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Celtel signs text message deal with Telkom-K
by Alex Gakuru 27 Nov '07

27 Nov '07

[Any chance Celtel could demonstrate their SMS service] Story by NATION Correspondent Publication Date: 11/27/2007 Celtel Kenya has signed an SMS interconnection agreement with Telkom Kenya that allows the latters wireless customers to access the formers network via a short message service. Previously, the interconnection agreement covered voice calls only. Further, Celtel said it would extend interconnection to the Internet service providers (ISPs) to use Celtels platform for the Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP). We are proud to open our platform with Telkom and the ISPs as we seek to extend the benefits of the widest coverage to all Kenyans, said Celtel corporate and regulatory affairs manager, Ms Clare Ruto. Last week, Celtel announced the extension of the One Network to six more African countries bringing the total to 12. <http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=3&ne…> ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

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Re: [kictanet] [AfrISPA.Discuss] UUNET MD challenges Kenyan Government estimates of low bandwidth costs
by Eric Osiakwan 26 Nov '07

26 Nov '07

I concur but there are equally substantial efforts to deal with the energy crisis in Africa both at the regional, national, urban and rural levels. The idea is that these simultaneous peocess shoudl have some co-ordination and ensure maximum impact. For example, i know an investor friend who primarily does Power and Telecom investments at a highly substantial level because of what you mentioned. Eric here ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Global One Solution" <malabow(a)gmail.com> Reply-To: Discuss(a)afrispa.org Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2007 01:35:05 -0500 >Eric, > >Thanks for the information, African government and corp, still fail to >understand how much money they can make if they offer low cost >connectivity, and just make money the VAS (Value added Service). this >is virgin market, and they make whole alot of $$$$$. This also helps >Africa which can attract technology jobs. But this is my only concern, >What do you guys think how these countries plan to resolve the >Electricity issue, because without electricity we are hopeless.. > > >Thanks again Eric, good information. > >On Nov 25, 2007 6:34 AM, Eric Osiakwan <eric(a)afrispa.org> wrote: >> >> >> >> >> >> The cost of Internet connectivity is unlikely to fall to $500 (Sh33,000) per >> megabit per month as the Government has projected, UUNET managing director >> Geoffrey Shimanyula has said. The charges would only fall marginally with >> the landing of the first submarine fibre optic cable in Mombasa, he said. >> >> UUNET- an Internet service provider - which is one of the prospective >> private investors in government-driven East Africa Marine System (TEAMs), >> said such a feat would require the cost of internet connectivity to fall by >> more than 80 per cent from the current average of $5000 per megabit. >> >> The submarine cable is expected to land in Mombasa by second quarter of 2009 >> and terminate in Fujaira, Dubai. >> >> "As you present your budgets for 2010 do not present the $500 figure because >> you may have to go back and justify your adjustments for that item," >> Shimanyula warned IT marketing executives. >> >> "That price can only be for the last mile, the layer two services, and the >> raw pipe - WiMAX or KenStream that you get from Telkom Kenya. There is no IP >> service that can be sold for $500 per megabit per month ," he said. >> >> IT firms, including UUNET, will have to connect to an Internet Service >> Provider (ISP) based in Fujaira before bringing the service - with a mark-up >> to local companies. >> >> "That is where UUNET comes in. We will be connecting directly to Verizon >> Business in Fujaira, who are our principle shareholders hoping that we will >> get competitive rates from them to pass over to our customers," he said. >> >> Information permanent secretary, Bitange Ndemo, however maintained that the >> $500 price was achievable with the a fibre optic cable. >> >> "We have structured the pricing in such a way that even after factoring in >> the cost of onward connectivity the highest an operator may charge is $700. >> Anyone who will be charging consumers more than that in the first year of >> operation will just be serving the cause of greed," he said. >> >> Dr Ndemo said the cost of connectivity was expected to continue dropping >> gradually in the subsequent years as the demand for the bandwidth picks up. >> >> "The reason we are working on these figures is that we do not plan to make >> money from the pipes but only from the services rendered and by taxing the >> jobs that will be created," said Dr Ndemo. >> >> The Kenya government has a 40 per cent stake in the project with Dubai's >> Etisalat holding 15 per cent. A 45 per cent stake has been reserved for >> private telecommunication companies. >> >> Shareholders will have access to large amounts of capacity with a 13 STM1 >> (SynchronousTransport Module ) - basic rate of transmission of fibre optic >> network - for a minimum of five per cent equity investment. >> >> Capacity will be allocated at cost with TEAMs investors paying $400,000 per >> STM1 per year. This translates to $2580.645 per megabit per year up to >> Fujairah and $ 215.00 megabit per month. >> >> TEAMs shareholders are expected to operate on an Internal Rate of Return of >> 32.71 per cent with a pay back of 2.4 years. >> >> Share holders in TEAMs will have the freedom to either use or sell excess >> capacity allocated to them through a pool or directly to the market under a >> bilateral sale arrangement. >> >> CCK has said that only licensed operators will be allowed to sell capacity >> directly to the market - all other shareholders will be allowed to sell >> their excess capacity through jointly coordinated pool sales. >> >> TEAMs shareholders will also benefit from the flexibility of selecting >> onward connectivity carriers from Fujairah. >> >> Dr Ndemo said TEAMs shareholders could get a better deal by collectively >> bargaining for capacity from Fujairah onwards and offer even more >> competitive point to point connectivity prices. >> >> Transit costs from Fujairah to Europe and US stands at between $55,000 to >> $100,000 per year, which Dr Ndemo insists is still in line with the >> government's estimates. >> (Source: Business Daily) >> >> >> >> >> 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" >> >> >> >> >> > > > >-- >Liban Mohamed >Global One Solution >www.globalonesolutions.net >malabow(a)gmail.com >To unsubscribe send a mail to: imailsrv(a)afrispa.org. Type the following in >the body of your mail (not header): "Unsubscribe discuss" (without quotes). >This List is operated by ZAnet Internet Services: www.zanet.co.za on behalf >of www.afrispa.org. For any List Admin queries send mail to William(a)zanet.co.za > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 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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TeleTech Expands Global Footprint Into South Africa
by Dorcas Muthoni 26 Nov '07

