans to ease into retirement. "I consider it a successful day," he said, "when I wear out two 26-year-olds." __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Fwd: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap Internet for SMEs and Home Users
by Alex Gakuru 23 Apr '07

23 Apr '07

Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> wrote: Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2007 08:51:01 +0300 From: "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru(a)gmail.com> To: ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net Subject: [ke-internetusers] Free PC and cheap Internet for SMEs and Home Users [This brightens a new dawn for Kenya's connectivity. I have often argued that lesser city traffic jams and higher national productivity can be achieved by taking internet outside the city centre, Nairobi currently having 80% of Kenya's internet. Many are bound to choose working from home to save on expensive city office rent overheads and "outsourcing" will definitely benefit considering the time differences become less of a problem, security is also a consideration. Forecasting on this possibility at a stakeholders workshop on 22 March 2007, I warned that it would only take "one clever ISP" to realise this enormous small business and home user waiting market away from the current "corporates-only" internet (used between 8am to 5 pm and half-days on Saturdays which drops at lunch-time. (see the first graph at http://www.isoc.or.ke/connectivity.html - website under development)] ----------------------- [Business Daily] ISP targets home users with free PC's Written by Okkutah Mark Monday, 23 April 2007 [NAIROBI] While most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) target corporate users, one new entrant into the online market is banking on capturing residential, small and home business users with a unique offer: a free computer. The company, Alunite, says most Kenyans would love to be connected to a high-speed DSL Internet connection from home, but the lack of affordable personal computers, and high bandwidth costs have kept most out of the loop. Lucy Kimani, the ISPs executive director said Alunite was partnering with Kenya Data Networks (KDN) and Keysde, a local company involved in computer assembly in which Keysde will provide PCs, under a guarantee that the ISP settles the bill within 90 days. KDN will provide the DSL linkage to it's Metro optical fibre. "As an ISP we are linking the home subscribers to the KDN's link which will provide them with a high-speed connection," said Ms Kimani. "We also realised that a majority of people don't own computers, and that's why we looked how we could solve this problem." The deal does come with a catch though. In exchange for a free computer, subscribers must sign a one-year agreement to subscribe to Alunite's Internet sevices, which cost 5,945 per month. The computeran Intel Pentium 1.2 Ghz PCretails for Sh10,300 in local shops. But Ms Kimani said it was more than just a freebie. "We eliminate the hassle of dealing with a separate connectivity provider and provide attentive customer service," she said. "Our company coordinates all aspects of the installation of the service including site inspection." _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers --------------------------------- Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos.

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* YOUNG COMPUTER EXPERT MAKES AFRICAN VIDEO GAME IN KENYA
by alice 22 Apr '07

22 Apr '07

From Balancing Act * YOUNG COMPUTER EXPERT MAKES AFRICAN VIDEO GAME IN KENYA A young Kenyan computer programmer has produced an adventure video game he says is first of its kind in Africa. Wesley Kirinya, aged 23, developed the 3-dimensional action game in his Gwimgrafx Studios in Nairobi. It is called 'The Adventures of Nyangi.' The game is about a character named Nyangi who has to find some rare African artifacts. Each artifact has an interesting and mysterious story behind it, Kirinya says. "I want to bring the entertainment from reading a book or watching a film on African stories into video games." He said the task took him about three years to accomplish. "Since there are no video game development schools in Africa, I taught myself the skill," he said. "I developed this game on a tiny budget. I'm impressed with the outcome, considering that it costs millions of dollars to develop games using the latest technology." The game can be purchased electronically as a digital download from the website: www.gwimgrafxstudios.com (SOURCE: Catholic Information Service for Africa )

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