- KICTANet - KICTANet

invitation to E-waste discussions
by Rebecca Wanjiku 19 Nov '07

19 Nov '07

just to remind you of this function on wednesday please confirm attendance for logistics purposes. regards becky RE: INVITATION TO KICTANETs INTRODUCTION OF THE E-WASTE PROJECT IN KENYA KICTANet is working with the Hewlett Packard, EMPA (Swiss Materials Science & Research Technology), the Global Digital solidarity Fund (DSF) on their new programme on the “Recycling of electronic waste” in Kenya . The project will assess the current conditions for electronic recycling in communities in Kenya. It also aims to explore how additional local jobs can be created in this sector as well as the development of a blueprint for a sustainable e-waste management system in Kenya in collaboration with other existing local recycling projects. Pursuant to this KICTANet is therefore inviting you an introduction meeting to be held on Wednesday November 21 at Jacaranda Hotel from 9.00a.m. to 12.30 p.m. The meeting is an opportunity for the international team from DSF, EMPA and the Kenya research team to introduce the project to a few relevant stakeholders involved and interested in E-waste in Kenya . Please confirm your attendance to Rebecca Wanjiku Evelyn Majale on 4453671/2 or email: rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com or evelyne(a)kictanet.or.ke 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 -----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: rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/rebeccawanjiku%40yahoo… ____________________________________________________________________________________ Get easy, one-click access to your favorites. Make Yahoo! your homepage. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/rebeccawanjiku%40yahoo…

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U.N. conference ponders Internet's future
by alice 17 Nov '07

17 Nov '07

U.N. conference ponders Internet's future Jack Chang | McClatchy Newspapers http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/v-print/story/21582.html RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - When more than 1,700 technology experts from around the world envision the Internet's future, they see cars and household appliances that are online, wireless Internet networks in remote African villages and astronauts e-mailing one another from different corners of outer space. Such visions of the future were trumpeted at a landmark U.N. Internet Governance Forum to plan the next stages of one of the most revolutionary communication tools in history. Participants can't make binding decisions, but can lay the groundwork for future policy. Many of the government officials, technology experts and other trendsetters at the conference, which ended Thursday, said the Internet has only now hit its stride. Key to its future, many said, will be bringing online the four-fifths of the globe that still lacks Internet access, as well as combating cybercrime and other malicious uses of the network. The next generation of technology is on its way and will make the Internet an even more integral part of people's lives, said Vinton Cerf, a U.S. computer engineer and one of the fathers of the Internet. He's now chief Internet evangelist to technology giant Google and remains a pioneer. One of his side projects is helping the National Aeronautics and Space Administration build an interplanetary network that would let astronauts e-mail each other without routing their messages through Earth. "Wherever you are, you'll have the potential to get all this information, really all of the world's knowledge," Cerf said. "If you don't take advantage of this information available to you and others do, you'll have a hard time competing." Holding up his BlackBerry, Cerf said that such mobile devices would soon become the main portal to the network, with global positioning systems that tell users where they are and what's around them, no matter where they are on the planet. He also said that molecular-scale computing would become the norm as conventional technology bumps into the laws of physics that limit how quickly processors run and how compact they can be. Molecular computing means harnessing the computing power of DNA and other biological material to run computers tens of thousands of times faster than those with today's conventional processors. For billions of people in the developing world, however, just getting online would be an improvement, said John Dada, the program director of a nonprofit Nigerian anti-poverty agency. More than 4 billion people aren't online, and many of them have never sent an e-mail or accessed a Web site, he said. Only 4 percent of Africans are online, compared with about four-fifths of U.S. residents. "There is absolute awareness of the Internet in the world," Dada said. "The hardware is the problem." -- ================================================================ Mark Graham SVP of Technology, iVillage Inc., an NBC Universal company General Manager, Astrology.com http://www.ivillage.com Office: (415) 447-6193 Ext. 830 * Cell: (917) 697-0110 ================================================================ ======================================= 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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Fwd: [Fibre-for-africa] Fwd: [APC-IGF] Notes on Access Plenary
by Eric Osiakwan 16 Nov '07

16 Nov '07

Begin forwarded message: > From: "Wairagala Wakabi" <wakabi(a)cipesa.org> > Date: 15 November 2007 12:17:57 GMT+03:00 > To: fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > Subject: [Fibre-for-africa] Fwd: [APC-IGF] Notes on Access Plenary > Reply-To: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants > <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> > > --------------------------- Original Message > ---------------------------- > Subject: [APC-IGF] Notes on Access Plenary > From: "Abi Jagun" <abi(a)apc.org> > Date: Wed, November 14, 2007 9:46 pm > To: "Private work space for APC members, staff and partners > participating in the IGF" <apc-igf(a)lists.apc.org> > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > ---- > > The panel was chaired by Helio Costa [Minister of Communications, > Brazil] and Markus Kummer [Executive Coordinator, IGF]; and was > moderated by Richard Sambrook [Director of the BBC's Global News > division]. > > Panellists were: Mike Jensen [Independent consultant/APC], Roque > Gagliano [ANTEL/NAPLA/ALAC], Valerie D'Costa [InfoDev], Sylvia Cadena > [WILAC.net] Mouhamet Diop [Next.sn], Anita Gurumurthy [ITforChange], > and Jacquelynn Ruff [Verizon]. > > Discussants were: Maui Sanford, Rajesh Bansal, Hökmark Gunnar, Sam > Paltridge, and Radhika Lal [UNDP]. > > > The moderator asked that the discussions of the panel be framed in > light of the following two considerations: (i) the characteristics of > the next billion people to be connected to the Internet - "How do they > differ from those who are already connected … Who are they and what is > needed in order to bring them online?; and (ii) issue emanating from > the demand side as well as from the traditional supply side. Issues > arising from the supply perspective include - regulation, law, policy, > competition, capacity building etc. Whilst demand side considerations > include issues of cost, ease of use, relevance of content, access for > the elderly and those with disabilities, questions of language, and > the crucial link between access and development. > > > Key issues and/or suggestions that emerged from the Access Panel > are as > follows: > > 1. There was recognition that availability of Internet infrastructure > must be considered hand-in-hand with the affordability of the > infrastructure. > > 2. There was recognition that more concrete efforts at building demand > for the Internet are required and an important aspect of this is the > availability of content and affordability of access. To facilitate > this, it was suggested that local content and traffic should be "kept" > (in terms of hosting and transmission) at the local level. This is > because "Internet transit cost[a] is one of the main problems for > developing countries" (Gagliano) and are usually borne (100%) by > service providers/operators in the developing countries. With this in > mind, it was suggested that greater support (in terms of regulation > and backbone infrastructure) be given to the establishment and > sustainability of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) at both national and > regional levels. > > 3. With respect to high transit costs, the need for developing > countries/regions to take advantage of the "savings" that can be made > by adopting a regional policy of interconnected IXPs and thereby > "break through the transit model and … [usher in a] … peering model" > (Diop). > > 4. It was also recognised that for affordable and universal access to > be achieved, the competitive environment in developing nations needs > to be developed. This requires that regulatory and policy regimes be > improved – in particular the "long-term monopolies, duopolies or cosy > cartels" (Jensen) that exist in the key areas of international > gateways, backhaul/terrestrial networks and mobile sector need to be > addressed. Other regulatory and policy areas that need to be looked > into are interconnection, number portability, and the expansion and/or > increase in diversity of organisations that are able to > deliver/provide telecom services – these include community operators, > municipal authorities, cooperatives etc. > > 5. There was recognition that improvements in international and > national fibre optic network require new models for deployment. It > was suggested that backhaul networks be viewed as a public good (in > much the same way as roads are) and that in this respect their > deployment be coordinated with other infrastructure projects – such as > new road, rail, electricity, gas pipelines etc. The position can also > be taken that "…development finance for these types of infrastructure > projects should be conditional on including fibre in their > deployment." (Jensen) > > 6. In considering the suggested need for greater coordination in the > deployment of fibre in new infrastructure projects; it was highlighted > that priority should be given to energy infrastructure and in > particular electrification projects. > > 7. Reviewing regulatory and policy regimes, and achieving greater > coordination in the deployment of infrastructure (amongst others) > requires that the capacity of regulators be built up significantly ... > > 8. In order to improve and achieve more informed policy- and > decision-making, the need to rethink indicators used for measuring > progress/performance was highlighted. Those that are currently > collated and used are often characterised by a significant time lag > (sometimes of up to two to three years) which negatively impacts on > the reliability and realism of decisions on which they are based. It > was therefore suggested that more up-to-date Internet metrics - such > as autonomous system numbers, domain names, Internet protocol > addresses etc. – be incorporated into the repertoire of (global) > telecom/Internet metrics. > > 9. There was recognition of the tremendous strides that have been made > by mobile and wireless technologies in enabling developing country > populations to gain access communication services. It was recognised > that the mobile phone has been instrumental in this success and > suggested that this technology, and the many initiatives that have > adapted its use at the local/"grass root" level be considered for > inclusion in future connectivity/access plans. This would suggest > that such "community-based" initiatives be considered at par with > telco-led roll-out plans – especially with reference to rural areas > and marginalised/under-served communities; and where funding provision > exists for universal service. > > 10. It was recognised that adopting a more "demand side" perspective > to the access problem/issue calls for a better understanding of the > needs of users – and in particular the needs of "the next billion" to > be connected. It was felt that an understanding and articulation of > "what the critical Internet use issues[b] are in underserved > communities" (D'Costa) will help to better identify the relevance of > telecoms and ICT to development, and in initiating access solutions > that better serve these communities. > > 11. Recognising the needs of users – especially those in rural > communities, highlights the importance of translating and promoting > local languages and local customs as this facilitates the use of > communications networks by these communities. An appreciation of the > culture and incorporation of local languages also helps to promote and > develop the skills of the members of the community in using the > networks and in adapting them to their needs. This can significantly > improve the sustainability and continuity of the network (Cadena). > > 12. In developing countries; rural areas can no longer be treated as > the exception: "when in truth [in cited specific instance] more than > 70% of the population lives in rural areas" (Cadena). It was > therefore recognised that some reform/modification of regulation and > policy is required to facilitate the implementation of access > solutions in these areas. Specific areas highlighted include the > removal of charges and/or duties applied to new technologies that are > particularly suited to such areas. > > 13. Also with respect to rural and remote areas, it was suggested that > certain services - such as communication during emergencies and > disasters, should be provided as a public good (and considered more > important than any economic interest). > > 14. There was the recognition that access is more than connectivity > and that the tools used in connecting to the Internet – in particular > their adaptation and adequacy of use –are also important. The need > for capacity building around technological development and adaptation > that would ensure that connectivity tools are "fit for use". > > 15. It was highlighted that when it comes to providing access to poor > communities: "the most meaningful ICT models … are not just about > creating demand loops for individual users to pay, but models that > address systemic and institutional change through ICTs" (Gurumurthy). > It was suggested that Telecoms/ICTs can and should therefore be > embedded within social development initiatives and in these > circumstances be delivered as a public good. It was emphasised that a > "public goods approach to ICT" does not negate the need and relevance > of market-orientated approaches to Internet access; rather each > approach has its own area of application. > > 16. It was noted that access, from the perspective of the deployment > of infrastructure, is capital intensive and that capital available for > investments in infrastructure is international in nature. This > emphasises the capacity developing countries must have in attracting > investment/capital. Areas that facilitate attractiveness for > investment were identified as including transparent and stable > regulatory environment; respect for the rule of law; openness to > foreign investment; a commitment to encouraging competition; good > licensing and spectrum allocation procedures, a flexibility for > innovative services etc. > > > [a] This relates to the cost of accessing Internet ports that are > generally located outside developing countries and also the cost of > transmission to and from these ports all of which are borne (100%) by > the service provider in the developing country. > > [b] Examples of these include how such use substitutes for a two or > three day journey to the nearest town. How it can help a citizen > better engage more effectively with a local or their municipal > authority. How it can help a small business to expand its market > reach, or its distribution network. How it can help new entertainment > and information possibilities open up to those citizens. (D'Costa) > _______________________________________________ > Apc-igf mailing list > Apc-igf(a)lists.apc.org > http://mailman-new.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/apc-igf > > > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > 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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AFNOG 2008 ANNOUNCEMENT & WORKSHOP APPLICATION
by Badru Ntege 15 Nov '07

15 Nov '07

AFNOG & AFRINIC JOINT ANNOUNCEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2008 9th AfNOG MEETING AfriNIC-8 MEETING The African Network Operators' Group (AfNOG) and the African Network Information Centre (AfriNIC) are pleased to announce that the 9th AfNOG Meeting and the AfriNIC-8 Meeting will be held Rabat, Morocco, in May /June 2008. ABOUT THE ENTIRE EVENT AfNOG and AfriNIC are jointly organising a two-week event that includes the AfNOG Workshop on Network Technology (offering advanced training in a week-long hands-on workshop), several full-day Advanced Tutorials, a one-day AfNOG Meeting, and a two-day AfriNIC Public Policy Meeting and Annual General Meeting. In addition, several side meetings and workshops will be hosted in collaboration with other organizations such as the AAU and ISOC. Further information about the event may be found at <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/> and <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/>. TIMETABLE Unix Boot Camp 24 - 25 May 2008 (Saturday - Sunday) AfNOG Workshop 26 - 30 May 2008 (Monday - Friday) AfriNIC IPV6 W/shop 31 May - 1 June 2008 (Saturday - Sunday) AfREN Meeting 31 May - 1 June 2008 (Saturday - Sunday) AfNOG Tutorials 1 - 2 June 2008 (Sunday - Monday) AfriNIC LIR W/shop 2 June 2008 (Monday) AfNOG Meeting 3 June 2008 (Tuesday) AfriNIC-8 Meeting 4 - 5 June 2008 (Wednesday - Thursday) Africa INET Day 6 June 2008 (Friday) VENUE The Workshop, Tutorials, AfREN Forum, IPv6, LIR (24 May - 2nd June 2008) will be held at Mohammadia Engineering Institute, Rabat. All Conferences (3 - 6 June 2008) will be held at the Golden Tulip Farah, Rabat, Morocco. ABOUT AfNOG AfNOG (see <http://www.afnog.org/>) is a forum for cooperation and the exchange of technical information between operators of Internet-connected networks in Africa. AfNOG has organised an event like this one every year since 2000. ABOUT AFRINIC AfriNIC (see <http://www.afrinic.net/>) is a Regional Internet Registry (RIR), responsible for Internet resources Mangement in Africa region. AfriNIc organises two Public Policy meetings every year (see <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/>). AfNOG WORKSHOP ON NETWORK TECHNOLOGY The AfNOG Workshop on Network Technology aims to offer advanced training to people who are in the process of developing and enhancing an Internet-connected network with regional and international connectivity. The target audience includes senior and mid-level technical staff of commercial Internet service providers (ISPs), academic networks, government networks, or NGO networks. This workshop builds on the experience of previous AfNOG workshops held annually from 2000 to 2007 in eight different African countries, and also the Internet Society's INET workshops, held annually from 1993 to 2000 at eight locations around the world. The workshop's instructors are an international team with many years of experience operating large networks and teaching about network operations. The workshop is divided into four parallel tracks: SA-E - Unix System Administration (in English), focused on using a Unix-like operating system as a platform for delivery of Internet services. SS-E - Scalable Internet Services (in English), focused on the design and operation of email, web, and other Internet services, in ways that can scale to handle large numbers of end users. SI-E - Scalable Network Infrastructure (in English), focused on the design and operation of networks using routers and switches, in ways that can scale to handle large numbers of interconnected sites. SI-F - Infrastructure Reseaux IP (en francais), similar to SI-E, but given in French. Further information and online application form for the workshop can be found at <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/workshop/online_application.html> AfREN MEETING The Africa Research and Education Networking community will be holding a two-day meeting on 31 May and 1 June 2008. The meeting will discuss issues of interest to the NREN community such as coordination on activites in the region, advocacy, bandwidth consortia, regional RENs etc AfNOG TUTORIALS AfNOG will offer 1 to 2 full-day(s) tutorials on advanced topics. Tutorials take place in a classroom-style environment, and may include a hands-on practical component. Tutorials are non-commercial in nature, and most are technically oriented. They are intended to offer advanced training on technology already deployed or soon to be deployed on networking and related services provisioning for ISP operations. 9th AfNOG MEETING The 9th AfNOG meeting will be held in Rabat, Morocco, on 3 June 2008. AfNOG conferences provide a forum for the coordination and dissemination of technical information related to backbone/enterprise networking technologies and operational practices. The meetings are informal, with an emphasis on relevance to current and future African backbone engineering practices. The AfNOG 2007 conference in Abuja, Nigeria, drew over 165 participants, mainly consisting of network engineering staff from national service providers, and members of the research and education community. People interested in making a presentation or chairing a panel discussion at the AfNOG meeting are invited to to submit a proposal, following the instructions at <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/conference/> AfRINIC-8 MEETING The AfriNIC-8 meeting will be held in Rabat, Morocco, on 4 and 5 June 2008. AfriNIC Meetings are open to everyone and provide an excellent opportunity to take part in Internet policy discussions. These policies, which describe how Internet Number Resources should be managed and distributed, are developed by the community. The meeting will include tutorials, presentations, update on the various working groups and the AfriNIC Public Policy Meeting. The two day meeting will be preceeded by a two-day IPv6 training. The meeting will focus on the IPv6 protocol and its deployment, especially in Africa and the issue of the exhaustion of the IPv4 pool of address space. There will be an opportunity to discuss the challenges which our region will be facing with the exhaustion. Further information is available at <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/>. ISOC - INET AfRICA MEETING The Internet Society will be organizing an INET Africa Conference on 6 June 2008 in conjunction with the AfriNIC 8 and AfNOG 9 meetings in Rabat, Morocco. This meeting will focus on technical as well as policy aspects surrounding Internet standards development and applications, with special attention on localisation and education initiatives, and efforts to further internationalise the Internet. The meeting is also expected to open discussion on Internet governance issues of importance to the continent. Issued jointly by AfNOG and AfriNIC ------ AfNOG 2008 WORKSHOP ON NETWORK TECHNOLOGY - APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION Please see <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/workshop/> for information about the AfNOG 2008 Workshop on Network Technology. If you have questions regarding this announcement and application, they may be addressed to: <workshopinfo08(a)afnog.org> WHERE TO APPLY - You can fill in an application on line, at <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/workshop/online_application.html> - You can download a copy of the application form from <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/workshop/application-form.txt>, or request a copy via email to <applications08(a)afnog.org>. Then fill it in off-line, and email it to <workshop-apply08(a)afnog.org>. The "Subject" line of the message should contain your surname or family name in the following format: Subject: AfNOG Workshop Application: <your-family-name> WHEN TO APPLY Application forms must be submitted no later than 7 December 2007. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance to the program and the amount of financial aid available (if any) on or about 31st January 2008. INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED ON YOUR APPLICATION Please ensure that all of the contact information you submit is and accurate, or we will not be able to contact you. Please give detailed answers to the questions about your work and your experience. If your are applying for financial assistance from AfNOG, please do not forget to answer the questions about other funding sources available to you. A. PERSONAL DATA FAMILY NAME (LAST NAME, SURNAME) ONLY: Full Name: Employer/Organization Position/Title: Business Address: Business Telephone: Alternate Telephone: E-mail address: Fax: Date of birth: Nationality: Name as it appears on passport or other travel document: Passport number: Country issuing passport: Date passport was issued: Date of passport expiration: Knowledge of English /French: Please rate your knowledge in these categories: Listening/comprehension: minimal / fair / good / excellent Reading: minimal / fair / good / excellent Speaking: minimal / fair / good / excellent Writing: minimal / fair / good / excellent Please indicate with an asterisk (*) the most reliable addresses and telephone/fax numbers above which can be used to reach you. B. COURSE OF INSTRUCTION Instructional track applied for (Please select only one track; the tracks will run concurrently): [ ] SA-E - UNIX SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION [ ] SS-E- SCALABLE INTERNET SERVICES [ ] SI-E - SCALABLE NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE [ ] SI-F - INFRASTRUCTURE RESEAUX (French Track - equivanent to SI-E) Please indicate your specific interests within the area you have chosen: C. TECHNICAL SKILLS 1. Are you a UNIX user? How much have you used it? 2. Have you been a UNIX system administrator? Describe your experience (length of time, versions, etc.). 3 Have you used/administered TCP/IP networks? Describe. 4. Have you set up and/or administered any of the following? Please give details. - bind or any other nameservers - sendmail/smail/exim/postfix - majordomo/mailman or other list manager - apache/IIS web systems 5. Have you configured or otherwise managed any of the following? Details, please. - routers - switches - network monitoring - noc D. DESCRIPTION OF ROLE IN NATIONAL NETWORKING ACTIVITIES Bearing in mind that this information will be used to determine whether to admit you to the workshop, please provide in the format of your choice the following information about yourself. Please be sure that it is sufficiently clear, well organized and adequate for this purpose. 1. A description of your current employer, your position, your duties and responsibilities, and how they relate to current and future data networking activities in your country. 2. A brief description of your computing and networking environment (operating systems, networking software, modems, etc.), including the connectivity of your organization to the Internet and your country's connectivity to the international Internet. 3a. Scope of your institution (check all categories that apply): [ ] Commercial Network Provider [ ] Academic Network Provider [ ] NGO Network Provider [ ] Other (Specify)______________ 3b. Approximate number of full time staff at your institution:________ 4. How your training and current work prepare and qualify you for the track you wish to attend. 5. How you expect to use the knowledge you gain at the workshop after you return to your country. 6. If you have previously attended AfNOG/INET Workshops for Developing Countries, a. Year and track you attended: b. A precise description of how you have used the training you have received in the past: c. The significant advances in networking which have occurred in your country specifically because of your knowledge and effort: E. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Your application must contain the following complete information if you wish to be considered for financial support to attend the workshop. The Workshop fee is US$1,600. This includes accommodation and meals. Applicants are usually expected to provide their own funding (from whatever sources). However AfNOG or its sponsors may make a limited financial assistance available to deserving candidates. Even if you request financial assistance you might not receive any, and your acceptance into the Workshop will be conditional on your ability to provide all or most of the funding yourself. Although you may be well qualified and in great need of financial assistance, the maximum funds AfNOG or its sponsors may provide is US$1,000 in financial assistance for BOTH WORKSHOP FEES AND AIRFARE. Payment for the workshop may be made by funds transfer, bank / certified cheque or in cash. Further details will be provided in the admission letter to successful candidates. NOTE : YOUR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE WORKSHOP MAY BEPEND ON YOUR ABILITY TO PROVIDE SOME OR ALL THE WORKSHOP FEES. 1. Are you are requesting financial aid from the AfNOG Workshop for attending the workshop and meetings? [ ] Yes [ ] No 2. If you are requesting financial aid to cover the workshop fee, please provide a complete list of funding sources in the following form. The list should contain all sources of funds that are available to you for payment of the workshop fee. The amounts should total U.S.$1,600. 1. Your Institution -- U.S.$ __________ 2. Your Government -- U.S.$ __________ 3. From international organizations -- U.S.$ __________ 4. Your personal contribution -- U.S.$ __________ 5. Amount you ask from AfNOG -- U.S.$ __________ (less than $1,000) _________________________________ TOTAL Income = U.S.$1,600.00 (PLEASE SELECT ONLY ONE - WORKSHOP FEES OR AIRFARE) 3. Will you need financial assistance for airfare? If so, how much will you or your institution be contributing? [ ] No, assistance for airfare not needed. [ ] Yes, assistance needed. (less than $1,000) Amount of your contribution: U.S.$_________ 4. If you are requesting financial support for airfare, please provide a good estimate of round trip, lowest economy excursion airfare between your place of residence and Cassablanca, Morocco, in May 2008. (Flights from Africa terminate at Cassablanca, connection to Rabat can be made by bus or train). 1. Airfare: 2. Airline: 3. Type of fare: 4. City of departure: 5. Source of your estimate: Signature (your name as you would sign it): __________________________ Date:___________________ _______________________________________________ afnog mailing list http://afnog.org/mailman/listinfo/afnog

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FW: [ke-internetusers] ICT Board's accreditation of BPO Society
by Harry Hare 15 Nov '07

15 Nov '07

Apologies for cross-posting. Harry _____ From: ke-internetusers-bounces(a)bdix.net [mailto:ke-internetusers-bounces@bdix.net] On Behalf Of robert yawe Sent: Monday, November 12, 2007 11:37 PM To: Internet user group Subject: [ke-internetusers] ICT Board's accreditation of BPO Society This morning I attended a breakfast meeting hosted by the newly appointed ICT Board but which turned out to be a flag waving event for some private club called the BPO Society. It is interesting what happens when you pick private sector people and give them the mandate to run a public institution. Last time I checked single sourcing for government services can only be done after requesting exemption from the Ministry of Finance, but I stand corrected. The ICT Board has unilaterally appointed the BPO Society as the only bona fide forwarder of licensing applications for any BPO business, under which gazette notice was this status issued? It is interesting how a state agency can send me to pay a private club (Kes. 35,000/-) for them to forward my application to set up a business. Even at the height of bureaucracy institutions like the Chamber of Commerce never had such powers, so where does the ICT Board get the authority to single source for a vetting agency? The answer to the whole issue came out in a subtle manner on one of the slides US$ 11.4 Million (Kes. 0.75 Billion) for capacity building of the BPO industry. Somebody seriously needs to monitor this new private sector dream teams. This are the acts that stifle young industries, I think to grow the BPO business in this country we need to have the government look the other way to let entrepreneurs do what they have to do like the council did with the issue of private garbage collectors and CCK with courier service providers. Let legislation follow ingenuity & creativity, the other way just doesn't work. Robert Yawe _____ Yahoo! Answers - Get better answers from someone who knows. Try <http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTEydmViNG02BF9TAzIxMTQ3MTcxOTAEc2VjA 21haWwEc2xrA3RhZ2xpbmU> it now.

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Internet growth calls for address migration
by Alex Gakuru 15 Nov '07

15 Nov '07

[Folks, incidentally migration to IPv6 from IPv4 is much emphasized at the internet Governance Forum (or IGF) meetings ending today here at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - and I have taken very good note of the consequences of NOT migrating. Various Kenyans here assembled a team put up quite an impressive "Best Practices on multi-stakeholders participation". GoK, CCK, KENET, KIXP, KICTAnet presentations received accolades:) Thanks KeNIC for excellent read below-- AlexG] --- <http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4286&Item…> [Business Daily] Internet growth calls for address migration Written by Beatrice Gachenge November 14, 2007: <snip> With the advent of more dynamic technology gadgets, more hosts are encroaching into the Internet, leading to the fast depletion of Internet protocol addresses commonly known as IP address. It was bound to happen, but not as expected. Who would have thought in the early 1980s that a mobile phone or a camera phone would be connected to the Internet ? How about refrigerators, and motor vehicles? Now, one of the latest gizmos connected to the net is an umbrella, that has Google Earth navigation on it. And the experiments are getting weirder and wilder by the day! The current protocol in utility today is known as IPV4 that has run the Internet for more than 20 years. Over the years it has started showing its limit mainly with the running out of number identifiers associated to it, known as IP addresses. IP addresses are used to route traffic on the Internet and can be seen as the backbone of the Internet and they are used to identify hosts that are connected to the Internet. Vincent Ngundi, acting administrative manager of Kenya Network Information Centre, says that with the Internet becoming part of everyday life, more people are aggressively using it and most business processes have now been converted into online applications.... <snip>

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Digital Community Villages with social Enterprise.
by Jose' 15 Nov '07

15 Nov '07

The 4th telecentres leaders forum organized by Ugabytes initiative in Uganda saw up to six countries being represented across the board being Uganda, Kenya Tanania,Rwanda,Burundi and Sudan. We were privileged on the last day to have the presence of the minister for Communication in Uganda Honorable Alintuma Nsambu. The workshop being facilitated by Mr.Loic who is an expert on Social Entrepreneurship from an organization called Nesst brought out the topic of social enterprise more practical than said. What was noted all through the forum was that Digital Villages(telecentres) need to adopt new strategies and innovativeness for self reliance that reaches out to the community yet at the same time catalyze development through social enterprise within the community members. Before telecentres embark into social entrepreneurship, what is encouraged is to carry out a need assessment so that the project can be embraced by the community. To make a digital village be self reliant and non dependent on donars,the following needs to be carried out to ensure success. 1) The Digital Village(Telecentre) needs to have a clear Mission 2) Have a healthy relation with the key players being the community running up the ladder to its partners and friends of the organization. 3) Have committed constituents. 4) Ability to adopt new trends and be flexible 5) Have a strong leadership. 6) Enable legal political and social environment 7) Accountability is key 8) Have sufficient financial resources 9) Have valuable and useful results or impact 10) Have effective high quality or work program. The Honorable Minister Nsambu pointed out that his government is behind every effort to support digital Villages as he introduced a new computer that is being produced that uses Solar energy. This is Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri Reporting. --------------------------------- Get easy, one-click access to your favorites. Make Yahoo! your homepage.

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Fwd: [aisi-l] SEACOM gets funding boost
by Eric Osiakwan 14 Nov '07

14 Nov '07

Begin forwarded message: > From: "Wairagala Wakabi" <wakabi(a)cipesa.org> > Date: 14 November 2007 10:56:10 GMT+03:00 > To: "African Information Society Initiative - Discussion Forum" > <aisi-l(a)lyris.bellanet.org> > Cc: discuss(a)afrispa.org, "Eric Osiakwan" <eric(a)afrispa.org>, > gispa(a)yahoogroups.com, africann(a)afrinic.net, "African Information > Society Initiative - Discussion Forum" <aisi-l(a)lyris.bellanet.org>, > "Ghana Information Networking and Knowledge Sharing" > <ginks(a)dgroups.org>, afnog(a)afnog.org, "KICTAnet ICT Policy > Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>, afrinic- > discuss(a)afrinic.net > Subject: [aisi-l] SEACOM gets funding boost > Reply-To: "African Information Society Initiative - Discussion > Forum" <aisi-l(a)lyris.bellanet.org> > > Netters, > Its backers are saying SEACOM will be the only new cable completed > in time > to give South Africa the bandwidth needed for the 2010 WC, with > "actual > production of the fibreoptic cable and undersea facilities" > starting next > week. SA's SNO, NEOTEL, has helped marshal capital from local > financial > heavyweights, enabling NEOTEL to be owned 50% by South Africans. > > Tut Tut... > > Wakabi > > > Sea cable venture lands big investors > > By Lesley Stones, Business Day, November 14 2007 > > AN UNDERSEA cable promising cheap bandwidth for Africa yesterday > finally > named its backers, signing up enough well-connected local investors to > guarantee its landing rights in SA. > > Investment heavyweight Venfin is sinking $75m into the project, > taking a > 25% stake in the 15000km cable linking SA to India and Europe. > > Cyril Ramaphosa’s black investment house Shanduka is taking 12,5%, > worth > $37,5m. Another 12,5% goes to Convergence Partners, a group of black > investors led by Andile Ngcaba, the chairman of Dimension Data > Africa and > a former director-general of the communications department. Nedbank > Capital and Investec will provide financing for the $650m project. > > SA’s second network operator, Neotel, is pumping in a far more modest > R20m, and using its telecoms licence to guarantee that the cable > can dock > in SA. > > The local ownership is sufficient to ensure that Seacom meets > controversial new conditions being drawn up by Communications > Minister Ivy > Matsepe-Casaburri, dictating who can land a cable in SA. The > minister is > insisting that any cable must be majority owned by African > investors to > come ashore. > > South Africans hold 50% of Seacom, and that rises to 75% African > ownership > thanks to 25% held by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development’s > Industrial Promotion Services, a development agency based in Kenya. > > The remaining 25% lies with New York’s Herakles Telecom, a development > group that has invested $4bn in Africa. > > Neotel is investing only in the local landing station, but its > licence to > operate in SA conferred on it the right to land a cable, said MD Ajay > Pandey. > > “Our understanding is that the country needs international > capacity, and > the way international cable landing protocols have been defined > means we > have the opportunity here.” > > Venfin CEO Jannie Durand said Neotel’s licence to land a cable in > SA meant > everything had been done “legally and correctly”. Venfin was backing > Seacom for two reasons, he said: “We are hopefully going to make a > lot of > money out of it and SA needs more bandwidth. We want to bring SA > affordable bandwidth to the rest of the world.” > > Although the cable will cost $650m, it would be partly funded by > loans as > well as equity, allowing Venfin to take 25% for less than the book > value > of the project, Durand said. > > Pandey believes Seacom will be the onlyThe actual production of the > fibreoptic cable and undersea facilities will start next week. > > The consortium has already invested more than $10m in a marine > survey and > engineering of the cable. The actual production of the fibreoptic > cable > and undersea facilities will start next week. > > Seacom will connect Mtunzini in SA to Mumbai in India and > Marseilles in > France via Mozambique, Madagascar, Kenya and Tanzania by June 2009. > > Terrestrial links will be built to take its bandwidth to numerous > other > inland countries. Its capacity of 1,28 terabytes per second is 10 > times > the capacity on the existing Sat-3 cable around Africa’s west coast. > > The consortium has promised that it will charge other voice and data > carriers significantly less for its bandwidth than they pay to use > Sat-3 > or satellite services, which should trigger a massive decrease in > the cost > of phone calls, internet access and data transmissions for African > consumers and businesses. > > “Improved access for business and individuals in Africa to > communications, > broadband services and new technology offerings can improve lives > and help > grow the economies of our countries,” said Ngcaba, the chairman of > Convergence Partners. “The linking of southern and east Africa with > India > and Europe is crucial for enhancing development and trade between > these > key regions.” > > gies that will deliver affordable broadband >> services open to all. Leveraging existing internet access point as >> hubs could be a very good starting point to build license-free >> point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, mesh or even cellular networks >> that will reach the masses in the villages. It will be nice when >> someone leaves the town to visit relatives in the village and not >> lost >> connectivity to the wireless space because their provider does not >> offer services yet in that area. Think of a cell phone with WIFI >> capabilities that accesses paid networks in towns and free WIFI >> access >> at the village sector. So in town, you will use your paid >> services, in >> the village you will use the free WIFI access...how nice will that >> be? >> >> Wilfred >> >> >> ----- Message from eric(a)afrispa.org --------- >> Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2007 09:33:30 +0300 >> From: Eric Osiakwan <eric(a)afrispa.org> >> Reply-To: Discuss(a)afrispa.org >> Subject: [AfrISPA.Discuss] Five Goals of Connect Africa >> To: discuss(a)afrispa.org, KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions >> <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>, gispa(a)yahoogroups.com, Ghana >> Information Networking and Knowledge Sharing <ginks(a)dgroups.org>, APC >> - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants >> <Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org>, africann(a)afrinic.net, >> afrinic-discuss(a)afrinic.net, afnog(a)afnog.org, African Information >> Society Initiative - Discussion Forum <aisi-l(a)lyris.bellanet.org> >> >> >>> Dear All, >>> >>> The Connect Africa Summit justed ended in Kigali with the following >>> five major goals; >>> >>> Goal 1. Interconnect all African capitals with ICT Broadband >>> infrastructure and strengthen connectivity to the rest of the >>> world by >>> 2012 as well as interconnect major African cities by 2015. >>> Goal 2. Connect all African villages to broadband ICT services >>> by 2012 >>> and implement shared access initiatives such as community tele- >>> centres >>> and village phones. >>> Goal 3. Adopt key regulatory measures that promote affordable, >>> widespread access to a full range of bradband ICT services, >>> including >>> technology and service neutral licensing/authorisation practises, >>> allocating spectrum for multiple, competitive broadband wireless >>> service providers, creating national internext exchange points >>> (IXPs) >>> and implementing competition in the provision of international >>> internet connectivity. >>> Goal 4. Support the development of a critical mass of ICT Skills >>> required by the knowledge economy, notably through the >>> estamishment of >>> ICT Centres of Excellence network in each sub-region of Africa >>> and ICT >>> capacity-building and training centres in each country, with the >>> aim >>> of achieving a borad network of inter-linked physical and virtual >>> centres, whiles ensuring coordination between academia and >>> industry by >>> 2015. >>> Goal 5. Adopt a national e-strategy, including a cyber-security >>> framework, and deploy at least one flagship e-government service as >>> well as e-education, e-commerce and e-health services using >>> accessible >>> technologies in each country in Africa by 2012, with the aim of >>> making >>> multiple e-government and other e-services widely available by >>> 2015. >>> >>> The African ICT Ministers have also shortlisted some projects under >>> ARAPKE which would be implenented through Connect Africa @ http:// >>> www.itu.int/ITU-D/connect/africa/2007/bgdmaterial/flagship-11.html >>> >>> It is important that we all engage and ensure that these ICT >>> goals are >>> met by 2012 and the larger MDGS by 2015. >>> >>> Thank you and sorry 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" >> >> >> ----- End message from eric(a)afrispa.org ----- >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Fibre-for-africa mailing list >> Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org >> http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa >> > > > > --- > You are currently subscribed to aisi-l as: [eric.osiakwan(a)netplux.com] > To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-aisi- > l-40669L(a)lyris.bellanet.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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Gear up to being nominated or nominate yourself for ICANN constituencies!!
by Rebecca Wanjiku 13 Nov '07

13 Nov '07

Please apply! The Nom Com's 2008 website will be available soon, and candidate recruitment is anticipated to begin in mid-December 2007. Here is the breakdown of representatives from the region now: Board: Njeri Rionge (June 2003 - November 2008) GNSO: NONE as you can see here: http://gnso.icann.org/council/members.shtml CCNSO: Victor Ciza - Burundi - Term ends Mar-09 Paulos B. Nyirenda – Malawi – T erm ends Mar-10 Mohamed El Bashir - Sudan - Term ends Mar-08 Nashwa Abdelbaki - Egyot Term ends 2010 ALAC: Africa Mohamed El Bashir 4 (Sudan) Hawa Diakite4 (Mali) Alice Wanjira-Munyua2 (Kenya) 2008 ICANN Nominating Committee Convenes in Los Angeles 7 November 2007 The 2008 ICANN Nominating Committee (Nom Com) has been convened and met for the first time on 2-3 November, immediately following the 30th International ICANN Public Meeting in Los Angeles, California. Prior to the Los Angeles meeting, on 11 September 2007, the ICANN Board appointed Hagen Hultzsch as Nom Com Chair. Hagen has selected Wolfgang Kleinwaechter as Associate Chair. Due to the bylaws, George Sadowsky, the previous Nom Com Chair will serve as an advisor to the current Nom Com. 2008 Nom Com will select: Two members of the ICANN Board of Directors One member of the Council of the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) One member of the Council of the Country-Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO) Two members of the At Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) (European and North American regions) Those selected by the Nom Com will take their seats at the end of the 2008 ICANN Annual Meeting, 7 November 2008. First tasks of the Committee were to begin work on procedures and a timeline for activities during 2007-2008. The Nom Com's 2008 website will be available soon, and candidate recruitment is anticipated to begin in mid-December 2007. The Nom Com intends to hold a workshop during the ICANN meeting in Delhi, India to provide information about progress and process and answer questions. The workshop will be webcast and remote access provided. The date of the workshop will be confirmed once the Delhi meeting schedule is finalized. The following individuals have been appointed to the 2008 Nominating Committee: Hagen Hultzsch - Chair Wolfgang Kleinwaechter - Associate Chair George Sadowsky - Advisor to the Chair (as previous Chair of the Nom Com) Karen Banks - GNSO, Non-Commercial Users Constituency Phil Davidson - Technical Liaison Group Ute Decker - GNSO, Intellectual Property Constituency Grant Forsyth - GNSO, Business Constituency (Large) Matias Altamira Gigena - ALAC, Latin American and Caribbean Hartmut Glaser - Address Supporting Organization Caroline Greer - GNSO, Registry Constituency Ole Jacobsen - Internet Engineering Task Force Khaled Koubaa - ALAC, Africa Bill Manning - Root Server System Advisory Committee (non-voting liaison) Desiree Miloshevic - ALAC, Europe Ram Mohan - Security and Stability Advisory Committee (non-voting liaison) Ross Rader - ALAC, North America Jose Luiz Rebeiro-Filho, Higher Education Representative Greg Ruth - GNSO, Internet Service Providers Constituency Waudo Siganga - GNSO, Business Constituency (Small) Paul Stahura - GNSO, Registrars Constituency Karaitiana Taiuru - ALAC, Asia Pacific Christopher To - Country Code Names Supporting Organization The Nominating Committee Review was published on 24 October 2007. The review and 2008 Nom Com are independent activities. The Nom Com website can be found at http://nomcom.icann.org. Further information on the invitation for statements of interests in ICANN leadership positions will be posted in the near future. _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann -- becky beckyit.blogspot.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Anne-Rachel Inné <annerachel(a)gmail.com> Date: Nov 8, 2007 12:54 PM Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] Gear up to being nominated or nominate yourself for ICANN constituencies!! To: africann(a)afrinic.net Please apply! The Nom Com's 2008 website will be available soon, and candidate recruitment is anticipated to begin in mid-December 2007. Here is the breakdown of representatives from the region now: Board: Njeri Rionge (June 2003 - November 2008) GNSO: NONE as you can see here: http://gnso.icann.org/council/members.shtml CCNSO: Victor Ciza - Burundi - Term ends Mar-09 Paulos B. Nyirenda – Malawi – T erm ends Mar-10 Mohamed El Bashir - Sudan - Term ends Mar-08 Nashwa Abdelbaki - Egyot Term ends 2010 ALAC: Africa Mohamed El Bashir 4 (Sudan) Hawa Diakite4 (Mali) Alice Wanjira-Munyua2 (Kenya) 2008 ICANN Nominating Committee Convenes in Los Angeles 7 November 2007 The 2008 ICANN Nominating Committee (Nom Com) has been convened and met for the first time on 2-3 November, immediately following the 30th International ICANN Public Meeting in Los Angeles, California. Prior to the Los Angeles meeting, on 11 September 2007, the ICANN Board appointed Hagen Hultzsch as Nom Com Chair. Hagen has selected Wolfgang Kleinwaechter as Associate Chair. Due to the bylaws, George Sadowsky, the previous Nom Com Chair will serve as an advisor to the current Nom Com. 2008 Nom Com will select: Two members of the ICANN Board of Directors One member of the Council of the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) One member of the Council of the Country-Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO) Two members of the At Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) (European and North American regions) Those selected by the Nom Com will take their seats at the end of the 2008 ICANN Annual Meeting, 7 November 2008. First tasks of the Committee were to begin work on procedures and a timeline for activities during 2007-2008. The Nom Com's 2008 website will be available soon, and candidate recruitment is anticipated to begin in mid-December 2007. The Nom Com intends to hold a workshop during the ICANN meeting in Delhi, India to provide information about progress and process and answer questions. The workshop will be webcast and remote access provided. The date of the workshop will be confirmed once the Delhi meeting schedule is finalized. The following individuals have been appointed to the 2008 Nominating Committee: Hagen Hultzsch - Chair Wolfgang Kleinwaechter - Associate Chair George Sadowsky - Advisor to the Chair (as previous Chair of the Nom Com) Karen Banks - GNSO, Non-Commercial Users Constituency Phil Davidson - Technical Liaison Group Ute Decker - GNSO, Intellectual Property Constituency Grant Forsyth - GNSO, Business Constituency (Large) Matias Altamira Gigena - ALAC, Latin American and Caribbean Hartmut Glaser - Address Supporting Organization Caroline Greer - GNSO, Registry Constituency Ole Jacobsen - Internet Engineering Task Force Khaled Koubaa - ALAC, Africa Bill Manning - Root Server System Advisory Committee (non-voting liaison) Desiree Miloshevic - ALAC, Europe Ram Mohan - Security and Stability Advisory Committee (non-voting liaison) Ross Rader - ALAC, North America Jose Luiz Rebeiro-Filho, Higher Education Representative Greg Ruth - GNSO, Internet Service Providers Constituency Waudo Siganga - GNSO, Business Constituency (Small) Paul Stahura - GNSO, Registrars Constituency Karaitiana Taiuru - ALAC, Asia Pacific Christopher To - Country Code Names Supporting Organization The Nominating Committee Review was published on 24 October 2007. The review and 2008 Nom Com are independent activities. The Nom Com website can be found at http://nomcom.icann.org. Further information on the invitation for statements of interests in ICANN leadership positions will be posted in the near future. _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann -- becky beckyit.blogspot.com