26 Nov '07

TeleTech Expands Global Footprint Into South Africa New Facility to Support Growing Need for Global Outsourcing Distribution Source : Market Wire Date : Monday, November 26, 2007 ENGLEWOOD, CO -- (Market Wire - Nov 26, 2007) -- TeleTech Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTEC), one of the largest and most geographically diverse global providers of business process outsourcing (BPO) solutions, today announced its expansion into South Africa, further broadening its global sourcing platform to encompass six continents. Today, TeleTech began construction on its first facility on the African continent. Ground was broken at the Old Match Factory in Salt River, Cape Town, at a ceremony attended by major officials from the South Africa government. The Cape Town facility is scheduled to commence operations later this year. As a new investor to South Africa, TeleTech is the first multinational company to benefit from a new investment incentive plan launched by the South African Department of Trade & Industry, which has targeted the international business process outsourcing industry as a major future source of employment. "BPO is critical to our economic development strategy and we see TeleTech as an anchor company for this new industry," Minister of Trade & Industry Mandisi Mpalhwa said. "We are grateful for the commitment TeleTech has made to develop our industry." TeleTech plans to build a number of new facilities in South Africa and in other African countries, creating thousands of new jobs to serve global clients seeking multiple levels of front- and back- office support. "We welcome TeleTech to South Africa as a partner in our mission to increase our economic growth to six percent and as a strategic bridgehead for the Accelerated & Shared Growth Initiative South Africa," said Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, deputy president of the Republic of South Africa. "Africa's future is in services and South Africa is a virtually untapped market for offshore BPO. We are attracted by the country's excellent infrastructure, talented and growing labor pool, and the widespread use of English," commented Craig Reines, general manager of TeleTech Africa. "South Africa is a high quality location linking Africa into the global BPO supply chain." ABOUT TELETECH TeleTech is one of the largest and most geographically diverse global providers of business process outsourcing solutions. We have a 25- year history of designing, implementing, and managing critical business processes for Global 1000 companies to help them improve their customers' experience, expand their strategic capabilities, and increase their operating efficiencies. By delivering a high-quality customer experience through the effective integration of customer- facing front-office processes with internal back-office processes, we enable our clients to better serve, grow, and retain their customer base. We use Six Sigma-based quality methods continually to design, implement, and enhance the business processes we deliver to our clients and we also apply this methodology to our own internal operations. We have developed deep domain expertise and support approximately 300 business process outsourcing programs serving approximately 135 global clients in the automotive, communications, financial services, government, healthcare, retail, technology and travel and leisure industries. Our integrated global solutions are provided by more than 52,000 employees utilizing 37,700 workstations across 90 delivery centers in 18 countries. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The projections and statements contained in these forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. All statements not based on historical fact are forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. In accordance with the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, following are important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward- looking statements, including but not limited to the following: all of the results reported above are presented without taking into account any adjustments that may be required in connection with the ongoing review of TeleTech's accounting for equity-based compensation plans and should be considered preliminary until TeleTech files its Form 10-Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 2007; the review and possible conclusions may have an impact on the amount and timing of previously awarded non-cash equity-based compensation expense for current and previous financial periods; the effect of TeleTech's failure to timely file all of its required reports under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, including the potential of a default under its credit facility; our ability to meet the requirements of the NASDAQ Stock Market for continued listing of our shares; potential claims and proceedings relating to such matters, including shareholder litigation and action by the SEC and/or other governmental agencies; and negative tax or other implications for TeleTech resulting from any accounting adjustments or other factors; our belief that we are continuing to see strong demand for our services and that sales cycles are shortening; the ability to close and ramp new business opportunities that are currently being pursued or that are in the final stages with existing and/or potential clients in order to achieve our Business Outlook; estimated revenue from new, renewed, and expanded client business as volumes may not materialize as forecasted or be sufficient to achieve our Business Outlook; the possibility of lower revenue or price pressure from our clients experiencing a business downturn or merger in their business; greater than anticipated competition in the BPO and customer management market, causing adverse pricing and more stringent contractual terms; risks associated with losing or not renewing client relationships, particularly large client agreements, or early termination of a client agreement; the risk of losing clients due to consolidation in the industries we serve; consumers' concerns or adverse publicity regarding our clients' products; our ability to execute our growth plans, including sales of new services; our ability to achieve our year-end 2007 and 2008 financial goals, including those set forth in our Business Outlook; risks associated with attracting and retaining cost-effective labor at our delivery centers; the possibility of additional asset impairments and restructuring charges; risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates; our ability to find cost effective delivery locations, obtain favorable lease terms, and build or retrofit facilities in a timely and economic manner; risks associated with business interruption due to weather, pandemic or terrorist-related events; economic or political changes affecting the countries in which we operate; achieving continued profit improvement in our International BPO operations; changes in accounting policies and practices promulgated by standard setting bodies; and new legislation or government regulation that impacts the BPO and customer management industry. Investor Contact: Karen Breen Investor Relations 303-397-8592 Media Contact: KC Higgins Public Relations 303-434-8163 Jennifer Martin Investor Relations 303-397-8634

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Re: [kictanet] Media Bill 2007.
by ibrahim yussuf 26 Nov '07

26 Nov '07

Dear All I can't say that i have read the media bill,but the little that i have read in the media is lopsided and based on their side of the story.The only complains that i keep on hearing in the numerous talkshows that are aired on the TV only highlights the point that the coposition of the media council is not good or is made up of people who are not of that proffession.They dont come up to say anything else about the various clauses which will hinder their progress or how the government is trying to oppress them,am not trying to say that its not there but those are the things which should be highlighted for us to be able to support their arguments well.One funny thing that came out in one of those talkshows is that the KUJ was not with the media owners and that the bill would be very good for the them(KUJ).i believe that the bringing in of models and comedians as journalist has set the precedence for the government to bring in non-media guys to regulate the media,we should not kill this bill just because the owners of the media are not happy,their first obligation is to their shareholders and not to the general public. > ----- Original Message ----- > From: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > To: yussuf(a)lawyer.com > Subject: [kictanet] Media Bill 2007. > Date: Fri, 1 Jun 2007 15:03:12 +0300 (EAT) > > > Dear All, > If you read today's papers, you have everything to worry. It is being > alledged that the ICT Bill is worse than the Media Bill and That > Government did not consult. I know you all participated in many ICT fora > discussing just what is being criticised. After the first reading we have > another go at it but not to kill it at inception. > > I need not tell anyone that this Bill will unlock the ICT potential in > this country. Where were these people when you sacrificed your time to > have a just legislation in place? > > On Broadcasting, Kenya has one of the most liberal laws in place. We have > tried to have a frequency in Britain, China, the USA on reciprical > relations in vain. We toned down stakeholder's requirement on restrictive > cross media ownership by adopting South Africa Model but these people want > nothing but jungle laws in a democratic country. > > Since you access internet, please check, there is no country in the world > that does not have some sort of media regulation. In fact opponents of > these Bills should be asked to name at least one country that has no > regulation in media. > > Regards > > > 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" > > > _______________________________________________ > 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/yussuf%40lawyer.com > = Skillsoft e business Visit SkillSoft.com now and find corporate e-learning solutions. http://a8-asy.a8ww.net/a8-ads/adftrclick?redirectid=7dfd8a4e1be2404287414c5…

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Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New Frontier in TransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007
by robert yawe 26 Nov '07