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invitation to E-waste discussions
by Rebecca Wanjiku 12 Nov '07

12 Nov '07

RE: INVITATION TO KICTANETs INTRODUCTION OF THE E-WASTE PROJECT IN KENYA KICTANet is working with the Hewlett Packard, EMPA (Swiss Materials Science & Research Technology), the Global Digital solidarity Fund (DSF) on their new programme on the “Recycling of electronic waste” in Kenya. The project will assess the current conditions for electronic recycling in communities in Kenya. It also aims to explore how additional local jobs can be created in this sector as well as the development of a blueprint for a sustainable e-waste management system in Kenya in collaboration with other existing local recycling projects. Pursuant to this KICTANet is therefore inviting you an introduction meeting to be held on Wednesday November 21 at Jacaranda Hotel from 9.00a.m. to 12.30 p.m. The meeting is an opportunity for the international team from DSF, EMPA and the Kenya research team to introduce the project to a few relevant stakeholders involved and interested in E-waste in Kenya. Please confirm your attendance to Rebecca Wanjiku Evelyn Majale on 4453671/2 or email: rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com or evelyne(a)kictanet.or.ke 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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Marching to a different drum – Africa enters the age of mobile content
by alice 10 Nov '07

10 Nov '07

Marching to a different drum – Africa enters the age of mobile content News Update concentrates all its coverage on what happens in Africa. But this week we have to describe events elsewhere because as all too often happens, key decisions that will affect the continent are happening elsewhere. Unless something fairly radical happens in the next 12-18 months, the development of mobile content revenues on the continent will be shaped by the “hand-me-down” attitudes and technologies of others. Russell Southwood seeks to explain. Last week saw two more salvoes fired in the war for mobile operating systems. American advertising and search engine company Google launched its Android operating system in partnership with the Open Handset Alliance and 30 mobile phone makers and interested parties like Qualcomm. But amongst the larger makers, it is working closely with no 2 player Samsung with whom it agreed a deal on mobile tools in January 2007. Google described Android as “all of the software to run a mobile phone, but without the proprietary obstacles that have hindered mobile innovation.” Meanwhile the world’s largest mobile handset manufacturer (Nokia) agreed with the world’s largest mobile phone operator (Vodafone) to launch an integrated suite of Vodafone services combined with Nokia Ovi services on a range of Nokia handsets. A number of these handsets will be exclusive to Vodafone. By all accounts, it improves access to the Nokia Music Store, although Vodafone has its own product, Omnifone MusicStation. Vodafone looks set to take over Vodacom in the not-too-distant future. Meanwhile Symbian, which is already on 165 million handsets worldwide, was dismissive of the Google offering. John Forsyth, Symbian said:”… a mobile OS is a very specialised form of rocket science. It's not search rocket science." However this has not prevented one-time computer company Apple from showing it can deliver this kind of rocket science, so why not Google? Whoever gains dominance in this market and whether the approach is open or closed will affect how mobile content develops in Africa. And it is at this point two key issues coincide for those in Africa who want to develop mobile content revenues. Everyone knows that the mobile phone and not the computer is the continent’s device of choice but this rather masks the considerable variation in phone operating systems, web access availability and just plain old functionality. The average phone on the street is at the bottom end of the range and is really only fit for receiving SMS messages. This brings us to the hoop-la surrounding the launch of the iPhone today in the UK as I write. Leave aside the usual promotional hype and the sight of members of Cult Apple waiting overnight to buy their treasured object, this phone is different. From trying it on a recent US visit, it has an easy-to-use functionality that with adaptation has much to commend it in the African context. It’s intuitive and icon driven, allowing a lower level of functional literacy for users. (However, the iPhone will not be going to South Africa any time soon. See Telecoms News – In Brief) The barrier to this kind of device is cost and the discussion mirrors similar ones held about palm computers for Africa. The iPhone launch price in the UK is US$538 as it is being launched as a premium product with a monthly plan costing US$70. But give it 2-3 years and it will be down to $300 and be a mainstream product, not necessarily produced by Apple. But secondhand prices in Africa may take it down closer to $100-150. But even this lowered price will not breach the magic $100 level that Nicolas Negroponte set himself and failed to reach for a low-cost computer. Also the low price phones produced as part of the GSM Association initiative are stripped back in terms of overall functionality. But if Africa is to have access to web content on its mobiles, then it needs a cheaper phone device that can access web content with a screen that is bigger than two large postage stamps. Also whilst Africa’s mobile companies engage in the data upgrade arms race, little thought seems to have been given to battery life issues. The iPhone may not have 3G but it has an 8 hour battery life compared to the 3G compatible Nokia N95 which has only a 4 hour battery life. No-one seems yet to have thought through the energy implications of even a significant minority of Africans using 3G phones. Now I can hear you saying that all of this is fantasy stuff for Africa. But Vodacom in South Africa said in October 2007 that it had 139,000 HSDPA customers and 899,000 Vodafone Live! subscribers, the latter being the content service it markets from what is likely to become its parent company. It is also pioneering a mobile TV service to its 3G subscribers in South Africa. Numbers are modest but growing. Ah yes, but South Africa is different. Nevertheless jobs service in Kenya attracted 35,000 subscribers and other services elsewhere in Africa are attracting tens of thousands of people. With numbers on this scale, mobile phones are not just communications devices but media. Certain types of advertisers will be very interested in getting to the largely young demographic that uses these services. The sums will not be spectacular but they will help to fuel further growth. But the barriers to growth in mobile content revenues are significant. Last year we sat in on a seminar with mobile phone companies drawn from right across Africa. Every single person stressed how important content development was to their company and how they had a member of staff working on it. However, with few exceptions not one of them talked about a successful mobile content service that they were actually operating. Mobile companies were not set up to do content and the revenues are not yet large enough to gain real traction with operational managers. A number of mobile operators are owned by multinational owners who have sought to introduce content bundles that have been developed in Europe and the USA. But as one of the more honest managers for these companies admitted, there is only really on the most optimistic view a 50-60% fit with the African market. So there is a need for better and more compelling local mobile content. But this is where the complications start. The typical income split is 50% to the mobile operator, 10-20% to the mobile platform provider and 30-40% to the content provider. Anxious to drive up income from this source, the mobile operators are seeking to take a bigger share of the value in other countries. However, they need to be careful not to kill the goose that might lay the golden egg. They could easily give more generous deals as they benefit from the minutes these services add. Ideally there needs to be a new service every 4 weeks in some African country so that it’s possible to work out what works locally and the optimum price. Another difficulty is that mobile providers are insisting on exclusive deals. For example, if you want to launch your mobile content service with a particular mobile operator, you have to offer an exclusive deal for one year or more. The mobile operators still see content as a marketing device rather than revenue in its own right. The walled garden approach is very like the early days of the Internet where people like AOL tried to create their own content universe. Understandably, the mobile operators would like to control the development of content on their media and take a large part of the rewards. Apple’s approach to iTunes illustrates how lucrative this approach can be. The difficulty is that for mobile content to thrive in Africa, it has to be easier to get it to market and to as wider range of people as possible. At the moment, mobile content creators may have to re-version their services for as many as 3-5 different delivery platforms. The discussion parallels those that were had in the early days in Africa about interconnection between mobile operators. Many operators said they would not connect to other operators because it would be easier to retain subscribers and revenues if the stayed isolated. In the event, interconnection meant almost all operators benefited from there being a large and growing “critical mass” of users. The same would almost certainly be true for mobile content and perhaps the time is ripe for operators to talk to each other about how best to promote wider use of content, rather than simply tending their own back gardens. African Mobile Content Alliance anyone? From Balancing Act <mailbox:///C%7C/Users/IPM/AppData/Roaming/Thunderbird/Profiles/u11w6ixk.default/Mail/Local%20Folders/Inbox?number=856298414#top>

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On MAURITIUS COMPUTER MISUSE AND CYBERCRIME ACT 2003 and MOROCCAN COPYRIGHT LAW
by Rebecca Wanjiku 09 Nov '07

09 Nov '07

MAURITIUS COMPUTER MISUSE AND CYBERCRIME ACT 2003 Kelly O'Connell, Miami Attorney Email Mauritius is an island located in the Atlantic near Southern Africa, in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. It was first explored by Portuguese sailors in the early in the 16th century. Later it was controlled by the Dutch, French, and British until independence was achieved in 1968. Given its inherent limitations of history, location, and natural resources, the country has developed into an unmitigated success, by anyone's standard. The Government carefully assembled the infrastructure for a large, state-of-the-art cyber complex in the early 2000's which should prove attractive to any company wishing for access to the Asian continent within a business-friendly and highly modernized infrastructure. This law is an attempt to protect any foreign or local businesses setting up shop there. To better understand the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act 2003; Act No. 22 of 2003; Offense, found in Part II, these questions will be answered: What is "Unauthorized Access to Computer Data"? What is "Access with Intent to Commit Offences," or "Unauthorized Password Disclosure"? What is "Unauthorized Access to and Interception of Computer Service"? What is "Unauthorized Modification of Computer Material", or "Damaging or Denying Access to Computer System"? What is "Unlawful Possession of Devices and Data" or "Electronic Fraud"? Mauritius island state has staged an impressive economic evolution, based upon its stable democracy, featuring a British system of regular free elections and a positive human rights record, as the markets transition from agriculture to building the industrial, financial, and tourist sectors. The country has attracted considerable foreign direct investments, earning one of Africa's highest average incomes, per annum. The population is about one and a quarter million within a land mass about ten times the size of Washington, DC. A serious approach to property laws, in general, and Intellectual Property laws specifically, is a major reason this well-ordered economy thrives. What is "Unauthorized Access to Computer Data"? This occurs when a person causes a computer to "perform a function," ie, enters with the intent of a going into a computer system to have unauthorized access. Here, "Unauthorized" means either lacking general authority to enter a system, or without specific consent of the owner of the equipment. The law does not differentiate whether the person had intent to go after specific data or programming, or whether he was simply accessing the device with a general intent to enter, without any firm goal in mind beyond that. Those convicted of this crime will be fined 50,000 rupees and/or be sentenced to "penal servitude" for no more than 5 years. The act allows for a defense of a "reasonable belief" of consent or authority. (Part II, Section 3) What is "Access with Intent to Commit Offences," or "Unauthorized Password Disclosure"? "Access with Intent to Commit Offences" occurs when a person causes a computer system to do an act for the purpose of accessing any program or data found within a computer system, with intent to commit any crimes listed under the rest of this same Act. It is deemed irrelevant whether the initial access was authorized, or unauthorized; or whether the crime occurred at the same time, or at some period later. Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 200,000 rupees, and/or incarcerated not to exceed 20 years. (Part II, Section 4.) "Unauthorized Password Disclosure" happens if anyone "knowingly discloses any password, access code, or any other means of gaining access to any program or data held in any computer system" to commit a crime of theft, to damage files, or defame another, If convicted of this crime, the person will be fined 50,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 5 years. (Part II, Section 8.) What is "Unauthorized Access to and Interception of Computer Service"? This occurs when anyone purposefully, and without permission or authority, breaches a computer system for the end of obtaining computer service to intercepts "any function of, or any data within a computer system." Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 100,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not to exceed 10 years. If such an act impairs or compromises the function of a computer system, including disruption or excision of data delivery, Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 200,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 20 years. It is irrelevant if the breacher's intent was to harm the system or disrupt the flow of data. (Part II, Section 5.) What is "Unauthorized Modification of Computer Material", or "Damaging or Denying Access to Computer System"? This occurs when anyone purposefully acts to cause an "unauthorized modification of data held in any computer system." Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 100,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 10 years. If such an act suppresses the system or modifies data, those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 200,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 20 years. A "modification" is illegal if the person doing so "is not himself entitled to determine whether the modification should be made;" and has done so beyond the scope of authority, or without permission. It is irrelevant if the damage or modification is temporary or permanent. (Part II, Section 6.) "Damaging or Denying Access to Computer System" is when any person who, without consent or authority, causes "degradation, failure, interruption or obstruction of the operation of a computer system; or denial of access to, or impairment of any program or data storage," those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 200,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 20 years. (Part II, Section 7.) What is "Unlawful Possession of Devices and Data" or "Electronic Fraud"? This occurs when anyone "manufactures, sells, procures for use, imports, distributes or otherwise makes available, a computer system or any other device, designed or adapted primarily for the purpose of committing any offence" under this Act. Also, to have such a computer program in possession, is likewise a crime, unless with excuse or justification. Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 50,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 5 years. (Part II, Section 9.) "Electronic Fraud" occurs when anyone "fraudulently causes loss of property" to another by "any input, alteration, deletion or suppression of data;" or interfering with a computer system, with intent to commit this crime. Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 200,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 20 years. (Part II, Section 1) MOROCCAN COPYRIGHT LAW Kelly O'Connell, Miami Attorney Email Morocco has a rich French legal history, which included European intellectual property law. The French law was set aside to make way for the global economy represented by World Intellectual Property Organization, which Morocco assented to the standards of, first in the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property, or TRIPS Agreement; and then, in the Law No. 2-00 on Copyright and Related Rights of February 15, 2000. That Moroccan law is still influenced by the old dahirs (laws). To better understand Moroccan Copyright law, these questions will be addressed: What are Copyright Protected Works, What are Their Conditions? What Are Some Unusual Aspects of Moroccan Copyright Law? How Does Copyright Ownership Work? What are the Formalities and Documentation for Moroccan Copyright? Does the Law Treat as Special Moroccan National Folkways? History of Moroccan Copyright Law: Morocco, like the rest of the Muslim world, did not have a strong history of protecting Intellectual Property (IP) rights. In fact, until the 20th century, the concept was foreign to the law of this country. Morocco did have better IP rights than neighbors since it accessed French laws on the topic, resulting in the dahirs of 1916 and 1970, although application of these standards was hardly uniform. Morocco decided to set aside the old French model and strive for a global model after it chose to attempt to become a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This represented a bold, non-typical deviation from the colonial model when they rejected the regional model to pursue membership in 1993 (Morocco also attempted to become an early member of the European Union, but were rejected out of hand for not technically being a European state). The Government was given guidelines to follow, such as ratifying the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property, or TRIPS Agreement. This transformed the intellectual property thinking in the state as Morocco struggled to bring their legislation and regulations in agreement with international standards and procedures. Morocco, was classed a "developing country" and signed the TRIPS Agreement, and was given a deadline of the year 2000 to redraft its IP legislation to meet WIPO standards. This explains why the new IP law was passed when it was, yielding Morocco Law No. 2-00 on Copyright and Related Rights of February 15, 2000 was signed into effect. What are Copyright Protected Works, What are Their Conditions? "Protected work" in the Moroccan Copyright Law of 2000 are too numerous to list, but Morocco accepts the Berne Convention, which does have a long, but incomplete listing. Protected works presume several characteristics. First, the work being protected must be an "original", which is not a well-developed definition in the Moroccan Copyright Law of 2000. The old 1970 dahir and French law in general define an original as "when its characteristic features and its form, or its form alone, make possible the identification of its author." The new law refers to "originality" as "works that are original intellectual creations in the literary and artistic field." The test for originality, then, will be one of a common sense persuasion through examples and proofs. Second, the work cannot be simply an idea, but an original idea that has been worked-up into some sort of model. Third, there must be an author. This means, according to the law in Article 47, is the person who is shown, via "display on each of the copies the name, pseudonym or mark of the author." Therefore, a model work with a name on it, were it unique, would translate to authorship, and all rights accrued therein, as explained in Article 38. An anonymous, pseudonimical or unknown work is "authored" by the publisher of such. What Are Some Unusual Aspects of Moroccan Copyright Law? While not completely unique, Moroccan copyright law follows the French, as opposed to U.S. standard, and does not require copyrighted articles be fixed on material support for copyright. This is undoubtedly to help preserve Moroccan folksongs as IP. Also, the 2000 Copyright law does not recognize "compilations", again unlike its U.S. counterpart. This has created an interesting situation where computer databases are not treated typically within the 2000 law, but case law (Coprosa decision) and legislation (1985 law) developed to grant databanks original protection, and to help with this void, given as a 'right of extraction and reuse', although the protection has not gone beyond 15 years. Databases are classed derivative works, in Article 5(b), but with no details as to scope and term of the protection. How Does Copyright Ownership Work? In Article 1, paragraph (1), the new law states an author of a work is "the natural person who created the work," and "He or she is the first owner of the moral and economic right in the work," according to Article 31. Proof is that "his or her name appears visibly on the work," according to Article 38. Yet this name, according to Article 1, paragraph (1), might not be the real author or person who commissioned it. The law only applies to "real persons," not legal entities -- although the case law disagrees with this point -- and protection lasts a lifetime plus fifty years, according to (Article 26). What are the Formalities and Documentation for Moroccan Copyright? Formalities: For Copyright registration formalities, and unlike U.S. copyright, the Moroccan Copyright Law of 2000 and the decree of 8 March 1965 do not gave a particular manner of registering copyright or an stipulation to deposit of works. While there is a stipulation in the dahir of 7 October 1932 that says four copies of any work produced in number and put in circulation on Moroccan territory26 must be deposited with the General Library and Archives (BGA) in Rabat. Strangely, this rule has no relation to copyright, since this is registered nowhere else. The Moroccan Copyright Office relies upon a procedure of declaration and the admissibility of such on the Report of the Authentification Commission to then accept them. Documentation: Again, for Moroccan texts, there is no documentary evidence needed to attest to authorship of a work, or any body set up for such a purpose. But the dahir of 7 October 1932 stipulates that on legal deposit, when a work is put into circulation in Morocco, four copies shall be handed over to the BGA, and a formal document is then issued in return. The article gives the name and status of the author referring to 'claims', not unlike copyright forms of the American and Canadian Copyright Offices. But Article 12 of the dahir of 7 October 1932 does not create copyright, nor constitute any kind of certificate of ownership, or a defensible certificate of entitlement regarding such rights. Does the Law Treat as Special Moroccan National Folkways? Yes. Morocco has an extremely rich cultural heritage, expressed in dance, song, and art. The old dahirs protected these works, naming indigenous art and invention as, "folklore", being "unpublished works where the identity of the author is unknown but where there is every ground to presume that he is or was a Moroccan national," according to dahir 29 of the 1970 code. Article 7, "Protection of Expressions of Folklore" makes the fixing of folklore works under approval of the Moroccan Copyright Bureau. _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann -- becky beckyit.blogspot.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Anne-Rachel Inné <annerachel(a)gmail.com> Date: Nov 8, 2007 3:56 PM Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] On MAURITIUS COMPUTER MISUSE AND CYBERCRIME ACT 2003 and MOROCCAN COPYRIGHT LAW To: africann(a)afrinic.net Cc: Me SARR Abdou Abbas <sarr.abdou(a)sarr-allard.com> MAURITIUS COMPUTER MISUSE AND CYBERCRIME ACT 2003 Kelly O'Connell, Miami Attorney Email Mauritius is an island located in the Atlantic near Southern Africa, in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. It was first explored by Portuguese sailors in the early in the 16th century. Later it was controlled by the Dutch, French, and British until independence was achieved in 1968. Given its inherent limitations of history, location, and natural resources, the country has developed into an unmitigated success, by anyone's standard. The Government carefully assembled the infrastructure for a large, state-of-the-art cyber complex in the early 2000's which should prove attractive to any company wishing for access to the Asian continent within a business-friendly and highly modernized infrastructure. This law is an attempt to protect any foreign or local businesses setting up shop there. To better understand the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act 2003; Act No. 22 of 2003; Offense, found in Part II, these questions will be answered: What is "Unauthorized Access to Computer Data"? What is "Access with Intent to Commit Offences," or "Unauthorized Password Disclosure"? What is "Unauthorized Access to and Interception of Computer Service"? What is "Unauthorized Modification of Computer Material", or "Damaging or Denying Access to Computer System"? What is "Unlawful Possession of Devices and Data" or "Electronic Fraud"? Mauritius island state has staged an impressive economic evolution, based upon its stable democracy, featuring a British system of regular free elections and a positive human rights record, as the markets transition from agriculture to building the industrial, financial, and tourist sectors. The country has attracted considerable foreign direct investments, earning one of Africa's highest average incomes, per annum. The population is about one and a quarter million within a land mass about ten times the size of Washington, DC. A serious approach to property laws, in general, and Intellectual Property laws specifically, is a major reason this well-ordered economy thrives. What is "Unauthorized Access to Computer Data"? This occurs when a person causes a computer to "perform a function," ie, enters with the intent of a going into a computer system to have unauthorized access. Here, "Unauthorized" means either lacking general authority to enter a system, or without specific consent of the owner of the equipment. The law does not differentiate whether the person had intent to go after specific data or programming, or whether he was simply accessing the device with a general intent to enter, without any firm goal in mind beyond that. Those convicted of this crime will be fined 50,000 rupees and/or be sentenced to "penal servitude" for no more than 5 years. The act allows for a defense of a "reasonable belief" of consent or authority. (Part II, Section 3) What is "Access with Intent to Commit Offences," or "Unauthorized Password Disclosure"? "Access with Intent to Commit Offences" occurs when a person causes a computer system to do an act for the purpose of accessing any program or data found within a computer system, with intent to commit any crimes listed under the rest of this same Act. It is deemed irrelevant whether the initial access was authorized, or unauthorized; or whether the crime occurred at the same time, or at some period later. Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 200,000 rupees, and/or incarcerated not to exceed 20 years. (Part II, Section 4.) "Unauthorized Password Disclosure" happens if anyone "knowingly discloses any password, access code, or any other means of gaining access to any program or data held in any computer system" to commit a crime of theft, to damage files, or defame another, If convicted of this crime, the person will be fined 50,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 5 years. (Part II, Section 8.) What is "Unauthorized Access to and Interception of Computer Service"? This occurs when anyone purposefully, and without permission or authority, breaches a computer system for the end of obtaining computer service to intercepts "any function of, or any data within a computer system." Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 100,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not to exceed 10 years. If such an act impairs or compromises the function of a computer system, including disruption or excision of data delivery, Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 200,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 20 years. It is irrelevant if the breacher's intent was to harm the system or disrupt the flow of data. (Part II, Section 5.) What is "Unauthorized Modification of Computer Material", or "Damaging or Denying Access to Computer System"? This occurs when anyone purposefully acts to cause an "unauthorized modification of data held in any computer system." Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 100,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 10 years. If such an act suppresses the system or modifies data, those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 200,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 20 years. A "modification" is illegal if the person doing so "is not himself entitled to determine whether the modification should be made;" and has done so beyond the scope of authority, or without permission. It is irrelevant if the damage or modification is temporary or permanent. (Part II, Section 6.) "Damaging or Denying Access to Computer System" is when any person who, without consent or authority, causes "degradation, failure, interruption or obstruction of the operation of a computer system; or denial of access to, or impairment of any program or data storage," those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 200,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 20 years. (Part II, Section 7.) What is "Unlawful Possession of Devices and Data" or "Electronic Fraud"? This occurs when anyone "manufactures, sells, procures for use, imports, distributes or otherwise makes available, a computer system or any other device, designed or adapted primarily for the purpose of committing any offence" under this Act. Also, to have such a computer program in possession, is likewise a crime, unless with excuse or justification. Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 50,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 5 years. (Part II, Section 9.) "Electronic Fraud" occurs when anyone "fraudulently causes loss of property" to another by "any input, alteration, deletion or suppression of data;" or interfering with a computer system, with intent to commit this crime. Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 200,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 20 years. (Part II, Section 1) MOROCCAN COPYRIGHT LAW Kelly O'Connell, Miami Attorney Email Morocco has a rich French legal history, which included European intellectual property law. The French law was set aside to make way for the global economy represented by World Intellectual Property Organization, which Morocco assented to the standards of, first in the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property, or TRIPS Agreement; and then, in the Law No. 2-00 on Copyright and Related Rights of February 15, 2000. That Moroccan law is still influenced by the old dahirs (laws). To better understand Moroccan Copyright law, these questions will be addressed: What are Copyright Protected Works, What are Their Conditions? What Are Some Unusual Aspects of Moroccan Copyright Law? How Does Copyright Ownership Work? What are the Formalities and Documentation for Moroccan Copyright? Does the Law Treat as Special Moroccan National Folkways? History of Moroccan Copyright Law: Morocco, like the rest of the Muslim world, did not have a strong history of protecting Intellectual Property (IP) rights. In fact, until the 20th century, the concept was foreign to the law of this country. Morocco did have better IP rights than neighbors since it accessed French laws on the topic, resulting in the dahirs of 1916 and 1970, although application of these standards was hardly uniform. Morocco decided to set aside the old French model and strive for a global model after it chose to attempt to become a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This represented a bold, non-typical deviation from the colonial model when they rejected the regional model to pursue membership in 1993 (Morocco also attempted to become an early member of the European Union, but were rejected out of hand for not technically being a European state). The Government was given guidelines to follow, such as ratifying the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property, or TRIPS Agreement. This transformed the intellectual property thinking in the state as Morocco struggled to bring their legislation and regulations in agreement with international standards and procedures. Morocco, was classed a "developing country" and signed the TRIPS Agreement, and was given a deadline of the year 2000 to redraft its IP legislation to meet WIPO standards. This explains why the new IP law was passed when it was, yielding Morocco Law No. 2-00 on Copyright and Related Rights of February 15, 2000 was signed into effect. What are Copyright Protected Works, What are Their Conditions? "Protected work" in the Moroccan Copyright Law of 2000 are too numerous to list, but Morocco accepts the Berne Convention, which does have a long, but incomplete listing. Protected works presume several characteristics. First, the work being protected must be an "original", which is not a well-developed definition in the Moroccan Copyright Law of 2000. The old 1970 dahir and French law in general define an original as "when its characteristic features and its form, or its form alone, make possible the identification of its author." The new law refers to "originality" as "works that are original intellectual creations in the literary and artistic field." The test for originality, then, will be one of a common sense persuasion through examples and proofs. Second, the work cannot be simply an idea, but an original idea that has been worked-up into some sort of model. Third, there must be an author. This means, according to the law in Article 47, is the person who is shown, via "display on each of the copies the name, pseudonym or mark of the author." Therefore, a model work with a name on it, were it unique, would translate to authorship, and all rights accrued therein, as explained in Article 38. An anonymous, pseudonimical or unknown work is "authored" by the publisher of such. What Are Some Unusual Aspects of Moroccan Copyright Law? While not completely unique, Moroccan copyright law follows the French, as opposed to U.S. standard, and does not require copyrighted articles be fixed on material support for copyright. This is undoubtedly to help preserve Moroccan folksongs as IP. Also, the 2000 Copyright law does not recognize "compilations", again unlike its U.S. counterpart. This has created an interesting situation where computer databases are not treated typically within the 2000 law, but case law (Coprosa decision) and legislation (1985 law) developed to grant databanks original protection, and to help with this void, given as a 'right of extraction and reuse', although the protection has not gone beyond 15 years. Databases are classed derivative works, in Article 5(b), but with no details as to scope and term of the protection. How Does Copyright Ownership Work? In Article 1, paragraph (1), the new law states an author of a work is "the natural person who created the work," and "He or she is the first owner of the moral and economic right in the work," according to Article 31. Proof is that "his or her name appears visibly on the work," according to Article 38. Yet this name, according to Article 1, paragraph (1), might not be the real author or person who commissioned it. The law only applies to "real persons," not legal entities -- although the case law disagrees with this point -- and protection lasts a lifetime plus fifty years, according to (Article 26). What are the Formalities and Documentation for Moroccan Copyright? Formalities: For Copyright registration formalities, and unlike U.S. copyright, the Moroccan Copyright Law of 2000 and the decree of 8 March 1965 do not gave a particular manner of registering copyright or an stipulation to deposit of works. While there is a stipulation in the dahir of 7 October 1932 that says four copies of any work produced in number and put in circulation on Moroccan territory26 must be deposited with the General Library and Archives (BGA) in Rabat. Strangely, this rule has no relation to copyright, since this is registered nowhere else. The Moroccan Copyright Office relies upon a procedure of declaration and the admissibility of such on the Report of the Authentification Commission to then accept them. Documentation: Again, for Moroccan texts, there is no documentary evidence needed to attest to authorship of a work, or any body set up for such a purpose. But the dahir of 7 October 1932 stipulates that on legal deposit, when a work is put into circulation in Morocco, four copies shall be handed over to the BGA, and a formal document is then issued in return. The article gives the name and status of the author referring to 'claims', not unlike copyright forms of the American and Canadian Copyright Offices. But Article 12 of the dahir of 7 October 1932 does not create copyright, nor constitute any kind of certificate of ownership, or a defensible certificate of entitlement regarding such rights. Does the Law Treat as Special Moroccan National Folkways? Yes. Morocco has an extremely rich cultural heritage, expressed in dance, song, and art. The old dahirs protected these works, naming indigenous art and invention as, "folklore", being "unpublished works where the identity of the author is unknown but where there is every ground to presume that he is or was a Moroccan national," according to dahir 29 of the 1970 code. Article 7, "Protection of Expressions of Folklore" makes the fixing of folklore works under approval of the Moroccan Copyright Bureau. _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann -- becky beckyit.blogspot.com

1 0

Re: [kictanet] Welcome to the "kictanet" mailing list
by Sheba Kimani 09 Nov '07

09 Nov '07

---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Date: Thu, 08 Nov 2007 12:33:00 +0300 >Welcome to the kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke mailing list! > >To post to this list, send your email to: > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >General information about the mailing list is at: > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >If you ever want to unsubscribe or change your options (eg, switch to >or from digest mode, change your password, etc.), visit your >subscription page at: > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/sheba%40afrispa.org > > >You can also make such adjustments via email by sending a message to: > > kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >with the word `help' in the subject or body (don't include the >quotes), and you will get back a message with instructions. > >You must know your password to change your options (including changing >the password, itself) or to unsubscribe. It is: > > dutoipce > >Normally, Mailman will remind you of your lists.kictanet.or.ke mailing >list passwords once every month, although you can disable this if you >prefer. This reminder will also include instructions on how to >unsubscribe or change your account options. There is also a button on >your options page that will email your current password to you. > -- Sheba Kimani Program Officer AfrISPA Secretariate email: sheba(a)afrispa.org Tel: 254 - 729 888 904 AFRISPA MISSION STATEMENT: Promoting the growth of the internet in Africa and its use as a tool for development and integration into the global knowledge economy through the strengthening of social and technical infrastructure. --

1 0

KTN online now...
by Michael Kipsang Bullut 07 Nov '07

07 Nov '07

Check out the link below... ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Robert Omange <romangew(a)yahoo.com> Date: 26 Oct 2007 16:10 Subject: [Bush_fire] KTN online now To: bush_fire(a)yahoogroups.com Gentlemen The Kenya Television Network is now live online please try it out and stop missing current affairs. Glory of the Internet. http://216.139.225.126:7008/live_tv_ke Your channel your choice Good day Omange __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com __._,_.___ Messages in this topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/message/16282;_ylc=X3oDMTM1dGcycGQy…>( 1) Reply (via web post) <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJwNjQ4Y29xBF9TAzk3M…>| Start a new topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJkMnBlbGVpBF9TAzk3M…> Messages<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/messages;_ylc=X3oDMTJkNG1kaGE3BF9TA…>| Files<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/files;_ylc=X3oDMTJlazZ1NzU0BF9TAzk3…>| Photos<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/photos;_ylc=X3oDMTJkcmtpZ250BF9TAzk…>| Links<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/links;_ylc=X3oDMTJldTZjNHVpBF9TAzk3…>| Database<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/database;_ylc=X3oDMTJidG84amgzBF9TA…>| Polls<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/polls;_ylc=X3oDMTJlY25uaTdqBF9TAzk3…>| Members<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/members;_ylc=X3oDMTJkY3BlNmQ5BF9TAz…>| Calendar<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/calendar;_ylc=X3oDMTJjZjVoMzhhBF9TA…> ******************************************* Join the Alliance Network at http://www.alliancealumni.org/tan To unsubscribe: bush_fire-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com To subscribe: bush_fire-subscribe(a)yahoogroups.com or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/join Rant and Rave: bush_fire-owner(a)yahoogroups.com URL: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire ******************************************* [image: Yahoo! Groups]<http://groups.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTJjcW51Y2dxBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzUxM…> Change settings via the Web<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/join;_ylc=X3oDMTJldjdzdmMwBF9TAzk3M…>(Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest<bush_fire-digest@yahoogroups.com?subject=Email+Delivery:+Digest>| Switch format to Traditional<bush_fire-traditional@yahoogroups.com?subject=Change+Delivery+Format:+Traditional> Visit Your Group <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire;_ylc=X3oDMTJjaWpvanZlBF9TAzk3MzU5Nz…>| Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> | Unsubscribe <bush_fire-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com?subject=> Recent Activity - 4 New Members<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/members;_ylc=X3oDMTJlYjgzMWY0BF9TAz…> Visit Your Group <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire;_ylc=X3oDMTJkaTVuam9mBF9TAzk3MzU5Nz…> Yahoo! Finance It's Now Personal<http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=12j0kkcg1/M=493064.10729649.11333340.8674578/D=…> Guides, news, advice & more. Y! Messenger Files to share?<http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=12jomlid2/M=493064.10729668.11333359.8674578/D=…> Send up to 1GB of files in an IM. Yahoo! Groups Find Green Groups<http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=12jrb4v3v/M=493064.11135488.11710474.8674578/D=…> Share with others Help the Planet. . __,_._,___ -- "To see a world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wildflower...hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour..." ~ William Blakeg. --

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[DN] Listing Safaricom IPO abroad would be totally myopic
by Alex Gakuru 07 Nov '07

07 Nov '07

[This writer...writes] Listing Safaricom IPO abroad would be totally myopic Story by JAINDI KISERO Publication Date: 2007/11/07 --Excerpts-- I GATHER THE GOVERNMENT IS being lobbied to allow an offshore listing of part of the Safaricom IPO. It must firmly reject this proposal. Why should we allow foreign investors a discounted price of Safaricom shares at the expense of Kenyans? If any foreign investors want to buy into the Safaricom IPO, let them come here and purchase the shares from the Nairobi Stock Exchange. With the efficient trading and settlement system which the NSE has, there is really nothing to dissuade a foreign investor purchasing the shares through the bourse... THIS TIME, MOST OF THE BIG BOYS his time, most of these big boys will want to carry a lot of Safaricom in their portfolios. Applications are likely to be much higher than those for KenGen. Does it surprise anyone that more than 30 per cent of those who own shares today are people who opened their first CDS accounts during the KenGen IPO? These people who are talking about offshore listing have completely missed the point. Today, the most common complaint from wananchi who participated in the recent IPOs KenGen, Mumias and Kenya-Re is the small number of shares they were allocated and the length of time it took to be refunded the money the had put in. How can one think of an offshore listing when our people cant get enough? http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=25&n… __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Brighthand.com News Article -- Google Announces Android, an Open Source Operating System for Smartphones
by brian＠isisweb.nl 06 Nov '07

06 Nov '07

Your friend Mblayo thought you might be interested in the following article on Brighthand.com: Google Announces Android, an Open Source Operating System for Smartphones After months of rumors and speculation, Google has officially announced Android, an operating system for mobile devices it is developing in partnership with a wide variety of companies. Link to full article: http://www.brighthand.com/default.asp?newsID=13470 heh! Iko mambo...../... Brighthand.com <http://www.brighthand.com> --

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Extract Mauritius ICT Strategic Plan
by Eric Osiakwan 06 Nov '07

06 Nov '07

Sorry for crossposting.... 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: [Fibre-for-africa] Five Goals of Connect Africa
by Eric Osiakwan 05 Nov '07

05 Nov '07

Begin forwarded message: > From: Eric Osiakwan <eric(a)afrispa.org> > Date: 1 November 2007 09:33:30 GMT+03:00 > To: discuss(a)afrispa.org, KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>, gispa(a)yahoogroups.com, Ghana > Information Networking and Knowledge Sharing <ginks(a)dgroups.org>, > APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants <Fibre- > for-africa(a)lists.apc.org>, africann(a)afrinic.net, afrinic- > discuss(a)afrinic.net, afnog(a)afnog.org, African Information Society > Initiative - Discussion Forum <aisi-l(a)lyris.bellanet.org> > Subject: [Fibre-for-africa] Five Goals of Connect Africa > Reply-To: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants > <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> > > Dear All, > > The Connect Africa Summit justed ended in Kigali with the following > five major goals; > > Goal 1. Interconnect all African capitals with ICT Broadband > infrastructure and strengthen connectivity to the rest of the world > by 2012 as well as interconnect major African cities by 2015. > Goal 2. Connect all African villages to broadband ICT services by > 2012 and implement shared access initiatives such as community tele- > centres and village phones. > Goal 3. Adopt key regulatory measures that promote affordable, > widespread access to a full range of bradband ICT services, > including technology and service neutral licensing/authorisation > practises, allocating spectrum for multiple, competitive broadband > wireless service providers, creating national internext exchange > points (IXPs) and implementing competition in the provision of > international internet connectivity. > Goal 4. Support the development of a critical mass of ICT Skills > required by the knowledge economy, notably through the estamishment > of ICT Centres of Excellence network in each sub-region of Africa > and ICT capacity-building and training centres in each country, > with the aim of achieving a borad network of inter-linked physical > and virtual centres, whiles ensuring coordination between academia > and industry by 2015. > Goal 5. Adopt a national e-strategy, including a cyber-security > framework, and deploy at least one flagship e-government service as > well as e-education, e-commerce and e-health services using > accessible technologies in each country in Africa by 2012, with the > aim of making multiple e-government and other e-services widely > available by 2015. > > The African ICT Ministers have also shortlisted some projects under > ARAPKE which would be implenented through Connect Africa @ http:// > www.itu.int/ITU-D/connect/africa/2007/bgdmaterial/flagship-11.html > > It is important that we all engage and ensure that these ICT goals > are met by 2012 and the larger MDGS by 2015. > > Thank you and sorry 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" > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa 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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Big monies committed to connect Africa
by Rebecca Wanjiku 03 Nov '07

03 Nov '07

USD 55 billion committed to connect Africa Industry drives ICT investment at Connect Africa Summit Kigali, Rwanda, 31 October 2007 — The Connect Africa Summit closed yesterday with investment commitments amounting to over USD 55 billion, with the ICT industry taking the lead. President Paul Kagame of Rwanda set the tone at the outset, saying, "Investment and trade — as opposed to aid and charity — must drive the transformation of our economies." He called for a dynamic ICT sector to connect Africa to the global information superhighway. "In order to realize this much-needed economic revolution, we have to forge productive relationships between government and business," said Mr Kagame. The Connect Africa Summit decided to bring forward ICT connectivity goals to 2012 to enable the achievement of the broader Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. Commitments were made to interconnect all African capitals and major cities with ICT broadband infrastructure and strengthen connectivity to the rest of the world by 2012. By 2015, broadband and ICT services will be extended to all African villages. The Summit also sets out to meet the World Summit on the Information Society goals for capacity building, establishing an enabling environment for investment, and e-government services. The role of governments in setting a level playing field for industry to compete was highlighted. It was also decided to ensure harmonization of the regulatory framework to stimulate cross-border integration in large-scale projects. Capacity building was identified as one key area for cooperation among all stakeholders. Africa opens doors to ICT Africa’s mobile market has been the fastest-growing of any region over the last five years, and has grown twice as fast as the global market. Mobile phones overtook fixed lines in 2001 and now outnumber fixed telephone lines by nearly seven to one, with nearly 193 million mobile cellular subscribers in 2006. This figure is projected to grow to more than 270 million by the end of this year. Stepping in to consolidate the mobile revolution in Africa, mobile operators of the GSM Association announced USD 50 billion in new investment over the next 5 years to expand and upgrade networks across the continent by 2012. This would provide mobile coverage to more than 90 per cent of the population. Success in mobile penetration is now set to be emulated in broadband connectivity in Africa, with new investment foreseen for ICT infrastructure. "Africa is open for business," said ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun Touré. "We are looking for investment through win-win partnerships in a viable marketplace by an expanding ICT industry." He added that wealth creation is key to achieving the MDGs. "This new investment in ICT infrastructure will lead to new jobs and overall economic growth," said Dr Touré. The representative of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Mr Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, said that innovative ways were needed to extend the reach of ICT to the most remote corners of the continent. "I am confident that with the entrepreneurial spirit of the African private sector working with their international partners, the support of the international community and the commitment from governments, universal connectivity in Africa is no longer a utopian dream." "This is not a technology problem — the technology is waiting to be deployed," said Mr Craig Barrett, who serves both as Chairman of Intel Corporation and the United Nations’ Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technologies and Development. "We now need the government priorities, decisions, and policies to drive the implementation of a pan-African infrastructure." International commitments for ICT The European Commission announced support for trans-African networks that facilitate interconnectivity. An EU Trust Fund for Africa of almost 100 million Euros in grants and some 260 Million Euros for loans has been established along with the European Investment Bank and ten EU member states for the period 2007-2008. The fund, which will be substantially replenished at the end of 2008, will finance cross-border projects or national projects with a regional and continental impact that would include ICT. The Commission also announced a contribution of Euro 6 Million to support ITU’s regulatory reform initiatives in Africa. The World Bank Group announced that it expects to double its commitment to ICT in Africa to USD 2 billion by 2012 from its current investment programme of USD 1 billion over the last five years. The financing will continue to promote private sector participation. The African Development Bank (AfDB) has scaled up its investments in infrastructure, and expects to invest 60% of its concessional resources on infrastructure, including ICT, in the next three years. AfDB has committed close to USD 65 million to two key regional infrastructure projects: RASCOM and EASSy. "The development banks and other financing partners have a responsibility to step in where gaps are holding back development in the region," said Dr Donald Kaberuka, President of AfDB. Over one thousand participants, including six Heads of State, took part in the Connect Africa Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, from 29 to 30 October 2007. 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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FW: East African Outsourcing & Contact Centre Conference & Exhibition 27-28 November 2007, Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi
by Kevit Desai 02 Nov '07

02 Nov '07

Dear Members, Circulate... _____ From: Sean Moroney [mailto:seanm@aitecafrica.com] Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2007 9:48 AM To: 'Kevit Desai' Cc: 'Judith Juma' Subject: RE: East African Outsourcing & Contact Centre Conference & Exhibition 27-28 November 2007, Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi Hi Kevit. We'd appreciate it if could help us promote the conference by distributing the attached brochure . Regards Sean Sean Moroney Chairman AITEC Africa <mailto:seanm@aitecafrica.com> seanm(a)aitecafrica.com UK Tel: +44(0)1480-880774 UK Fax: +44(0)1480-880765 UK Mobile: +44(0)7973-499224 Kenya Mobile: +254(0)721-845674 Nigeria Mobile: +234(0)802-0571766 SA Mobile: +27(0)72-610-7153 Skype: seanmoroney <http://www.aitecafrica.com> www.aitecafrica.com Registered as:AITEC Conferences Ltd at Companies House, No. 4698475. Address: Cromer House, Caxton Way, Stevenage, Herts SG1 2DF, UK _____ From: Kevit Desai [mailto:kevit@centurionsystemsltd.com] Sent: 31 October 2007 09:20 To: seanm(a)aitecafrica.com Cc: 'Judith Juma' Subject: RE: East African Outsourcing & Contact Centre Conference & Exhibition 27-28 November 2007, Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi Dear Sean, I would appreciate if KEPSA would be included to participate in the conference as a speaker. Regards, Kevit Desai Director of Engineering - Centurion Systems Ltd Chairperson IEEE - Kenya Section Governor - KEPSA Director - KEPSA Director - Innovation Africa Director - Kenya ICT Federation BOA - AIESEC Member - National Strategy for University Education General Co-Chair - Africon 2009 2nd Fl, New Rehema Hse, Raphta Rd, Westlands -Nairobi P.O. BOX 66031 - 00800 Nrb. Tel:+254 20 4440102/3 Fax: +254 20 4440104 CDMA: 020 2049750 Mobile: +254 722 517067 http://www.centurionsystemsltd.com <http://www.centurionsystemsltd.com/> http://www.ieee.org <http://www.ieee.org/> http://www.engineeringexhibition.com <http://www.engineeringexhibition.com/> http://www.innovation-africa.net <http://www.innovation-africa.net/> http://www.kepsa.or.ke <http://www.kepsa.or.ke/> http://www.powerup.co.ke <http://www.powerup.co.ke/> http://www.aiesec.org <http://www.aiesec.org/> http://www.africon2007.co.za <http://www.africon2007.co.za/> http://www.kif.or.ke <http://www.kif.or.ke/> _____ From: Judith Juma [mailto:judym@in-sync.co.ke] Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2007 3:20 PM To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Subject: East African Outsourcing & Contact Centre Conference & Exhibition 27-28 November 2007, Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi Dear Sir/Madam, RE: Invitation to the 3rd East African Outsourcing & Contact Centre Event 27-28 November, 2007, Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi In response to the growing interest in and potential of this sub-sector, AITEC Africa/In-Sync Ltd is holding the East African Outsourcing & Call Centre Conference in Nairobi in order to highlight the business potential for the East African region across all aspects of BPO, including: 1. Simple bulk transactions, such as processing of stock trades or credit card transactions. The world market size of this segment is forecast at $58 billion in 2008, and it is the easiest segment to master. 2. BPO services, covering human resources and finance and administration, is a segment of similar value that calls for more sophisticated skills from vendors. 3. A smaller segment of high-volume vertical processes such as the administration of insurance policies and the processing of loan applications. 4. Contact Centre services for enterprises and government departments in domestic national and regional markets. The East African Outsourcing & Contact Centre Conference will provide participants with the insights they need to assess the potential of this rapidly expanding sector for their organisations. You cannot afford to ignore the business potential - but you also must not enter this field blindly without assessing the risks as well as the opportunities. Delegates and exhibitors will attend this unique event in order to add to their own store of knowledge by capitalizing on the expertise and experience of their colleagues. Who are the Forums aimed at? The conference will have several key audiences: . Policy-makers & regulators . Existing call centre & BPO operators . Prospective operators . Telecom operators . Potential investors/investment funds . Client service managers from government and private sector organisations . Academics . Equipment & system manufacturers, developers, consultants, suppliers Attached find the conference brochure, draft programme and registration form for your consideration. For more information and to book your slot kindly contact the undersigned. Regards Judith Juma In-Sync Ltd Dik Dik Gardens| Kileleshwa PO Box 63103-00619, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 20 4451655 | Tel/Fax: +254 20 4451655 Mobile: +254 722 150272| Email: judym(a)in-sync.co.ke Web:www.aitecafrica.com

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12th Executive Course on Telecom Reform, 2-6 March 2008, Singapore
by Edith Adera 02 Nov '07

02 Nov '07

FYI Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2007 05:30:50 -0200 From: Rohan Samarajiva <samarajiva(a)lirne.net> Reply-to: training(a)lirne.net To: training(a)lirne.net Subject: 12th Executive Course on Telecom Reform, 2-6 March 2008, Singapore User-Agent: Internet Messaging Program (IMP) H3 (4.1.3) X-AntiAbuse: This header was added to track abuse, please include it with any abuse report X-AntiAbuse: Primary Hostname - host.comunica.org X-AntiAbuse: Original Domain - idrc.or.ke X-AntiAbuse: Originator/Caller UID/GID - [47 12] / [47 12] X-AntiAbuse: Sender Address Domain - lirne.net Course Announcement 12th Executive Course on Telecom Reform: Strategies to achieve connectivity and convergence, 2-6 March 2008, Changi Village Hotel (), Singapore (The following course announcement can also be viewed at the link below: http://www.lirneasia.net/training-courses/12th-lirnenet-course-singapore-ma…) LIRNEasia and CONNECTasia Forum Pte. Ltd. The current stage of telecom and ICT reform poses many challenges to governments, regulatory agencies, operators, and other stakeholders. The certainties of yesterday are no more: individual assignments of frequencies are being questioned in the light of new standards such as Wi-Fi and WiMax; the distinctions between wired and wireless are being blurred; classic price regulation is becoming less central to the missions of regulatory agencies and new market friendly mechanisms for extending connectivity are beginning to be implemented; and all industry players are being challenged to address content issues at various levels. More is being demanded of the regulatory process and agencies, with the same resources. Operators have to understand the regulatory process well so that they can navigate its complexities. With telecom assuming a more prominent position in economies and societies, civil society and media have to equip themselves to participate in its governance. Knowledge to deal with these new challenges is vital; the opportunity to reflect on these issues in the company of peers and away from the daily demands of the office environment is essential. The 12th Telecom Reform Course offered by LIRNEasia and CONNECTasia Forum Pte.Ltd. (the third in Singapore) offers that learning opportunity. It is designed to enhance the strategic thinking of a select group of senior decision makers in the telecom and related sectors in the Asia Pacific and elsewhere. After having been offered in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America, the course is now being taught on a regular schedule every March in Singapore. Attendance at Telecom Reform courses is capped at 40. Attendees will include regulators and senior officials of regulatory agencies; senior regulatory staff at operators; and leaders of consumer and other organizations participating in reform processes. In addition to Dr. Rohan Samarajiva who designed and led the recent Telecom Reform courses, Dr. Tim Kelly (Head, Telecom Standardization Policy Division, International Telecommunication Union), Mr. Rajendra Singh (former Secretary, TRAI, currently with the World Bank), Mr. Muhammed Aslam Hayat (Regulatory Consultant to Grameen Phone), Dr. Harsha de Silva (Lead Economist, LIRNEasia) and Ms. Helani Galpaya (Director of Strategic Development, LIRNEasia) have agreed to share their expertise. At recent courses, keynote presentations were delivered by speakers of the caliber of Mr. M.H. Au (Director General of Telecom, Hong Kong China), Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya (CEO, Dialog Telekom, Sri Lanka), Mr. Andy Haire (Assistant Director General, InfoComm Development Authority, Singapore), and Mr. Satish Ranade (Vice President?Legal, VSNL). LIRNEasia courses provide cutting-edge, policy-relevant knowledge presented by reflective practitioners, addressing the most pressing regulatory issues and drawing from ongoing research. The 2008 Course will include presentations on benchmark regulation and demand analysis that draw from ongoing research projects. The final agenda with confirmed speakers will be provided closer to the date. COURSE FEE, INCLUSIVE OF COURSE MATERIAL, 5 NIGHTS OF 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, 5 BREAKFASTS, 4 LUNCHES, 2 DINNERS, AND REFRESHMENTS DURING BREAKS Government/regulatory agency (1st participant) Government/regulatory agency (additional participants from same entity) Public or private operators and other private sector (1st participant) Public or private operators and other private sector (additional participants from same entity) Civil society, non-profit and educational institutions; media organizations The fee (and scholarship) covers: program tuition, reading and classroom material; accommodation for five nights (arrival March 2nd, departure March 7th) (additional nights may be arranged direct with the hotel); 5 breakfasts (March 3-7); 4 lunches (March 3-6); 7 refreshment breaks and opening and closing dinners (March 2 and March 5) only. Changi Village is a beach resort hotel optimized for conventions and meetings. Many dinner options are available at the hotel and within walking distance of hotel (hawkers? market and restaurants). The fee does not cover airfare and any additional activities within Singapore. Registrations are on a first-come-first-served basis until the course limit is reached. Registrations close February 4th, 2008. The hotel is very close to the Changi Airport and offers hourly free shuttles which may be taken or an efficient Singapore taxi will take you to the hotel for less than USD 5 (they take credit cards; but you may wish to change currency at the airport). For a valid registration, the completed registration form must be received and full payment must be deposited in the Connectasia Forum Pte. Ltd. account: The Hongkong and Shanghai Corporation Limited, HSBC Payments Department, 60A Orchard Road #01-02, The Atrium@Orchard, Singapore 238890; Account name: CONNECTasia Forum Pte. Ltd.; Account number: 260-531520-178 (USD account); SWIFT code: HSBCSGSG. For cancellations after February 4th, 2008 no refunds can be made, though the organizers will be

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FW: Research and Training Manager Advert
by Kevit Desai 01 Nov '07

01 Nov '07

Dear Members, Sambazaa.... Regards, Mike _____ From: Neema Nzimbi [mailto:nnzimbi@atpsnet.org] Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 11:42 AM To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Subject: Research and Training Manager Advert Kindly circulate. Regards, Neema

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Internet-pioneer-leaves-oversight-group
by Wanjira, Alice Munyua 31 Oct '07

31 Oct '07

http://www.theage.com.au/news/web/net-pioneer-leaves-oversight-group/ 2007/10/29/1193555566207.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1 October 29, 2007 - 9:52AM In the 1970s, Vint Cerf played a leading role in developing the internet's technical foundation. For the past seven years, he's faced the more daunting task of leading a key agency that oversees his creation. After fending off an international rebellion and planting the seeds for streamlining operations, Cerf is stepping down this week as chairman of the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers. "My sentence is up," Cerf said with his characteristic sense of humour, which he and others credit for helping him steer the organisation through several high-profile battles from which it emerged more stable and stronger. Cerf, 64, who's also a senior executive at internet search leader Google, joined ICANN in 1999, a year after its formation to oversee domain names and other internet addressing policies. Cerf was elected chairman in 2000 and leaves the unpaid position after Friday's board meeting in Los Angeles because of term limits. When he joined the board, many questioned whether ICANN would survive. Now - though some people still complain that ICANN is arbitrary, secretive and slow - the focus is more on improving it than replacing it. Under Cerf, the organisation withstood power struggles and ballooned in size. It also has shown signs of movement on key issues: After years of debate, for instance, it is now beginning to create mechanisms for more easily adding internet addresses, including domain names in languages besides English. "In some respects it has gained credibility," Cerf said. "It is now part of the internet universe as opposed to a thing that was open to some serious debate." That has been particularly so since ICANN, teaming with the U.S. diplomats, resisted efforts by China, Brazil and other developing countries to replace the group with a more U.N.-like organisation over which world governments would have greater control. Among other things, ICANN critics wanted quicker action on addresses in other languages, saying the current restrictions are akin to requiring all English speakers to type in Chinese. Many foreign governments also resented the U.S. government's veto power over the Marina del Rey, Calif.-based nonprofit agency. Calls to strip ICANN and the United States - of its oversight of domain names, which are key for computers to find Web sites and route e-mails, grew as world leaders gathered in Geneva for the 2003 U.N. World Summit on the Information Society. The European Union even joined by the time the summit convened again in 2005, in Tunis, Tunisia. But ICANN ultimately emerged intact. Credit goes to many people besides Cerf, yet many say he had the gravitas to meet with heads of states and senior ministers - and tell them, "no." "He has a certain star quality," said Paul Twomey, ICANN's chief executive since 2003. "He can open a door. He can talk to anybody. He can say, 'Me and my colleagues actually invented the internet and here's how it works.' There was a lot of ignorance, and he was able to say, 'It just doesn't work the way you think it works.'" Cerf tested the first internet hookups in 1969 when he was a graduate student at UCLA. As a professor at Stanford University in the 1970s, Cerf led a team that invented the protocols, known as TCP/IP, that now serve as the internet's basic communications tools. Known since as one of the internet's founding fathers, Cerf continued working on internet technology at the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and later developed MCI Mail, the internet's first commercial e-mail service. Google lured him in 2005 to be its "chief internet evangelist" and gave him an office a few doors from CEO Eric Schmidt. In 1997, then-President Clinton presented Cerf and TCP/IP co-inventor Robert Kahn the National Medal of Technology, and in 2005 President Bush gave the pair the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As ICANN chairman, Cerf has played a hands-on role, attending many committee meetings and workshops in his trademark three-piece suit, often asking questions and contributing his know-how. Jeffrey Eckhaus, a business development director at domain registration company Register.com Inc., found him "very knowledgeable about every single topic that would go on. He would really know all the ins and outs." Besides his sense of humour and his technical knowledge, Cerf brought business and administrative acumen, many ICANN participants say. He has a slew of anecdotes ready and has displayed a willingness to listen to concerns and "engage with people from heads of states down to university students," Twomey said. Now that Cerf has guided ICANN from nearly its inception through a tumultuous adolescence and into early adulthood, many believe it's time for an ICANN driven more by procedures than personality. "It doesn't demean Cerf's towering legacy to say people are ready for a change," said Milton Mueller, a Syracuse University professor and frequent ICANN critic. The short list of potential successors includes telecommunications expert Roberto Gaetano and lawyer Peter Dengate Thrush. Both have been active with ICANN, but neither has Cerf's name recognition or long-standing ties to the internet. "The bad news is we're not going to find another Vint," said Steve Crocker, a high school classmate of Cerf's and fellow internet pioneer. "It's equally a form of good news. We're now going to go through a period where ordinary mortals are managing things." Even with Cerf's clout, ICANN has had its share of battles. For one, a decision to reverse preliminary support for a proposed ".xxx" domain name for porn sites was criticized as arbitrary and politically influenced. During Cerf's tenure, ICANN's staff and budget have grown, permitting faster response. Its roughly 100 staff members are paid out of a $41.6 million budget for fiscal 2008, compared with about a dozen employed during fiscal 2001, when ICANN budgeted $3.78 million for operating expenses. The board and its constituency committees have reorganized numerous times in an effort to better reflect the internet community, and minutes to private board meetings have been posted more quickly to improve transparency. Nonetheless, many critics still complain that ICANN has neither opened the decision-making process enough nor acted as quickly as it should on issues like adding domain names after several years, it is just now streamlining the approval process. Few of those complaints, however, are directed at Cerf. "It would have been a lot more without Vint," said David Farber, former chief technologist for the Federal Communications Commission. "I don't have warm, fuzzy feelings about ICANN, but Vint is not a person you want to get into battles with. He's a nice guy. He's smart. He's reasonable to talk to." Cerf plans to disengage entirely from ICANN for at least a year, freeing him to write books and devote more time to his Google duties. "This is a very important test ICANN both must pass and will pass, that it can withstand a change of its senior management," Cerf said. "I have no hesitation at all turning this over to a new team." AP

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Reuters/Nokia Collaboration Has Potential for Citizen Journalists
by Rebecca Wanjiku 31 Oct '07

31 Oct '07

Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ Reuters and Nokia Research Center have teamed up to advance the usage of mobile journalism with the release of a new mobile toolkit and reporting try-out. Although the initiative is currently aimed at professional reporters, the project has implications for citizen journalists around the world. In a trial that began over the summer, Reuters journalists were given a lightweight " mobile toolkit " that included a Nokia N95 mobile phone, a tripod, a folding bluetooth keyboard, a Sony microphone, and Power Monkeys. The Power Monkey Explorer was used in Senegal and allowed the phone to be charged using solar power. The toolkit also includes text editing and multimedia capabilities. According to Nokia, "metadata facilities" combine everything that the phone already knows about the story, such as GPS location, time, date and other information. The toolkit allows journalists to write and publish stories from the field to deliver up-to-date news and instant reporting. The trial involved journalists reporting on everything from New York Fashion Week to the US presidential campaign. Archived stories are available on Reuters Mobile Journalism website. Although the mobile toolkit's usage has been confined to professional journalists, usage could be expanded in the future to include non-professionals as well. According to Nokia's press release, The implications of the research could be much wider in the long term. Timo Koskinen, project manager with Nokia Research Center, said: "The term 'citizen journalism' has been in use for several years, but technological innovations - particularly the introduction of mobile multimedia computers - have transformed the concept. 'Citizen journalism' is beginning to embrace a wide range of public engagement with the media, from groups of contributors organized around subject or geographic areas to the casual participation of observers who are lucky - or unlucky - enough to be at the scene of a newsworthy event." The Nokia/Reuters collaboration joins other mobile journalism projects, including Voices of Africa, a project of AfricaNews that we have previously written about. Voices of Africa allows citizen journalists throughout Africa to submit videos, photos, and stories via mobile phone. The project seeeks to make news coverage more democratic by expanding reporting abilities to those who aren't represented by the conventional media with the basic premise that "the bigger the number of people expressing their opinions through that technology, the stronger becomes democracy, and the more valuable is the contribution to good governance efforts in Africa." http://mobileactive.org/reuters-nokia-collaboration visit our website at www.penplusbytes.net our blog is located at http://penplusbytes.blogspot.com/ --- --You are currently subscribed to penplusbytes as: rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com --To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-penplusbytes-352938B(a)dgroups.org Penplusbytes online list is hosted on Dgroups- a joint initiative of Bellanet, DFID, Hivos, ICA, IICD, OneWorld, UNAIDS __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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ICANN opens 30th meeting in LA
by Rebecca Wanjiku 30 Oct '07

30 Oct '07

ICANN Opens Historic 30th International Public Meeting in L.A. Meeting marks end of Vint Cerf's term, offers updates on major changes to Internet 29 October 2007 LOS ANGELES: The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers has opened its 30th International Public Meeting in Los Angeles. "It's fitting to host such an historic meeting in California. ICANN will be looking at issues impacting the future of the Internet in the place where, in many ways, the Internet was born and grew up," said Dr Paul Twomey, ICANN's President and CEO. "The ICANN model is working and these meetings are pivotal. As a bottom up, consensus-driven organization, help us get the community together to discuss the direction we need to head, and how we will get there." Attendees and on-line participants can be part of more than 30 sessions and workshops, and will help ICANN continue improving the global coordination of the Internet's unique identifiers. Some of the highlights of the Los Angeles meeting include: ICANN's ongoing technical test of Internationalized Domain Names, Developing policies on how IDNs will be implemented so global internet users can get their names in their languages, A major workshop on Increasing consumer choice through the development of the application and approval process for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs, which are the part of web addresses after the dot — like .com or .info), Enhancing protection for domain name registrants through amendments to the Registrar Accreditation Agreement. "I can't over emphasize the importance of IDNs and new gTLDs — when ICANN reaches the implementation point on these projects we will see an incredible change in the way people interact with the Internet and each other," Dr Twomey added. "ICANN stands for a single, globally interoperable Internet — and the work on IDNs and new gTLDs is part of enhancing that." Dr Twomey also welcomed the announcement from the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration that the NTIA will consult with interested stakeholders regarding the mid-term review of the Joint Project Agreement (JPA) between the Department and ICANN. "ICANN and the Department agreed to a mid term review in 2006," Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information John Kneuer said at the ICANN meeting this morning. "It is important that all interested stakeholders have an opportunity to directly share their views on ICANN during the JPA mid-term review," Kneuer added. "We feel strongly that our review must be informed by your experiences with ICANN and perspectives regarding its evolution." The NTIA release is available at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/press/2007/PR_ICANNJPA_10292007.html. "We welcome this public consultation. ICANN stands for one, global interoperable Internet. If you believe in that, this is your opportunity to tell the NTIA that the ICANN model is our best one to ensure co-ordination not control," Dr Twomey added. "It's also an historic meeting because it is Vint Cerf's last official function as board chair," Dr Twomey added. "His contributions to ICANN, and the Internet, have been immeasurable. We are going to celebrate his achievements at a special tribute during the meeting." The complete schedule for ICANN's Los Angeles meeting, as well as links to webcast sessions and our public participation website, can be found at: http://losangeles2007.icann.org/. . 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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ITU and AfDB join hands
by Rebecca Wanjiku 30 Oct '07

30 Oct '07

ITU and AfDB join forces to Interconnect African Capitals and Major Cities Collaboration to achieve key Connect Africa Summit Goals Issued jointly by ITU and the African Development Bank Kigali, Rwanda, 30 October 2007 — The International Telecommunication Union and the African Development Bank (AfDB) agreed to collaborate on interconnecting all African capitals and major cities with ICT broadband infrastructure and strengthen connectivity to the rest of the world by 2012. Commenting on the challenge ahead, Mr Kaberuka said, “In recent years, private investment in ICT infrastructure, especially in mobile phone networks, has had an enormous impact in many parts of Africa, but major gaps remain. The development banks and other financing partners have a responsibility to step in where these gaps are holding back development in the region.” Secretary-General of ITU, Dr Hamadoun Touré and President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Mr Donald Kaberuka announced this today at the Connect Africa Summit in Kigali, Rwanda. “The solution for African development is not charity,” Dr Touré said. “African countries need modern, reliable broadband ICT infrastructure to attract investment for jobs and economic growth. This is about economic independence and strengthening Africa’s competitive position in the global economy.” As part of this collaboration, ITU and AfDB will actively mobilize partners and financing to close ICT broadband infrastructure gaps between major centres in Africa. AfDB hosts the Secretariat of the African Infrastructure Consortium, which brings together major donors and financial institutions active in the region. This group plays a crucial role in the financing of projects, as well as in ensuring a coherent approach among those involved. “The Bank aims to stimulate economic growth and climate and facilitate economic integration. We want to make the economies of Africa more competitive, and therefore AfDB is committing to the development of information and communication technology across the continent,” Dr Kaberuka said. To support the implementation of ICT infrastructure projects funded by the AfDB or other interested financing partners, ITU will serve as an executing agency and provide telecommunications expertise and technical assistance, where the need arises. ITU will also mobilize its base of more than 650 Sector Members, including many leading ICT industry players. To support new ICT infrastructure investments and fill in remaining gaps, ITU and AfDB will jointly undertake feasibility studies and develop project proposals in consultation with Member States and other stakeholders in the region. With the aim of rationalizing available funds and building on efforts in other sectors, ITU and AfDB will also work together to promote wider integration of ICT with other major infrastructure investments. This would include laying broadband fibre alongside transport and energy projects, as well as encouraging innovative infrastructure sharing approaches among telecommunication/ICT operators. ITU and AfDB also agreed to collaborate in assisting countries to develop policies and regulations to encourage new ICT infrastructure investments. About AfDB The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution which is dedicated to combating poverty and improving living conditions across the continent. The ADB Group is also engaged in mobilizing resources for the economic and social progress of its Regional Member Countries. The Bank’s mission is to promote economic and social development through loans, equity investments and technical assistance. The Group includes: The African Development Bank (ADB) is a multilateral development bank whose shareholders include 53 African countries (regional member countries—RMCs) and 24 non-African countries from the Americas, Asia, and Europe (non-regional member countries—non-RMCs). It was established in 1964, with its headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and officially began operations in 1967. The Bank has been operating from its Temporary Relocation Agency in Tunis since February 2003. The African Development Fund (ADF). Established in 1973, the ADF, which comprises the ADB and State Participants, became operational in 1974. Its main objective is to reduce poverty in RMCs by providing low-income RMCs with concessional loans and grants for projects and programs, as well as technical assistance for studies and capacity-building activities. About ITU ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technology issues, and the global focal point for governments and the private sector in developing networks and services. For more than 140 years, ITU has coordinated the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoted international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, worked to improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world, and established the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. ITU also organizes worldwide and regional exhibitions and forums bringing together the most influential representatives of government and the telecommunications industry to exchange ideas, knowledge and technology for the benefit of the global community, and in particular the developing world. From broadband internet to latest-generation wireless technologies, from aeronautical and maritime navigation to radio astronomy and satellite-based meteorology, from phone and fax services to TV broadcasting and next-generation networks, ITU continues to play a central role in helping the world communicate. About Connect Africa The Connect Africa Summit takes place in Kigali, Rwanda, 29-30 October 2007, under the patronage of Mr Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda and Mr John Kufuor, President of the Republic of Ghana and Chairman of the African Union. It is being organized by the International Telecommunication Union, the African Union, the World Bank Group and the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development, in partnership with the African Development Bank, the African Telecommunication Union, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the Global Digital Solidarity Fund. The overall objective of the Connect Africa Summit is to mobilize the human, financial and technical resources required to close Information and Communication Technology (ICT) gaps throughout Africa. The Summit offers a venue for leaders from the public, private and financial sectors to network face-to-face and forge new partnerships. Debate centres on the key success factors vital to advance ICT investment and boost growth in Africa, including the expansion of broadband infrastructure, “last mile” access and rural connectivity solutions, establishing a business-friendly policy and regulatory environment, developing an ICT skilled workforce and relevant applications and services, and striking a balance between private and public investment. 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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Fwd: [TIER] Wireless School at ICTP
by Eric Osiakwan 30 Oct '07

30 Oct '07

Begin forwarded message: > From: Marco Zennaro <mzennaro(a)ictp.it> > Date: 30 October 2007 11:43:35 GMT+03:00 > To: tier(a)tier.cs.berkeley.edu > Subject: [TIER] Wireless School at ICTP > > The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) > is organizing a School on "New Perspectives in Wireless Networking > Applications", to be followed by "Relevance of Low Cost Wireless > ICT Solutions for Development: an Awareness Workshop" from 11 > February to 5 March 2008. The venue will be ICTP in Trieste, Italy. > > > PURPOSE AND NATURE > The School is addressed to a limited number of candidates coming > from academic and research institutions of Developing Countries and > having an adequate working knowledge of IP networking. It will > include tutorial lectures and laboratory work, where wireless > solutions will be experienced through hands-on-sessions. > > The Laboratory work will be dedicated to practical exercises and > demonstrations on: > > - Basics of wireless networking with Wi-Fi/WiMax technologies > - Wireless Sensor Networks > - Powering remote sites > > AWARENESS WORKSHOP > In the Awareness Workshop participants and international experts > will discuss the most advanced and cost-effective low cost wireless > technology available to help the educational, scientific, social > and economic development of Least Developed Countries. > > Deadline for requesting participation is 5 November 2007. > > > More info is available at: http://cdsagenda5.ictp.trieste.it/ > full_display.php?smr=0&ida=a07142 > > > Marco Zennaro > Aeronomy and Radiopropagation Laboratory > the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics > Strada Costiera 11 > 34014 Trieste > Italy > > Telephone: +39 040 2240 406 > E-mail: mzennaro(a)ictp.it > > > > _______________________________________________ > TIER mailing list > Website: http://tier.cs.berkeley.edu > TIER(a)tier.cs.berkeley.edu > https://www.millennium.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/tier Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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Intellectual Property (IP), Copyrights, Infringement, Access to Knowledge
by Alex Gakuru 29 Oct '07

29 Oct '07

Dear All, I have an assignment that will definitely strengthen the consumer but for that to happen much sooner,better, and a lot easier I need your help. A practical example: Cyber cafes around town infringing on Microsoft Windows 2000 have less than 1-month to purchase XP or Vista else they will be arraigned in court by the company and/or its agents. Anyone who wants to purchase "licences" for the Windows 2000 cannot do so because Microsoft says they no longer support that product. This means that one has to upgrade to Vista, quite an unpopular product according to this study: http://www.windowsvistaweblog.com/2007/09/22/2-percent-of-companies-upgrade… Meagre revenue generating Cyber cafe are expected to spend more 15 million in new hardware to support vista in addition to Microsoft software licenses else they face legal action. Fortunately, Free and Open Source Software run very fast on old computers. (Mine is 533 MHz! and it runs great) In total, Kenya has about 700,000 computers most running on whatever windows and it is also said that the level of infringement is 85% (see below). If every computer were to run on "licensed" windows, them the capital flight from Kenya would be 700,000(PCs) x 17, 000 (windowsXP) = Kshs 11,900,000,000 (approx.20 billion). Add Shs 17.5 billion for Microsoft Office retailing at Kshs 25,000 per copy making a total of shillings 29.4 billion (about the amount Finance Ministry hopes to get from sale of Safaricom shares?) Free and Open Source Software has free OpenOffice and hundred of thousands of other free software... ------------------------------------------------------------- Country GDP/cap (US$) PCs('000) Piracy ------------------------------------------------------------- Kenya 1,200 700 81% S.Africa 13,300 3,100 35% USA 44,000 200,000 21% Malawi 600 60 85% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Source: Speaker at Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation's "Connecting Rural Communities-Africa Forum" at Nairobi. (I prefer use of "license infringement" as opposed to pre-condemning "piracy") In order to assist me in addressing this consumer and development and related issues, please fill and send back the attached questionnaire.For more info see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Access_to_Knowledge_movement. I have attached the questionnaire in two of various "save as" formats OpenOffice Word Processor offers ( Microsoft Word".doc" and OpenOffice .odt). Please fill and return ASAP to help me make a more informed Rapid Assessment Study. asante. Alex __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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ITU and Microsoft launch online platform to track ICT development
by Rebecca Wanjiku 29 Oct '07

29 Oct '07

ITU and Microsoft launch online platform to track ICT development Support for ICT infrastructure and capacity building pledged at Connect Africa Summit Issued jointly by ITU and Microsoft Kigali, Rwanda, 29 October 2007 - ITU Global View, a virtual earth-based online platform to track and help accelerate the implementation of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) goals in Africa was launched today on the opening day of the Connect Africa Summit. Governments, along with industry, development banks and international organizations are gathered in Kigali to mobilize the human, financial and technical resources required to expand the development of ICT infrastructure and ensure it is used effectively in pursuit of the WSIS development goals for Africa. For full text see: http://www.itu.int/newsroom/press_releases/2007/32.html __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Fwd: [Fibre-for-africa] Statement from CS meeting on African Connectivity Kigali Oct 2007
by Eric Osiakwan 29 Oct '07

29 Oct '07

fyi Begin forwarded message: > From: "Anriette Esterhuysen" <anriette(a)apc.org> > Date: 29 October 2007 16:44:29 GMT+03:00 > To: aPC-forum(a)lists.apc.org > Cc: fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org, apc.africa(a)lists.apc.org > Subject: [Fibre-for-africa] Statement from CS meeting on African > Connectivity Kigali Oct 2007 > Reply-To: anriette(a)apc.org, APC - Private list for use by EASSY > Workshop Participants <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> > > Hallo all > > For all your information. > > Attached is a statement developed by APC and > partners (CIPESA, AfrISPA, KictaNet, OSIWA, > and RERN) held in Kigali, Rwanda on 28 > October 2007 prior to the Connect Africa > Summit convened by the ITU on 29 and 30 > October. Please address queries to Abi Jagun > (abi(a)apc.org) and Coura Fall > (coura(a)apc.org) > > Anriette > > PS- APC members and partners and friends in > Kigali please note we are meeting for dinner at > Hotel Chez Lando at 19h30 today, 29 October > 2007. > > > ------------------------------------------------------ > Anriette Esterhuysen, Executive Director > Association for Progressive Communications > anriette(a)apc.org > http://www.apc.org > PO Box 29755, Melville, South Africa. 2109 > Tel. 27 11 726 1692 > Fax 27 11 726 1692 > > The following section of this message contains a file attachment > prepared for transmission using the Internet MIME message format. > If you are using Pegasus Mail, or any other MIME-compliant system, > you should be able to save it or view it from within your mailer. > If you cannot, please ask your system administrator for assistance. > > ---- File information ----------- > File: Kigali_mtng_recom291007.pdf > Date: 29 Oct 2007, 15:43 > Size: 56319 bytes. > Type: Unknown_______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa 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: (KAZI-AFRICA) THE APPRENTICE!!!- Africa!!
by Michael Kipsang Bullut 27 Oct '07

27 Oct '07

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GET YOUR HANDS OFF THE WEB
by Alex Gakuru 27 Oct '07

27 Oct '07

Others say.. GET YOUR HANDS OFF THE WEB [SOURCE: BusinessWeek, AUTHOR: Stephen H. Wildstrom] [Comentary] The behavior of the top telecommunications companies, especially Verizon Communications and AT&T, has convinced me that more government involvement is needed to keep communications free of corporate interference. There's a certain irony here. The carriers warn that without premiums to pay for advanced services, the U.S. risks falling behind other nations in broadband. But the U.S. is already losing ground to the rest of the industrialized world in broadband speed and percentage of homes served. Last year the U.S. fell from 12th to 15th in broadband penetration among 29 countries ranked by the Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development. Most of those nations are enthusiastic regulators. The hands-off approach hasn't served consumers well. And the Web is far too important to entrust the free flow of information to the shifting whims of a few big companies. Government must step in and tell them to leave our content alone. http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/oct2007/tc20071024_623695.ht… ---------------------------------------------------------- WWWhatsup NYC http://pinstand.com - http://punkcast.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] [Fibre-for-africa] RE: The tables are turned
by Eric Osiakwan 26 Oct '07