26 Nov '07

Hi, I am unable to send an SMS from my safaricom line to CDMA numbers. Who is responsible for making sure that we are not blocked from sending messages across networks. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: "bitange(a)jambo.co.ke" <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> To: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Cc: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Friday, 23 November, 2007 11:20:03 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New Frontier in TransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007 Dear Yawe, Welcome to KICTAnet. Just wanted to know how you got to know that Ministry of Information, CCK and ICT Board did not act on the Safaricom/TKL sms issue? Do you know the mandate of these "bodies"? My friend, in the past one year did you not come across the mention of the ICT Bill? I really want to be of help to you but first I want to understand where you are coming from. Regards Bitange Ndemo. > Hi All, > > I am new to this mailing list and would like to start by saying something > about myself. > > I am an Information Technology specialist with over 15 years experience > which means I know how to use DOS, UNIX and other OS's that exist only on > 5.25" floppy disks. My area of specialisation is in design & > implementation of local and wide area networks. > > On the issue of mGovernment I do agree that this is the next frontier but > it is shocking, as usual, that we are not embracing the technology or even > working to develop the necessary legislation to make it flourish. AS many > web site designers about WAP and they are lost, we are designing heavy > sites that have no intelligence to identify the type of device accessing > the site and thus adjust the page to display better on the particular > device. > > It is interesting that CCK and the Ministry of Information plus the ICT > Board can sit back when the fight between Telkom and Safaricom on the > delivery of SMS messages across the network continues to deny the tax > payer (excise duty on airtime). Or the fact that none of the mentioned > felt it necessary to educate Mr. Kivuitu on the need to make live > electoral database available over SMS. > > Now if we cannot take advantage of this opportunity to create local > content and utilise mGovernment how can we entrust this "bodies" (which > interestingly refers to expired humans) with making the marine cable a > viable project. Maybe we should cancel the project and use the money to > put up a technology park in Mandera and Garsen. > > We do not need to recreate the wheel, just visit yahoomobile, > googleearthmobile, or if you have a GPRS enabled phone try > wap.mystocks.co.ke. Or next time you are going up towards NIC on Bunyala > Road look at the Nokia advert. > > The mobile phone is the future let embrace it or perish. > > Robert Yawe > KAY System Technologies Ltd > Phoenix House, 6th Floor > P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 > KEnya > Tel: +254722511225 > > ----- Original Message ---- > From: Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> > To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Sent: Monday, 19 November, 2007 6:16:53 PM > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New Frontier in > TransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >  > > > > > > > Dear Kwach, > > > > > > I agree with you and it is equally > interesting to note that some mobile applications are already being > implementedâ€¦I > dare say that this part of the world will see more mGovernment in the G2C > (Government > to Citizens) arena than the traditional eGovernment where the PC is the > main service > delivery channel. Most welcome to attend the session. > > > > > > Kindest regards > > > Harry > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > From: Kwach > [mailto:kwach@archway-productions.com] > > Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 > 5:51 PM > > To: 'Harry Hare' > > Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy > Discussions' > > Subject: RE: [kictanet] Mobile > Government: The New Frontier in TransformingPublic Services - 29th > November > 2007 > > > > > > > > > Hi Harry, > > > > > > These are interesting statistics and > scenario. For developing countries, there is urgent need to move from > quantity > to quality. In my view, content is the quality because more 65% of mobiles > are > only meeting social needs and costs involved have got no direct linkage to > revenue for the owners, which should be a great concern. > > > > > > With Mobile Government, time and resources > used in the rural to the say Government offices miles away would be > deployed in > other economic activities. > > > > > > I am keen to attend. > > > > > > Kwach Akich > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > From: kictanet-bounces+kwach=archway-productions.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > [mailto:kictanet-bounces+kwach=archway-productions.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] > On Behalf Of Harry Hare > > Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 > 8:49 AM > > To: kwach(a)archway-productions.com > > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy > Discussions > > Subject: [kictanet] Mobile > Government: The New Frontier in TransformingPublic Services - 29th > November > 2007 > > > > > > > > > Dear Colleagues, > > > > > > Mobile services are > quickly emerging as the new frontier in transforming government and making > it > even more accessible and citizen-centric by extending the benefits of > remote > delivery of government services and information to those who are unable or > unwilling to access public services through the Internet or simply prefer > to > use mobile devices. In theory, many government services can be now made > available on a 24x7x365 basis at any place in the country covered by > mobile > networks, which today means almost everywhere! Michael, correct me if Im > wrong. > > > > > > It is from this > background that the World Bank in partnership with eGovWorld 2007 > (www.egovworld.com) and African > eDevelopment Resource Centre presents a dialogue on Mobile Government > (mGovernment) on 29th November 2007, 4.30pm -7.00pm at the World > Bank offices, Nairobi. The dialogue is live Video Conference and an > integral > part of the eGovWorld 2007 conference taking place in > India 29-30 November 2007. > > > > > > According to the ITU, > the total number of mobile users worldwide as of late 2006 was about 2.7 > billion and the number of internet users was just above 1.1 billion. This > means > that there is 33.6% of world population (and 22.2% of developing > countries population) who already have mobile phones but are not yet using > the > Internet. > > > > > > > Does > this provide a strong case for leveraging the mobile channel to > dramatically improve access to public services, including electronic > government services to those who can afford to use a personal or > shared > mobile phone? > Does > this create an opportunity to connect in the near future the next two > billion people to some of the benefits of e-government, e-health, > e-education, e-banking and e-commerce? > How > exactly can Mobile Government change the lives of common people in > developing countries? What are best examples of such impact? > What > are the key constraints to making this vision a reality? > How > should governments change the way they do business to take advantage > of > mobile technologies? > What > is the role of the private sector? Are there successful business > models > (e.g. PPP) for private sector companies to deliver value-added > m-government services? > > > > > > These are some of the > questions that will be addressed. > > > > > > Participation to the > event is free; however, one needs to register to get access to the venue. > If > you are interested in participating send an email directly to > susan(a)africanedevelopment.org > for a registration form. Space is limited at the venue, only 20 places are > available and will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis. > Deadline > for registration is Wednesday 22nd November. > > > > > > > > > Program: > > > +++++ > > > > > > Welcome > & Introduction > > > > > > Samia > Melhem, Senior Operations Officer, Global ICT, World Bank; and > Chair, e-Development Thematic Group > > > Vikas > Kanungo, Chairman, The Society for Promotion of > e-Governance, India & Convener, eGovWorld 2007 > > > > > > Opening > Remarks/Keynote address > > > > > > R. > Chandrashekhar, Additional Secretary (e-Governance), > DIT, Government of India > > > > > > Speakers > > > > > > Ibrahim > Kushchu, Associate Professor and Director, > Mobile Government Consortium International & Author, "m-Government: An > Emerging Direction in e-Government", > UK > > > Hannes > Astok, Member of Parliament & former Deputy Mayor, > City of Tartu , > Estonia > > > > > > > > > Kindest Regards > > > Harry Hare > > > Executive Director > > > African eDevelopment > Resource Centre > > > 3rd Floor, > Nelleon Place , > Raphta Road , > Westlands > > > PO Box 49475 > 00100, Nairobi > > > Tel +254 20 4453445 > > > Cel +254 725 650044 > > > > > > > > -----Inline Attachment Follows----- > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/robertyawe%40yahoo.co.… > > > > > > > > > ___________________________________________________________ > Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try > it > now. > http://uk.answers.yahoo.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)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke > ___________________________________________________________ Want ideas for reducing your carbon footprint? Visit Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/environment.html

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Re: [kictanet] Fibre Optic
by bitange＠jambo.co.ke 26 Nov '07

26 Nov '07

Dear Yawe, Gakuru, I promised to respond to the question as to whether we indeed need Fibre Optic Cables. Yes indeed we need them for the time being (Intel shall be commecializing [in 10 years time]a chip with the capability to send data at high speeds without any cables)(see NY Times summary article below). In as much as I do not like cables for connectivity I think they are a necessary infrastructure at the moment. The benefits are immense as I look forward to greater linkages with our increasingly important relatives in the diaspora. With efficient connectivity, there we create opportunities such as localised news that is accessible to anyone everywhere; we shall enable innovation and more importantly create jobs for our youth. The difference here is that some may see entrepreneurial opportunities that come with this infrastructure and unfortunately some will simply watch as events unfold. Fortunately, you only need a few (Steve jobs, Bill Gates etc) to innovate and exploit the opportunity once access to technology is availed. Our role is to facilitate our people to reach their fullest potential. This is what leadership is all about. Bitange Ndemo. A Chip That Can Transfer Data Using Laser Light New York Times: The advance will make it possible to use laser light rather than wires to send data between chips, removing the most significant bottleneck in computer design. A Tiny Laser on a Silicon Chip As a result, chip makers may be able to put the high-speed data communications industry on the same curve of increased processing speed and diminishing costs the phenomenon known as Moores law that has driven the computer industry for the last four decades. The development is a result of research at Intel, the worlds largest chip maker, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. Commercializing the new technology may not happen before the end of the decade, but the prospect of being able to place hundreds or thousands of data-carrying light beams on standard industry chips is certain to shake up both the communications and computer industries.

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Faith in local web hosting
by robert yawe 26 Nov '07

26 Nov '07

Hi all, I have raised this issue before when I did a search and found out that the CCK web site was hosted overseas and thus how can we expect them to monitor the service quality levels of the ISP's. On Sunday I visited the Kibaki web site, I experienced unstable audio streaming so I decided to find out where the site was hosted, yes you guest it overseas. The other 2 presidential candidates web sites are no better they are not locally hosted. Is this a reflection of who the targets of this web sites are? The Kibaki site is developed by one 3Mice, if I remember right, which has some association with newly appointed ICT Board Managing Director Kokubo. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ___________________________________________________________ Want ideas for reducing your carbon footprint? Visit Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/environment.html

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Updated Outsourcing Conference Programme
by alice 25 Nov '07

25 Nov '07

Dear All Thank you Sean for the updated programme. KICTANet listers find it attached. All enquiries should go to info(a)aitecafrica.com <mailto:info@aitecafrica.com> or 0721-860228 best alice

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UUNET MD challenges Kenyan Government estimates of low bandwidth costs
by Eric Osiakwan 25 Nov '07