26 Oct '07

Dear Peter, I also think this should be abitration after the two parties did not agree between themselves but one of them prefered to take it to the regulator whether rightly or wrongly but thats their choice. The regulator can then ask them to go abitrate. In Ghana when a similar situation happened between GT and IGH, the issue went up the regulator and the regulator said, thier next line of call after they could not agree was to abitrate and if abitration does not work then they come to the regualtor and if the decision of the regulator does not work then the courts comes in. Our regulations provide for such progression but i dont know about yours, may be Alex G. can again come to my rescue. Your last issue boaders on dominate market share, now as far as i know Kenya does not have competition regulation but ideally that should take care of such growths in the market as it is in the EU. Am just reading a story of Microsft surcumbing to that regulation in the EU. Eric here On 23 Oct 2007, at 12:49, Peter Othino wrote: > Hi Eric, > > I do agree Michael Joseph and the situation should be arbitration > and not a > regulator handling commercial differences in the field. > > Looking at it on the reverse, the current Telkom Operation on their > CDMA > platform they are no different from a GSM provider yet I believe the > licensing conditions were different this to me has no direct > commercials but > a regulatory aspect but I do not remember it being handled despite > concerns > raised. I do not believe that parties need to complain for > regulation to be > effected as that would kill the whole concept and drive about self > regulation that is the ultimate desired position. > > Yet again if a provider gets powerful for it is position in the > market I > believe it is part of the Matrix as this comes either as tangible or > intangible value adds above the rest associated with the service > delivered. > > Thanks, > > Peter Othino > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Timothy Kasonde KASOLO [mailto:timothy@africonnect.co.zm] > Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 12:08 PM > To: eadera(a)idrc.or.ke; APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop > Participants > Cc: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants; > KICTAnet ICT > Policy Discussions > Subject: RE: [Fibre-for-africa] RE: [kictanet] The tables are turned > > Hello, > I think the media needs to be balancing the articles .... > > Timothy > >> Michael, >> >> It would help to hear your side of the story so we can all be >> informed. >> >> We unfortunately do not have other sources of information at this >> point >> other than the media. >> >> Looking forward, >> >> Edith >> >> -original message- >> Subject: [Fibre-for-africa] RE: [kictanet] The tables are turned >> From: "Michael Joseph" <MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke> >> Date: 23/10/2007 10:53 am >> >> What you have not mentioned whether the complaint had any merit and >> whether the Parties could not have resolved it between themselves >> rather >> than relying on the CCK to mediate every commercial dispute. There is >> much more to this than just the one-sided view quoted by the media >> but >> we have chosen not to try to resolve our disputes through the media. >> >> >> >> Regards >> >> >> >> Michael >> >> >> >> CEO >> >> Safaricom Limited >> >> >> >> ________________________________ >> >> From: kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> [mailto:kictanet-bounces >> +mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke] >> On Behalf Of Eric Osiakwan >> Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2007 12:27 AM >> To: Michael Joseph >> Cc: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants; >> KICTAnet >> ICT Policy Discussions >> Subject: [kictanet] The tables are turned >> >> >> >> Dear All, >> >> >> >> We are really living in interesting times especially in the ICT >> industry >> because a few years ago, it was the mobile operators and ISPs who >> would >> be knocking on the doors of the regulator complaining and sometimes >> weeping at the anti-competitive practices of the imcumbent PTT >> towards >> them. >> >> >> >> Today the tables have turned and in Kenya as per the story below, >> Telkom >> Kenya is rather asking CCK to put Safaricom in check because they are >> acting anti-competitively on the SMS platform against their CDMA >> operation. Five years ago, this would have being an "incorrect >> prophesy" >> but it has happen sooner than all would have expected. >> >> >> >> What is more interesting is the fact that Safaricom is 60% owned by >> Telkom Kenya which is fully owned by government that means that the >> mobile operators have become so powerful that the combined years >> of PTT >> operation and their political forces cannot turn the tables except >> the >> mediation of the regulator. This confirms Russell Southwood's recent >> story of the emergence of the mobile operators as the new >> incumbents of >> our time. >> >> >> >> May be one good thing is the fact that the mobile incumbents are so >> powerful that not a combiantion of PTT operation and political forces >> can impact them except the court of the regulator so the political >> leadership in some of our countries would now see reason to >> strengthen >> their regulators and make them independent enough to be the pivot to >> balance the weight of the mobile operators against their "cash cow" >> incumbents. >> >> >> >> Eric here >> >> >> >> >> >> Telkom Lodges SMS Petition Against Safaricom in Kenya >> >> In the fight for control of Kenya's lucrative telecoms industry, >> competition is becoming a useful weapon in the hands of rival firms >> -especially those that need to play the catch-up game to remain in >> the >> race. >> >> This market share war has become so intense that players are breaking >> all boundaries in the corporate rulebook. >> >> Five months ago, mobile phone service provider Celtel took its bigger >> and only rival Safaricom before the market regulator, accusing it of >> playing unfairly in the market to the disadvantage of the consumer. >> >> Now it is the national operator Telkom's turn to lodge a landmark >> complaint against its subsidiary -Safaricom. >> >> In its letter to Mr John Waweru, the Communications Commission of >> Kenya >> director general, Telkom Kenya is accusing Safaricom of practising >> anti-competitive behaviour in the market -especially in the Short >> Messages Services (SMS) segment of the business. >> >> Telkom says Safaricom has been blocking the exchange of SMSs >> between the >> two networks, thereby denying its customers access to key services >> that >> the national operator is offering such as the one that enables >> them to >> check their voter registration details with the Electoral >> Commission of >> Kenya (ECK). >> >> "Telkom Kenya is concerned that Safaricom is engaging in >> anti-competitive behaviour and in essence abusing its dominant market >> position by introducing barriers to new entrants targeting SMS market >> segment," Telkom says. >> >> Public attention was first drawn to the matter after some Safaricom >> subscribers complained that Safaricom was charging them for >> undelivered >> SMSs to Telkom Kenya's Wireless network. SMSs to Telkom network >> got an >> automatic reply indicating that delivery had failed yet the consumers >> were being billed. >> >> Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph acknowledged that some of its >> subscribers >> had sent messages to Telkom Kenya during the test period and may have >> been charged erroneously. >> >> He said that although the company was not billing SMSs to Telkom >> Wireless network between August 13 and August 27, some of its >> customers >> may have been billed. Safaricom later agreed to refund the affected >> subscribers. >> >> Telkom says that on August 16, the two interconnectivity negotiating >> parties met and agreed on interconnection rate and a technical >> testing >> schedule. >> >> During this period the parties also exchanged SMS test templates >> to be >> adopted in the tests. Safaricom has however not cooperated in >> facilitating the process, making it unable to commercialise the >> service. >> >> The matter seems to have reached fever pitch after Safaricom >> introduced >> a voter registry query service similar to the one Telkom Kenya had >> rolled out after it won an ECK tender. >> >> Telkom Kenya is complaining that failure by Safaricom to activate the >> SMS service is affecting its ability to use an innovative platform >> that >> delivers voter registry query services by utilizing the 460 >> numeric to >> access the ECK database. >> >> Telkom Kenya says Safaricom acted maliciously in delaying to activate >> the SMS service only to launch a similar service. >> >> "We are perturbed that Safaricom, having not been involved in the >> initial tender process is currently able to provide a similar >> services >> using the 460 prefix. This is a totally unacceptable anti-competitive >> behaviour," Telkom says. >> >> Mr Joseph declined to comment on the matter saying it was already >> before >> an arbiter. >> >> Telkom Kenya is the majority shareholder at Safaricom with a 60 >> per cent >> stake. It co-owns the company with the United Kingdom's Vodafone Plc >> which has a 40 per cent stake in the firm. >> (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" >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> The information in this email and any attachments is confidential >> and may >> be legally privileged. It is intended only for the use of the named >> addressee. >> Emails are susceptible to alteration and their integrity cannot be >> guaranteed. Safaricom Limited does not accept legal responsibility >> for the >> contents of this email if the same is found to have been altered or >> manipulated. >> The contents and opinions expressed in this email are solely those >> of the >> author and do not necessarily represent those of Safaricom Limited. >> Safaricom Limited disclaims any liability to the fullest extent >> permissible by law for any consequences that may arise from the >> contents >> of this email including but not limited to personal opinions, >> malicious >> and/or defamatory information and data/codes that may compromise >> or damage >> the integrity of the recipient's information technology systems. >> If you are not the intended recipient please notify the sender and >> immediately delete this email from your system. >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Fibre-for-africa mailing list >> Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org >> http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa >> >> >> >> -- >> This message has been scanned for viruses and >> dangerous content by MailScanner, and is >> believed to be clean. >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Fibre-for-africa mailing list >> Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org >> http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa >> >> > > > Timothy Kasonde Kasolo, > Africonnect > NETWORK SUPPORT ENGINEER, > Plot 59, Great East Road, > Lusaka. > Phone: Lusaka +260-1-232005 > Mobile:+260-97-893922. > E-mail: timothy(a)africonnect.co.zm > www.africonnect.co.zm > www.iconnect.co.zm > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > 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"

3 5

History Comes Un-noticed
by Bill Kagai 25 Oct '07

25 Oct '07

http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3880&Item… Transferring money via mobile fone was not developed at MIT but right here in Africa...and the service is now rolling beyond Africa. Kudos to the pioneers making life this simple for us. Mobile firms set to transfer cash abroad Written by Okuttah Mark *October 25, 2007:* Mobile phone operators in Africa have entered into a partnership agreement with Western Union to facilitate electronic transfer of money transfer across the national borders by mid next year. The partnership paves the way for the development of a commercial and technical framework to be used by mobile operators to facilitate high frequency money transfers using mobile phones. Initial roll-out of the service is expected to kick off in the second quarter of 2008. If successful, Kenya's two mobile operators Safaricom and Celtel will be able to expand their reach to Kenyans in the diaspora with the electronic money transfer services. Safaricom in partnership with Vodafone was the first to roll out mobile phone based electronic money transfer services that have proved to be a success especially among the un banked. Safaricom operates M-pesa while Celtel has Sokotele. Both networks are working on modalities of expanding their services beyond the national borders. Since its launch early this year, M-pesa has attracted 700,000 users and handled Sh3 billion worth of transactions. The new system combines key elements of both Western Union's electronic money transfer system and the GSMA's money transfer programme. Electronic services have transformed the money transfer services making it simple, quick and affordable for more users sending small amounts of money.

1 0

[Fwd: [APC Forum] Research opportunity
by alice 24 Oct '07

24 Oct '07

Greetings All, The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is a partner in the Harambee project - Reinforcing African Voices through Collaborative Processes along with Bellanet Africa, Bellanet International and UNECA (United Nations Commission for Africa). Harambee is a Swahili word for Lets work together. It is intended to signify the uniting of a community around a common goal. The overall goal of the initiative is to enhance capacity development in Africa around the use of knowledge and ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) for collaboration, such that Africa-based organisations are better equipped to play a lead role in development dialogs and action affecting them. For more information on Harambee please visit http://www.harambeeafrica.net/ We are undertaking research under the Harambee banner and are looking for researchers for four (4) research projects. We are looking for experienced researchers who would take an action-oriented, participatory and inclusive approach and who understand networks and networking in Africa. We are wanting both English and French researchers. i.e. some research projects could be conducted in either French or English. Researchers will be contracted by APC and remunerated for their work. They would also need to attend a workshop in mid to late January possibly in South Africa in order to interview Harambee participants. All research should be completed by mid-March 2008. The topics include: 1. Gender issues in networks and differences in the way men and women engage in network activities 2. The status of the networking world in Africa, the issues and the opportunities. 3. Communication in African networks 4. Networking processes: opportunities and challenges for online interactions in African networks The research approach will include case studies and storytelling in order to evoke a deeper and more qualitative understanding of the four themes we are exploring. Harambee is about building on existing research and experiences in designing and implementing collaborative processes and technologies. So the methodology should include an understanding of existing experiences and uses of communication technologies. The research is a journey of discovery which is not about answers but rather what we can learn from the research. It should be participatory, inclusive and action oriented. A key part of the Harambee project are Focus Networks and recipients of the small grants fund who were selected to implement specific projects. We plan to include them in the research component to learn from their network experiences. This will happen at a knowledge sharing workshop to be hosted in late January 2008. Researchers are expected to be there to interview participants as part of the research process. Harambee has existing online spaces which could be used to communicate with the Focus Networks and small grants fund recipients. These include dGroups mailing list, a blog and a wiki. Although we would like to have a written paper (written in plain language) as one output of the research process, we are keen to also include outputs such as audio recordings of interviews, blog postings, resources posted to the Harambee website, photos, transcripts etc. We would like to see creative outputs to share easily with people via online and off line spaces. Should you want more information and if you are interested or know of researchers please email me offlist at jenny(a)apcwomen.org We would need examples of previous research. Warm Regards, Jenny Radloff ======

1 0

CCK Tariff Comparison
by Alex Gakuru 24 Oct '07

24 Oct '07

[apologies to those on both lists for my cross-posting] The simple most common consumer question faced is, "who is the fairest among the telecommunication providers?" This is often hard to answer without appearing to "endorse" or "criticise" any one provider. Apparently, CCK website now has some spreadsheets which, if dated, simpler to understand(user-friendly) and regularly updated, would also enable independent third parties to publish current,real, and detailed comparative tariffs to assist consumers decide which provider offers best value for money. While appreciating and welcoming this development, we urge the Regulator to prioritise this data provision considering the impact communication costs have on consumers and business for continued health of the entire economy. Alex Gakuru ICAK PS: CCK comparison: http://www.cck.go.ke/tariff_comparison/ Wish-for style: "Internet Connectivity in Uganda-Easy Guide" http://www.isoc.or.ke/docs/Booklet%20Inet.pdf (Newest i-net Uganda edition available on request) Does the CCK have sufficiently compelling reasons to act fast and motivation to regularly update the data? If not, who can help us develop a similar guide regularly updated for Kenyan consumers? AG __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

1 0

[APC Forum] Call for dialogue: Regulatory frameworks for improving access
by alice 23 Oct '07

23 Oct '07

------------------------------------------------------------------------- Call for dialogue: Regulatory frameworks for improving access ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=5252920 What key actions could telecom and ICT regulators undertake to promote access to infrastructure at local, national and regional levels? Send dialogue comment for posting to dialogue(a)regulateonline.org “Regulatory Frameworks for Improving Access” – Workshop presented by APC, IDRC, and LIRNE.NET This dialogue is being undertaken in preparation for the “Regulatory Frameworks for Improving Access” workshop co-hosted by the Canadian International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Learning Initiatives on Reforms for Network Economies (LIRNE.NET) and the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), at this year’s IGF. The workshop will explore the key regulatory issues and imperatives in promoting equitable deployment and affordable access to internet (communications) infrastructure at local, national, regional and global levels. Background Regulation is how policies are put into practice. However, experience has shown that there is not necessarily a trouble-free transition from the conceptual to the real world. For telecom (and other sectors) despite expectations of market solutions to improve infrastructure development and deployment, there are still substantial access gaps beyond the reach of the market, especially in rural areas. LIRNE.NET and APC invite internet and telecom practitioners, ICT policy and regulation experts, and other stakeholders to submit short (200-500 words) statements on what they identify as the key issues and important factors currently facing regulators concerned with access to infrastructure. Statements can focus on local, national or regional access and can also highlight solutions that have been already implemented to resolve existing issues and challenges. Comments which address the following are particularly welcomed: 1. Whose jurisdiction? The role of regulation in addressing the international gap - international backbone infrastructure deployment and interconnection. 2. Issues and/or challenges in regulating regional (cross-national) communications infrastructure. 3. Trade-off or complementary objectives? Regulating for infrastructure investment and/or regulating for equitable access. 4. Access at the local level – definition of universal access and mechanisms for attainment. Internet Governance Forum (IGF) The Internet Governance Forum (IGF), a medium for multi-stakeholder policy dialogue, was set up in 2006 as a direct response to the deliberations of the World Summit of the Information Society (WSIS). The forum was created to (amongst other things) discuss public policy issues related to key elements of Internet governance in order to foster the sustainability, robustness, security, stability and development of the Internet. The second meeting of the IGF will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 12 - 15 November 2007. Association for Progressive Communications http://www.apc.org LIRNE.NET http://www.lirne.net IDRC http://www.idrc.org

1 0

Re: [kictanet] [Fibre-for-africa] RE: The tables are turned
by eadera＠idrc.or.ke 23 Oct '07

23 Oct '07

Michael, It would help to hear your side of the story so we can all be informed. We unfortunately do not have other sources of information at this point other than the media. Looking forward, Edith -original message- Subject: [Fibre-for-africa] RE: [kictanet] The tables are turned From: "Michael Joseph" <MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke> Date: 23/10/2007 10:53 am What you have not mentioned whether the complaint had any merit and whether the Parties could not have resolved it between themselves rather than relying on the CCK to mediate every commercial dispute. There is much more to this than just the one-sided view quoted by the media but we have chosen not to try to resolve our disputes through the media. Regards Michael CEO Safaricom Limited ________________________________ From: kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Eric Osiakwan Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2007 12:27 AM To: Michael Joseph Cc: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] The tables are turned Dear All, We are really living in interesting times especially in the ICT industry because a few years ago, it was the mobile operators and ISPs who would be knocking on the doors of the regulator complaining and sometimes weeping at the anti-competitive practices of the imcumbent PTT towards them. Today the tables have turned and in Kenya as per the story below, Telkom Kenya is rather asking CCK to put Safaricom in check because they are acting anti-competitively on the SMS platform against their CDMA operation. Five years ago, this would have being an "incorrect prophesy" but it has happen sooner than all would have expected. What is more interesting is the fact that Safaricom is 60% owned by Telkom Kenya which is fully owned by government that means that the mobile operators have become so powerful that the combined years of PTT operation and their political forces cannot turn the tables except the mediation of the regulator. This confirms Russell Southwood's recent story of the emergence of the mobile operators as the new incumbents of our time. May be one good thing is the fact that the mobile incumbents are so powerful that not a combiantion of PTT operation and political forces can impact them except the court of the regulator so the political leadership in some of our countries would now see reason to strengthen their regulators and make them independent enough to be the pivot to balance the weight of the mobile operators against their "cash cow" incumbents. Eric here Telkom Lodges SMS Petition Against Safaricom in Kenya In the fight for control of Kenya's lucrative telecoms industry, competition is becoming a useful weapon in the hands of rival firms -especially those that need to play the catch-up game to remain in the race. This market share war has become so intense that players are breaking all boundaries in the corporate rulebook. Five months ago, mobile phone service provider Celtel took its bigger and only rival Safaricom before the market regulator, accusing it of playing unfairly in the market to the disadvantage of the consumer. Now it is the national operator Telkom's turn to lodge a landmark complaint against its subsidiary -Safaricom. In its letter to Mr John Waweru, the Communications Commission of Kenya director general, Telkom Kenya is accusing Safaricom of practising anti-competitive behaviour in the market -especially in the Short Messages Services (SMS) segment of the business. Telkom says Safaricom has been blocking the exchange of SMSs between the two networks, thereby denying its customers access to key services that the national operator is offering such as the one that enables them to check their voter registration details with the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK). "Telkom Kenya is concerned that Safaricom is engaging in anti-competitive behaviour and in essence abusing its dominant market position by introducing barriers to new entrants targeting SMS market segment," Telkom says. Public attention was first drawn to the matter after some Safaricom subscribers complained that Safaricom was charging them for undelivered SMSs to Telkom Kenya's Wireless network. SMSs to Telkom network got an automatic reply indicating that delivery had failed yet the consumers were being billed. Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph acknowledged that some of its subscribers had sent messages to Telkom Kenya during the test period and may have been charged erroneously. He said that although the company was not billing SMSs to Telkom Wireless network between August 13 and August 27, some of its customers may have been billed. Safaricom later agreed to refund the affected subscribers. Telkom says that on August 16, the two interconnectivity negotiating parties met and agreed on interconnection rate and a technical testing schedule. During this period the parties also exchanged SMS test templates to be adopted in the tests. Safaricom has however not cooperated in facilitating the process, making it unable to commercialise the service. The matter seems to have reached fever pitch after Safaricom introduced a voter registry query service similar to the one Telkom Kenya had rolled out after it won an ECK tender. Telkom Kenya is complaining that failure by Safaricom to activate the SMS service is affecting its ability to use an innovative platform that delivers voter registry query services by utilizing the 460 numeric to access the ECK database. Telkom Kenya says Safaricom acted maliciously in delaying to activate the SMS service only to launch a similar service. "We are perturbed that Safaricom, having not been involved in the initial tender process is currently able to provide a similar services using the 460 prefix. This is a totally unacceptable anti-competitive behaviour," Telkom says. Mr Joseph declined to comment on the matter saying it was already before an arbiter. Telkom Kenya is the majority shareholder at Safaricom with a 60 per cent stake. It co-owns the company with the United Kingdom's Vodafone Plc which has a 40 per cent stake in the firm. (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" The information in this email and any attachments is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended only for the use of the named addressee. Emails are susceptible to alteration and their integrity cannot be guaranteed. Safaricom Limited does not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this email if the same is found to have been altered or manipulated. The contents and opinions expressed in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Safaricom Limited. Safaricom Limited disclaims any liability to the fullest extent permissible by law for any consequences that may arise from the contents of this email including but not limited to personal opinions, malicious and/or defamatory information and data/codes that may compromise or damage the integrity of the recipient's information technology systems. If you are not the intended recipient please notify the sender and immediately delete this email from your system. _______________________________________________ Fibre-for-africa mailing list Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.

2 1

Readings on ICANN, IGF, ccTLDs, etc.
by alice 23 Oct '07

23 Oct '07

1. Internet Governance, Global Privacy and IGF-Rio This article looks at governance issues and the upcoming IGF in Rio. The article concludes "As the Internet Governance Forum continues to evolve definitions of the potential UN role in promoting the global debate on the future of the Information Age, stake-holders from small to large are also in the process of defining themselves, their agendas and their participation in the new worlds of cyberspace governance. The November meetings of IGF-Rio could be the place where many conversations and initiatives rise from blog-talk into a world view." http://eco-rama.net/2007/09/18/internet-governance-global-privacy-and-igf-ri o/ 16. gov.uk <http://gov.uk> websites - accessible or offline by end 2008! Accessibility has been a big issue foe me since I worked for a not for profit organisation dealing with disabilities. So it was pleasing for me to see an article in The Register that the British government has given all websites in the gov.uk <http://gov.uk> domain till the end of 2008 to achieve the minimum, Level Double-A of the W3C Guidelines will have its domain withdrawn. http://technewsreview.com.au/article.php?article=3045 19. Have a CERTs - attending GovCert.NL Symposium in the Netherlands by Milton Mueller Milton Mueller attended the GovCert.NL Symposium in the Netherlands. He writes "there were two take-away messages. One is the astounding degree to which Europeans take privacy more seriously than people in the US."The other was "the degree to which CERTs constitute an informal "network form" of global governance, which melds academic, governmental, industry and advocacy stakeholders." Milton also links to what he calls a very interesting discussion on the Whois-privacy problem with ICANN, no doubt largely because it's a paper written by himself titled "The DNS as a Tool for Global Identity Policy: WHOIS, ICANN, and Global Internet Governance". http://blog.internetgovernance.org/blog/_archives/2007/10/20/3304029.html ********************** WESTERN SAHARA ********************** i. Little Progress on Western Sahara As the Fourth (Special Political and Decolonization) Committee of the UN General Assembly holds its meetings in New York, the issue of Western Sahara continues to be one of the key items on its agenda. This thorny issue has resisted any international mediation efforts for decades. The first gleam of hope appeared in June 2007, after negotiations in Manhasset, New York, between the government of Morocco and Western Sahara's Algerian-backed pro-independence movement, the Polisario Front. http://mnweekly.ru/world/20071018/55283532.html ********************** GOVERNANCE ********************** 1. Internet Governance, Global Privacy and IGF-Rio The global debate on Internet governance will once again gather people from all over the world at UN's IGF, this time in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The process was started last year in Athens, when more than 1,200 participants focused on discussion of the overarching issues tied to the future of information and communications technologies, including control over the Internet architecture and numbering and naming system, security, intellectual property, openness, connectivity, cost and multilingualism. http://eco-rama.net/2007/09/18/internet-governance-global-privacy-and-igf-ri o/ 2. Working with civil society at the heart of UNESCO Forum Hubert Védrine, former French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nitin Desai, President of the Internet Governance Forum and former UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs as well as Lindsay Owen-Jones, Chairman of the Board of Directors of L'Oréal, will give keynote speeches during the meeting. http://mediaforfreedom.com/ReadArticle.asp?ArticleID=5152 3. A Consociational Bureau for the Internet Governance Forum The principle that Internet governance "is a joint effort which requires cooperation and partnership among all stakeholders" (Geneva Declaration of Principles, para 20) has become axiomatic since it was first agreed at WSIS, and is fundamental to the IGF as a "new forum for multi-stakeholder policy dialogue" (Tunis Agenda, para 72). However at the same time as this principle has been universally embraced, some of its implications, that would require the four stakeholder groups identified in the Tunis Agenda to collaborate on the development of joint policy recommendations (Tunis Agenda para 72(g)) have met with resistance. http://igfwatch.org/discussion-board/a-consociational-bureau-for-the-interne t-governance-forum 4. Internet Users to Surf Solar System by 2010? Vint Cerf, one of the founding fathers of the internet, in a recent address in South Korea talked about working with NASA JPL to create the standards needed to turn the World Wide Web, to the Solar System Wide Web. http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2007/10/internet-users-.html http://www.net4now.com/isp_news/news_article.asp?News_ID=5285 ********************** DOMAIN NAMES ********************** ********************** - ICANN ********************** 5. ICA@ICANN-LA [news release] The upcoming ICANN meeting scheduled for October 29-November 2 in Los Angeles will be a unique opportunity to attend an ICANN meeting in the United States. It has been more than six years since a meeting took place in the USA. This opportunity will not recur this decade and is just too good to miss. The Internet Commerce Association is strongly encouraging all ICA members and other concerned domain name registrants to attend the LA meeting. http://internetcommerce.org/ica_icann_la 6. Single-letter and Single-digit Domain Names available? ICANN is opening a forum on allocation methods for single-letter and single-digit domain names in gTLD registries. Answers should be submitted no later than 15 november 2007. http://domainesinfo.fr/english/123/single-letter-and-single-digit-domain-nam es-available.php http://www.cscprotectsbrands.com/news.asp?newsId=18320018 7. Yes, it is your bubbe's Web address! The Internet is a worldwide phenomenon, and yet the dominant language for online traffic has been English. If you want to navigate around the World Wide Web with a browser, you must have command of the Latin alphabet -- even if you primarily read and write in Chinese, Japanese, Arabic or Hebrew. http://jewishjournal.com/home/preview.php?id=18370 8. It's all Greek, Persian, Tamil and Cyrillic Russian to me! Web users across the planet can now play around with their name in their own language (i.e. not English or other "Western-style" languages that use the same Latin alphabet that I am using to write this blog) thanks to the fact that ICANN has commenced live testing of IDNs. http://community.zdnet.co.uk/blog/0,1000000567,10006213o-2000458459b,00.htm 9. Domain names in Indian languages soon India is all set to join the global bandwagon of local language domain names. Soon you will be able to own domain names in Hindi, Tamil, Sanskrit, Bengali, Punjabi and some other Indian languages. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Domain_names_in_Indian_languages_soon/ar ticleshow/2479794.cms http://infotech.indiatimes.com/Domain_names_in_Indian_languages_soon/article show/2479794.cms ********************** - (cc)TLD NEWS ********************** 10. Argentinian com.ar <http://com.ar> domain name heads Latin American names [sub req'd] http://telecom.paper.nl/news/article.aspx?id=188839 11. Prominent Global Brands Adopt .Asia as Sunrise Commences [news release] Building on the momentum of the groundbreaking .Asia Pioneer Domains Program which has attracted global leading brands, DotAsia, the registry operator of the ".Asia" Internet domain, has launched its Sunrise period, a priority registration period for trademark owners and companies. The Sunrise phase will run through to January 15 2008, giving corporations a chance to register domain to protect their brands online before the general public is invited to take part in the "Landrush" registration phase in February 2008. http://pioneer.domains.asia/press/2007-10-17-DotAsia-PR.html 12. Australian political websites ripe for the picking [AAP] Australia's political parties are leaving themselves open to attack from hackers, according to internet security company Symantec. ... He is also concerned that many political parties are leaving themselves open by not registering "typo" domain names, subtle variations on the party's official website address, which could be used to host malicious material. http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2007/10/19/1192301018970.html http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/10/19/1192301018970.html http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/articles/20073619-158v.html http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=307345 13. au: Online Regulations - Your Website and the Law The internet is not a lawless territory where anything goes. An online business is subject to the same regulations as any other model, and there are pitfalls particular to this relatively new and constantly changing environment. Michael Sutton sets out regulation guidelines for developing and operating an online site so it won't fall foul of the law. These days, every business seems to be online. From multinational corporations to one-man businesses, the low cost and relative ease of advertising online has lured many traders to create a website to promote their goods and services. Consumers are also attracted to the wealth of purchasing information that these traders are making available on the internet. http://dynamicbusiness.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=531&Ite mid=10499 14. Five Domain Name Service Providers exposed by CNNIC The .CN registry has published the name of five domain name service providers that have received the most complaints from consumers but have not taken effective measures to rectify their problems. http://domainesinfo.fr/english/124/five-domain-name-service-providers-expose d-by-cnnic.php 15. sg: Domain names as easy as 123 Businesses and Internet users in Singapore can soon use their favourite numbers as their website addresses. Singapore Network Information Centre (SGNIC), the national internet domain name registry, will release pure numeric domain names for registration from November. http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest+News/Tech+%2526+Science/STIStory_169365.h tml 16. gov.uk <http://gov.uk> websites - accessible or offline by end 2008! Accessibility has been a big issue foe me since I worked for a not for profit organisation dealing with disabilities. So it was pleasing for me to see an article in The Register that the British government has given all websites in the gov.uk <http://gov.uk> domain till the end of 2008 to achieve the minimum, Level Double-A of the W3C Guidelines will have its domain withdrawn. The Register feels this is foolhardy. The Register is wrong and misguided in its view. It is a great incentive for government agencies to get their websites to abide by the W3C guidelines. For too long website designers have ignored or paid lip service to the needs of people with disabilities, and more courageous decisions such as this need to be made to make the web accessible for all. http://technewsreview.com.au/article.php?article=3045 17. UK.gov makes bizarre threat to throw self off internet The UK Government has given itself until the end of next year to get its act together on accessibility, after which any .gov.uk site failing to achieve the minimum, Level Double-A of the W3C Guidelines will have its domain withdrawn. This brave, nay, foolhardy commitment could conceivably result in carnage across national, local government and miscellaneous hanger-on .gov.uk sites - and we can perhaps look forward to a more overtly outsourced future containing sites such as homeoffice.tv <http://homeoffice.tv>, mod.cn <http://mod.cn> and basildon.eu. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/10/18/uk_gov_accessibility_suicide_threat/ 18. The Sun is first UK national newspaper to launch a .mobi site [news release] dotMobi announced that Britain's most popular newspaper, The Sun, is the first UK national newspaper to launch a .mobi web site. http://mtld.mobi/node/845 ********************** - DOMAIN SECURITY ********************** 19. Have a CERTs - attending GovCert.NL Symposium in the Netherlands by Milton Mueller This week I attended the GovCert.NL Symposium in the Netherlands. This is the 6th annual gathering of "Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) and other experts in Internet security and privacy. About 50% of the participants were Dutch, I would guess, and maybe 85% from Europe, although there were attendees from as far away as the USA, Japan and Australia. There were some fascinating presentations, including an analysis of the role of money mules in phishing scams, analyhsis of a new "man in the middle"-style attack on banks, attempts by governments to implement digital identity systems, a detailed recounting of the Estonian "cyber riot" that temporarily crippled the Internet in that country, advocacy for Bitfrost, a new operating system platform based on new privacy/security assumptions, and, oh, a very interesting discussion of the Whois-privacy problem in ICANN. There were two take-away messages. One is the astounding degree to which Europeans take privacy more seriously than people in the US. http://blog.internetgovernance.org/blog/_archives/2007/10/20/3304029.html 20. Security experts say Rock Phish widening net A recent surge in phishing — fraudulent e-mail and Web sites designed to "fish" sensitive personal information such as passwords and credit card numbers — is the handiwork of a small, shadowy cybergang, say computer security experts. http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,5143,695220241,00.html ********************** - DOMAIN DISPUTES ********************** 21. Trademark Law – What Search Marketers Should Know, Part 1 Since search became monetized, trademarks have been a front-and-center issue for legal debate. In the late 1990s, competitors were buying each other's trademarks as keywords, and hiding those keywords in meta tags. Today, with the proliferation of paid and organic search listings, search and trademarks have become a growing dilemma for search engines and advertisers alike. http://searchenginewatch.com/showPage.html?page=3627333 22. Trademark Law – What Search Marketers Should Know, Part 2 In Search Engine Watch's previous article, they covered the law fundamentals search marketers should know about online trademarks. Here they cover important tips and tactics by online intellectual property attorneys and legal counsels for the search engines, for both protecting your own trademark material and respecting the trademarks of others. http://searchenginewatch.com/showPage.html?page=3627346 23. Cybersquatting – Moving With The times? Cybersquatting – the practice of registering internet domain names that are based on another entity's brands or company name - is as prevalent as ever. As online business models have developed and converged, the cybersquatter's methods have adapted accordingly. Today, businesses routinely need to think about registering domain names simply to prevent others getting hold of them – in the wrong hands, a domain name can be used to divert business, confuse customers, dilute the brand and commit fraud. http://kemplittle.com/SL-Cybersquatting_Oct07.htm 24. Rebranding 'Thelen' And The Problem With A Cybersquatter Thelen Reid Brown Raysman & Steiner had well-laid plans to rechristen itself with the shorter and catchier "Thelen" -- but the branding effort was held hostage by a lone Korean cybersquatter. The marketing move, which launched Monday with a new logo and Web site, was threatened by the distant owner of the "thelen.com <http://thelen.com>" domain name, Thelen lawyers say. http://lawfuel.com/show-article.asp?ID=83892408 25. Pornographers hijack Somerset's Web address Looking for a "nude man club" or "nude mideastern teens?" Try searching for the city of Somerset's Web site, which was hijacked by cyber-criminals last week. http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA101907.01B.MUNICIPALPORN . 6c7dc9.html 26. Rahul sitting duck for cyber squatters The younger generation of Nehru family has become money-spinning names in cyber space, thanks to cyber squatters whose commercial interest recently got a fillip with the appointment of Rahul Gandhi as AICC General Secretary. Since his appointment, there are many more 'hits' on the websites with the domain name of Rahul Gandhi. http://www.indianexpress.com/story/230853.html ********************** - MISCELLANEOUS ********************** 27. Research and Markets Report: By 2010, Over US$2 Billion Will Be Spent on Social Network Advertising in the US Alone ... Volume 2 of this report provides an insight and analysis into the trends and developments taking place in the revived Internet economy. It includes information and statistics on the Internet industry, beginning with an historical look at Internet growth. Information and statistics on Internet hosts, domain names, the World Wide Web, search engines, websites, the ISP market, Internet users and penetration is also provided. An overview of some of the key online services such as adult entertainment, dating, e-education, online financial services, e-government, mapping and online music is also incorporated. Covered in more detail are the sectors of ehealth, online gambling/gaming and virtual worlds. Also provided is technical information on web development related to Web 2.0. http://tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/718160/ 28. One Web site, many names: an introduction to domain forwarding by Michael Horowitz When my Defensive Computing blog went live in July, the Web page address (URL is the nerd term) assigned to it was blogs.cnet.com/8300-13554_1-33.html <http://blogs.cnet.com/8300-13554_1-33.html>. Shortly thereafter, CNET assigned the friendlier address blogs.cnet.com/defensive-computing/ <http://blogs.cnet.com/defensive-computing/> http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9800302-7.html 29. ARIN to Hold Meetings in Albuquerque [news release] The ARIN XX Public Policy and Members Meetings will take place 17-19 October in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the Hyatt Regency, directly following the NANOG meeting at the same hotel. About 200 representatives from the technical Internet community, large corporations, governments, academia, and civil society will attend ARIN XX. http://arin.net/media/releases/ABQ_Media_Invitation.pdf ********************** - AFTERMARKET ********************** 30. Network Solutions Releases Whitepaper Combining Ecommerce Solutions and Search Engine Optimization Tips for Online Businesses [news release] Network Solutions offers helpful information for online retailers looking to drive business to their stores during the busy holiday season. This new whitepaper, "Is Your Site Holiday-Ready? 7 Steps to Improve Your Online Holiday Sales" explains what needs to be done today to get ready for the winter holiday shopping season. http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Newsroom/Query.aspx?SiteName=NetworkSolut ions&Entity=PRAsset&SF_PRAsset_PRAssetID_EQ=212157&XSL=PressRelease&Cache=Tr ue&Merge= 31. Analyst Says $8 Billion Online Advertising Network Will Grow 15%, Domain Channel Advertising by 37% in 2007 [news release] T.R.A.F.F.I.C, the domain industry's premier conference, today announced that Michael Gilmour, a respected industry analyst, projects that the domain name and Internet traffic industry will grow dramatically in 2007. Publicly available corporate reports state that Google and Yahoo!'s total revenue in 2006 from their ad-network channel was $7.88 billion, including $800 million from domain parking. Thus, domain parking represents 10.2% of the companies' total ad-network channel, or 4.7% of Google and Yahoo!'s aggregate revenues. Gilmour, who will present at T.R.A.F.F.I.C.'s show next week, projects that online advertising spending will increase by 15.1% for 2007 while domain channel advertising will grow 37.5%. http://www.domainpulse.com/2007/10/18/analyst-says-8-billion-online-advertis ing-network-will-grow-15-domain-channel-advertising-by-37-in-2007/ 32. Yee-hah! Dallas Cowboys Clueless On Domains Poor Jerry Jones, first his 'Boys get curb-stomped by the Patriots, then it turns out the attorney representing them at a domain name auction has no idea about the starting or ending price. http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2007/10/18/yee-hah-dallas-cowboys-clueless -on-domains 33. Dallas Cowboys Return Cowboys.com <http://Cowboys.com> Domain Name by Bill Hartzer Last week I spoke about SEO, Search, and Domain Names at the TRAFFIC domain name conference, held in Hollywood, Florida. The highlight of the conference was the live internet domain name auction on Friday, October 12th, at 2pm, hosted by Moniker. One of the domain names that was up for sale was Cowboys.com <http://Cowboys.com>, a great domain name. The Dallas Cowboys apparently was amongst the many bidders for this name and ultimately won the auction for $275,000. Now, about a week later, they want to give it back. http://www.webpronews.com/blogtalk/2007/10/19/dallas-cowboys-return-cowboys- com-domain-name 34. Not the bill the Cowboys were expecting Going once, going twice, sold ... almost. Seeking to increase their online visibility, the Cowboys were bidding on the domain name cowboys.com <http://cowboys.com> at an auction in Hollywood, Fla. But something went amiss – as in the final price. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/cowboys/stories/101 907dnspocowside.92664c.html 35. Cowboys.com <http://Cowboys.com> Sells (Again) for US$370,000 After Dallas Cowboys back out of deal, Cowboys.com <http://Cowboys.com> sells for $95,000 more. http://domainnamewire.com/2007/10/19/cowboyscom-sells-again-for-370000/ 36. The Domain Name Auction Scene is a-Changin' SnapNames to unveil new service, GoDaddy signature auctions (finally) on tap. http://domainnamewire.com/2007/10/18/the-domain-name-auction-scene-is-a-chan gin/ 37. Atomico.com <http://Atomico.com> is The Bomb After $80,000 Sale on the AfternicDLS Every domain on this week's Top 20 sales chart cracked the five-figure mark and the AfternicDLS wielded the heaviest weapon, Atomico.com <http://Atomico.com> at an even $80,000. That was one of five charted domains for that venue, a number exceeded only by Sedo.com <http://Sedo.com>'s nine. Sedo's total included a pair from their GreatDomains site that ranked 2nd and 3rd - Subscription.com <http://Subscription.com> at $74,000 and HOO.com at $47,000. http://dnjournal.com/archive/domainsales/2007/domainsales10-09-07.htm ********************** - NON-ENGLISH NEWS ********************** 38. Gesetzliche Regulierung für Migration zu IPv6 angeregt Bereits ab dem kommenden Jahr könnte es gesetzliche Regelungen zur Migration von IPv4 auf IPv6 geben. Das sagte der Vorsitzende des Kuratoriums der nordamerikanischen IP-Adress-Registry ARIN, John Curran, unmittelbar vor der heute startenden, turnusmäßigen ARIN-Tagung in Albuquerque. Laut US-Medienberichten sieht Curran auch durchaus auch Handlungsbedarf vons Seiten der Regierungen. ARIN hat in den vergangenen Monaten verstärkt auf die Erschöpfung des Pools an IPv4-Adressen hingewiesen http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/97546 39. Deutsche Internetnutzer wünschen einprägsamere Domainnamen für Städte und Regionen [news release] Die Mehrheit privater Internetnutzer wünscht in Zukunft die vermehrte Verwendung lokaler Domainendungen nach dem Muster .stadt oder .region, weil sie aufgrund des einprägsameren Namens wesentlich einfacher und schneller an die von ihnen gesuchten Informationen gelangen können. Das ist ein zentrales Ergebnis der Umfrage*, die der eco Verband der deutschen Internetwirtschaft Anfang Oktober durch das Marktforschungsinstitut eResult hat durchführen lassen. http://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2007-10/artikel-9273728.asp 40. Das Internet lernt Jiddisch Schon Ende nächsten Jahres könnte es Internet-Adressen in nicht-lateinischen Schriften geben. Doch bis dahin muss noch ein Test der Internetbehörde ICANN erfolgreich verlaufen. http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,2827234,00.html 41. Wie gross ist das Internet? Bald einmal werden uns die IP-Adressen ausgehen. US-Forscher haben deshalb eine Volkszählung im Internet gemacht. http://infoweek.ch/news/NW_single.cfm?news_ID=16794 42. Les gTLD à 1 caractère bientôt alloués ? L'ICANN lance jusqu'au 15 novembre 2007 un appel à propositions pour réfléchir à une méthode d'attribution des noms à 1 caractère (alphabet occidental ou chiffre) dans les extensions génériques. http://domainesinfo.fr/actualite/1339/les-gtld-a-1-caractere-bientot-alloues .php 43. L'AFNIC dévoile les interactions entre référencement et noms de domaine Dans un dossier paru la semaine dernière sur son site, le registre français soutient l'étude menée par Olivier Andrieu sur les liens étroits existants entre référencement et noms de domaine. http://domainesinfo.fr/actualite/1338/l-afnic-devoile-les-interactions-entre -referencement-et-noms-de-domaine.php 44. Les gTLD à 1 caractère bientôt alloués ? L'ICANN lance jusqu'au 15 novembre 2007 un appel à propositions pour réfléchir à une méthode d'attribution des noms à 1 caractère (alphabet occidental ou chiffre) dans les extensions génériques. http://domainesinfo.fr/actualite/1339/les-gtld-a-1-caractere-bientot-alloues .php 45. .MOBI: vers les 700 000 enregistrements L'extension dédiée aux téléphones portables s'apprête à franchir le cap des 700 000 noms, doublant en moins d'un an le volume de ses enregistrements. http://domainesinfo.fr/extension/1322/appareils-mobiles-mobi-vers-les-700-00 0-enregistrements.php 46. 5 registars dans la ligne de mire du .CN Le registre chinois publie les noms de 5 registrars vivement critiqués par les internautes pour leur démarche d'intimidation, et promet des sanctions dans les mois venir. http://domainesinfo.fr/extension/1341/chine-5-registars-dans-la-ligne-de-mir e-du-cn.php 47. Le site du .KP ouvert d'ici fin 2007 L'extension nord-coréenne, officiellement déléguée au Korea Computer Center, ouvrira son site officiel d'ici décembre 2007. http://domainesinfo.fr/extension/1340/coree-du-nord-le-site-du-kp-ouvert-d-i ci-fin-2007.php 48. L'IFPI accuse The Pirate Bay de cybersquatting L'industrie phonographique lance une action devant l'OMPI pour récupérer le nom de domaine IFPI.com, passé dans le camp des pirates suédois. http://www.vnunet.fr/fr/news/2007/10/18/l_ifpi_accuse_the_pirate_bay_de_cybe rsquatting 49. L'IFPI porte plainte contre The Pirate Bay Sans grande surprise, l' IFPI a entamé des démarches judiciaires pour tenter de récupérer le nom de domaine ifpi.com <http://ifpi.com> récemment passé sous pavillon pirate. Une reconquête qui ne devrait pas poser de problème. http://www.generation-nt.com/ifpi-pirate-bay-torrent-cybersquatting-actualit e-46385.html 50. L'IFPI va tenter de reprendre IFPI.com à The Pirate Bay On pouvait s'y attendre, la prise (légale) du nom de domaine ifpi.com <http://ifpi.com> par le groupe de pirates The Pirate Bay, afin de donner naissance à l'International Federation of Pirates Interests, n'a pas beaucoup été apprécié par l'IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry - voir The Pirate Bay parasite l'IFPI avec IFPI.com) http://www.clubic.com/actualite-83292-ifpi-reprendre-ifpi-pirate-bay.html 51. Et l'on reparle des noms de domaine d'un seul caractère L'ICANN va relancer l'idée déjà caressée en 2005, de l'adoption de nom de domaines d'une seule lettre. Un forum est actuellement organisé au sein de l'organisme avec appel à contribution pour définir une méthode d'attribution de ces noms de domaines. Très courts, ils ne représentent pas moins un intérêt important financièrement. Ces domaines à une lettre ou à un chiffre concerneront les gTLD, extensions internet à caractère générique, formées à l'origine de trois lettres et plus. http://www.pcinpact.com/actu/news/39545-icann-un-caractere-une-lettre.htm 52. Adsense à vendre 200.000 euros Le géant de l'Internet Google semble avoir oublié d'enregistrer un nom de domaine. Bilan, un Internaute l'a fait pour lui et demande 200.000 euros. http://www.zataz.com/news/15367/adsense-luxembourg.html 53. Internet em 138 milhões de domínios, diz estudo O número de nomes de domínios registrados globalmente já ultrapassa 138 milhões. A constatação vem de do estudo "Dossiê sobre a Indústria de Domínios na Internet" realizado no segundo trimestre de 2007 pela VeriSign. http://www.latinoamericann.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article &sid=1561 54. Internet Siap Jelajah Luar Angkasa Pertumbuhan jumlah pengguna internet di dunia sungguh mencengangkan. Mereka telah tumbuh sebanyak 20 kali lipat dalam satu dasawarsa ini, yakni menjadi sekitar 1,2 miliar pengguna dengan pertumbuhan server komputer dari 22,5 juta menjadi 489 juta. http://www.detikinet.com/index.php/detik.read/tahun/2007/bulan/10/tgl/18/tim e/091216/idnews/842043/idkanal/398 55. Story from Malaysia mentioning ICANN http://www.kwongwah.com.my/news/2007/10/18/83.html 56. Story in Chinese mentioning Vint Cerf http://www.chubun.com/modules/article/view.article.php/54255/c108 57. Story in Chinese mentioning ICANN http://www.takungpao.com.hk/news/07/10/22/_IN-812475.htm 58. Story in Russian mentioning ICANN http://www.cnews.ru/news/line/index.shtml?2007/10/12/270342 _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Day 7-10:-Available eCommunication Strategies for Regulators
by Chanuka Wattegama 23 Oct '07

23 Oct '07

Dear All, Extremely sorry to barge in this later stage, but I had no other option because the past few days were exceptionally busy. Let me share some of the useful findings from the study Benchmarking National Telecom Regulatory Authority websites of Asia-Pacific Region For those who are not familiar, This study systematically benchmarked National Telecom Regulator websites in the Asia-Pacific region, evaluating their usefulness to telecom operators, investors, consumers, researchers and even the general public. Each website is awarded marks for the availability of information and features that are useful to the regulator's stakeholders. A total of 27 websites are evaluated from a region that includes 62 economies. (More details: http://www.lirneasia.net/projects/completed-projects/regulatory-web-survey) 1. For the study I have considered 62 independent Asia Pacific economies (Hong Kong could have been the only exception, but that needs to be taken into account because of its independent regulatory environment, which cannot be put in the same category as China.) The definition used for 'Asia' was the broadest that can be thought of because it included Middle East and Central Asia as well. Out of that 62, only 33 NRAs had web sites. (This was in 2004, the situation is a bit better now) Anyway the bottom line is only 60-70% of the NRAs have some sort of websites. This raises the question how far the NRAs have thought about communications. 2. If my memory serves me right I could not benchmark NRA sites (Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and Yemen) because then they did not have English versions. So the number has to be limited to 27. (I do not say ever NRA should have an English version, but this was a practical difficulty that we could not avoid) Even out of that 27, there were many NRAs that had not given any information relevant to end consumers. The limited information gives perhaps the mandate and the top officers at NRA. One NRA website even had a page for foreign tourists. 3. Then there were sites that provided consumer information to levels varying from basic minimum to very good. There was one site that reproduced every customer complaint and monitored the progress. I am not sure whether we expect NRAs to do to that level. There were also some sites (eg. Singapore, Malaysia) that provided a gamut of information including technical details many consumers might not even follow. Anyway, I do not think this is a bad practice. We do not need everybody's grandmother to understand this information, but the fact that they are in public domain implies that all consumers (including grandmothers!) receive a better service. 4. Not many NRAs were worried about presenting the information in a language understandable to the end consumers. (The six countries I have mentioned in No. 2 were exceptions) So even if the information is available it is not sure whether the consumers can take any use of it. We also have to take into account that some of these countries have extremely low Internet penetration levels. So we come to the same problems again. The content is there, but can the consumers realistically access that? These observations raise the important question how far NRAs can use websites as a tool to interact with the end consumers. I do not try to provide an answer right now. May be I can give a better answer at GK3. Then the question how NRAs can improve their communications using e-tools. I have some good new here. After publishing the survey results some NRAs have taken serious efforts to improve their websites. India and Bangladesh are two examples. I know both these countries have benefitted from the survey results at best. I do not see any reason why others could not. Think this is adequate for the moment. I hope I have brought in the Asian dimension to the discussion. Best Rgds, Chanuka Wattegama LIRNEasia www.lirneasia.net

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The tables are turned
by Eric Osiakwan 22 Oct '07

22 Oct '07

Dear All, We are really living in interesting times especially in the ICT industry because a few years ago, it was the mobile operators and ISPs who would be knocking on the doors of the regulator complaining and sometimes weeping at the anti-competitive practices of the imcumbent PTT towards them. Today the tables have turned and in Kenya as per the story below, Telkom Kenya is rather asking CCK to put Safaricom in check because they are acting anti-competitively on the SMS platform against their CDMA operation. Five years ago, this would have being an "incorrect prophesy" but it has happen sooner than all would have expected. What is more interesting is the fact that Safaricom is 60% owned by Telkom Kenya which is fully owned by government that means that the mobile operators have become so powerful that the combined years of PTT operation and their political forces cannot turn the tables except the mediation of the regulator. This confirms Russell Southwood's recent story of the emergence of the mobile operators as the new incumbents of our time. May be one good thing is the fact that the mobile incumbents are so powerful that not a combiantion of PTT operation and political forces can impact them except the court of the regulator so the political leadership in some of our countries would now see reason to strengthen their regulators and make them independent enough to be the pivot to balance the weight of the mobile operators against their "cash cow" incumbents. Eric here Telkom Lodges SMS Petition Against Safaricom in Kenya In the fight for control of Kenya's lucrative telecoms industry, competition is becoming a useful weapon in the hands of rival firms - especially those that need to play the catch-up game to remain in the race. This market share war has become so intense that players are breaking all boundaries in the corporate rulebook. Five months ago, mobile phone service provider Celtel took its bigger and only rival Safaricom before the market regulator, accusing it of playing unfairly in the market to the disadvantage of the consumer. Now it is the national operator Telkom's turn to lodge a landmark complaint against its subsidiary -Safaricom. In its letter to Mr John Waweru, the Communications Commission of Kenya director general, Telkom Kenya is accusing Safaricom of practising anti-competitive behaviour in the market -especially in the Short Messages Services (SMS) segment of the business. Telkom says Safaricom has been blocking the exchange of SMSs between the two networks, thereby denying its customers access to key services that the national operator is offering such as the one that enables them to check their voter registration details with the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK). "Telkom Kenya is concerned that Safaricom is engaging in anti- competitive behaviour and in essence abusing its dominant market position by introducing barriers to new entrants targeting SMS market segment," Telkom says. Public attention was first drawn to the matter after some Safaricom subscribers complained that Safaricom was charging them for undelivered SMSs to Telkom Kenya's Wireless network. SMSs to Telkom network got an automatic reply indicating that delivery had failed yet the consumers were being billed. Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph acknowledged that some of its subscribers had sent messages to Telkom Kenya during the test period and may have been charged erroneously. He said that although the company was not billing SMSs to Telkom Wireless network between August 13 and August 27, some of its customers may have been billed. Safaricom later agreed to refund the affected subscribers. Telkom says that on August 16, the two interconnectivity negotiating parties met and agreed on interconnection rate and a technical testing schedule. During this period the parties also exchanged SMS test templates to be adopted in the tests. Safaricom has however not cooperated in facilitating the process, making it unable to commercialise the service. The matter seems to have reached fever pitch after Safaricom introduced a voter registry query service similar to the one Telkom Kenya had rolled out after it won an ECK tender. Telkom Kenya is complaining that failure by Safaricom to activate the SMS service is affecting its ability to use an innovative platform that delivers voter registry query services by utilizing the 460 numeric to access the ECK database. Telkom Kenya says Safaricom acted maliciously in delaying to activate the SMS service only to launch a similar service. "We are perturbed that Safaricom, having not been involved in the initial tender process is currently able to provide a similar services using the 460 prefix. This is a totally unacceptable anti- competitive behaviour," Telkom says. Mr Joseph declined to comment on the matter saying it was already before an arbiter. Telkom Kenya is the majority shareholder at Safaricom with a 60 per cent stake. It co-owns the company with the United Kingdom's Vodafone Plc which has a 40 per cent stake in the firm. (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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Day 9-10: Day 7-10:-Available eCommunication Strategies for Regulators
by John Walubengo 22 Oct '07

22 Oct '07

Hey, hpe u had a lovely weekend. Congrats to SA for winning the Worldcup (Rugby)... But looks like we are pretty quiet on this discussion which ends tomorrow...subitems listed below. -What are the possible e-Tools that the Regulator can deploy in their Service Provision? (1Day, Friday 19th, Oct) -How can Regulators use the e-Tools to enable synergies with Consumers, CSO and other players? (1Day, Monday 22nd Oct) -Way Forward and Conclusions (Tue 23rd, Oct) My contribution on point two. I am thinking the Regulators could dedicate part of their website for eDiscussions. Just a forum for stakeholders to discuss issues of the industry. it will then act a sounding board for the Regulators to review before making critical industry decisions... Final comments on any of the previous threads are still welcome before we dissolve the discussion tomorrow. walu. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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It is more interesting in SA
by Eric Osiakwan 22 Oct '07

22 Oct '07

Well, the mobile operators are buying the incumbent in Joburg and the politicians are comfortable with the situation....really interesting times South Africa's Government Backs Telkom Asset Sale to MTN The communications department said it backed discussions between Telkom and MTN over plans by the fixed-line operator to sell some of its infrastructure to MTN. A brief statement by the department removes one of the main hurdles that any deal would face, since the government holds 38,9% of Telkom.. "As government, we are in principle supportive of the current discussions. We will await additional information in this regard prior to commenting further." The government is presumably now more au fait with both parts of Telkom's plan, since the department is working "in an interdepartmental task team to ensure that the interest of the country, all the workers and those of shareholders is protected". Analysts think MTN may combine its business in SA with Telkom's fixed- line unit and spin that off in a publicly traded company. The new company would be worth R55bn, and MTN might give its investors shares in the new company, said Scott Ryall, an analyst for Macquarie Bank. "Although we don't believe there would be significant synergy from combining the two South African businesses, this transaction could still be a positive for MTN," Ryall said. An outright purchase by MTN of Telkom's fixed-line business would be the "worst outcome for MTN and the best for Telkom" as it would dilute MTN's growth and its attraction as an emerging markets company and transfer the risk of owning a fixed-line network, Ryall said. However, Telkom investors would benefit from a share price upside of up to 15%, he estimated. A second option was for Telkom itself to buy MTN's local operations after Telkom sold its shares in Vodacom, Ryall said. MTN's growth in SA had slowed as the market became saturated. Selling its local arm to Telkom may make MTN's operations in 20 other countries look more "appealing to growth investors ," Ryall said. (Source: Business Day) 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: Invitation to a Public Launch of Doing Business 2008 Report by Michael Klein, WB Vice President, 30th October 2007 at the Hilton Hotel starting 9.00am]
by alice 22 Oct '07

22 Oct '07

Dear Friend, World Bank and IFC are pleased to invite you to a free public launch of Doing Business 2008 report that ranked Kenya among the top ten reformers. Michael Klein, Vice President Financial and Private Sector Development, World Bank and International Finance Corporation and Chief Economist, IFC will present the report. Discussants will be drawn from the Government and the private sector. The event will take place on Monday, October 30, 2007 at the Hilton Hotel (Tsavo Room) starting at 9.00am. We look forward to hosting you that day. Kindly call Maureen on 3226482/4 or email kmuthembwa(a)worldbank.org to confirm your participation by Thursday, October 25 2007 Regards Keziah Muthembwa World Bank Nairobi Office Tel.: 3226484/2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) And the Government of Kenya P R E S E N T S Doing Business 2008 (Embedded image moved to file: pic00479.jpg) A Free Public Lecture by Michael Klein Vice President Financial and Private Sector Development, World Bank and International Finance Corporation and Chief Economist, IFC Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 9.00 a.m., Hilton Hotel, Tsavo Room The report from the World Bank and IFC compares indicators on business regulations and their enforcement across 178 countries. Published annually, Doing Business reports analyze government regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it, ranking countries on their ease of doing business. Top reformers are identified and best practices in how to reform are highlighted. This year?s report, the fourth to be published in the series, presents a new analysis of 50 regulatory reform case studies. Kenya was ranked among top ten reformers globally. Please call Maureen on 3226482/4 or email kmuthembwa(a)worldbank.org to confirm your participation.

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[Business Daily] How Britain lost the plot in Kenya
by Alex Gakuru 22 Oct '07

22 Oct '07

Quite an insightful story: "How Britain lost the plot in Kenya" Written by John Kamau October 22, 2007: Bogged by a fading influence on local politics and business alike and unlike his predecessors, British High Commissioner Adam Wood gets little Press coverage and courts little controversy opting for the quiet life of a diplomat. Mr Wood, who was posted to Kenya from neighbouring Uganda in 2005--and for the second tour of duty in the country--is less controversial and might never match in the public arena his two predecessors: the verbose Edward Clay of they-are-vomiting-on-our-shoes fame and Sir Jeffrey James, who came to Kenya in 1997 at the height of tribal clashes and a looming general-election. Sir Jeffrey --who later became Tony Blairs special envoy to chaotic Nepal-- left a mark and as he departed after four years he was given a tongue-lashing by former President Moi who openly called him a meddler as he, as required by protocol, went to bid the then head of state goodbye. Ever since the UK had been losing its foothold on Kenyan politics and business too - especially after new Labour took power.... http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3797&Item… __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Week42 - Nairobi Stock Exchange
by Bill Kagai 22 Oct '07

22 Oct '07

MediaCorp is now an Agent of Faida Securities. This will give us an opportunity to test our locally developed online trading tools besides the research we provide. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Stock Detective <stock.detective(a)mediacorp.co.ke> Date: Oct 22, 2007 1:16 AM Subject: Week42 - Nairobi Stock Exchange To: mediacorp.research(a)mediacorp.co.ke (c) *Nairobi** Stock Exchange – Authorised Information Vendor ** Faida Securities - ** Licensed Agent * * 19th October 2007* *Commercial and Services Sector* *1) EQUITIES* The Chairman of NSE, Jimnah Mbaru is convinced that the index graph below will tear to the roof top by next year to the level of 7,000 points. MediaCorp Stock Detectives feel that this statement holds water especially because of the Safaricom IPO effect in the market. Whether it comes this year or next year, the savvy investor should continue preparing for the same. The Attorney General has given the legal green light and Treasury mandarins have rolled up their sleeves and signed the winning bids into contract. Achieving 1,800 index points in the next year is therefore possible as the Chairman projects. The NSE 20-share index was up 5.98% during the week to close at 5175.80points. Capitalization is also picking up now. * MAIN INVESTMENT MARKET SEGMENT (MIMS)* *Agricultural Sector* Nothing much to report in this sector. We were really hoping to see more of branded Sasini tea and coffee retailing in kiosks and supermarkets but it seems it is really not kicking for this sector though supply is poor in the market. Company reports in this sector cited rains and other 'acts' of God in determining profitability but we need to push these companies to show us the money in terms of branded products up for sale. If Kenyan Coffee is used to blend and improve other brands, why is this sector slow and disappointing to investors? We traded 395,000 shares, which accounted for 0.76% of the week's traded volume. Rea-vipingo up 7.90% to shs.19.80 moved 75,000 shares. Sasini Ltd moved 269,000 shares at between shs.14.00 and shs.17.00 * Commercial and Services Sector* Interesting sector this week as all counters had an increase in share price. Scangroup up Kshs 2 after announcing its partnership with Millward Brown. Our detectives went deep into google to rake more information for you. We discovered Milward is internationally recognised in brand, media and communications research. Millward has a presence in 43 countries and works with 70 of the top 100 brands in the world. Its time they helped Sasini out. We had 9.7M shares traded, which accounted for 18.66% of the week's traded volume. CMC Holdings competitively moved 4M shares at between shs.15.00 and shs.16.50. Nation Media Group up ten shillings to shs.290.00 sold 75,000 shares. AccessKenya moved 2.4M shares at between shs.16.50 and shs18.90. * Financial Sector* The latest entry in this sector was in the news again. Parliament cleared Equity Bank of any anomalies in their business and as if to rub salt into the wound, the bank reported a cool after tax profit growing by 126 per cent to Sh1.2 billion to September on double digit growth in income from loans and transaction fees, mainly from increased ATM usage. Financials had 26M shares traded and represented 49.86% of the weeks traded volume. Equity share gained Kshs 16 this week CFC is the other interesting case. Shares here are in demand and the counter closed up Kshs 10 at Kshs 131. The shareholding structure has been complex but the bottom line is that the South Africans want a piece of the financial sector in Kenya. So go ahead and buy low and sell high to them at a tidy profit. KCB was the week's biggest mover, with 9.9M shares changing hands at between shs.24.00 and shs.27.00. NIC Bank was up 18.06% to close the week at shs.170.00 on a volume of 217,000 shares. Kenya Re moved 8.2M shares at between shs.15.25 and shs.16.00. * Industrial and Allied Sector* In this sector, Bamburi Cement announced it will spend kshs 6.7 Billion to expand its subsidiary in Hima Cement in Western Uganda and double the plant's capacity. The economy is indeed growing because we are not satisfying the demand. The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport expansion programme is actually being slowed due to lack of timely cement delivery. The economy is growing and and any company doing cem,ent is making money. You are safe with any of these stocks. This sector had 12.8M shares, which accounted for 24.58% of the week's traded volume. Mumias Sugar was the most heavily traded counter in this sector, with 6.8M shares dealt at between shs.38.50 and shs.45.00. KenGen up 8.82% to shs.27.75 moved 3M shares. A*LTERNATIVE INVESTMENT MARKET SEGMENT (AIMS).* This market segment had 154,000 shares, which accounted for 0.29% of the week's volume. Express Ltd moved 148,000 shares during the week and closed at shs.23.00. A*NNOUNCEMENT Mediacorp is now a licensed agent of Faida Securities Limited. Besides the in-depth analysis of the market, we will also transact your orders with speed and diligence. For more details, please email us. info(a)mediacorp.co.ke * Bildad Kagai MD - MediaCorp Limited Faida Securities Limited - Licensed Agent Nairobi Stock Exchange Authorised Information Vendor Suite B2, Tetu Apartments, State House Avenue P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel. 254 20 272 8332 Fax. Rendered Obsolete www.mediacorp.co.ke <http://www.mediacorpafrica.com>

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Re: [kictanet] Fwd: Conncet Africa, was Re: [AfrISPA.Discuss] SV: [Fibre-for-africa] Connectivity: What does Africa really need?
by Eric Osiakwan 21 Oct '07

21 Oct '07

CCK Grants Safaricom 3G Licence in Kenya The Communications Commission of Kenya has granted Safaricom the first third generation (3G) licence for $25 million (Sh1.6 billion). Information and Communication minister Mr Mutahi Kagwe said proceeds from the license fee would be used to develop information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure in the country. The money will foot part of bill for the laying of The East Africa Marine System (Teams) undersea fibre optic cable and the Fibre Optic National Network (Fonn). The licence will allow Safaricom to rollout 3G services that include high-speed data communications such us mobile Internet access, mobile videoconferencing and videophone. (Source: East African Standard) On 19 Oct 2007, at 23:35, Anders Comstedt wrote: > Jabulani is hitting the nail noting that the funds are less of a > problem from now on. The solid growth of the sector in Africa, and > not least the areas not served by fibre optic backbones to the rest > of the world, has now passed the point where a business case could > be made. > > > All of a sudden it is more about the strong first mover advantages > in this new situation. Who will be allowed to move? > > > If the entire sector, not the individual company X or Z, should > continue to grow you cannot have strong new entry barriers holding > back competition and innovation. The first mover advantage on fibre > backbones is just about that. The only way is to find mechanisms to > share assets that will not be replicated and are really not any > differentiator: Fibre backbones. That means finding ways of sharing > risks, building trust between the users of such a facility. > Unfortunately, lots of the process past WSIS has been about the > reverse, how could my company/group/country get on top in > controlling assets to my advantage? > > > True, sharing has shown to be extremely tricky everywhere, but even > so, that is the big trend in many places, prompted and facilitated > by the regulators and policy makers. Structural separation is for > instance debated in several places in the EU, not least by the DG > INFO commissioner Reding. If overbuild of wireline structures, > duplication by several operators, cannot be supported outside metro > cores in EU, well, then it wont happen anywhere else either. > Period. Even in tiny Singapore, a common fibre structure is under way. > > > Ultimately, a few years down the road you will end up either > sharing in a joint separate operation you trust, or one(possibly > two) operator will be regulated to sell at cost related prices. > > > Today, the big remaining process problem is not looking at the > individual company/companies, but on the sector. And looking one > step behind, how the development of the sector will transform into > general development leverage. Or to bend the words of a former US > president: It is about the ICT jobs with the users, stupid! > > > It is easy for policy makers to be trapped to consider one operator > or the other and get lost in the details. User agents are the most > missing in this debate. But in their absence small ISPs and > internet activists will have to do. The most critical thing right > now is creating the political support for sharing and then > lubricating the risk taking mechanisms involving the parties > responsible/involved in the operational implementation. > > > Unfortunately, the ITU system has no track record of driving any > process like this, but is stuck in relations between vertically > integrated, standalone operators, their traditional stakeholders. > Making these ideas stick in Kigali will be tough, nevertheless, > there are only these two ways forward indicated above in the long > run. It took us a decade and a half to do stupid things in EU just > delaying this process after the early 90ies start of the > liberalization. Now we realize that we have to bite the bullet > anyhow as technology has changed from PTSN to layered networks and > modules, and several businesses are competing on various IP based > services. > > > > There is zero reason for Africa to not leap frog this wheel > spinning in a dead end. > > > Governments are not leaving to the civil work contractors to decide > where they like to have the road, or?… > > > All the best > > > Anders Comstedt > > > -----Ursprungligt meddelande----- > Från: Discuss-owner(a)afrispa.org [mailto:Discuss-owner@afrispa.org] > För Jabulani Dhliwayo > Skickat: den 19 oktober 2007 17:04 > Till: Discuss(a)afrispa.org; discuss(a)afrispa.org > Kopia: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Ämne: Re: Fwd: Conncet Africa, was Re: [AfrISPA.Discuss] SV: [Fibre- > for-africa] Connectivity: What does Africa really need? > > > It's good to know about the proposals and funds being organized for > high capacity Infrastructure. I am also confident that coming up > with a "how to" component should not be much of a problem. Funding > is only one variable in the equation for sound ICT infrastructure, > policy/regulation remains one significant variable. So at the end > of the day, it does not matter how much money is available and how > solid the plans are, as long as frustrating policies remain in > place, we will continue to have problems. > > > I hope those of you attending Connect-Africa will be able to bring > policy issues to the fore-front - unfortunately I had to cancell my > plans for attending this event because of other travel assignments. > However, I will be attend the Submarine Networks Africa event in > Johannesburg - November 27-28 and I hope to meet some you there and > hopefully together we can push for more sensible regulations. > > > Jabulani Dhliwayo > > http://www.alignafrica.com > > Eric Osiakwan <eric(a)afrispa.org> wrote: > > > > Begin forwarded message: > > > > > From: Shem Ochuodho <shemochuodho(a)yahoo.com> > > Date: 19 October 2007 07:34:09 GMT+03:00 > > To: anriette(a)apc.org, APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop > Participants <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> > > Subject: Re: Conncet Africa, was Re: SV: [Fibre-for-africa] > Connectivity: What does Africa really need? > > Reply-To: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants > <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> > > > Yes, Anders raise very pertinent points (in typical style!). > > > I plan to be there. I was privileged to attend one of the technical > planning meetings in Addis. One of the strong targets being > recommended by the techies is "Broadband Connectivity to all > capitals and other major cities by 2012". The 'how-to' part of it > is still weak, and this is where Anders' proposal for a Broadband > Infrastructure Development fund comes in handy. Just note that > already there are at least: NEPAD Pan-African Infrastructure Devpt > Fund (understandably with billions of US$ already in it - thanks to > SA Pensions Funds) , COMESA Infrastructure Devpt Fund, East Africa > Infrastructure Devpt Fund (proposed), Digital Solidarity Fund, and > am sure there could be several others. Licensing fees, or even > better annual universal service/access contributions could be a > good sustainable entry entry point. > > > Warmest rgrds. > > Shem, Nairobi > > Anriette Esterhuysen <anriette(a)apc.org> wrote: > > Very good arguments. And certainly a position we should > be advocating for at the upcoming Connect Africa > Summit. > > Who on this will will be there? > > Anriette > > > From: "waudo siganga" > > To: "APC - Private list for use by EASSY > Workshop Participants" , > "'APC - Private list for use by EASSY > Workshop Participants'" > Subject: Re: SV: [Fibre-for-africa] Connectivity: What > does Africa really need? > Date sent: Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:25:05 +0300 > Send reply to: APC - Private list for use by EASSY > Workshop Participants > > request(a)lists.apc.org?subject=unsubscribe> > request(a)lists.apc.org?subject=subscribe> > > > Good arguments from Anders - Waudo > > > > On Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:26:53 +0200, "Anders Comstedt" > > said: > > > Dear Wakabi and others > > > > > > Isn't it difficult to ask for a Marshall plan and at the same time > > > see how the sector and, above all, its users are financially > > > drained? > > > > > > PROFITABLE TELECOMS > > > Surprisingly there are higher profit margins in most of the > business > > > that the mobile phone operators have in Africa, including or > > > excluding the licence fees, comparing to counterparts in more open > > > and competitive markets. How is that? Why is competition > restricted > > > and prices not coming down, in particular considering the low > > > purchase power of the users? Some people obviously don't want to > > > change the ball game. > > > > > > The combined sector revenues to governments and shareholders > make it > > > a little bit difficult to say that the sector cannot finance > its own > > > investments, expanding footprint and new services. Actually at the > > > same time even reduce user prices quite a bit. How come that the > > > users are not given more choices from several competing providers? > > > Shifting value to much to users, or? > > > > > > The typical licensing regime still seems, in general, to serve no > > > other purpose but to sell operators a hunting licence on users, > > > maximising the government revenues in the process. The scarce > > > spectrum resource is in many ways used as an over inflated bogus > > > argument in lack of any better. True, it is to some extent an > issue > > > and the licensing should focus on it, skipping licensing and all > > > other restrictions on open market, free provision of service. > On the > > > contrary, dominant players should be obliged to interconnect, not > > > being sheltered from competition. > > > > > > Why are operator investments taxed, instead of profits, if you > like > > > to drive investments? > > > > > > > > > SHARING INFRASTRUCTURE > > > Sharing basic, non-differentiating infrastructure at cost related > > > prices turns out to be a good business proposal (like > > > http://www.openreach.co.uk ) as it is always cheaper than > > > do-it-yourself if you have a few service competitors using it. > High > > > utilisation would create a lower cost base for all operators. > But it > > > requires organisational structure that lowers operational and > > > political risks. What is done to lower those risks? > > > > > > Note, the most important thing in shared infrastructure is TRUST. > > > > > > Or, who would like to bet the farm on being depending upon a > flimsy > > > operation controlled by people with no skin in the game? > > > > > > > > > USERS > > > The most appalling absence in the African telecom policy debate is > > > the users and the user agents. True, the telecom sector is > dominated > > > by a producer perspective globally, but in places where strong > user > > > agents are balancing these forces we get a more reasonable > chunk of > > > the value distributed to all parties. How will user agents come > > > forward in the debate? > > > > > > > > > The ITU > > > Wouldn't it be interesting to put half of all the combined licence > > > revenues for the coming two years into an African backbone and > > > global interconnectivity fund? To create an infrastructure open to > > > all providers, new or old, on equal terms. Now that is a task for > > > the ITU! Or is the ITU too dominated by folks who don't want to > > > change the ball game to the advantage of users? > > > > > > > > > The document would benefit from touching the areas above. > > > > > > Sincerely > > > > > > Anders Comstedt > > > > > > > > > -----Ursprungligt meddelande----- > > > Från: fibre-for-africa-bounces(a)lists.apc.org > > > [mailto:fibre-for-africa-bounces@lists.apc.org] För Wairagala > Wakabi > > > Skickat: den 16 oktober 2007 07:17 Till: APC - Private list for > use > > > by EASSY Workshop Participants Ämne: [Fibre-for-africa] > > > Connectivity: What does Africa really need? > > > > > > Netters, > > > > > > The ITU is convening the 'Connects Africa' summit in Kigali, > Rwanda > > > on October 29-30. Its main concerns are that Internet services > > > needed for business, government and consumer applications continue > > > to be either very expensive or not available due to limited > > > broadband network infrastructure; and that rural connectivity and > > > access remain inadequate as does the availability of locally > > > relevant content, applications and services. > > > > > > This paper, by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for > > > East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), outlines some of the issues > that > > > need to be addressed for the vision of boosting connectivity in > > > Africa to be realised. > > > > > > > > > http://fibreforafrica.net/main.shtml?x=5236108&als[MYALIAS6] > =Joining > > > %20the%2 0dots&als[select]=4051582 > > > > > > > > > Wakabi > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > > > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > > > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > > > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > > > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > > -- > > waudo siganga > > emailsignet(a)mailcan.com > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > > > > > > -- > > No virus found in this incoming message. > > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > > Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.14.13/1074 - Release Date: > > 10/16/2007 2:14 PM > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------ > Anriette Esterhuysen, Executive Director > Association for Progressive Communications > anriette(a)apc.org > http://www.apc.org > PO Box 29755, Melville, South Africa. 2109 > Tel. 27 11 726 1692 > Fax 27 11 726 1692 > > > > > Shem J. Ochuodho, MSc (Eng), PhD, LLD (Hon) > Parliamentary Aspirant (2007), Rangwe Constituency, Kenya > Kenya Community Abroad (KCA) 2006/07 Excellence Award Winner > AfricaOnline 2005 Industry Pioneer Award Recipient > Cell: +254-721-269702 (Kenya/roaming), Skype: shem.ochuodho > Please join/be part of our campaign at:http://groups.yahoo.com/ > group/shemochuodhoforparliament2007/ > > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around > http://mail.yahoo.com > > _______________________________________________ > > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > > > 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" > > > > > > > > > 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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social entrepreneurs win!!!
by Jose' 20 Oct '07

20 Oct '07

Dear Collegues, It is time to announce the 100 winners and ta ta ta taaaaah here you go: www.globalknowledge.org/ysef07/index.cfm?&menuid=10&parentid=7 Congratulations to the winners !!! As someone once said : When a social entrepreneur wins, all social entrepreneurs win. The winners were selected based on the aggregate points from the jury evaluation and the referee reports.The regional limitation was dropped, but applied the country limitation that limits the number of winners per country to 7. Enjoy your viewing. Hmmm!!! I wonder if Kimathi Information Centre has made it.......Let me double click the url to conferm. 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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Fwd: Conncet Africa, was Re: SV: [Fibre-for-africa] Connectivity: What does Africa really need?
by Eric Osiakwan 19 Oct '07

19 Oct '07

Begin forwarded message: > From: Shem Ochuodho <shemochuodho(a)yahoo.com> > Date: 19 October 2007 07:34:09 GMT+03:00 > To: anriette(a)apc.org, APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop > Participants <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> > Subject: Re: Conncet Africa, was Re: SV: [Fibre-for-africa] > Connectivity: What does Africa really need? > Reply-To: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants > <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> > > Yes, Anders raise very pertinent points (in typical style!). > > I plan to be there. I was privileged to attend one of the technical > planning meetings in Addis. One of the strong targets being > recommended by the techies is "Broadband Connectivity to all > capitals and other major cities by 2012". The 'how-to' part of it > is still weak, and this is where Anders' proposal for a Broadband > Infrastructure Development fund comes in handy. Just note that > already there are at least: NEPAD Pan-African Infrastructure Devpt > Fund (understandably with billions of US$ already in it - thanks to > SA Pensions Funds) , COMESA Infrastructure Devpt Fund, East Africa > Infrastructure Devpt Fund (proposed), Digital Solidarity Fund, and > am sure there could be several others. Licensing fees, or even > better annual universal service/access contributions could be a > good sustainable entry entry point. > > Warmest rgrds. > Shem, Nairobi > > Anriette Esterhuysen <anriette(a)apc.org> wrote: > Very good arguments. And certainly a position we should > be advocating for at the upcoming Connect Africa > Summit. > > Who on this will will be there? > > Anriette > > > From: "waudo siganga" > > To: "APC - Private list for use by EASSY > Workshop Participants" , > "'APC - Private list for use by EASSY > Workshop Participants'" > Subject: Re: SV: [Fibre-for-africa] Connectivity: What > does Africa really need? > Date sent: Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:25:05 +0300 > Send reply to: APC - Private list for use by EASSY > Workshop Participants > > request(a)lists.apc.org?subject=unsubscribe> > request(a)lists.apc.org?subject=subscribe> > > > Good arguments from Anders - Waudo > > > > On Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:26:53 +0200, "Anders Comstedt" > > said: > > > Dear Wakabi and others > > > > > > Isn't it difficult to ask for a Marshall plan and at the same time > > > see how the sector and, above all, its users are financially > > > drained? > > > > > > PROFITABLE TELECOMS > > > Surprisingly there are higher profit margins in most of the > business > > > that the mobile phone operators have in Africa, including or > > > excluding the licence fees, comparing to counterparts in more open > > > and competitive markets. How is that? Why is competition > restricted > > > and prices not coming down, in particular considering the low > > > purchase power of the users? Some people obviously don't want to > > > change the ball game. > > > > > > The combined sector revenues to governments and shareholders > make it > > > a little bit difficult to say that the sector cannot finance > its own > > > investments, expanding footprint and new services. Actually at the > > > same time even reduce user prices quite a bit. How come that the > > > users are not given more choices from several competing providers? > > > Shifting value to much to users, or? > > > > > > The typical licensing regime still seems, in general, to serve no > > > other purpose but to sell operators a hunting licence on users, > > > maximising the government revenues in the process. The scarce > > > spectrum resource is in many ways used as an over inflated bogus > > > argument in lack of any better. True, it is to some extent an > issue > > > and the licensing should focus on it, skipping licensing and all > > > other restrictions on open market, free provision of service. > On the > > > contrary, dominant players should be obliged to interconnect, not > > > being sheltered from competition. > > > > > > Why are operator investments taxed, instead of profits, if you > like > > > to drive investments? > > > > > > > > > SHARING INFRASTRUCTURE > > > Sharing basic, non-differentiating infrastructure at cost related > > > prices turns out to be a good business proposal (like > > > http://www.openreach.co.uk ) as it is always cheaper than > > > do-it-yourself if you have a few service competitors using it. > High > > > utilisation would create a lower cost base for all operators. > But it > > > requires organisational structure that lowers operational and > > > political risks. What is done to lower those risks? > > > > > > Note, the most important thing in shared infrastructure is TRUST. > > > > > > Or, who would like to bet the farm on being depending upon a > flimsy > > > operation controlled by people with no skin in the game? > > > > > > > > > USERS > > > The most appalling absence in the African telecom policy debate is > > > the users and the user agents. True, the telecom sector is > dominated > > > by a producer perspective globally, but in places where strong > user > > > agents are balancing these forces we get a more reasonable > chunk of > > > the value distributed to all parties. How will user agents come > > > forward in the debate? > > > > > > > > > The ITU > > > Wouldn't it be interesting to put half of all the combined licence > > > revenues for the coming two years into an African backbone and > > > global interconnectivity fund? To create an infrastructure open to > > > all providers, new or old, on equal terms. Now that is a task for > > > the ITU! Or is the ITU too dominated by folks who don't want to > > > change the ball game to the advantage of users? > > > > > > > > > The document would benefit from touching the areas above. > > > > > > Sincerely > > > > > > Anders Comstedt > > > > > > > > > -----Ursprungligt meddelande----- > > > Från: fibre-for-africa-bounces(a)lists.apc.org > > > [mailto:fibre-for-africa-bounces@lists.apc.org] För Wairagala > Wakabi > > > Skickat: den 16 oktober 2007 07:17 Till: APC - Private list for > use > > > by EASSY Workshop Participants Ämne: [Fibre-for-africa] > > > Connectivity: What does Africa really need? > > > > > > Netters, > > > > > > The ITU is convening the 'Connects Africa' summit in Kigali, > Rwanda > > > on October 29-30. Its main concerns are that Internet services > > > needed for business, government and consumer applications continue > > > to be either very expensive or not available due to limited > > > broadband network infrastructure; and that rural connectivity and > > > access remain inadequate as does the availability of locally > > > relevant content, applications and services. > > > > > > This paper, by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for > > > East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), outlines some of the issues > that > > > need to be addressed for the vision of boosting connectivity in > > > Africa to be realised. > > > > > > > > > http://fibreforafrica.net/main.shtml?x=5236108&als[MYALIAS6] > =Joining > > > %20the%2 0dots&als[select]=4051582 > > > > > > > > > Wakabi > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > > > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > > > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > > > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > > > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > > -- > > waudo siganga > > emailsignet(a)mailcan.com > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > > > > > > -- > > No virus found in this incoming message. > > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > > Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.14.13/1074 - Release Date: > > 10/16/2007 2:14 PM > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------ > Anriette Esterhuysen, Executive Director > Association for Progressive Communications > anriette(a)apc.org > http://www.apc.org > PO Box 29755, Melville, South Africa. 2109 > Tel. 27 11 726 1692 > Fax 27 11 726 1692 > > > Shem J. Ochuodho, MSc (Eng), PhD, LLD (Hon) > Parliamentary Aspirant (2007), Rangwe Constituency, Kenya > Kenya Community Abroad (KCA) 2006/07 Excellence Award Winner > AfricaOnline 2005 Industry Pioneer Award Recipient > Cell: +254-721-269702 (Kenya/roaming), Skype: shem.ochuodho > Please join/be part of our campaign at: http://groups.yahoo.com/ > group/shemochuodhoforparliament2007/ > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around > http://mail.yahoo.com > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa 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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Fw: [UgaBYTES] The APC Chris Nicol FOSS Prize,
by Florence Etta 19 Oct '07

19 Oct '07

fyi sorry for crossposting FE On 18/10/2007, Nabil Eid <nabileid21(a)yahoo.com> wrote: Dear colleagues, Kindly read about APC FOSS The APC Chris Nicol FOSS Prize, Person or group doing extraordinary work to make it easy for ordinary computer users to start using free and open source software (FOSS). Two initiatives have been selected by an international jury and awarded The APC Chris Nicol FOSS Prize 2007. Yet another initiative received a honorable mention. Prize winners are initiatives: - Free Geek, USA - NepaLinux, Nepal winning initiatives Free Geek http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=5241758 NepaLinux http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=5241651 Honorable mention was awarded to: - Gleducar, Argentina A ceremony celebrating the prize winners will be held during the APC council meeting in Rio de Janeiro on November 6, 6 pm local time. Source : APC News Best Regards Nabil Eid ICT4D in SNE Salamieh Community Telecentre - Syria Tel:(+963 33) 832360 Fax:(+963 33) 832361 E-mail: nabileid21(a)yahoo.com Website: http://www.caihand.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ ugabytes mailing list ugabytes(a)lists.ugabytes.org http://lists.ugabytes.org/mailman/listinfo/ugabytes_lists.ugabytes.org -- thank you Ahmed M. M. Eisa Chairman of GDCO - Sudan www.gedarefcity.org www.gedaref.com ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try it now. http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/ _______________________________________________ ugabytes mailing list ugabytes(a)lists.ugabytes.org http://lists.ugabytes.org/mailman/listinfo/ugabytes_lists.ugabytes.org