25 Nov '07

The cost of Internet connectivity is unlikely to fall to $500 (Sh33,000) per megabit per month as the Government has projected, UUNET managing director Geoffrey Shimanyula has said. The charges would only fall marginally with the landing of the first submarine fibre optic cable in Mombasa, he said. UUNET- an Internet service provider - which is one of the prospective private investors in government-driven East Africa Marine System (TEAMs), said such a feat would require the cost of internet connectivity to fall by more than 80 per cent from the current average of $5000 per megabit. The submarine cable is expected to land in Mombasa by second quarter of 2009 and terminate in Fujaira, Dubai. "As you present your budgets for 2010 do not present the $500 figure because you may have to go back and justify your adjustments for that item," Shimanyula warned IT marketing executives. "That price can only be for the last mile, the layer two services, and the raw pipe - WiMAX or KenStream that you get from Telkom Kenya. There is no IP service that can be sold for $500 per megabit per month ," he said. IT firms, including UUNET, will have to connect to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) based in Fujaira before bringing the service - with a mark-up to local companies. "That is where UUNET comes in. We will be connecting directly to Verizon Business in Fujaira, who are our principle shareholders hoping that we will get competitive rates from them to pass over to our customers," he said. Information permanent secretary, Bitange Ndemo, however maintained that the $500 price was achievable with the a fibre optic cable. "We have structured the pricing in such a way that even after factoring in the cost of onward connectivity the highest an operator may charge is $700. Anyone who will be charging consumers more than that in the first year of operation will just be serving the cause of greed," he said. Dr Ndemo said the cost of connectivity was expected to continue dropping gradually in the subsequent years as the demand for the bandwidth picks up. "The reason we are working on these figures is that we do not plan to make money from the pipes but only from the services rendered and by taxing the jobs that will be created," said Dr Ndemo. The Kenya government has a 40 per cent stake in the project with Dubai's Etisalat holding 15 per cent. A 45 per cent stake has been reserved for private telecommunication companies. Shareholders will have access to large amounts of capacity with a 13 STM1 (SynchronousTransport Module ) - basic rate of transmission of fibre optic network - for a minimum of five per cent equity investment. Capacity will be allocated at cost with TEAMs investors paying $400,000 per STM1 per year. This translates to $2580.645 per megabit per year up to Fujairah and $ 215.00 megabit per month. TEAMs shareholders are expected to operate on an Internal Rate of Return of 32.71 per cent with a pay back of 2.4 years. Share holders in TEAMs will have the freedom to either use or sell excess capacity allocated to them through a pool or directly to the market under a bilateral sale arrangement. CCK has said that only licensed operators will be allowed to sell capacity directly to the market - all other shareholders will be allowed to sell their excess capacity through jointly coordinated pool sales. TEAMs shareholders will also benefit from the flexibility of selecting onward connectivity carriers from Fujairah. Dr Ndemo said TEAMs shareholders could get a better deal by collectively bargaining for capacity from Fujairah onwards and offer even more competitive point to point connectivity prices. Transit costs from Fujairah to Europe and US stands at between $55,000 to $100,000 per year, which Dr Ndemo insists is still in line with the government's estimates. (Source: Business Daily) 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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Fwd: 1st National Conference & Exhibition for Dissemination of Research Results - 2008
by Mike Theuri 25 Nov '07

25 Nov '07

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Matunda Nyanchama Date: Nov 24, 2007 11:26 AM FYI ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 22 Nov 2007 20:17:58 +0300 From: otwomad(a)gmail.com To: otwomad(a)yahoo.com Subject: 1st National Conference & Exhibition for Dissemination of Research Results - 2008 CC: joonyatta(a)yahoo.com; gkingoriah(a)yahoo.com Dear All, The NCST is a statutory institution of the government of Kenya, having been established in July 1977 by the Science and Technology Act. Cap. 250 of the Laws of Kenya . The purpose was and still is to provide machinery for making available to the Government advice upon all matters relating to the scientific and technological activities, and for coordination of research and experimental development together with matters incidental and connected therewith see http://www.ncst.go.ke/ The 1st National Conference & Exhibition for Dissemination of Research Results - 2008 has many objectives, among them are:- * * a) To highlight the role scientific research can play in national socio-economic development and to promote interest and investment in scientific research. b) To create awareness about the potential of research results among the general public and in particular, entrepreneurs . c) To strengthen the interest and participation of the scientific community in undertaking studies in their fields and sharing the results with other researchers, industry and the general public. d) To promote the wide dissemination and access to research findings for use in national development policy making and for application in explaining or resolving national economic and social issues. Our (NCST) vision is to be the preferred national institution for services in policy development, coordination, promotion and advice on matters of science, technology and innovation. By participating (see attached word doc) in the 1st National Conference & Exhibition for Dissemination of Research Results - 2008 you will be assisting us in our mission of promoting, coordinating and advicing on matters of and related to national science, technology and innovation. Thanking you in advance. Sincerely, -- David Otwoma, Chief Science Secretary, National Council for Science and Technology, Utalii House 9th Floor, Mobile tel: +254 722 141771, Office tel: +254 (0)20 351 8212 or 310571 or 2219420 or 241349, P. O. Box 29899 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya email: otwomad(a)gmail.com & d.otwoma(a)africaonline.co.ke www.ncst.go.ke ------------------------ 1st National Conference & Exhibition for Dissemination of Research Results - 2008 Background Researchers generally produce "results" defined as findings, publications, products, devices, and/or services that are the direct results of their program/project activities. Research accomplishments can consist of both significant outputs and outcomes. Outcomes include those accomplishments that have the documented effect of changing or improving understanding, knowledge, and/or the learning system. They can, in turn, change or improve policy, practice, behavior, and/or system capacity. In the intermediate to long-term, the outcomes can encompass changes involving actions towards altering behaviors, implementing policies, making decisions, and pursuing social actions. For research to be useful and to justify the costs incurred, it is necessary that its results are disseminated widely and infused into national development processes. This is one of the key processes that enable countries to achieve progress allowing them to respond to increasing competitive pressures. The conference theme "Integration of Research Results for Sustainable National Development" explores the variety of ways that research results management, packaging and presentation, on the one hand, and the dissemination/diffusion and the eventual utilization are impacting on national development. In view of the foregoing, the Ministry of Science and Technology wishes to initiate national debate on ways to effectively disseminate and integrate research results in national development endeavours. The Ministry therefore wishes to announce the 1st National Conference and Exhibition for the Dissemination of Research Results which is scheduled for May 2008 in Nairobi, Kenya. Approach to Research Result Dissemination It is intended that the conference and exhibition should contribute to a greater access to information and knowledge base regarding documented research results. Therefore, through the annual Conference and Exhibitions, the Ministry of Science and Technology intends to develop a framework around which research results dissemination can target to the most potential uses and users. In order to achieve this and meet existing research based information and knowledge needs, a means of focusing on the most potential uses and users has to be developed. Dissemination then can be targeted towards these uses and users for improved utilization of the results. The basis of some of the approaches includes the following: Best Practice Knowledge Transfer - that closely matches interventions or direct service entities with the settings within which research has taken place and findings have been derived to know where and towards what the results are best utilized. Collaborative Support - that relies on a careful selection of collaborators or partners in the dissemination process to assist research disseminators in increasing their credibility among intended target audiences/systems and enhance the ultimate degree of utilization. Technology Transfer Model based on a transfer process involving multiple activities and events that support positive movement from an idea to a prototype to the outcome of a product or technology. Technology transfer processes can be initiated by supply push forces (when the process starts with an identified technology that is seeking an appropriate application) or demand pull forces (when the process starts with an unmet market need seeking an appropriate product or technology). Other Models of Utilization – devised specifically for promoting use of research results by targeted audiences/systems through carefully constructed strategies. These depend on the: specific characteristics of the research results for dissemination; specific user audiences or systems targeted; and specific outcomes and accomplishments the use of the research is expected to produce. Conference and Exhibition Objectives To highlight the role scientific research can play in national socio-economic development and to promote interest and investment in scientific research. To create awareness about the potential of research results among the general public and in particular, entrepreneurs. To strengthen the interest and participation of the scientific community in undertaking studies in their fields and sharing the results with other researchers, industry and the general public. To promote the wide dissemination and access to research findings for use in national development policy making and for application in explaining or resolving national economic and social issues. Conference and Exhibition Theme and Science Areas 4.1 Theme: Generation and Integration of Research Results for Sustainable National Development 4.1.1 Sub-themes: Developing and Sustaining Conducive Environment for Scientific Research Management and Dissemination of Research Results. Promoting the utilization of research results Target Groups The conference and exhibition is expected to bring together Research Scientists, Technologists, and