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Invitation to connect on LinkedIn
by Nancy Bosire 18 Oct '07

18 Oct '07

KICTAnet, I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn. -Nancy Accept Nancy Bosire's invite: https://www.linkedin.com/e/isd/153750284/1SOSR0Vc/ ------------------------------------------ "Increasingly, if you're not LinkedIn, you're left out." --CNN Money ------ (c) 2007, LinkedIn Corporation

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Fw: [Fibre-for-africa] Fwd: Govt Ministers Approve $ 2bn 'Uhurunet' Cable
by Florence Etta 18 Oct '07

18 Oct '07

FYI sorry for crossposting FE ---------------------------- Original Message ---------------------------- Subject: Government Ministers Approve $ 2bn Submarine Cable to Connect Africa From: "Samuel Mikenga" <SMikenga(a)eafricacommission.org> Date: Thu, October 18, 2007 8:03 am -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Government Ministers Approve $ 2bn Submarine Cable to Connect Africa Government Ministers responsible for Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) from eastern and southern African countries endorsed a $ 2 bn submarine cable project to connect Africa, and called for its speedy implementation. This was revealed at a press conference held, 15 October 2007 in Johannesburg, South Africa. With a capacity of 3.84 Terrabits/sec, the 50,000 km cable is designed to provide telecommunications connectivity to Africa and connect the continent to the Americas, India, and Europe. It is expected that completion of this project will greatly contribute to reduction of telecommunications costs that have been a hindrance to doing business in Africa. Recognising the urgent need to have ICT broadband infrastructure to support high-quality, high-speed and reliable electronic communications in Africa and connecting to the rest of the world at affordable prices thus accelerated regional and continental integration; we welcome this initiative and recommit ourselves to ensuring a speedy implementation of this important project, a statement read by the Ugandan Minister for ICT, Dr Ham Mukasa Mulira, who chaired the Ministers meeting, read in part. The Ministers named the submarine segment of the NEPAD network UHURUNET; its terrestrial segment, UMOJANET; and recommended the Holding Company of the Submarine cable, BAHARICOM. Under the arrangement, NEPAD Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be the largest single shareholder. We have accordingly directed The NEPAD e-Africa Commission to present on our behalf the proposed submarine cable system to the meeting of African Ministers responsible for Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and/or Telecommunications, and to the Heads of State and Government Summit, Dr Mulira added. The Government of Rwanda has invited African Ministers to the Connect Africa Summit to be held in Kigali on 29-30th October 2007, under the Patronage of President Paul Kagame of the Republic of Rwanda and President Agyekum Kufour, the President of Ghana and current Chairperson of the African Union, and other invited Heads of State. African Owned Cable South African Minister for communications, Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri said the experiences in South Africa and Mauritius show that private sector-led undersea cable projects, where the private clubs decide the cost of telecommunications, have never been beneficial to countries in urgent need of affordable broadband connectivity. She said that the NEPAD cable would be majority African owned and advised that the best initiatives for Africa were those that were not only geared towards making profits but also putting Africas development concerns under consideration. Many Benefits The collaboration on the construction of a highly capacity submarine cable system initiative to connect Africa to the rest of the world is coordinated by the NEPAD e-African Commission. Says Dr Henry Chasia, the Executive Deputy Chairperson of NEPAD e-Africa Commission, This is a joint collaboration to leverage different submarine cable initiatives for the development of a high capacity African submarine cable as part of the accelerated implementation of the Kigali protocol This submarine cable will have landing points provisions in all coastal and Island countries, provide increased capacity to all destinations, and participants will benefit from economies of scale , added Dr Chasia. To enable all African countries enjoy the benefits of UHURUNET and UMOJANET, the Ministers directed the NEPAD e-Africa Commission to work with the African Union Commission to develop the modalities to enable any African country that may wish to access to the Kigali Protocol, do so. It is expected that the cable will be completed before the FIFA 2010 World Cup scheduled to take place in South Africa. Ends Notes for Editors 1. UHURU is a Kiswahili word meaning freedom. The submarine segment of the NEPAD network was named UHURUNET in recognition of the fiftieth anniversary of the beginning of Sub-Sahara African independence from colonial rule and the importance of the cable for economic freedom in Africa. 2. UMOJA is a kiswahili word meaning togetherness. The Ministers designated the terrestrial segment of the NEPAD network as UMOJANET in recognition of the spirit of unity in action among, and united action by all the stakeholders of the countries of Eastern and Southern Africa involved in the project. 3. BAHARI is a Kiswahili word that means sea. The Ministers recommended that the holding company of the submarine cable be named BAHARICOM because it was operating an under-sea cable. 4. About the Protocol The Protocol on the Policy and Regulatory framework for NEPAD ICT Broadband Infrastructure Network is based on the Constitutive Act of the African Union. Its main objective is to facilitate and commit the Parties to the construction and operation of the NEPAD ICT Broadband Infrastructure Network on Open Access principles of operation, which ensure a level playing field and equal access to the infrastructure. Hosted by the Rwandan Government and African Union (AU), the protocol signing ceremony of ICT Ministers from Eastern and Southern African countries participating in the NEPAD ICT Broadband Infrastructure Network, including the Submarine Cable Segment, took place in Kigali, Rwanda on 28-29 August 2006. The ceremony was presided over by the Rwandan President HE Paul Kagame. The protocol provides for the formation of an Inter-Governmental Assembly (IGA), which is responsible for ensuring the speedy implementation of the NEPAD ICT Broadband Infrastructure Network. Currently, the signatory countries are in the process of ratifying the Kigali protocol to make it operational. Project Run under NEPAD Principles The NEPAD e-Africa Commission is working to ensure the realization of the priority ICT objective for Africa: all African countries getting connected to one another by broadband fibre optic cable systems that will in turn link them to the rest of the world through existing or planned sub-marine cable systems. Since its adoption by Heads of States and Government Implementation Committee (HSGIC) in November 2004 as a NEPAD flagship Project, the ICT Broadband Infrastructure Project, is being run under the auspices, context and principles of NEPAD, which emphasize collaboration among African countries, and specifically African ownership and leadership. For more information, please contact: Samuel Mikenga Manager, Public Communications NEPAD e-Africa Commission Email: SMikenga(a)eafricacommission.org Tel: +27 12 841 4523 (office); Tel: +27 725 296 769 (mobile) Fax: +27 12 841 4094 CSIR Building 43B Meiring Naude Road Pretoria, SOUTH AFRICA Website: www.eafricacommission.org Samuel Mikenga Manager, Public Communications NEPAD e-Africa Commission Email: SMikenga(a)eafricacommission.org Email: s.mikenga(a)paris.com Tel: +27 12 841 4523 (office) Tel: +27 725 296 769 (mobile) Fax: +27 12 841 4094 CSIR Building 43B Meiring Naude Road Pretoria, SOUTH AFRICA Website: www.eafricacommission.org _______________________________________________ Fibre-for-africa mailing list Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa ___________________________________________________________ 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] Day 6 of 10: current challenges facing the eRegulator
by John Walubengo 18 Oct '07

18 Oct '07

My apologies to David Murray (Celtel) - wrongly referred to by his predecessors name (Gerhard)...my bad. Old habits do indeed die hard ;-) walu. --- John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > quite enriching indeed this research by IDRC. > > It seems to have spoken for the Consumer > Societies/Assosciations. I never knew me as a consumer > deserved such 'rights & privilages' as highlighted in > your > summary below. And yes, I do miss the input from > Operators. Other than Jonathan (AccessKenya), it looks > most have opted to watch events as they unfold. Mugambi > (TKL) Kai(KDN) Michael J (Safaricom), Gerhard (Celtel), > Sammy B(TESPOK) any contributions on these discussions? > > walu. > --- eadera(a)idrc.or.ke wrote: > > > Interesting discussions. > > > > I would like to enrich the discussions by sharing the > > results of an > > IDRC Research study aimed at understanding consumer > > issues in the ICT > > sector and practical ways in which they could be > > addressed. It's > > entitled "holding companies to account" - report > > attached, > > recommendations here below for quick reference. Anyone > > interested in > > the published hardcopy report or CD Rom, please let me > > know and we > > will be glad to share these with you (we have several > > copies). > > > > Kenya is one of the case studies with an African > overview > > included. > > Kenyan operators participated in the interim results > > sharing session. > > It was also shared with ARICEA regulators and very well > > received. > > > > However one of the greatest challenges was getting > > complaint data > > from the operators for open analysis - key question - > how > > can > > complaint data be declared public domain information? > > This would open > > a wide range of opportunities for accountability and > > redress. > > > > Beyond making information available (even if you > provide > > it directly > > to mobile phones), what practical avenues exist to > > redress > > complaints? Effective ways? What mechanisms would > provide > > greater > > bargaining power for consumers? > > > > IDRC is currently considering a follow-up > action-oriented > > initiative > > that will engage with regulators and consumer bodies, > > where they > > exist, to explore some practical solutions to these > > issues. The > > demand has come from regulators in 5 countries > following > > the ARICEA > > presentation. > > > > It would be nice to hear contributions from operators > and > > the > > regulator, they are missing in the discussions > > > > Edith Adera > > > > ****** > > Recommendations: > > > > Key issues from a consumer perspective: From all the > > evidence > > gathered for > > this study it is clear that three broad issues affect > > consumers > > adversely: > > price of service, quality of service and access to > > service. > > As operators become more established, regulators need > to > > shift their > > emphasis from the industry part of their mandate to > > addressing the > > consumer > > interest more directly under each of these three > > headings. A > > key area for concern affecting large numbers of > consumers > > is the lack > > of > > price competition in most African > > mobile markets. > > > > A consumer framework law, regulation and codes of > > conduct: Where > > consumer > > and competition law exists, it is important to > encourage > > the > > undertaking of > > test cases to demonstrate that these laws can operate > and > > that the > > successful conclusion of test cases will help > regulators > > support the > > consumer interest in their discussions with industry. > > Where it has > > not > > already occurred, regulators need to encourage > > competition > > (particularly in > > the services layer) to help address the issues of price > > and quality > > of service. > > > > Complaint resolution: Where it does not already occur, > > regulators > > need to > > ensure that a Code of Conduct (covering the rights and > > responsibilities of > > consumers) is a condition of licence for operators, > along > > with the > > obligation to publicise the existence of the Code of > > Conduct. > > > > Regulators need to publicise their own complaints > > procedures > > effectively > > and gather data from complaints made that can influence > > policy and > > regulation. Where it does not already occur, the > Consumer > > function > > within the regulator needs to be: properly resourced, > > managed at a > > senior > > level and have direct access to senior management. > > > > The informed consumer the need for information to help > > choice: > > Serious consideration should be given regulatory > > enforcement of > > compulsory > > disclosure by the operators > > of accurate, comparable statistical information > relating > > to the > > numbers and > > breakdown of customer complaints. While this is likely > to > > be resisted > > by > > the companies concerned, and although careful > formulation > > is necessary to ensure comparability and > > comprehensiveness, it would > > greatly incentivise customer responsiveness on the part > > of the > > companies. > > It would act as a powerful tool to promote consumer > > empowerment and > > freedom > > of choice. > > > > If compulsory disclosure proves impossible to implement > > then > > regulators > > should themselves initiate independent surveys that > > identify levels > > of > > consumer satisfaction. > > > > As with the example from India given in Box 4, > regulators > > need to set > > a > > simple "basket" of performance indicators on which > > operators can be > > judged > > and the results from these studies should be published > at > > least > > on an annual basis. On a slightly broader front, > > regulators need to > > be more > > proactive in educating consumers about market issues > like > === message truncated === __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] The “Internet of Things,” the Internet and Internet Governance
by Eric Osiakwan 18 Oct '07

18 Oct '07

Begin forwarded message: > From: "Anne-Rachel Inné" <annerachel(a)gmail.com> > Date: 18 October 2007 00:01:57 GMT+03:00 > To: africann(a)afrinic.net > Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] The “Internet of Things,” the Internet > and Internet Governance > Reply-To: africann(a)afrinic.net > > http://www.circleid.com/posts/ > 7101616_the_internet_of_things_governance/ > > The "Internet of Things," the Internet and Internet Governance > Oct 16, 2007 5:52 PM PST | Comments: 1 > By Brian Cute > > As the second Internet Governance Forum approaches, it is an > appropriate moment to take stock of how the Internet Governance > dialogue has evolved since the conclusion of the WSIS Summit in 2005. > One year after the first IGF in Athens, it is clear that government, > industry and civil society stakeholders are still grappling over the > direction and focus of the IGF. For skeptics who view the IGF as > little more than a talk shop that kicked the Internet Governance "can" > down the road five years, the evolution of this dialogue is of minor > consequence. For those who view the IGF as something more, it is clear > that the IGF dialogue will indeed evolve and, along the way, will > impact the conceptual approach governments take to the Internet > itself. There is little doubt that some governments will choose to > borrow concepts from the IGF when developing law and policy and will > ultimately apply them to the Internet within their respective > jurisdictions. Given the global nature of the Internet, this should be > a fundamental concern. > > While this important dialogue about the Internet continues at the IGF > in Brazil next month, another no less important debate is emerging > with regard to RFID technology and the so-called "Internet of Things." > The Internet of Things is a term coined to describe a future > ubiquitous sensor network that collects commercial and personal data > in public and private settings created, in part, through the rollout > of RFID technology. The Internet of Things, according to some, is > defined by the ability of things or devices to communicate and > interact with each other. An ITU Internet Report from 2005 forecasts > that with the implementation of RFID, "[c]onnections will multiply and > create an entirely new dynamic network of networks—an Internet of > Things." Questions have arisen about what governance principles should > apply to the Internet of Things and analytical reference to IGF > governance concepts will inevitably be made. > > Although RFID is not a new technology, supply chain and consumer-based > implementations remain at a relatively nascent stage. Since RFID > implementations are occurring primarily in the business supply chain > and not yet at consumer points-of-sale, one must ask what the > "Internet of Things" actually is today and what, if any, governance > principles should be applied. More importantly, before applying > governance principles, it is necessary to examine the nature of the > various RFID networks that would constitute the Internet of Things. > Depending on their architecture, security and modes of > interconnection, emerging RFID networks between commercial entities > could be considered "private networks" or "closed user groups," > (Private networks utilizing TCP/IP are addressed in RFC 1918 which > likewise recognizes these distinctions between private and public > networks). Private networks and closed user groups are generally > exempt from traditional telecommunications regulations since they do > not interconnect with the "public telecommunications network" or other > open, public networks like the Internet. In some contexts, the > question of whether a private network is subject to a regulatory > obligation actually turns on the manner in which the private network > interconnects with the public network. Given these important > distinctions, it would be premature to apply less than fully conceived > IGF governance concepts to one constituent network aspect of a yet to > be realized Internet of Things. > > It is important that all stakeholders exercise great care in > addressing questions of governance, policy and regulation as the > Internet evolves. Common agreement on terminology and concepts is > necessary and a sound understanding of the Internet itself by all > stakeholders cannot be assumed. For example, a great deal of focus in > the IGF remains on "critical Internet resources" which, to date, has > meant domain names, root servers and IP address administration. The > Internet is obviously much more than these three important elements > and a holistic view of the Internet within the IGF is necessary before > governance questions can be properly framed. If the IGF dialogue is to > provide analytical building blocks for application of governance > principles to new technologies and evolving networks, there is a > premium on the IGF dialogue getting the conceptual framework right. If > the IGF becomes nothing more than a Chinese menu for governments to > select a preferred "governance point-of-view" to apply to the Internet > of today or tomorrow, then the IGF, like the WSIS before it, will > become another opportunity missed. > > Stay Updated: To receive weekly email updates from CircleID sign up > here or see the list of RSS feeds. > > More Under: infrastructure, internet governance, policy regulation > > Source Credit: This has been a featured post from Brian Cute, > President, Eastham Global Strategies, L.L.C.. To learn more, visit > this participant's full profile page. > > _______________________________________________ > AfrICANN mailing list > AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net > https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann > Eric M.K Osiakwan ICT Integrator Internet Research www.internetresearch.com.gh emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: +233.21.258811 Cell: +233.24.4386792 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] [Fibre-for-africa] Connectivity: What does Africa really need?
by Eric Osiakwan 18 Oct '07

18 Oct '07

Anders, I totally agree with your submissions below and yes we must work towards a market approach however sometimes the marshall plan is needed to create the foundation for the market forces to play. As you know i now turn to have a balance on the extremes as i believe thats what would make the full impact, this is not to say your submission is an extreme one but that though it is important for you present this other picture, we must work towards a balance of the two that would make maximum impact at the speed of light. Eric here On 16 Oct 2007, at 14:26, Anders Comstedt wrote: > Dear Wakabi and others > > Isn't it difficult to ask for a Marshall plan and at the same time > see how > the sector and, above all, its users are financially drained? > > PROFITABLE TELECOMS > Surprisingly there are higher profit margins in most of the > business that > the mobile phone operators have in Africa, including or excluding the > licence fees, comparing to counterparts in more open and competitive > markets. How is that? Why is competition restricted and prices not > coming > down, in particular considering the low purchase power of the > users? Some > people obviously don't want to change the ball game. > > The combined sector revenues to governments and shareholders make it a > little bit difficult to say that the sector cannot finance its own > investments, expanding footprint and new services. Actually at the > same time > even reduce user prices quite a bit. How come that the users are > not given > more choices from several competing providers? Shifting value to > much to > users, or? > > The typical licensing regime still seems, in general, to serve no > other > purpose but to sell operators a hunting licence on users, > maximising the > government revenues in the process. The scarce spectrum resource is > in many > ways used as an over inflated bogus argument in lack of any better. > True, it > is to some extent an issue and the licensing should focus on it, > skipping > licensing and all other restrictions on open market, free provision of > service. On the contrary, dominant players should be obliged to > interconnect, not being sheltered from competition. > > Why are operator investments taxed, instead of profits, if you like > to drive > investments? > > > SHARING INFRASTRUCTURE > Sharing basic, non-differentiating infrastructure at cost related > prices > turns out to be a good business proposal (like http:// > www.openreach.co.uk ) > as it is always cheaper than do-it-yourself if you have a few service > competitors using it. High utilisation would create a lower cost > base for > all operators. But it requires organisational structure that lowers > operational and political risks. What is done to lower those risks? > > Note, the most important thing in shared infrastructure is TRUST. > > Or, who would like to bet the farm on being depending upon a flimsy > operation controlled by people with no skin in the game? > > > USERS > The most appalling absence in the African telecom policy debate is > the users > and the user agents. True, the telecom sector is dominated by a > producer > perspective globally, but in places where strong user agents are > balancing > these forces we get a more reasonable chunk of the value > distributed to all > parties. How will user agents come forward in the debate? > > > The ITU > Wouldn't it be interesting to put half of all the combined licence > revenues > for the coming two years into an African backbone and global > interconnectivity fund? To create an infrastructure open to all > providers, > new or old, on equal terms. Now that is a task for the ITU! Or is > the ITU > too dominated by folks who don't want to change the ball game to the > advantage of users? > > > The document would benefit from touching the areas above. > > Sincerely > > Anders Comstedt > > > -----Ursprungligt meddelande----- > Från: fibre-for-africa-bounces(a)lists.apc.org > [mailto:fibre-for-africa-bounces@lists.apc.org] För Wairagala Wakabi > Skickat: den 16 oktober 2007 07:17 > Till: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants > Ämne: [Fibre-for-africa] Connectivity: What does Africa really need? > > Netters, > > The ITU is convening the 'Connects Africa' summit in Kigali, Rwanda on > October 29-30. Its main concerns are that Internet services needed for > business, government and consumer applications continue to be > either very > expensive or not available due to limited broadband network > infrastructure; and that rural connectivity and access remain > inadequate > as does the availability of locally relevant content, applications and > services. > > This paper, by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for > East and > Southern Africa (CIPESA), outlines some of the issues that need to be > addressed for the vision of boosting connectivity in Africa to be > realised. > > > http://fibreforafrica.net/main.shtml?x=5236108&als[MYALIAS6]=Joining > %20the%2 > 0dots&als[select]=4051582 > > > Wakabi > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > 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: KARA QUARTERLY LUNCHEON - Operators Vs Consumers: Who Does Kenya'sCommunication Policy Favour?
by alice 17 Oct '07

17 Oct '07

*__**Dear KARA Members, Partners & Friends,__* *_KARA QUARTERLY LUNCHEON - 7: A SPECIAL INVITATION:_* *__* We trust that this mail finds you well. In our acclaimed tradition of holding well-attended and best-rated public forums, in the public interest, we are pleased to invite you to our 7^th Quarterly Luncheon with details as follows; Date : Thursday, 15 November 2007 Time : 12.00 pm 2.30 pm Venue : Sarova Panafric Hotel Theme : *_Operators Vs Consumers: Who Does Kenya'sCommunication Policy Favour?_* *__*Guests : Eng. John N. Waweru, Director General, Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) Entry : Ksh. 1,500 (members) and Ksh. 1,800 (others) Note : Corporate tables of 10 are available K indly fill out the attached form and/or get in touch with my colleague Nancy to confirm your attendance in time as participation at our functions strictly require prior confirmation. We are pleased to announce that mobile telephony market leader *Safaricom Limited * <http://www.safaricom.co.ke>is the Platinum Category Sponsor. We look forward to your continued partnership. Thank you. Yours Sincerely, Stephen Mutoro *_Chief Executive Officer_* The Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA) Natu Court, Suite E-39, Ngong Rd/Ring Rd Kilimani Junction P.O Box 1411-00100, GPO Tel. 254-020-3873828 or 3874331 Fax: 3862872 Cellphones: 0725983445 or 0733779585 NAIROBI, Kenya E-Mail: info(a)kara.or.ke <mailto:info@kara.or.ke> or kara(a)africaonline.co.ke <mailto:kara@africaonline.co.ke> Web: www.kara.or.ke <http://www.kara.or.ke> KARA - /"Together, We Will"/

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FW: CONSUMER PROJECT FINAL REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS
by eadera＠idrc.or.ke 17 Oct '07

17 Oct '07

Interesting discussions. I would like to enrich the discussions by sharing the results of an IDRC Research study aimed at understanding consumer issues in the ICT sector and practical ways in which they could be addressed. It's entitled "holding companies to account" - report attached, recommendations here below for quick reference. Anyone interested in the published hardcopy report or CD Rom, please let me know and we will be glad to share these with you (we have several copies). Kenya is one of the case studies with an African overview included. Kenyan operators participated in the interim results sharing session. It was also shared with ARICEA regulators and very well received. However one of the greatest challenges was getting complaint data from the operators for open analysis - key question - how can complaint data be declared public domain information? This would open a wide range of opportunities for accountability and redress. Beyond making information available (even if you provide it directly to mobile phones), what practical avenues exist to redress complaints? Effective ways? What mechanisms would provide greater bargaining power for consumers? IDRC is currently considering a follow-up action-oriented initiative that will engage with regulators and consumer bodies, where they exist, to explore some practical solutions to these issues. The demand has come from regulators in 5 countries following the ARICEA presentation. It would be nice to hear contributions from operators and the regulator, they are missing in the discussions Edith Adera ****** Recommendations: Key issues from a consumer perspective: From all the evidence gathered for this study it is clear that three broad issues affect consumers adversely: price of service, quality of service and access to service. As operators become more established, regulators need to shift their emphasis from the industry part of their mandate to addressing the consumer interest more directly under each of these three headings. A key area for concern affecting large numbers of consumers is the lack of price competition in most African mobile markets. A consumer framework law, regulation and codes of conduct: Where consumer and competition law exists, it is important to encourage the undertaking of test cases to demonstrate that these laws can operate and that the successful conclusion of test cases will help regulators support the consumer interest in their discussions with industry. Where it has not already occurred, regulators need to encourage competition (particularly in the services layer) to help address the issues of price and quality of service. Complaint resolution: Where it does not already occur, regulators need to ensure that a Code of Conduct (covering the rights and responsibilities of consumers) is a condition of licence for operators, along with the obligation to publicise the existence of the Code of Conduct. Regulators need to publicise their own complaints procedures effectively and gather data from complaints made that can influence policy and regulation. Where it does not already occur, the Consumer function within the regulator needs to be: properly resourced, managed at a senior level and have direct access to senior management. The informed consumer the need for information to help choice: Serious consideration should be given regulatory enforcement of compulsory disclosure by the operators of accurate, comparable statistical information relating to the numbers and breakdown of customer complaints. While this is likely to be resisted by the companies concerned, and although careful formulation is necessary to ensure comparability and comprehensiveness, it would greatly incentivise customer responsiveness on the part of the companies. It would act as a powerful tool to promote consumer empowerment and freedom of choice. If compulsory disclosure proves impossible to implement then regulators should themselves initiate independent surveys that identify levels of consumer satisfaction. As with the example from India given in Box 4, regulators need to set a simple "basket" of performance indicators on which operators can be judged and the results from these studies should be published at least on an annual basis. On a slightly broader front, regulators need to be more proactive in educating consumers about market issues like underlying mobile prices and consumer broadband and contention ratios. If information is central to making informed choices, regulators need to develop effective communications strategies to talk directly to consumers and (as is already happening in some countries) these need to take account of the levels of education and literacy amongst consumers. The role of the regulator: Regulators need involve consumers in their work and ensure that their perspective is fed into their work. A number of different approaches are available to help bring this about. Regulators ought to seek to work closely with consumer bodies as a way of strengthening the consumer aspects of their mandates. Depending on the constitutional framework of the regulator, it may be possible to provide direct support for this kind of work. Particular emphasis might be given to supporting those complainants that lack the wealth and education to negotiate existing complaints processes. An independent consumer movement what role in the telecoms and internet sector?: Consumer organisations should be encouraged to respond to consumer complaints in the telecoms and Internet sector and asked to make input into policy processes.

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Fwd: Ghana: Govt to get $500m for Ghana Telecom?
by Mike Theuri 17 Oct '07

17 Oct '07

It will be interesting to see how these two comparable privatisation initiatives conclude: The long drawn-out saga of Telkom Kenya's privatisation appears to be drawing to a conclusion with the news that a consortium led by British Telecom, backed by Libyan financiers, is now the favourite to secure a 40% operating stake in the company, valued at US$84m. http://globaltechforum.eiu.com/index.asp?layout=rich_story&doc_id=11094&tit… ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Govt to get $500m for GT? GT PhoneBooth Singapore Telecom is reportedly in discussions to purchase a stake of between 51% and 66% in Ghana Telecom and is being advised by Merrill Lynch on the buy-in. The sale could reportedly fetch Ghana Telecom more than US$500 million. According to Ghana Telecom, strategic investors are undertaking due diligence as part of the company's privatization to sell a majority interest. Other reported parties interested in Ghana Telecom include Portugal Telecom and France Telecom. SingTel has traditionally mainly invested in cellular operators in south east Asia and Australia. Telekom Malaysia held a 30% interest and management control in Ghana Telecom but was reportedly forced to exit the venture two years ago saying it couldn't manage the business with the government, as majority shareholder, continually overriding its decisions. Telenor also ended its subsequent management contract with Ghana Telecom in 2005 on strained terms. Source:GHP . __,_._,___

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Urgent,but rare request
by Judy Okite 16 Oct '07

16 Oct '07

Dear All,looking for an active ICT person who is physically challenged. Pls get intouch with me off-list. Kind Regards, -- Judy Ann Okite, +254-721237507,+254-734252336 P.O. BOX 2228 00100, NAIROBI,KENYA. "Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it."

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Day 4 of 10:- eContent Requirements for Regulators
by Rebecca Wanjiku 16 Oct '07

16 Oct '07

Brian, i think CCK can work with radio stations, print media, and ensure that information available on the website and the attendant rights are well communicated otherwise, we will be upholding the fallacy that those who can chat or use email know about the important info regarding ICTs in the country or the rights and obligations for that matter. in short, CCK must REACH OUT to all.... Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ ----- Original Message ---- From: Brian Longwe <brian(a)isisweb.nl> To: rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 2:24:06 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 4 of 10:- eContent Requirements for Regulators Hi Alice, On Oct 15, 2007, at 6:07 PM, alice wrote: > >> "My question: besides colorful brochures what concrete actions are >> our regulators taking to ensure that every citizen is aware of >> their rights, privileges and what services are available to them. >> Regards Brian" >> > The CCK recently unveiled the CCK service chatter that sets public > expectations Re: dealing with the Commission and its staff > interchangeably called the "The Customer Service Charter " it > outlines rights and responsibilities and the procedure to follow > if CCK service standards are not met. available at www.cck.go.ke This is excellent - but how will this help my grandma in shags - how does she find out that there's a website? How does she find out that she actually has certain rights as a telecoms consumer? How does she know what avenues to take to set up a rural ISP? Where I'm heading to - and I hoped that this came out of the example I gave of the Indian CMA - is something called OUTREACH. To what extent do our regulatory authorities reach out to the technologically, geographically and financially challenged? I know I'm straying from the e-content discussion but I think it's a good tangent. Maybe we need to think outside the box and come up with creative ways of getting this e-content right into the hands of the consumers. Maybe an E-Book with lots of pictures and sounds to help the layperson come to grips with the often abstract and confusing concepts that plague regulatory authorities? Brian _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/rebeccawanjiku%40yahoo… ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545433

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Fwd: SV: [Fibre-for-africa] Connectivity: What does Africa really need?
by Eric Osiakwan 16 Oct '07

16 Oct '07

Begin forwarded message: > From: "Anders Comstedt" <anders(a)ssvl.kth.se> > Date: 16 October 2007 14:26:53 GMT+03:00 > To: "'APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants'" > <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> > Subject: SV: [Fibre-for-africa] Connectivity: What does Africa > really need? > Reply-To: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants > <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> > > Dear Wakabi and others > > Isn't it difficult to ask for a Marshall plan and at the same time > see how > the sector and, above all, its users are financially drained? > > PROFITABLE TELECOMS > Surprisingly there are higher profit margins in most of the > business that > the mobile phone operators have in Africa, including or excluding the > licence fees, comparing to counterparts in more open and competitive > markets. How is that? Why is competition restricted and prices not > coming > down, in particular considering the low purchase power of the > users? Some > people obviously don't want to change the ball game. > > The combined sector revenues to governments and shareholders make it a > little bit difficult to say that the sector cannot finance its own > investments, expanding footprint and new services. Actually at the > same time > even reduce user prices quite a bit. How come that the users are > not given > more choices from several competing providers? Shifting value to > much to > users, or? > > The typical licensing regime still seems, in general, to serve no > other > purpose but to sell operators a hunting licence on users, > maximising the > government revenues in the process. The scarce spectrum resource is > in many > ways used as an over inflated bogus argument in lack of any better. > True, it > is to some extent an issue and the licensing should focus on it, > skipping > licensing and all other restrictions on open market, free provision of > service. On the contrary, dominant players should be obliged to > interconnect, not being sheltered from competition. > > Why are operator investments taxed, instead of profits, if you like > to drive > investments? > > > SHARING INFRASTRUCTURE > Sharing basic, non-differentiating infrastructure at cost related > prices > turns out to be a good business proposal (like http:// > www.openreach.co.uk ) > as it is always cheaper than do-it-yourself if you have a few service > competitors using it. High utilisation would create a lower cost > base for > all operators. But it requires organisational structure that lowers > operational and political risks. What is done to lower those risks? > > Note, the most important thing in shared infrastructure is TRUST. > > Or, who would like to bet the farm on being depending upon a flimsy > operation controlled by people with no skin in the game? > > > USERS > The most appalling absence in the African telecom policy debate is > the users > and the user agents. True, the telecom sector is dominated by a > producer > perspective globally, but in places where strong user agents are > balancing > these forces we get a more reasonable chunk of the value > distributed to all > parties. How will user agents come forward in the debate? > > > The ITU > Wouldn't it be interesting to put half of all the combined licence > revenues > for the coming two years into an African backbone and global > interconnectivity fund? To create an infrastructure open to all > providers, > new or old, on equal terms. Now that is a task for the ITU! Or is > the ITU > too dominated by folks who don't want to change the ball game to the > advantage of users? > > > The document would benefit from touching the areas above. > > Sincerely > > Anders Comstedt > > > -----Ursprungligt meddelande----- > Från: fibre-for-africa-bounces(a)lists.apc.org > [mailto:fibre-for-africa-bounces@lists.apc.org] För Wairagala Wakabi > Skickat: den 16 oktober 2007 07:17 > Till: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants > Ämne: [Fibre-for-africa] Connectivity: What does Africa really need? > > Netters, > > The ITU is convening the 'Connects Africa' summit in Kigali, Rwanda on > October 29-30. Its main concerns are that Internet services needed for > business, government and consumer applications continue to be > either very > expensive or not available due to limited broadband network > infrastructure; and that rural connectivity and access remain > inadequate > as does the availability of locally relevant content, applications and > services. > > This paper, by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for > East and > Southern Africa (CIPESA), outlines some of the issues that need to be > addressed for the vision of boosting connectivity in Africa to be > realised. > > > http://fibreforafrica.net/main.shtml?x=5236108&als[MYALIAS6]=Joining > %20the%2 > 0dots&als[select]=4051582 > > > Wakabi > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > 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: [AfrICANN-discuss] My Name, My Language, My Internet]
by alice 15 Oct '07

15 Oct '07

My Name, My Language, My Internet: IDN Test Goes Live ICANN launches global test of Internationalized Domain Names 15 October 2007 <http://www.icann.org/announcements/photos/idn-tshirts-600x430-15oct07.jpg> ICANN is celebrating the ability of people to get "My name, My Language. My Internet" wiki pages with the launch of the IDN evaluation with T-Shirts displaying example.test in the 11 languages. *MARINA DEL REY, Calif.*: Internet users around the globe can now experiment with their name in their language on their Internet with today's launch of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers live testing of Internationalized Domain Names in 11 languages. "This is one of the most exciting times yet in the development of IDNs," said Dr Paul Twomey, ICANN's President and CEO. "Internet users who speak the 11 languages of the test can play a key role in testing how IDNs operate, and help us move toward full implementation for all the languages of the world." Internet users around the globe can now to access wiki pages with the domain name example.test in the 11 test languages -- Arabic, Persian, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Russian, Hindi, Greek, Korean, Yiddish, Japanese and Tamil. The wikis will allow Internet users to establish their own subpages with their own names in their own language -- one suggestion is: example.test/yourname. ICANN has also put a video explaining the evaluation process on YouTube, and available on the ICANN website. The wiki pages can be accessed by typing example.test in the characters of one of the 11 languages, or by going to http://idn.icann.org <http://idn.icann.org/>. "These wikipages are key to the test. We want to know how the URL displays in the Internet browser, if it works when you cut and paste it into the body of an email to a friend, and how all of this impacts the root zone," Dr Twomey added. The 11 evaluation wikis will remain online until IDNs are fully implemented and the first top-level domain is introduced in the evaluation language. The full introduction of IDNs will mean that people can write the whole of a domain name in the characters used to write their own language. Presently you can only use these characters before the dot, so .com, .net, .org and the like can only be written in characters from basic Latin. IDNs will change this so that literally tens of thousands of characters will be available to the world. The "example.test" labels with the associated scripts, the languages that were used for translation of the two terms "example" and "test", and the A-labels for second and top level that are inserted in the IDN TLD zones and DNS respectively. IDNs Part 2: example.test Evaluation Period (3:05) | also available at dotSUB <http://dotsub.com/films/idnspart_1/> IDNs Part One: An Introduction (4:22) | also available at dotSUB <http://dotsub.com/films/idnspart/index.php> * About ICANN: * ICANN is responsible for the global coordination of the Internet's system of unique identifiers like domain names (like .org, .museum and country codes like .uk) and the addresses used in a variety of Internet protocols that help computers reach each other over the Internet. Careful management of these resources is vital to the Internet's operation, so ICANN's global stakeholders meet regularly to develop policies that ensure the Internet's ongoing security and stability. ICANN is an internationally organized, public benefit non-profit company. For more information please visit: www.icann.org <http://www.icann.org/>. * Media Contacts: * Jason Keenan Media Adviser, ICANN (USA) Ph: +1 310 382 4004 E: jason.keenan(a)icann.org <mailto:%20jason.keenan@icann.org> International: Andrew Robertson Edelman (London) Ph: +44 7921 588 770 E: andrew.robertson(a)edelman.com <mailto:%20andrew.robertson@edelman.com> _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Breaking News- Teams Update
by John Walubengo 12 Oct '07

12 Oct '07

Without wishing to interrupt the discussion on the eRegulators, I thought it is good to know the new anticipated operational date for the TEAMS cable: May 2009. Yes, 2009 and NOT next year 2008. I attended the TEAMS public meeting at KCCT this morning and quite alot of info was shared but since I am yet to get the slides, heres is what I could remember offhead and so will stand corrected. 1. That the cable will be operational in 2009. 2. That the Govt will own 40%, Etillsat 15% and the rest is free for grabs from other Interested stakeholders. 3. That unit investment is USD 5million for a gauranteed capacity of Bandwidth. 4. That the deadline for investment is 30th Nov 2007. 5. That it will be operated by an 'Open' consortium under a company called TEAMS ltd. 6. Consortium members will be free to sell off their shares to new comers at prevailing market price. 7. Teams Ltd will be mandated to negotiate access fee for people wishing to connect and transit fees for the upstream providers in Fujiara. 7. That the objective is to deliver the initial Bandwidth at USD 500 (five hundred) per 1Meg. Maybe our local Regulator, CCK should take the initiative to upload the slides presented on their website and we shall still be talking about eRegulation ;-) walu. ____________________________________________________________________________________ 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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Day 3 of 10: What threats would face Regulators as they adopt service provision over the web
by John Walubengo 12 Oct '07

12 Oct '07

....just opening up day 3. hope all the silent participants can say something today, particularly those outside .KE, plse share your experiences... Back to the thread. It is important to say that this thread is not there to dissuade Regulators going online but rather to ensure that they would do so after taking the necessary precautions. I would imagine that once the Regulators put their services onine, they would face the same challenges or threats as any other entity that gets online. Security books would tell you that the threats would revolve around the following: Confidentiality: restricting data to the authorised person/entity Integrity: ensuring that the stored data in not illegally modified Availability: ensuring that online services are operational as required by the customers/stakeholders Non-repudiability: ensuring that e-Transactions can be tracked back to the originator We need to think like hackers here. Assuming you had the time, the motive and the skill, what would you want to lay your hands on from the e-Regulators? 1 -day on this thread. Keep your comments coming and fear not since we are yet to have e-Legislation in this part of world ;-). walu. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us. http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7

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Firm to build undersea cable picked
by Dorcas Muthoni 12 Oct '07

12 Oct '07

The winner of a tender to construct an undersea fibre optic cable linking Kenya and the Arabian city of Fujairah will be known today ............... http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3581&Item… -- Muthoni My Blog: http://rugongo.blogspot.com/ -------------------------------------------- Mahatma Gandhi once said:- First they ignore you, Then they laugh at you, Then they fight you, AND THEN YOU WIN!!!

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Re: [kictanet] Day 2 of 10: What are the Internet Opportunities for provisioning Regulatory Services?
by John Walubengo 12 Oct '07

12 Oct '07

mmhh. Not much response on opportunities apart from Nancy B. I would have imagined many of us would have something to say about how the Regulator could serve is better using the web. My thinking follows: 1. Market Penetration: The Regulator could open up an e-forum where stakeholders could openly discuss industry issues. The Regulator can then harvest alot of industry thinking from those discussion-logs and use them appropriately. They would therefore get to 'know' their customers better in order to serve them better (ofcourse some Regulators do feel they need NOT know their customers and so may not consider this a bright idea ;-) 2. Market Development: Most ICT players and consumers are concentrated in urban centers. It would be interesting to see Regulators reaching new players and consumers in the rural centers using the web. Routine services like license applications, renewals and payments could be completed without visiting the capital cities where most Regulators are domesticated. 3. Product Development: New Regulatory e-Services may arise from the web. I am thinking that there could be ways new regulatory functionalities such as monitoring ISP/ASP webographics (e.g. their bandwidth provisioning and utilization, the amount of spamming they generate or simply mapping out the internet traffic patterns in the country) So this thread like the others shall remain open for more contributions as we head towards Day 3 of 10, where we review the threats that may face Regulators adopting internet technologies in their service provision. walu. --- nancy bosire <bozaya(a)gmail.com> wrote: > 1. Market Penetration: how can the Regulator use the > Internet to be closer to you (customer)? - almost the > same as what we have > here, mailing lists and/or forums > > 2. Market Development: how can the Regulator best reach > thier EXCLUDED or ignored customers - decentralization of > their > offices/services. > > > > On 10/11/07, John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > > > Now that we have an idea of the Role of Regulators and > > their target Customers, we can begin to think about the > > Opportunites that the Internet presents for delivering > > their services. > > > > Assuming the Regulator was a business and wanted to > give > > value to their customer using the Internet, how would > they > > do it? Alternatively, you as a customer to the > Regulator > > (Operator, Consumer, Government, etc), how do you think > the > > Regulator can best serve you, using the internet? > > > > Think along these lines. > > > > 1. Market Penetration: how can the Regulator use the > > Internet to be closer to you (customer)? > > 2. Market Development: how can the Regulator best reach > > thier EXCLUDED or ignored customers > > 3. Product Development: are there new ways the > Regulator > > can deliver their old services (functions) over the > web? > > > > We have 1day to hear more contributions from your > various > > perspectives (Consumers, Operators, Individuals, etc). > > > > walu. > > > > > > > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > > Tonight's top picks. What will you watch tonight? > Preview the hottest > > shows on Yahoo! TV. > > http://tv.yahoo.com/ > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > This message was sent to: bozaya(a)gmail.com > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bozaya%40gmail.com > > > > > > -- > Sincerely yours, > > > > > Secretariat Manager > Kenya ICT Federation > Tel: 020 4440102 > Mobile: 0721907995 > secretariat(a)kif.or.ke, info(a)kif.or.ke > http://www.kif.or.ke > > > Mahatma Gandhi once said:- > > First they ignore you, > Then they laugh at you, > Then they fight you, > AND THEN YOU WIN!!! > ____________________________________________________________________________________ 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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CALL FOR PAPERS - the 3rd annual Digital Broadcasting Switchover Forum 2008, 29 Jan - 1 Feb 2008, Johannesburg, South Africa]
by alice 11 Oct '07

11 Oct '07

Dear Colleague, It is my pleasure to announce the dates for the 3rd annual Digital Broadcasting Switchover Forum 2008, which again will be held in the week of 29 Jan - 1 Feb 2008 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The organisation of the conference has now started and we are currently looking for broadcasting experts to contribute presentations. The key areas for discussion this year include: 1) National switchover frameworks and planning 2) Dual illumination 3) Financing the switchover 4) The digital dividend, spectrum allocation and the results of WRC 07 5) Infrastructure upgrading and its implications 6) Consumer aspects subsidising set top boxes, switchover awareness, the switchover as a means of reducing the digital divide 7) Charting the future of African broadcasting including IPTV, mobile TV, high definition television 8) Overcoming the shortage of broadcasting skilled workforce 9) Digital radio technology evaluation, implications for local and national stations, 10) Protecting cultural and linguistic diversity through local content production 11) Infotainment 12) Encouraging locally produced content 13) How international financing can be increased 14) Broadcasting liberalisation in Africa I would like to encourage you to contribute to this forum by participating as a speaker, therefore please reply to this mail, including the perspective that you would like to cover at the event. I am particularly keen to have case studies as these are excellent ways of spreading information and experiences. Furthermore if you would like to support the event by becoming an official sponsor then I would be delighted to organise a sponsorship package for you, exhibition booths are available for £3000/US$6000/R42000. I look forward to hearing back from you and to building on the huge success of last years forum. Yours sincerely Matthew Matthew Dawes Commonwealth Telecommunication Organisation Direct Tel: 0044 20 8834 1575 Main Tel: 0044 870 7777 697 Fax: 0044 870 0345 626 Email: m.dawes(a)cto.int <http://mailer.eddiction.co.uk/_webscripts/emaillog.php?789c2dcbcd0a80201004…>

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Content - Regulatory, Legal and Jurisdiction issues
by Brian Longwe 11 Oct '07

11 Oct '07

Let me post an interesting case there - both to challenge our thinking as well as highlight various regulatory and legal issues surrounding content. Movie studios to judge: TorrentSpy defies court order CNet.com, October 11, 2007 By Greg Sandoval http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9795571-7.html To avoid having to turn over user information to the motion picture industry, BitTorrent indexing service TorrentSpy cut off access to its site in the United States. Apparently, that wasn't enough to satisfy Hollywood. According to documents filed with the court last week and reviewed by CNET News.com on Wednesday, the studios still want to see information about the site's visitors. Lawyers representing the studios--armed with a court order--say TorrentSpy has refused to hand over the data. Because of that, the movie sector wants the judge to throw the book at the company. "(TorrentSpy) took steps to make the Server Log Data unavailable for the express purpose of avoiding compliance with the (court) order," the movie studios said in their filing. "(The) conduct amounts to willfulness and bad faith." The lawsuit, first filed a year ago, accuses TorrentSpy of encouraging copyright violations. On May 29, Jacqueline Chooljian, a federal magistrate judge in Los Angeles, ordered TorrentSpy to hand over information about user activity. Part of what the judge wanted was to identify the BitTorrent files that visitors requested and the dates and times of those requests. TorrentSpy executives told the judge that they never tracked visitors' activity. She responded by telling them to retrieve the information from their servers' random-access memory, or RAM. In an unprecedented decision that drew plenty of media attention, the judge ruled that data found in RAM is a tangible document that can be stored and must be turned over in civil litigation. TorrentSpy argued that RAM is far too ephemeral to be considered "stored data." In August, TorrentSpy appealed the decision but lost. The company then shut down access to U.S. residents. If TorrentSpy had no U.S. users, then there wouldn't be any information stored in the company's RAM under the judge's purview, legal experts said. Only data on International users would be logged and U.S. courts don't have authority over them. But the studios didn't go away. The film companies have asked the judge to impose evidentiary sanctions against TorrentSpy for not complying with the court order, according to the court filings. As part of the sanctions, the studios want the judge to establish for the record that the movies belonging to the studios found on TorrentSpy's site infringed on their copyright, and also find that the site has no "substantial noninfringing uses." Should the judge agree to the sanctions she would effectively label TorrentSpy a pirate site. That would make it very difficult for TorrentSpy to prevail in its civil trial. TorrentSpy executives said in court documents filed late Tuesday that the company's reasons for not turning over information are pegged to a few tweaks made to the site while the company's appeal was being heard. Chief among the changes are that TorrentSpy stopped providing users with cached downloads of BitTorrent files, the technology favored by many for file sharing, according to court documents. This means that searches for BitTorrent files at TorrentSpy would return only links to third-party sites. Clicking on those links would not ping TorrentSpy's servers, and as a result, none of the data that the film companies are after can be found in the company's RAM. To the studios, TorrentSpy is trying to duck the judge's order. "This claim should be seen for what it is: another illegitimate attempt by defendants to evade authority of this court and the May 29 order," the film companies said in their filing with the court. Rothken denied the allegation. "The primary reason for the changes was to protect end-user privacy worldwide," Rothken said. "Web sites are allowed to evolve their technology during litigation especially if they evolve to protect user privacy. The irony here is that studios are blowing hot and cold. On one hand they asked in their lawsuit for TorrentSpy in essence to shut down U.S. traffic. When the company did, the plaintiffs complained that TorrentSpy is in violation for not supplying information under the log file order. They're never satisfied." Just how long it will take for the judge to rule on the studios' application for sanctions is unclear. Rothken said he expects that the judge will call for more briefings.

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Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] [Questions on the Introduction of ccTLD Internationalised Domain Names]
by Vincent Ngundi 11 Oct '07

11 Oct '07

Dear Colleagues, FYI. In line with the Internet's bottom-up policy development process (PDP), please send in your comments on the fast-track/interim approach to delegating some IDN ccTLD's (see more on this below). KENIC can then collate the input (from the local Internet community) and send to the ccNSO. Regards, Vincent Ngundi KENIC Begin forwarded message: > -----Original Message----- > From: "Mohammed EL Bashir" <admin(a)isoc.sd> > To: "africann(a)afrinic.net" <africann(a)afrinic.net> > Sent: 08/10/07 01:02 > Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] [Fwd: Questions on the Introduction of > ccTLD Internationalised Domain Names] > > Dear All, > > FYI ccNSO is asking for input from ccTLD Registries on considering > Fast Track/Interim approach for the launch of IDNs on Global DNS, > this could happen while IDNs policy development process continue . > > Can you please encourage your ccTLD Registries to respond and > comment on the issue . > > Regards, > Mohamed EL Bashir > .SD Registry - ccNSO Council > > -------- Original Message -------- > Subject: Questions on the Introduction of ccTLD > Internationalised Domain Names > Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2007 16:12:30 +0200 > From: Gabriella Schittek <gabriella.schittek(a)icann.org> > <mailto:gabriella.schittek@icann.org> > Reply-To: <gabriella.schittek(a)icann.org> > <mailto:gabriella.schittek@icann.org> > To: <admin(a)isoc.sd> <mailto:admin@isoc.sd> , <tech(a)isoc.sd> > <mailto:tech@isoc.sd> > > > Dear ccTLD Manager, > > Below you will find a letter from the ccNSO Chair Chris Disspain. > > Please, reply to ccnsosecretariat(a)icann.org or directly to Chris at > ceo(a)auda.org.au. > > Kind regards, > > Gabriella Schittek / ccNSO Secretariat > > --- > > > Dear ccTLD Manager, > > I am writing to you, in my capacity as Chairman of the Country Code > Names > Supporting Organisation (ccNSO), about the introduction of ccTLD > Internationalised Domain Names (IDN ccTLDs). The input I am > requesting from > you is very important and your response will be much appreciated. > > At the end of this email is a Background and References section that > provides some background information and links to various documents. > > Based on work done by the ccNSO and discussions amongst ccTLD > managers in > all regions the ccNSO has taken the first step to launching a Policy > Development Process to set the overall policy for IDN ccTLDs. > > At this stage, the ccNSO is also discussing whether or not to > recommend that > the ICANN Board consider a fast track/interim approach under which > some IDN > ccTLDs could be delegated while the overall policy is being > developed. To > help with those discussions we need to find out the level of > interest in > your territory and that is why I am writing to you. > > While community feedback has encouraged the ccNSO to explore levels of > interest in a fast-track/interim approach to IDN ccTLDs, this is > the first > of many steps that would have to be carefully and successfully > taken towards > that end and it is generally accepted that any implementation would > have to > be in compliance with current policies and procedures. Some of > these that > may be relevant are set out in the Background and References > section below. > > I would be grateful if you would answer the following questions: > > 1. Do you believe that the local community in your territory has a > pressing > need for an IDN ccTLD? > 2. If so, is there yet agreement in your territory on the scripts > and the > string within the script(s) for which delegation of an IDN ccTLD > would be > sought, and could you indicate which strings and scripts are of > interest? > 3. Do you believe the delegation of an IDN ccTLD under a fast track/ > interim > approach would be of interest to your community? > > The fast track/interim approach will be discussed by ccTLD managers > at the > ICANN meeting in Los Angeles. So, it would be most helpful if you > could > respond by 26 October 2007. > > > Background and References > > In the Domain Name System, a ccTLD string (like .jp, .uk) has been > defined > to represent the name of a country, territory or area of geographical > interest, and its subdivisions as identified in ISO 3166-1, and is > represented by 2 US-ASCII characters > (http://www.iso.org/iso/country_codes/iso_3166_code_lists/ > english_country_na > mes_and_code_elements.htm). > This method of identification was adopted for use in the Internet > through > RFC 920, dated October 1984, and reaffirmed through RFC 1591, dated > March > 1994. All ccTLDs in use today are taken directly from the ISO > 3166-1 list or > from the list of exceptionally reserved code elements defined by > the ISO > 3166 Maintenance Agency. > > The implementation of IDN ccTLDs introduces the (apparent) use of > characters > outside the US-ASCII character set (for example characters in > Cyrillic, > Chinese, Arabic, and other scripts) for domain name strings. > > In initial discussions by the ccNSO members, other ccTLD managers and > ICANN's Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) a number of policy > questions > were identified and a "Questions and Issues Paper" was submitted to > the > ICANN Board of Directors > (http://www.icann.org/topics/idn/ccnso-gac-issues-report-on- > idn-09jul07.pdf) > . > It became clear that the development of the required policy for IDN > ccTLDs > to resolve the issues raised was likely to take a minimum of 2 > years. It > also became clear that such a time frame was a major concern for a > number of > ccTLD managers who have expressed there is a pressing need for an > IDN ccTLD > in their territory. Because of this, the concept of a fast track/ > interim > approach began to be discussed. In those discussions it was thought > that it > might be possible to find a method to allow the introduction of a > limited > number of IDN ccTLDs while the overall policy was being developed. > > Policies and procedures that may be relevant to the delegation of > an IDN > ccTLD under a fast track/interim approach include: > > the IDNA protocol standards > (http://icann.org/announcements/announcement-2-11may07.htm) > RFC 3454 (http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc3454.txt) > RFC 3490 (http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc3490) > RFC 3491 (http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc3491.txt) > RFC 3492 (http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc3492.txt) > RFC 1591 and associated procedures for delegation of a country code > top > level domain (http://www.isi.edu/in-notes/rfc1591.txt) > The GAC principles http://gac.icann.org/web/home/ccTLD_Principles.rtf. > > Following consideration of the "Questions and Issues Paper", and > statements > of the GAC and ccTLD managers on a fast track/interim approach the > ICANN > Board has requested the ccNSO to explore both an interim and an > overall > approach to IDN ccTLDs associated with the ISO 3166-1 two-letter > codes and > to recommend a course of action to the Board taking the technical > limitations and requirements into consideration > http://www.icann.org/minutes/resolutions-29jun07.htm#m. > > At its meeting on 2 October 2007, the ccNSO Council launched a Policy > Development Process (ccPDP) by requesting a PDP Issues Report and > appointing > an Issues Manager. This ccPDP has been launched to develop an overall > approach, which includes finding solutions for the matters raised > in the > "Questions and Issues Paper". > > > > -- > > > Best Regards, > > > > > Mohamed El Bashir > > President, Sudan Internet Society > > .SD Domain Name Registry > > > > > Vice President, Communications & Out-Reach "African Top Level > Domains Organization-AfTLD" > > ICANN ccNSO Council Member > > > > > Personal Web : www.mbash.net > > > > > ""Life lies not in never falling, but in rising when you fall." > Nelson Mandela 1995, Easten Cape. > > -- KeNIC - The Kenya Network Information Center http://www.kenic.or.ke

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On Its Way: One of the Biggest Changes to the Internet] Internet users have key role in testing the operation of example.test in 11 languages
by alice 11 Oct '07

11 Oct '07

On Its Way: One of the Biggest Changes to the Internet Internet users have key role in testing the operation of example.test in 11 languages 9 October 2007 * MARINA DEL REY, Calif.*: The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers will launch an evaluation of Internationalized Domain Names next week that will allow Internet users to test top-level domains in 11 languages. "This evaluation represents ICANN's most important step so far towards the full implementation of Internationalized Domain Names. This will be one of the biggest changes to the Internet since it was created," said Dr Paul Twomey, ICANN's President and CEO. "ICANN needs the assistance of users and application developers to make this evaluation a success. When the evaluation pages come online next week, we need everyone to get in there and see how the addresses display and see how links to IDNs work in their programs. In short, we need them to get in and push it to its limits." The evaluation is made possible by today's insertion into the root of the 11 versions of .test, which means they are alongside other top-level domains like .net, .com, .info, .uk, and .de at the core of the Internet. Next Monday, 15 October 2007, Internet users around the globe will be able to access wiki pages with the domain name example.test in 11 test languages — Arabic, Persian, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Russian, Hindi, Greek, Korean, Yiddish, Japanese and Tamil. The wikis will allow Internet users to establish their own subpages with their own names in their own language. The evaluation is being done in the 11 languages of the Internet communities that have shown the most interest in moving IDNs from concept to reality. The full introduction of IDNs will mean that people can write the whole of a domain name in the characters used to write their own language. Presently you can only use these characters before the dot, so .com, .net, .org and the like can only be written in characters from basic Latin. IDNs will change this so that literally tens of thousands of characters will be available to the world. "Right now only the ASCII characters a through z are available for use in top level labels — the part of the address after the dot," Dr Twomey added. "Users will be able to have their name in their language for their Internet when full IDN implementation makes available tens of thousands of characters from the languages of world." More information on the IDN program is available at: http://icann.org/topics/idn/ <http://www.icann.org/topics/idn/> Links to the wikis will be available on ICANN's website starting 15 October 2007. * About ICANN: * ICANN is responsible for the global coordination of the Internet's system of unique identifiers like domain names (like .org, .museum and country codes like .uk) and the addresses used in a variety of Internet protocols that help computers reach each other over the Internet. Careful management of these resources is vital to the Internet's operation, so ICANN's global stakeholders meet regularly to develop policies that ensure the Internet's ongoing security and stability. ICANN is an internationally organized, public benefit non-profit company. For more information please visit: www.icann.org <http://www.icann.org/>. *Media Contacts: * Jason Keenan Media Adviser, ICANN (USA) Ph: +1 310 382 4004 E: jason.keenan(a)icann.org <mailto:jason.keenan@icann.org> International: Andrew Robertson Edelman (London) Ph: +44 7921 588 770 E: andrew.robertson(a)edelman.com <mailto:andrew.robertson@edelman.com> _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Consolidation in Kenyan ISP sector
by Eric Osiakwan 10 Oct '07

10 Oct '07

Consolidation in Kenyan ISP sector The Kenyan ISP sector is consolidating, with many companies buying up their competitors and new foreign owners entering the market. Pressure on margins from the switch to DSL broadband has been one of the key drivers of consolidation. Gateway Online, ISP Kenya, Nairobinet and Net2000 were a few of the casualties of the consolidation movement taking place in the market, with most of them either running out of steam in the rapidly competitive market or being bought by larger Kenyan operations. And then, late last year, the buying started again. This time, the bigger boys who managed to survive the rout of the earlier buying spree were the target, and the buyers were not Kenyan. In 2006, a South African firm acquired a controlling stake in Interconnect, a local Internet service provider. As part of the deal, IS injected Sh300 million in fresh capital in to the ISP. "There was no way we could have continued on our own. For many Kenyan grown ISPs, getting access to cheap bandwith and financing makes it harder to survive in the market," said Tejpal Bedi, Managing Director of IS Kenya. Much of the investment, Sh100 million, was set aside to upgrade systems. The company planned to roll-out new technologies and services, hoping to maintain its share of the corporate market by offering cost effective virtual private networks to organisations. "The only way we could maintain our market was by partnering with the South Africans and diversifying our product line, which costs money," said Mr Bedi. The acquisition was touted as part of the South African company's growth strategy to gain a footprint in the local and the greater Eastern and Central African market. "We will ensure the product mix is right for the Kenyan market, by deploying our proven services in Kenya," said IS business development director Ermano Quartero, at a function to announce the deal. The company that bought Bedi's company is one of the leading converged communications service providers in South Africa, boasting a client base at the time of the Interconnect aquisition that included 80 per cent of South Africa's top 250 listed companies. A few months later, the industry was abuzz with the biggest acquisition yet. The target was Africa Online, one of the largest ISPs in sub-Saharan Africa - and the South Africans were after it again. Telkom South Africa eventually won what was an acrimonious battle for the Kenyan-born company. "With the decline of the voice market we are extending and defending our core profitable services. This acquisition fits that objective," said Africa Online's new Chief Executive Officer John Joseph. Telkom SA has plans to invest Sh300 billion over the next five years in projects aimed at gaining the company a foothold in key African markets. Formerly the giant of the Kenyan ISP industry, the South Africans took on a company that was cash-strapped and had struggled with periods of losses over the last few years under it ownership by London firm African Lakes. The situation may get worse for the few small ISPs still fighting for market share. Smaller ISPs have traditionally been dial-up providers, an industry currently being affected by a shift in consumer preference. Although over 50 per cent of users still use dial-up access, use of the service is estimated to be decreasing by 30 per cent while mobile and wireless Internet access is increasing by 40 per cent annually. Up from just under 4,000 users in 1996, Kenya's Internet market grew by its largest margins last year, and now includes 200,000 users. The cost of international bandwidth, still expensive and accounting for most of ISPs' operating costs, has largely limited more rapid growth. (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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.asia regional internet domain has officially opened for business
by Dorcas Muthoni 09 Oct '07

09 Oct '07

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7033924.stm i remember someone talking of .eac regional internet domain a while back, not a bad idea -- Muthoni -------------------------------------------- Mahatma Gandhi once said:- First they ignore you, Then they laugh at you, Then they fight you, AND THEN YOU WIN!!!

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AFNOG 2008 ANNOUNCEMENT & WORKSHOP APPLICATION
by Dorcas Muthoni 08 Oct '07

08 Oct '07

AFNOG & AFRINIC JOINT ANNOUNCEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2008 9th AfNOG MEETING AfriNIC-8 MEETING The African Network Operators' Group (AfNOG) and the African Network Information Centre (AfriNIC) are pleased to announce that the 9th AfNOG Meeting and the AfriNIC-8 Meeting will be held Rabat, Morocco, in May /June 2008. ABOUT THE ENTIRE EVENT AfNOG and AfriNIC are jointly organising a two-week event that includes the AfNOG Workshop on Network Technology (offering advanced training in a week-long hands-on workshop), several full-day Advanced Tutorials, a one-day AfNOG Meeting, and a two-day AfriNIC Public Policy Meeting and Annual General Meeting. In addition, several side meetings and workshops will be hosted in collaboration with other organizations such as the AAU and ISOC. Further information about the event may be found at < http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/> and <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/>. TIMETABLE Unix Boot Camp 24 - 25 May 2008 (Saturday - Sunday) AfNOG Workshop 26 - 30 May 2008 (Monday - Friday) AfriNIC IPV6 W/shop 31 May - 1 June 2008 (Saturday - Sunday) AfREN Meeting 31 May - 1 June 2008 (Saturday - Sunday) AfNOG Tutorials 1 - 2 June 2008 (Sunday - Monday) AfriNIC LIR W/shop 2 June 2008 (Monday) AfNOG Meeting 3 June 2008 (Tuesday) AfriNIC-8 Meeting 4 - 5 June 2008 (Wednesday - Thursday) Africa INET Day 6 June 2008 (Friday) VENUE The Workshop, Tutorials, AfREN Forum, IPv6, LIR (24 May - 2nd June 2008) will be held at Mohammadia Engineering Institute, Rabat. All Conferences (3 - 6 June 2008) will be held at the Golden Tulip Farah, Rabat, Morocco. ABOUT AfNOG AfNOG (see <http://www.afnog.org/>) is a forum for cooperation and the exchange of technical information between operators of Internet-connected networks in Africa. AfNOG has organised an event like this one every year since 2000. ABOUT AFRINIC AfriNIC (see < http://www.afrinic.net/>) is a Regional Internet Registry (RIR), responsible for Internet resources Mangement in Africa region. AfriNIc organises two Public Policy meetings every year (see <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/>). AfNOG WORKSHOP ON NETWORK TECHNOLOGY The AfNOG Workshop on Network Technology aims to offer advanced training to people who are in the process of developing and enhancing an Internet-connected network with regional and international connectivity. The target audience includes senior and mid-level technical staff of commercial Internet service providers (ISPs), academic networks, government networks, or NGO networks. This workshop builds on the experience of previous AfNOG workshops held annually from 2000 to 2007 in eight different African countries, and also the Internet Society's INET workshops, held annually from 1993 to 2000 at eight locations around the world. The workshop's instructors are an international team with many years of experience operating large networks and teaching about network operations. The workshop is divided into four parallel tracks: SA-E - Unix System Administration (in English), focused on using a Unix-like operating system as a platform for delivery of Internet services. SS-E - Scalable Internet Services (in English), focused on the design and operation of email, web, and other Internet services, in ways that can scale to handle large numbers of end users. SI-E - Scalable Network Infrastructure (in English), focused on the design and operation of networks using routers and switches, in ways that can scale to handle large numbers of interconnected sites. SI-F - Infrastructure Reseaux IP (en francais), similar to SI-E, but given in French. Further information and online application form for the workshop can be found at <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/workshop/online_application.html> AfREN MEETING The Africa Research and Education Networking community will be holding a two-day meeting on 31 May and 1 June 2008. The meeting will discuss issues of interest to the NREN community such as coordination on activites in the region, advocacy, bandwidth consortia, regional RENs etc AfNOG TUTORIALS AfNOG will offer 1 to 2 full-day(s) tutorials on advanced topics. Tutorials take place in a classroom-style environment, and may include a hands-on practical component. Tutorials are non-commercial in nature, and most are technically oriented. They are intended to offer advanced training on technology already deployed or soon to be deployed on networking and related services provisioning for ISP operations. 9th AfNOG MEETING The 9th AfNOG meeting will be held in Rabat, Morocco, on 3 June 2008. AfNOG conferences provide a forum for the coordination and dissemination of technical information related to backbone/enterprise networking technologies and operational practices. The meetings are informal, with an emphasis on relevance to current and future African backbone engineering practices. The AfNOG 2007 conference in Abuja, Nigeria, drew over 165 participants, mainly consisting of network engineering staff from national service providers, and members of the research and education community. People interested in making a presentation or chairing a panel discussion at the AfNOG meeting are invited to to submit a proposal, following the instructions at <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/conference/ > AfRINIC-8 MEETING The AfriNIC-8 meeting will be held in Rabat, Morocco, on 4 and 5 June 2008. AfriNIC Meetings are open to everyone and provide an excellent opportunity to take part in Internet policy discussions. These policies, which describe how Internet Number Resources should be managed and distributed, are developed by the community. The meeting will include tutorials, presentations, update on the various working groups and the AfriNIC Public Policy Meeting. The two day meeting will be preceeded by a two-day IPv6 training. The meeting will focus on the IPv6 protocol and its deployment, especially in Africa and the issue of the exhaustion of the IPv4 pool of address space. There will be an opportunity to discuss the challenges which our region will be facing with the exhaustion. Further information is available at < http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/>. ISOC - INET AfRICA MEETING The Internet Society will be organizing an INET Africa Conference on 6 June 2008 in conjunction with the AfriNIC 8 and AfNOG 9 meetings in Rabat, Morocco. This meeting will focus on technical as well as policy aspects surrounding Internet standards development and applications, with special attention on localisation and education initiatives, and efforts to further internationalise the Internet. The meeting is also expected to open discussion on Internet governance issues of importance to the continent. Issued jointly by AfNOG and AfriNIC ------ AfNOG 2008 WORKSHOP ON NETWORK TECHNOLOGY - APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION Please see < http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/workshop/> for information about the AfNOG 2008 Workshop on Network Technology. If you have questions regarding this announcement and application, they may be addressed to: < workshopinfo08(a)afnog.org <http://mail.openworld.co.ke/src/compose.php?send_to=workshopinfo08%40afnog.…>> WHERE TO APPLY - You can fill in an application on line, at < http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/workshop/online_application.html> - You can download a copy of the application form from < http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/workshop/application-form.txt>, or request a copy via email to <applications08(a)afnog.org <http://mail.openworld.co.ke/src/compose.php?send_to=applications08%40afnog.…>>. Then fill it in off-line, and email it to <workshop-apply08(a)afnog.org <http://mail.openworld.co.ke/src/compose.php?send_to=workshop-apply08%40afno…>>. The "Subject" line of the message should contain your surname or family name in the following format: Subject: AfNOG Workshop Application: <your-family-name> WHEN TO APPLY Application forms must be submitted no later than 7 December 2007. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance to the program and the amount of financial aid available (if any) on or about 31st January 2008. INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED ON YOUR APPLICATION Please ensure that all of the contact information you submit is and accurate, or we will not be able to contact you. Please give detailed answers to the questions about your work and your experience. If your are applying for financial assistance from AfNOG, please do not forget to answer the questions about other funding sources available to you. A. PERSONAL DATA FAMILY NAME (LAST NAME, SURNAME) ONLY: Full Name: Employer/Organization Position/Title: Business Address: Business Telephone: Alternate Telephone: E-mail address: Fax: Date of birth: Nationality: Name as it appears on passport or other travel document: Passport number: Country issuing passport: Date passport was issued: Date of passport expiration: Knowledge of English /French: Please rate your knowledge in these categories: Listening/comprehension: minimal / fair / good / excellent Reading: minimal / fair / good / excellent Speaking: minimal / fair / good / excellent Writing: minimal / fair / good / excellent Please indicate with an asterisk (*) the most reliable addresses and telephone/fax numbers above which can be used to reach you. B. COURSE OF INSTRUCTION Instructional track applied for (Please select only one track; the tracks will run concurrently): [ ] SA-E - UNIX SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION [ ] SS-E- SCALABLE INTERNET SERVICES [ ] SI-E - SCALABLE NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE [ ] SI-F - INFRASTRUCTURE RESEAUX (French Track - equivanent to SI-E) Please indicate your specific interests within the area you have chosen: C. TECHNICAL SKILLS 1. Are you a UNIX user? How much have you used it? 2. Have you been a UNIX system administrator? Describe your experience (length of time, versions, etc.). 3 Have you used/administered TCP/IP networks? Describe. 4. Have you set up and/or administered any of the following? Please give details. - bind or any other nameservers - sendmail/smail/exim/postfix - majordomo/mailman or other list manager - apache/IIS web systems 5. Have you configured or otherwise managed any of the following? Details, please. - routers - switches - network monitoring - noc D. DESCRIPTION OF ROLE IN NATIONAL NETWORKING ACTIVITIES Bearing in mind that this information will be used to determine whether to admit you to the workshop, please provide in the format of your choice the following information about yourself. Please be sure that it is sufficiently clear, well organized and adequate for this purpose. 1. A description of your current employer, your position, your duties and responsibilities, and how they relate to current and future data networking activities in your country. 2. A brief description of your computing and networking environment (operating systems, networking software, modems, etc.), including the connectivity of your organization to the Internet and your country's connectivity to the international Internet. 3a. Scope of your institution (check all categories that apply): [ ] Commercial Network Provider [ ] Academic Network Provider [ ] NGO Network Provider [ ] Other (Specify)______________ 3b. Approximate number of full time staff at your institution:________ 4. How your training and current work prepare and qualify you for the track you wish to attend. 5. How you expect to use the knowledge you gain at the workshop after you return to your country. 6. If you have previously attended AfNOG/INET Workshops for Developing Countries, a. Year and track you attended: b. A precise description of how you have used the training you have received in the past: c. The significant advances in networking which have occurred in your country specifically because of your knowledge and effort: E. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Your application must contain the following complete information if you wish to be considered for financial support to attend the workshop. The Workshop fee is US$1,600. This includes accommodation and meals. Applicants are usually expected to provide their own funding (from whatever sources). However AfNOG or its sponsors may make a limited financial assistance available to deserving candidates. Even if you request financial assistance you might not receive any, and your acceptance into the Workshop will be conditional on your ability to provide all or most of the funding yourself. Although you may be well qualified and in great need of financial assistance, the maximum funds AfNOG or its sponsors may provide is US$1,000 in financial assistance for BOTH WORKSHOP FEES AND AIRFARE. Payment for the workshop may be made by funds transfer, bank / certified cheque or in cash. Further details will be provided in the admission letter to successful candidates. NOTE : YOUR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE WORKSHOP MAY BEPEND ON YOUR ABILITY TO PROVIDE SOME OR ALL THE WORKSHOP FEES. 1. Are you are requesting financial aid from the AfNOG Workshop for attending the workshop and meetings? [ ] Yes [ ] No 2. If you are requesting financial aid to cover the workshop fee, please provide a complete list of funding sources in the following form. The list should contain all sources of funds that are available to you for payment of the workshop fee. The amounts should total U.S.$1,600. 1. Your Institution -- U.S.$ __________ 2. Your Government -- U.S.$ __________ 3. From international organizations -- U.S.$ __________ 4. Your personal contribution -- U.S.$ __________ 5. Amount you ask from AfNOG -- U.S.$ __________ (less than $1,000) _________________________________ TOTAL Income = U.S.$1,600.00 (PLEASE SELECT ONLY ONE - WORKSHOP FEES OR AIRFARE) 3. Will you need financial assistance for airfare? If so, how much will you or your institution be contributing? [ ] No, assistance for airfare not needed. [ ] Yes, assistance needed. (less than $1,000) Amount of your contribution: U.S.$_________ 4. If you are requesting financial support for airfare, please provide a good estimate of round trip, lowest economy excursion airfare between your place of residence and Cassablanca, Morocco, in May 2008. (Flights from Africa terminate at Cassablanca, connection to Rabat can be made by bus or train). 1. Airfare: 2. Airline: 3. Type of fare: 4. City of departure: 5. Source of your estimate: Signature (your name as you would sign it): __________________________ Date:___________________ _______________________________________________ afnog mailing list http://afnog.org/mailman/listinfo/afnog

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WiMAX vs. 3G cellular showdown
by Dorcas Muthoni 08 Oct '07

08 Oct '07

Will WiMAX be a 3G killer, or is it vice versa? Take a look at this nice article: http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/hiner/?p=556&tag=nl.e101 -- Muthoni -------------------------------------------- Mahatma Gandhi once said:- First they ignore you, Then they laugh at you, Then they fight you, AND THEN YOU WIN!!!

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lunch is free
by Rebecca Wanjiku 08 Oct '07

08 Oct '07

just to be clear, lunch is on KICTANet, you dont have to worry about costs, but you must confirm with me if planning to come, regards Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell. http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/

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lunch today
by Rebecca Wanjiku 08 Oct '07

08 Oct '07

hi, just to remind you about the lunch today, Jacaranda at 12.30, it will be served at the Gazebo banda regards Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell. http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/

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Fwd: Invitation to the World Bank Public Forum
by Edith Adera 05 Oct '07

05 Oct '07

FYI >X-SBRS: None >X-IronPort-AV: E=Sophos;i="4.21,236,1188792000"; > d="jpg'145?scan'145,208,145";a="249671832" >Subject: Invitation to the World Bank Public Forum >X-Mailer: Lotus Notes Release 6.5.4 CCH5 September 12, 2005 >From: kmuthembwa(a)worldbank.org >Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2007 16:29:17 +0300 >Disposition-Notification-To: kmuthembwa(a)worldbank.org >X-MIMETrack: Serialize by Router on WBLN0014/Facility/World Bank(Release >7.0.2 HF82|November > 07, 2006) at 10/05/2007 09:31:11 AM >Bcc: eadera(a)idrc.or.ke > > >Apologies for cross posting > > (Embedded image moved to file: pic13694.jpg) > >

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FW: [fyi] infoDev Releases Survey of ICT Use in Education in Africa
by Edith Adera 05 Oct '07

05 Oct '07

>You may find this of interest > >FYI > > infoDev Releases 'Survey of ICT Use in Education in Africa' > http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.136.html > > (more information below) > >Regards, > -Mike Trucano, infoDev > > > >[ http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.136.html ] > >==================== >Highlight >==================== > >infoDev Releases Survey of ICT Use in Education in Africa >Results from 53-country research project highlight 'new phase' of >activity, from >pilot projects to government policy development > >1 October 2007 | Washington, DC, United States > >Landmark research project documents technology use in the education sector all >53 African countries, identifies new trends and old challenges. > >infoDev has released initial results from a landmark Survey of ICT and >Education >in Africa, which seeks to gather together in a single resource the most >relevant >and useful information on ICT in education activities in Africa. > >During the first half of 2007, a research team supported by infoDev and >coordinated by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) sought to document the major >developments in each African country related to technology use in education in >order to create the first consolidated look at this fast-changing sector >and provide preliminary answers to three broad questions: > 1. How are ICTs currently being used in the education sector in Africa, >and what are the strategies and policies related to this use? > 2. What are the common challenges and constraints faced by African >countries in this area? > 3. What is actually happening on the ground, and to what extent are > donors >involved? > >infoDev and its partners hope that this publication is a first step in a >larger, >on-going, systematic, coordinated initiative to track developments in >technology >use in the education sector to help inform a wide variety of stakeholders >interested in the topic as they seek solutions to larger, more fundamental >educational and development challenges in the years ahead. > >==================== >Report Highlights >==================== > >The Summary Report from this research initiative notes that "The process of >adoption and diffusion of ICT in education in Africa is in transition", >finding >that: > > "There appears to be the beginnings of a marked shift from a decade of > experimentation in the form of donor-supported, NGO-led, small-scale, > pilot > projects towards a new phase of systemic integration informed by national > government policies and multi-stakeholder-led implementation > processes," remarking that "this shift from projects to policies, and the > more systematic development that that implies, would not be possible > without > the growing commitment to ICT in education on the part of government > leaders > across the continent". > >While implementation varies widely throughout the continent, and with a >country >like South Africa, with its extant infrastructure and more mature economy a >clear outlier in terms of being able to implement its ICT in education agenda, >the report finds that "all but a handful of countries surveyed already have a >national ICT policy in place or under development", concluding that a "new >phase >of ICT for education in Africa is occurring within national, and emerging >regional, policy frameworks that are providing the basis for partnerships and >donor participation." Over three hundred notable ICT in education >initiatives on >the continent are included in the survey. > >======================================== >ICT and Education in Africa: > Some notable "macro trends" >======================================== > > *Public-private partnerships* are important mechanisms enabling the > implementation of ICT in national education systems in > Africa. These PPPs > take many forms: from complex partnerships between companies (Typcially > involved in IT), goverment ministries, development agencies, > schools and > civil society organizations more straight forward bilaterla > partnerships > between IT companies and national ministries of education. > The need for *digital content development* relevant to local > curricula is > becoming more urgent as ICT use becomes more widespread. > Interest in *open source software* and operating systems is growing > rapidly in Africa, but this growth is constrained by a lack of > sufficient > human resource capacity to support such systems and applications. > A number of prominent *regional initiatives* have emerged (with varying > degrees of success) explicitly focused on ICT use in education, > including > NEPAD e-Schools, SchoolNet Africa, and the African Virtual University, > complemented by increasing African participation in global ICT in > education programmes. > *National Research and Education Networks (NRENs)* are slowly emerging, > especially in North, East and Southern Africa, to enable collaboration > between universities. > *Internet connectivity* remains a major challenge, both within > countries, > and between Africa and the rest of the world, and several major > initiatives are emerging to help address this issue. > *Wireless networks* are developing rapidly throughout the > continent, and > of increasing relevance to the education sector. > >======================================== >Coming Soon: 53 Country Reports >======================================== > >infoDev will also be releasing the working versions of 53 individual Country >Reports developed as a result of this survey process. These reports should be >seen as ?snapshots? that were current at the time they were taken during the >first half of 2007. It is expected that certain facts and figures presented in >some of the Country Reports may become dated very quickly; ICT use in >education >is at a particularly dynamic stage in Africa, and there are new >developments and >announcements happening on a daily basis somewhere on the continent. > >The country reports pay particular attention to the following themes: > ICT Policies for Education > ICT Infrastructure for Education > ICT Activities and Initiatives in Higher Education > ICT Activities and Initiatives in Primary and Secondary Schools > ICT Activities and Initiatives in Non-formal Education > Gender Equity and ICT in Education > Factors Enabling and Constraining ICT Use in Education > >It is anticipated that these reports will serve as the building block for an >on-line database (in a wiki format) that will be updated collaboratively over >time, to be released later in the year. As such, all individual country >reports >are considered to be evolving "works-in-progress". > >======================================== >For more information >======================================== > > The full version of the Survey of ICT and Education in Africa: A Summary > Report Based on 53 Country Surveys, is available at > infodev.org/en/Publication.353.html. > The working versions of the Survey of ICT and Education in Africa: 53 > Country > Reports will be available in one consolidated document at > infodev.org/en/Publication.354.html. Individual versions of the country > reports will appear in wiki format later this year on the infoDev web > site. > infoDev and COL recently released The NEPAD e-Schools Demonstration > Project: > A Work in Progress (A Public Report), which highlights lessons learned to > date from the pan-African, public-private partnership to introduce ICTs in > education and is available for download at > infodev.org/en/Publication.355.html > infoDev is completing a similar survey of ICT use in education in > the Caribbean; background information on this project can be found at > infodev.org/ict4edu-Caribbean. > > Survey of ICT and Education in Africa > A Summary Report, Based on 53 Country Surveys

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Safaricom share sale on as court case flops
by alice 05 Oct '07