Managers of S&T Institutions; Policy-makers, Professionals (legal, medical, financial) and others with interest in Research, Science and Technology. If you can make a contribution to this important conference and exhibition, we at the Ministry would be pleased to hear from you whether you are a presenter, exhibitor or any other role. Conference and Exhibition Venue The Republic of Kenya, with an area of approximately 583,000 sq. km. lies along the Equator on the Eastern seaboard of Africa. Kenya is endowed with a benign climate, world-reputed, scenic landscapes and a rich heritage of flora and fauna. Abundant natural resources provide an ideal conference and exhibition location, as well as a holiday resort. A befitting tour programme is planned for participants. Nairobi, the conference venue is Kenya's capital city and the administrative capital. It is an exciting city given that it is probably the only city with a natural game park on its outskirts. The Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) with its unique conference and exhibition facilities is an ideal host. The conference venue is within walking distance to major hotels in the city. For more information on the venue, please visit the websites at: http://www.ncst.go.ke/ or http://www.scienceandtechnology.go.ke/ Conference and Exhibition Programme The conference program will consist of plenary, parallel, poster and workshop sessions. In addition, panel discussions, special interest group sessions, exhibits, demonstrations and meetings and other related gatherings will be scheduled. It will involve paper presentations and discussions, based on the above models, by S&T practitioners on a wide variety of topics in various fields of science, technology and innovation. The conference schedule will provide time for relaxed social and professional interaction. The conference theme of "Generation and Integration of Research Results for Sustainable National Development " will bring together diverse perspectives on research results generation, processing, management, dissemination and utilization in order to foster debate. Submissions relevant to the conference theme are especially encouraged. The Organizing Committee would particularly like to hear from potential speakers who can share their knowledge and experiences in the following science areas: Science Areas Agriculture Environment Industry and entrepreneurship Life Sciences Medical and Health Natural Resources management and development Physical Guidelines for Conference and Exhibition Submissions Completed research works may be submitted from now to February 14, 2008. As a minimum requirement, the completed researches must be submitted in sufficient detail to make clear their meaning and value. Prose, outline format and presentation slides are all acceptable. Submissions must be in English and are limited to 20,000 words (approximately 20 - 30 pages, maximum 2-MB electronic file size). Submission of supporting materials is encouraged in all cases and not included in the word limit, but the supporting material file should not exceed 2 MB. Each work submitted must have a designated presenter. An individual can be a designated presenter for at most two works. In order for a work to be included in the conference program and proceedings, the designated presenter must be registered for the conference by April 15, 2008. All works submitted will be assigned to three individuals for anonymous peer review. The results of this review will determine whether a work will be accepted for plenary, parallel or poster presentation. Proposals for workshops, tutorials, and other activities should be submitted as a brief description (250 words), with estimated space and time requirements, and will also be subjected to peer review. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by March 15, 2008. Authors retain the copyright to all submitted work and, by submitting, grant permission for inclusion in the conference proceedings. Session proposals and theme proposals for plenary or parallel sessions and panel discussions are welcome. Proposals should contain a brief description of the session theme, session organizer(s) and tentative list of all works to be included in the session. Session proposals are due by February 14, 2008. 1.1. Submission Format At the time of submission, please send two files for each work. The first file will be the contact information for the author(s) and the body of the work; and the second file any supporting material submitted as a single file or a .zip archive. Full contact information for one author must be included with each submission. The contact author is required to provide the following information in the contact information file: Research Title: Contact author name: Organization: Complete postal address: Phone/Fax: E-mail address: Designated presenter: Materials should be submitted to the Program Chair (below) electronically to Conference Proceedings A CD-ROM of the Conference Proceedings will be distributed at the conference. Full works for plenary, parallel, poster and workshop presentations will be included on the CD. Contact for submission of papers The Chairman, Technical Committee National Conference and Exhibition for Research Result Dissemination P.O. Box 30623, 00200 City Square Fax: +251 11-551-0512 Tel: +251 11-544-5022 E-mail: Conference(a)ncst.go.ke DEADLINES and KEY DATES January 15, 2008: Second Call for Papers and Sessions February 14, 2008: Final submission deadline and Workshop proposals due. March 15, 2008: Final notification of acceptance. April 15, 2008: Deadline for material to be included in the electronic proceedings, session proposals due and presenter registration deadline. April 30, 2008: Early conference registration deadline. May 10, 2008: Final conference registration deadline. May 21st, 2008: Conference Opens in Nairobi. Registration Individuals and corporate bodies or organizations who may wish to participate in the Conference and Exhibition should complete the registration form as soon as possible and returned by fax or electronically to the addresses/numbers below: REGISTRATION FORM 1st NATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION FOR DISSEMINATION OF RESEARCH RESULTS FAMILY NAME: __________________________________________________________________ OTHER NAMES: ________________________________________________________________ AFFILIATION: ___________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________________ CITY/TOWN: ____________________________________________________________________ STATE: __________________________________________________________________________ COUNTRY: ______________________________________________________________________ TEL.: ____________________________ FAX: __________________________________________ EMAIL (if any): ___________________________________________________________________ Please tick as appropriate: I/We intend to participate in the Conference/Exhibition. I/We intend to submit a paper/make poster presentation. I/We intend to exhibit. Subject Area/Product Description: __________________________________________________ Title/Precise Product or Service Name: ______________________________________________ Communication All communication, including reservations for exhibition space should be addressed to:- The Chairman, National Conference and Exhibition for Research Result Dissemination P.O. Box 30623 00200, NAIROBI Tel: (+254-2) E-mail: ncst(a)ncst.go.ke

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