05 Oct '07

Safaricom share sale on as court case flops Published on October 4, 2007, 12:00 am By Evelyn Kwamboka The public sale of Sh30 billion worth of Safaricom shares is on after a judge dismissed a case seeking to block it. Three MPs allied to the Orange Democratic Movement had sought to stop the initial public offer (IPO) of the leading mobile telephone provider until the Privatisation Act 2005 is enforced. The MPs also wanted the court to allow them to file an application seeking to compel Finance minister, Mr Amos Kimunya, to appoint a date for coming into force the Privatisation Act. But on Wednesday, the judge said the case was incompetent after it failed to enjoin Telkom-Kenya, which owns 60 per cent stake in the company, and Treasury Permanent Secretary, Mr Joseph Kinyua, as parties in the suit. "Even if I were to toss a coin, it would be improper to exercise the court's discretion in favour of granting a temporary stay (stoppage)," High Court judge, Mr Justice Joseph Nyamu, said. The judge indicated that just like in the referendum case of 2005, the court would not restrain the public participation in the largest public offer. "The case before me has no legs and it cannot lift itself from the threshold stage and crawl to the next stage for the above reasons," the judge ruled. The MPs are Prof Anyang' Nyong'o (Kisumu Rural), Mr Omingo Magara (South Mugirango) and Mr Mwandawiro Mghanga (Wundanyi). But immediately after the ruling was delivered, the MPs' advocate, Mr James Orengo, told the court he would appeal the decision. MPs did not disclose material facts The Safaricom IPO is expected to be the largest in local history. The Government has said it would sell it next month to raise about Sh30 billion to help plug a Sh110 billion budget deficit for the current financial year. "It is not therefore in dispute that the IPO has serious financial implications for the country," the court said. The MPs had sought orders quashing the Government's decision, through the Finance ministry, to offer to the public 25 per cent of Safaricom shares, through an IPO at the Nairobi Stock Exchange until the Privatisation Act 2005 is enforced. They also wanted the court to allow them to file an application seeking to compel Finance minister, Mr Amos Kimunya, to appoint a date for the coming into force of the Privatisation Act. The Government, through Telkom — where it owns 100 per cent stake — has 60 per cent shares in Safaricom. The court upheld that Safaricom was not a public entity only as regards the Procurement and Disposal of Assets, but a corporate body. Justice Nyamu said he could not grant the MPs any orders because they were guilty of delaying the commencement of the proceedings against Kimunya without explanation. This, he said, was because the Privatisation Act 2005 was assented to on October 13, 2005, yet the MPs were commencing the suit only two months to the sale. "Courts of law are not involved in policy and governance issues and cannot hold to ransom public authorities and other bodies who must be allowed to undertake their duties of good public administration without undue delay," the judge said. The case was also dismissed on the grounds that the MPs did not disclose material facts despite the fact that one source of the undisclosed information was available in Parliament. The information touches on Kimunya's request to Parliament for the approval of the list of the Privatisation Commission directors. "There was nothing to stop the applicants from seeking an order for the information to be provided at the threshold stage," said the judge. No foul play Justice Nyamu took issue with the MPs, saying some of them served in parliamentary committees that must have taken part in the passage of the Privatisation Act 2005. "In a rigid separation of powers regime, they should not be allowed to again have a second bite at the sherry," he said in a 69-page ruling. He said it was absurd for the MPs to suggest that public companies be restrained from selling their shares. He saw no problem with this provided the sale complied with the Memorandum of Articles of Association and other provisions of the Companies Act. On the issue of the minister refusing to appoint a date when the Act would be enforced, the court said Parliament gave Kimunya the discretion to determine or appoint a commencement date. "What the minister has done or is in the process of doing cannot be said to be unreasonable and in my finding, it is well within his discretion," said Justice Nyamu. By way of an affidavit, Kimunya demonstrated to the court that he was trying to put in place the necessary structures before commencement of the Act. The court said since the Act had not commenced, its provisions would not regulate the sale of Safaricom shares. "The minister is only concerned with policy and the necessary on the issues of policy is done by Parliament," he said. The court observed that as per the evidence before it, the issue of accountability and transparency was well taken care of by the Procurement Act and Regulations. The court said there was no evidence of any foul play in the share sale or undervaluation, and that the intention to offload the stock at the bourse would be managed by experts. Through its advocate, Prof Githu Muigai, Safaricom had argued that the decision to list the shares was a policy decision with merit and the court had no jurisdiction to intervene. He said there was no connection between the alleged failure by Kimunya to appoint a commencement date for the Privatisation Act 2005 and the Safaricom IPO. Muigai said there was also no legal basis for stopping the sale of shares. "The applicants, as MPs, helped in incorporating transitional provisions and having made their bed, they must lie on it," he argued. On the State's part, Deputy-Solicitor General, Ms Muthoni Kimani, told the court that Kimunya had not disregarded the law in disposal of public assets. http://www.eastandard.net/news/?id=1143975467 <http://www.eastandard.net/news/?id=1143975467>

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African Connectivity Statistics update]
by alice 04 Oct '07

04 Oct '07

some interesting statistics - follow the link > > Interesting updated list of African Internet user figures for 2007. > > http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats1.htm#africa > > Note it shows South Africa has the slowest growth in > number of internet users of all countries in Africa except > Liberia! (barring a couple of tiny countries/territories > for which there is no data).. > > >

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further info about EA telecoms
by Rebecca Wanjiku 04 Oct '07

04 Oct '07

The East African Community, in its current form, was established as a partnership between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in 2001. Burundi and Rwanda joined the Community in 2007. The purpose of the Community is "to widen and deepen economic, political, social and cultural integration in order to improve the quality of life of the people of East Africa through increased competitiveness, value added production, trade and investment." This includes a process of integration beginning with customs union (established in 2005), moving through the creation of a common/single market, then to monetary union and finally to political federation. Harmonisation is crucial to this process. Harmonisation does not necessarily mean that arrangements in all three countries must be the same, but that they must work together in a way which promotes cooperation and cross-border trade, and which does not favour one country or its businesses/citizens over another. The EAC Strategic Plan proposes harmonisation in many areas of economic and other activity - from fiscal and trade policy to legal and judicial processes. Harmonisation of policies and regulations relating to communications is also proposed within the EAC. Harmonisation was an important part of the development of a single market in communications within the European Union - in which communications businesses from any one country can compete on equal terms with those in any other country within the Union. The regulatory frameworks associated with harmonisation have been very important in liberalisation within the EU. The study which I am presently working on focuses on options for harmonisation of communications policy and regulation within the EAC. It is primarily (but not exclusively) concerned with telecommunications and with services that depend on telecommunications. At this stage, it is also primarily concerned with the three founder members of the EAC (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda). Important questions raised by harmonisation include the following: 1. What differences are there at present between the communications markets in the different EAC countries? What effect do these have? What would be the effect of removing them? 2. What are the main problems with current policy and regulatory arrangements in each country - particularly where business development and consumer services are concerned? 3. What effect would the development of a single market in the EAC region have on communications businesses and on consumers? For example: a. What would businesses be able to do that they cannot do at present? b. What difference would it make to consumers? c. Would it facilitate more transactions across national borders - in ICT and other sectors? d. Would it lead to the development of more EAC-wide ICT businesses? 4. What are the main (economic, social, political) drivers for harmonisation of communications policy and regulation? What are the main constraints? 5. What priority issues need to be addressed in the first stage of harmonisation? (In other words, what major problems faced by businesses or consumers should be addressed first on a cross-border basis?) 6. Should arrangements for market structure and regulation eventually be the same in all EAC countries? If so, over what timescale? If not, why not? 7. What institutional arrangements would be appropriate for harmonising communications policy and regulation in the region? What would be the right timescale for doing this? Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Check out the hottest 2008 models today at Yahoo! Autos. http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html

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Telkom seeks mobile licence
by alice 03 Oct '07

03 Oct '07

Telkom seeks mobile licence Published on October 1, 2007, 12:00 am By Alari Alare and Agencies Any party opposed to the granting of a mobile cellular operator licence to Telkom Kenya has less than 60 days to lodge objections to the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK). In a Kenya Gazette notice issued on Friday, CCK Director-General, Mr John Waweru, said that Telkom had made application to the regulator for the licence. "Any public or local authority, company, person or body of persons desirous of making any representation on or objection to the grant of such licence must do so by a letter addressed to the commission on or before the expiry of 60 days, effective from September 21 this year", said Waweru, in the gazette notice. Telkom Kenya has rolled out a CDMA-based network that has drawn criticism from GSM operators. Competitors argue the Telkom network works in the same way as theirs and should therefore be subject to the $55 million licence fee they paid. Telkom did not have to pay for the CDMA service as the regulator considered it a landline service, since it was originally designed to roll out fixed services in remote areas, which are cheaper to reach with wireless infrastructure. But it aggressively entered the mobile market earlier this year with cheap rates, shaking up the competition and creating a potentially lucrative business Telkom executives say make it more attractive to outside investors. "The reason for granting the licence is to enable the applicant to provide and operate mobile cellular services," said Waweru. There are about 9.5 million mobile subscribers with Safaricom laying claim to 6.3 million customers while Celtel Kenya, has about three million. The third GSM operator, Econet Wireless is yet to roll out, after being licensed and allocated frequencies. http://www.eastandard.net/news/?id=114397529 <http://www.eastandard.net/news/?id=1143975293>

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Telecoms harmonisation lunch at 12.30
by Rebecca Wanjiku 03 Oct '07

03 Oct '07

hi lunch starts at 12.30 to 2pm, jacaranda on monday oct. 8th----please confirm attendance, email me directly The main focus of this working lunch will be the harmonization of communications regulation which is envisaged in the East African Community strategic plan. What are your views on the issues surrounding harmonization of regulation in East Africa region? Regional harmonization is particularly concerned with increasing trade within the EAC, so What are the perceptions of this within the Kenyan telecoms business community? What are the best ways in which harmonization might be effected in practice. Rebecca Wanjiku wrote: > hi, > > KICTANet invites you to a working lunch to meet with David Souter, who > is in kenya to discuss various ways of Telecoms harmonisation in East > Africa. > > lunch will be at Jacaranda on October 8. > > the meeting will be ideal for representatives from private sector, > government, civil society, and academia, to interrogate all attendant > issues, > > please confirm directly with me.....off list, > > regards > > becky > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Yahoo! oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers > <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=48252/*http://mobile.yahoo.com/mobileweb/onesear…>, > not web links. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/rebeccawanjiku%40yahoo… ____________________________________________________________________________________ Check out the hottest 2008 models today at Yahoo! Autos. http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html

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Small Internet firms struggle not to fall to the big players... and what about KDN????
by alice 03 Oct '07

03 Oct '07

Small Internet firms struggle not to fall to the big players Written by Kui Kinyanjui October 03 2007: Broke A$$?" asked an aging billboard along Nairobi's Argwings-Kodhek Road. Get connected to the cheapest ISP." Apart from its corny use of language, the billboard was fairly nondescript. It's symbolism as a monument to the evolving Internet industry was more apparent. The ancient billboard belonged to Bidii.com, an up-start of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that challenged the both the norms of advertising and the ISP business. In its short-lived existence in 2001, the ISP managed to gain a notable share of the lower-end Internet market. It was later swallowed up by Africa Online, a much larger ISP, in a tale that is familiar to many of the service providers who existed during the heady years when acquisitions and mergers were the catch-words of the Kenyan ISP market. Gateway Online, ISP Kenya, Nairobinet and Net2000 were a few of the casualties of the consolidation movement taking place in the market, with most of them either running out of steam in the rapidly competitive market or being bought by larger Kenyan operations. And then, late last year, the buying started again. This time, the bigger boys who managed to survive the rout of the earlier buying spree were the target, and the buyers were not Kenyan. In 2006, a South African firm acquired a controlling stake in Interconnect, a local Internet service provider. As part of the deal, IS injected Sh300 million in fresh capital in to the ISP. "There was no way we could have continued on our own. For many Kenyan grown ISPs, getting access to cheap bandwith and financing makes it harder to survive in the market," said Mr Tejpal Bedi, Managing Director of IS Kenya. Much of the investment, Sh100 million, was set aside to upgrade systems. The company planned to roll-out new technologies and services, hoping to maintain its share of the corporate market by offering cost effective virtual private networks to organisations. "The only way we could maintain our market was by partnering with the South Africans and diversifying our product line, which costs money," said Mr Bedi. The acquisition was touted as part of the South African company's growth strategy to gain a footprint in the local and the greater Eastern and Central African market. "We will ensure the product mix is right for the Kenyan market, by deploying our proven services in Kenya," said IS business development director Ermano Quartero, at a function to announce the deal. The company that bought Bedi's company is one of the leading converged communications service providers in South Africa, boasting a client base at the time of the Interconnect aquisition that included 80 per cent of South Africa's top 250 listed companies. A few months later, the industry was abuzz with the biggest acquisition yet. The target was Africa Online, one of the largest ISPs in sub-Saharan Africa – and the South Africans were after it again. Telkom South Africa eventually won what was an acrimonious battle for the Kenyan-born company. "With the decline of the voice market we are extending and defending our core profitable services. This acquisition fits that objective," said Africa Online's new Chief Executive Officer John Joseph. Telkom SA has plans to invest Sh300 billion over the next five years in projects aimed at gaining the company a foothold in key African markets. Formerly the giant of the Kenyan ISP industry, the South Africans took on a company that was cash-strapped and had struggled with periods of losses over the last few years under it ownership by London firm African Lakes. The situation may get worse for the few small ISPs still fighting for market share. Smaller ISPs have traditionally been dial-up providers, an industry currently being affected by a shift in consumer preference. Although over 50 per cent of users still use dial-up access, use of the service is estimated to be decreasing by 30 per cent while mobile and wireless Internet access is increasing by 40 per cent annually. Up from just under 4,000 users in 1996, Kenya's Internet market grew by its largest margins last year, and now includes 200,000 users. The cost of international bandwidth, still expensive and accounting for most of ISPs' operating costs, has largely limited more rapid growth. Still, Kenya's Internet industry is set to grow more rapidly than ever in the next five years according to new research from Frost and Sullivan. In order to tap into that growth, Frost predicts small companies will fall to larger Internet firms. "Consolidation is likely to increase on the market between the smaller market players in order to gain market competitiveness as the Internet markets are currently dominated by a few major players," says the report. A large number of African ISPs are now controlled by large international organisations, with a few "for Africa, by Africa" ISPs. This is attributed to the high operating costs associated with ISPs in the market. "It is true that many of the ISPs are foreign owned however other major firms are still Kenyan owned. By market share it is probably 50/50," said Mr David Somen, of Access Kenya. His firm broke with tradition and sought local investment funds through a listing on the Nairobi Stock Exchange earlier this year – raising Sh800 million to fund its growth. Access has since bought two Kenyan IT firms and is said to be on a major spending spree. "We believe that with the correct incentives there is no reason why large ISPs should not remain Kenyan. There are great opportunities in the ISP industry and Kenyans continue to invest in this business," said Mr Somen. ISPs in Kenya still face three major challenges. They have limited access to investment and venture capital; there is still a shortage of skilled ICT personnel especially at management level; and Kenyans themselves need to see more local content on the net to for demand for Internet services to go up. But allowing more foreign investment is often the only recourse many ISPs have to keep their businesses running. As a result, the industry regulator, the Communications Commssion of Kenya (CCK) is said to be revising its rules to allow for Kenyan ISPs to have more foreign ownership. Also looming on most providers' radar screens is the increasingly urgent need to own their infrastructure. "My prediction is that East Africa will become a global top ten ICT hub within 10 years – we're betting the farm on the fact that this will be the case," said Richard Bell, whose largely locally owned venture capital firm, East Africa Capital Partners, took on Telkom SA in the recent Africa Online buyout saga. "The ISP industry is a "non industry". Any ISPs that aren't dead already will die – it's just a matter of time. The only business model with any legs on it is that of being an Infrastructure provider," said Mr Bell, who firm has already made three Kenyan acquisitions and one Tanzanian in that line. Infrastructure ownership issues have also driven the latest purchase by a South African firm of a Kenyan business. Technology company Altech is said to be willing to pay nearly Sh5 billion for a 51 per cent stake in the Sameer Group's ICT division. http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3383&Item… <http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3383&Item…>

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Re: [kictanet] [Kictanet] Call for Participation: AITEC's Wireless BroadbandAfrica conference 29Nov-1Dec 2006 Hilton Hotel
by Sean Moroney 03 Oct '07

03 Oct '07

Dear Colleagues, I'm sorry there is low Kenyan attendance here at our Outsourcing & Contact Centre Conference here in Mauritius, opeing today. But as you can see from my Welcome Speech, attached, I'm doing my best to fly the Kenyan flag. Brian Longwe is also here to support me, so I hope we can attract participation in the East African Outsourcing & Contact centre Conference in Nairobi over 21-22 November. Regards, Sean Sean Moroney Chairman AITEC Africa seanm(a)aitecafrica.com UK Tel: +44(0)1480-880774 UK Fax: +44(0)1480-880765 UK Mobile: +44(0)7973-499224 Kenya Mobile: +254(0)721-845674 Nigeria Mobile: +234(0)802-0571766 SA Mobile: +27(0)72-610-7153 Skype: seanmoroney www.aitecafrica.com Registered as:AITEC Conferences Ltd at Companies House, No. 4698475. Address: Cromer House, Caxton Way, Stevenage, Herts SG1 2DF, UK

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Fwd: ITS CREATORS CALL INTERNET OUTDATED, OFFER REMEDIES
by Alex Gakuru 02 Oct '07

02 Oct '07

> --- Alex Gakuru wrote: > See also: > Van Jacobson's talk:"A New Way to look at > Networking" > http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6972678839686672840&q=engeduthis > > > > "The Internet wasn't designed for people to watch > television," he says. "I know because I designed > it." > (Larry Roberts on below article) > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > > From: WWWhatsup <joly(a)punkcast.com> > > Date: Oct 2, 2007 5:31 PM > > Subject: [isoc-ny] ITS CREATORS CALL INTERNET > > OUTDATED, OFFER REMEDIES > > To: isoc-ny(a)yahoogroups.com, discuss(a)isoc-ny.org > > > > > > ITS CREATORS CALL INTERNET OUTDATED, OFFER > REMEDIES > > [SOURCE: Wall Street Journal, AUTHOR: Bobby White > > bobby.white(a)wsj.com<bobby.white%40wsj.com> > > ] > > There's a growing debate over whether the > Internet's > > current infrastructure > > is sufficient to handle the explosion of > > bandwidth-hungry services such as > > Internet telephony and video. In a recent report, > > Cisco calculated that > > monthly Internet traffic in North America will > > increase 264% by 2011 to more > > than 7.8 million terabytes, or the equivalent of > 40 > > trillion email messages. > > If such Internet traffic continues increasing, > many > > believe networks could > > crash or at least slow to a crawl. Today, > > information travels the Web by > > being broken into tiny bits called packets, which > > are routed through the > > least congested pipes to their destination. Once > the > > packets arrive, they > > are reassembled into their original form. The > > problem is that the increasing > > size of files, such as video, has begun > overwhelming > > some equipment handling > > the traffic, resulting in errant or lost packets. > To > > tackle the problem, a > > slew of start-ups are producing gear and software > to > > accelerate Internet > > traffic or to increase the network's capacity. > > > http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119128309597345795.html?mod=todays_us_marke… > > (requires subscription) > > * Our fraying Internet infrastructure (Commentary) > > > http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/10/01/EDGBSAN5C.DTL > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------- > > WWWhatsup NYC > > http://pinstand.com - http://punkcast.com > > > ---------------------------------------------------------- > > > > __._,_.___ Messages in this topic > > > <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/isoc-ny/message/1778;_ylc=X3oDMTM0YzZnYnJrBF9…>( > > 1) Reply (via web post) > > > <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/isoc-ny/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJwZTJiY2g1BF9TAzk3MzU…>| > > Start > > a new topic > > > <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/isoc-ny/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJlN2VoczA3BF9TAzk3MzU…> > > > > > Messages<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/isoc-ny/messages;_ylc=X3oDMTJlYWRldTBjBF9TAzk…>| > > > Files<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/isoc-ny/files;_ylc=X3oDMTJmcjk1aG5oBF9TAzk3Mz…>| > > > Photos<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/isoc-ny/photos;_ylc=X3oDMTJlaTVjdm1xBF9TAzk3M…>| > > > Links<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/isoc-ny/links;_ylc=X3oDMTJmY2poZDI5BF9TAzk3Mz…>| > > > Calendar<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/isoc-ny/calendar;_ylc=X3oDMTJkNGx2ZmNtBF9TAzk…> > > ---------------------------------------------- > > http://isoc-ny.org > > "The Internet is for Everyone!" -- Vint Cerf > > ---------------------------------------------- > > [image: Yahoo! > > > Groups]<http://groups.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTJkNXJhNHI2BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIxN…> > > Change settings via the > > > Web<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/isoc-ny/join;_ylc=X3oDMTJmdjltc2dvBF9TAzk3MzU…>(Yahoo! > > ID required) > > Change settings via email: Switch delivery to > Daily > > > Digest<isoc-ny-digest@yahoogroups.com?subject=Email+Delivery:+Digest>| > > Switch > > format to > > > Traditional<isoc-ny-traditional@yahoogroups.com?subject=Change+Delivery+Format:+Traditional> > > Visit Your Group > > > <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/isoc-ny;_ylc=X3oDMTJkZzQzcGN2BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0…>| > > Yahoo! > > Groups Terms of Use > > <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> | Unsubscribe > > <isoc-ny-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com?subject=> > > Visit Your Group > > > <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/isoc-ny;_ylc=X3oDMTJlaG5pZmgwBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0…> > > Search Ads > > > > Get new > > > customers.<http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=12jlkpmgp/M=493064.10729656.11333347.8674578/D=…> > > > > List your web site > > > > in Yahoo! Search. > > Y! Messenger > > > > Instant > > > hello<http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=12jfd4ook/M=493064.10729668.11333359.8674578/D=…> > > > > Chat over IM with > > > > group members. > > Food Lovers > > > > Real Food > > > Group<http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=12jkqnc86/M=493064.11036139.11614791.8674578/D=…> > > > > on Yahoo! Groups > > > > find out more. > > . > > > > __,_._,___ > > > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > Building a website is a piece of cake. Yahoo! Small > Business gives you all the tools to get online. > http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/webhosting > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today! http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7

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Internet Statistics
by Alex Gakuru 02 Oct '07

02 Oct '07

Despite internet users increasing from 1 million (2005) to 2,770,300 (2007) end user prices have hardly reduced and in some instances actually they went high up. Obviously this has something to do with the 540 per cent mark up on local bandwidth prices by ISPs (CCK Internet Market Study) Well, notwithstanding the price pain penetration now compares well with Egypt's Enjoy http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats1.htm#africa (Update 30 Sept 2007) ____________________________________________________________________________________ Got a little couch potato? Check out fun summer activities for kids. http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=oni_on_mail&p=summer+activities+for+kids&…

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Telecoms harmonisation in East Africa
by Rebecca Wanjiku 02 Oct '07

02 Oct '07

hi, KICTANet invites you to a working lunch to meet with David Souter, who is in kenya to discuss various ways of Telecoms harmonisation in East Africa. lunch will be at Jacaranda on October 8. the meeting will be ideal for representatives from private sector, government, civil society, and academia, to interrogate all attendant issues, please confirm directly with me.....off list, regards becky ____________________________________________________________________________________ Building a website is a piece of cake. Yahoo! Small Business gives you all the tools to get online. http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/webhosting

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Re: [kictanet] KDN
by Kai Wulff 01 Oct '07

01 Oct '07

Brian, KDN's aim is to run infrastructure to EVERY corner of the region and later the continent! Since I am constantly spending money (though operational very profitable) for this, I would be ill advised to chase people before they can give us an idea of what they want to do! If Altech or ANY other investor wants to participate by INJECTING (I am not talking about a sale of shares, I don't think this is in the interest of anybody at KDN or Sameer) substantial amounts of money to fasttrack this goal, I will listen VERY carefully! Rgds Kai ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brian Longwe" <brian(a)isisweb.nl> To: "Kai Wulff" <kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, October 01, 2007 14:48 Subject: Re: [kictanet] KDN hmmm - I seem to recall that the big man over there has a requtation for pulling v. surprising deals at the last minute - might this be one of them? Regards, Brian On Oct 1, 2007, at 11:08 AM, Kai Wulff wrote: > Morning! > > Isn't it interesting what the media can do? > > We have not even received an offer (although it is true that Altech is > interested to come into the East African Market and is looking around), > so > how can we be sold? > > If this was true, CCK would know about .. > > More updates (if anything happens) on this channel! > > Rgds > > Kai > > P.S. Buying Kai would be difficult .... > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> > To: <kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke> > Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Sent: Monday, October 01, 2007 08:02 > Subject: [kictanet] KDN > > > Kai, > SA Group buys Kai. See below. > > > > Business Report > Altech's R500m Kenyan buy should give it access to new submarine cable > Thabiso Mochiko > 411 words > 28 September 2007 > The Star > e1 > 3 > English > © Copyright 2007 Independent Newspapers (UK) Limited. All rights > reserved. > > Johannesburg - Allied Technologies (Altech) will pay more than R500 > million for a 51 percent stake in a division of Kenya's Sameer Group, > which should give the telecommunications technology company access to an > undersea cable. > Altech, which has a war chest of R1.2 billion, has agreed to buy a > majority shareholding in Sameer's information and communication > technology > (ICT) division, which houses Kenya Data Networks (KDN), Swift Global and > Infocom. > KDN operates an extensive fibreoptic cable network and plans to expand > into Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Swift Global is an > internet service provider with operations in Kenya and Tanzania. Infocom > provides broadband internet services in Uganda. > KDN is expected to participate in the African east coast submarine link, > which will support Altech's aggressive expansion into the telecoms arena. > Altech chief executive Craig Venter said growth opportunities in Kenya > were helped by its stable political environment. > The acquisition formed part of Altech's strategy to become a global > company, he added. > Venter noted that the ever-changing technology environment required > "equal > measures of prudence and agility". > Altech is still on the prowl for acquisitions, but says it will not buy > an > existing cellular network operator because its cellphone service > provider, > Autopage, continues to grow. The firm, which resells products of Cell C, > MTN and Vodacom, now boasts 850 000 subscribers. > Altech operates in India through its satellite television decoder > manufacturer, Altech UEC. Its vehicle tracking firm, Altech Netstar, has > opened shop in Malaysia and will expand to Brazil. > In the rest of Africa, Altech operates in Rwanda, where it has been > licensed to roll out a high-speed WiMax internet network. It has > profitable operations in Nigeria through NamITech, which manufactures 60 > million prepaid airtime vouchers a month for the country's five cellular > operators. > Altech will spend R30 million to expand capacity to make credit cards for > banks and SIM cards for cellular operators. > Another R90 million acquisition, of fleet management firm ComTech, is > subject to competition commission approval. > This week Altech, which is majority-owned by JSE-listed Allied > Electronics, posted a 20 percent rise in revenue to R4 billion for the > six > months to August. Interim operating profit increased by 6 percent to R306 > million from a year earlier. > Altech's shares gained 25c to R61.75 yesterday. The all share index added > 0.44 percent. > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kai.wulff% > 40kdn.co.ke > > -- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > > > > > -- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: brian(a)isisweb.nl > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/ > mailman/options/kictanet/brian%40isisweb.nl -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.

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Who put me in the wananchi mailing list
by Alex Gakuru 01 Oct '07

01 Oct '07

(Sent on 1 October 2007 10:00 am) I only recall requesting to be on kictanet list but I get two list subscriptions reminders: http://mail.wananchi.com/mailman/options/kictanet/ http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ Could it be the reason some of my posts take 5 days to get bounced? Could moderators Walu and Alice explain plse Alex ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase. http://farechase.yahoo.com/

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[Fwd: [AfriNIC-rpd] Fw: Global Policy for the Allocation of the Remaining IPv4 Address Space]
by alice 01 Oct '07

01 Oct '07

Egypt has submitted this proposal for allocation for remaining IPv4 addresses space... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Hytham Zakaria EL Nakhal Organisation: National Telecom Regulatory Authority, Egypt Version: Draft Date: 07 July 2007 Status: Open for discussion Authors: Roque Gagliano (ANTEL), Francisco Obispo (CENIT), Hytham EL Nakhal (MCIT), Didier Allain Kla (ISOC Cote d'Ivoire) Policy Affected: The current on-demand global policy for the distribution of IPv4 address space to the Regional Internet Registry (RIR) system. Incentive: In order to assure the equal distribution of the IPv4 address space across RIR regions, this policy proposal describes a process for the allocation of the remaining IPv4 space from IANA to the existing RIRs Policy Proposal Name: Global Policy for the Allocation of the Remaining IPv4 Address Space. Proposal: -------------- Policy Statement: This policy describes the process for the allocation of the remaining IPv4 space from IANA to RIRs. When a minimum amount of available space is reached, an identical number of IPv4 allocation units (/8s) will be allocated from IANA to each RIR, replacing the current IPv4 allocation policy. In order to fulfill the requirements of this policy, at the time of its adoption, an identical number of IPv4 allocation units (N) will be reserved by IANA for each RIR. The number N is defined as 5. The reserved units will no longer be part of the available space at IANA pool. The process for the allocation of the remaining IPv4 space is divided in two consecutives phases: 1. Existing Policy Phase: During this phase IANA will continue allocating IPv4 addresses to the RIRs using the existing allocation policy. This phase will continue until a request for IPv4 address space from any RIR to IANA can not be fulfilled with the remaining IPv4 space available in the IANA pool. This will be the last IPv4 address space request that IANA will accept from any RIR. At this point the next phase of the process will be initiated. 2. Exhaustion Phase: IANA will automatically allocate the reserved IPv4 allocation units to each RIR (N units to each one) and respond to the last request with the remaining available allocation units in IANA pool (M units). 2.1. Size of the final IPv4 allocations: During this phase IANA will automatically allocate N allocation units to each RIR from the reserved space defined in this policy. IANA will also allocate M allocation units to the RIR that submitted the last request for IPv4 addresses. 2.2. Allocation of the remaining IPv4 Address space: After the completion of the evaluation of the final request for IPv4 addresses, IANA must: A) Immediately notify the NRO about the activation of the second phase of this policy. B) Proceed to allocate M allocation units to the RIR that submitted the last request for IPv4 address space. C) Proceed to allocate N allocation units to each RIR from the reserved space. Rational: --------------- The IANA pool of allocation units of IPv4 addresses (/8s) is decreasing rapidly. A new policy is proposed to replace the current "on demand" policy in order to bring certainty on how the remaining space will be allocated. This policy eliminates the pressure on the remaining central pool of addresses by allocating equal amount of allocation units (N) to each RIR. RIR may be studying slow-landing policies or the possibility to reserve specific address spaces for "critical infrastructure" or new companies in order to comply with anti-trust regulations in its region. This policy allows each RIR to adopt those policies through its PDP, which is simpler than a global policy discussion process. Each RIR will have the exact information on the amount of address spaces that they will be receiving as a last allocation from the IANA. The policy is written in such a way that the discussion could be split in two sections: first do we agree on the concept of the policy and second what is the appropriate value for the last allocation units N. Thanks & Best Regards Mostafa Ali NOL , Cairo Office Senior P&D Engineer Tel. : +202 760 6677 ext. 560 Mobile: +20 10 5151 189 Fax. : +202 760 7656 E-mail - mmostafa(a)nile-online.net _______________________________________________ rpd mailing list rpd(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/rpd

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South African Minister claims several consortiums interested in NEPAD international fibre project
by Eric Osiakwan 01 Oct '07

01 Oct '07

There were "several" consortiums that had shown interest in getting involved with the proposed information and communication technology broadband infrastructure for the New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad), Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, the minister of communications, said last week. Matsepe-Casaburri said the government was not delaying the process by insisting on an African majority shareholding for the under-sea cable. The minister did not identify the consortiums. Insiders say that the South African Government will probably end up financing the consortium if it goes ahead. (source: Myadsl) 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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Ubuntu Platform Training
by Alex Gakuru 29 Sep '07

29 Sep '07

sent on 29 Sept 2007 2:10 pm Hi all, I am pleased to update you on our earlier announced Ubuntu platform training program. We have received a lot of diverse and encouraging interest on this introductory course. (Also pleased to have reclaimed some earlier users:) We have decided to start off with Saturdays 9:00 am - 12:00 noon for lecture-type classes with students undertaking 2-hours practical work thereafter every class. Sorry *nix* gurus:) our angle is NOT kernel-dev or terminal oriented,rather a gentle Open users introduction easy Ubuntu desktop. ( can't wait for GNONE 2.20 in "Gutsy Gibbon". Obviously spicy IBM's Lotus Symphony will be our Open Office package (http://blog.wired.com/monkeybites/2007/09/gnome-update-po.html and http://www.howtoforge.com/ibm_lotus_symphony_ubuntu_7.04 resp) The venue remains our near Nairobi Club, along 4th Ngong Avenue offices, opposite George Williamson House (off Ngong Road) Nairobi. Unfortunately this course is not free because we are not funded by anybody. Full Cost is Kshs 10,000 and YES! One can pay in two installments @ Kshs 5,000/=. will update you in due course on other scheduled discussions on Open Source Training if something concrete is agreed upon. Finally, thanks all for your interest and Josiah Mugambi for Lotus download pointer and YOU for forwarding our training course to your various mailing lists. Remember we are always "send button" away - feel free to ask me anything related through gakuru(a)gmail.com. Thanks Alex "The Future is Open" ____________________________________________________________________________________ Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos & more. http://mobile.yahoo.com/go?refer=1GNXIC

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Cell operators key for African Internet penetration
by alice 27 Sep '07

27 Sep '07

Cell operators key for African Internet penetration Tuesday, 25 September 2007, 11:49 In a continent where restrictive regulations, high operating costs and widespread poverty makes Internet services unaffordable, low literacy among its population limits demand, and poor telecoms infrastructure hinders penetration, Africa's cellular operators have a key role to play in boosting Internet usage. Frost & Sullivan research analyst, Spiwe Chireka, says that while Africa is experiencing double-digit growth of Internet usage, ISPs can significantly enhance this by aligning themselves with cellular operators. "Moving forward, ISPs will need to consolidate their efforts and create strategic relationships with cellular operators," says Chireka. "The further development and increasing penetration of cellular networks would allow ISPs to offer mobile internet access and boost penetration of their services, thus reducing the high initial investment costs involved." At the same time, mobile handset operators need to partner with ISPs to provide affordable tools for mobile internet access. To develop a sound market share in the limited market base characteristic of Africa, there is a need for product differentiation to increase consumer's switching costs. "In addition, ISPs need to target markets outside the major urban areas, since these areas are currently saturated in terms of operators," says Chireka. "Accordingly, partnerships with cellular operators would go a long way to address this challenge. Besides, low cost and high speed access will also be crucial to ensuring market growth." Chireka says that the current double-digit growth is predicted on a narrow base, with the overall number of Internet users remaining limited. In some cases, ISPs, with the help of governments, are gradually designing coping strategies around restrictive licensing regimes, poor telecoms infrastructure and low affordability of services. Promisingly, both governments and private telecoms operators are making significant investments in infrastructure. Such initiatives are setting the stage to leverage the exciting growth potential of the African Internet market. "Most governments have embarked on ICT-led development strategies, aimed at developing e-governance and subsequently internet penetration," Chireka says. Markets such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal, Angola and Mozambique are set to enjoy high growth levels, given their technology neutral licensing regimes, independent regulators, high levels of FDI and highly liberalised markets. Ghana and Nigeria have high growth potential, but this is hindered by poor economic performance and poor licensing regimes, which have limited foreign investment into these markets. By partnering with highly successful cellular operators in regions such as these, ISPs could quickly negate some of these barriers. OEM Division - Novell Garry Hodgson (IP:62.200.56.xxx) 2007-09-25 05:32:38 __._,_.___

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FW: 12th International Business Forum & Global E-discussion
by Harry Hare 26 Sep '07

26 Sep '07

Some of you might find this interesting. Harry -----Original Message----- From: csrwbi(a)worldbank.org [mailto:csrwbi@worldbank.org] Sent: Friday, September 21, 2007 11:18 PM Subject: 12th International Business Forum & Global E-discussion The World Bank Institute, in cooperation with InWEnt Capacity Building International, is pleased to invite you to the 12th International Business Forum -- Business Engagement for Governance: Business and the Rules of the Game October 9-10, 2007 World Bank Headquarters, Washington D.C. More information and registration at: http://www.businessandmdgs.net/ Operating in today's globalized economy is risky business. The private sector has identified a need to take the initiative in addressing global challenges that impact their business as much as the societies in which they operate. Often they are doing so in the absence of clear legislation or clear and functioning global frameworks. This conference will pinpoint the role private business can and should play in shaping tomorrow's global governance structures, and suggest corresponding adjustments required by the public sector. Forum topics include: Business Action on Climate Change: The Impact on Corporate Strategy Private Sector Roles in Combating Corruption: Setting One's Own Standards Business Contributions to achieving the Millennium Development Goals As a lead up to the Forum, a Global E-discussion for young leaders will take place from September 24 to October 5, 2007. Register NOW at: http://info.worldbank.org/etools/BusinessMDGs/eDiscussion.htm The e-discussion will bring together young leaders from around the world to discuss youth opinions on the role business should play in dealing with two of today's global challenges: Climate Change and Good Governance. The recommendations from the e-discussion will be presented to senior business and development leaders at the 12th International Business Forum on October 9-10, 2007. For more information about the e-discussion and to register, please see the attached flyer and visit the e-discussion webpage: http://info.worldbank.org/etools/BusinessMDGs/eDiscussion.htm. We look forward to your participation in both events. Djordjija Petkoski Head of Business, Competitiveness and Development Team World Bank Institute (See attached file: World Bank Announcement.pdf)(See attached file: World Bank Announcement.pdf) *Register Now for the Global E-discussion: Free registration at http://info.worldbank.org/etools/BusinessMDGs/eDiscussion.htm or visit www.businessandmdgs.net and go to the Youth Consultations page.*

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Papers Due: ICT Africa 2008 (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Feb 13-15)
by Janet Feldman 26 Sep '07

26 Sep '07

http://ictafrica.nepadcouncil.org Last call for papers: Submission of papers for ICT Africa will now close on September 30. If you are still yet to submit your paper, please do so on or before September 30, at midnight US Eastern time (GMT/UTC-4). With two highly regarded conferences, ICT Africa and NOVATECH, being hosted at the same location - you are guaranteed one of the largest ICT events in Africa. Manuscript due date: September 30, 2007 Acceptance date: November 16, 2007 Camera ready manuscript due date December 15, 2007 ICT Africa 2008 conference and tutorial program will bring together engineers, scientists, developers, government leaders, corporate managers, educators, financiers and project representatives from all over Africa and abroad. Suggested topics include: Paper and tutorial titles will include, but not limited to: Track 1 Networks There have been concerted efforts to develop ICT infrastructure in Africa including submarine fibre links, terrestrial long haul fibre and microwave links, metropolitan and access networks including wireless mesh networks, Wi-Max, ADSL, 3G wireless, broadband over power line and fiber to the premises (deployed in Kigali, Rwanda for example). This track will address technologies appropriate for these developments will include but not limited to: Fiber optic networks Submarine cable systems Digital subscriber line (ADSL) Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Wireless broadband access: including WI-MAX Wireless LANS: including Wi-Fi Broadband over power line Satellite Broadband Fiber to the premises Internet exchange points Track 2 Data Management Issues in Internet-Based Applications: The availability of high-speed networks and high-performance microprocessors is making networks of computers an appealing vehicle for cost-effective internet and business computing. Clusters of computers built using commodity hardware and software are playing a major role in web server design with several applications in E- Commerce, E-learning, E-government, etc. Although applications are flourishing, some challenges remains in the Peer-to-Peer and Internet- based applications. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) refers to a network of equals (peers), where by design two or more peers are able to collaborate spontaneously or share resources without the need for central coordination. We invite contributions from a broad spectrum of disciplines including economics, information systems, information management, and computer sciences. We would also like to involve practitioners whose experiences applications of P2P could certainly enrich the discussions. The track focuses on but is not limited to: Information storage, retrieval and update in a distributed system High performance and reliable mass storage Intrusion prevention, detection and tolerance Formation of supply chains, coalitions, and virtual enterprises Agent technology Public records archives (electronic documents accessibility, authenticity) Trust and privacy e-Voting systems solutions Mobile applications e-government solutions e-learning solutions e-commerce solutions e-health solutions e-labs and distance learning Tutorial Titles Fiber optics Next generation broadband networks VoIP Instructions: PAPERS: Technical papers describing original, previously unpublished research, not currently under review by another conference or journal, are solicited. The conference is interested in contributions addressing all the areas associated with the title above. All paper submissions will be handled electronically at http://www.nepadcouncil.org/ocs . Authors should prepare the full paper following the IEEE paper format. Papers including text, figures and references must not exceed 10 pages. The abstracts should be submitted with the following information: Author's name Co-author(s) Address Company/organization Telephone number email address Title of the paper or presentation Relevant topic (from the areas listed above) One or Two keywords (relating to the subject of the abstract) TUTORIALS: Proposals submission should be in plain text or PDF format and should include a cover sheet and an extended abstract. The cover sheet should specify: The title of the tutorial The length : a half day (3 hours plus breaks) or full day (6 hours plus breaks) The intended audience (introductory, intermediate, advanced) The complete contact information for the contact person and other presenters A brief biography (max. 2 paragraphs) for each presenter The audio/visual equipment needed for the presentation. The extended abstract should be 4 to 6 pages, and should include an outline of the tutorial, along with descriptions of the course objectives and course materials. Paper submission site: http://www.nepadcouncil.org/ocs/ Conference site: http://ictafrica.nepadcouncil.org Contacts Clarissa Dhliwayo cdhliwayo(a)nepadcouncil.org Pamela Odero podero(a)nepadcouncil.org submitted by Janet Feldman (kaippg(a)earthlink.net)

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MPs move to court to block Safaricom IPO, while in Rwanda MTN needs competitor that matches their profile
by alice 25 Sep '07

25 Sep '07

Kenya MPs move to court to block Safaricom IPO Published on September 25, 2007, 12:00 am By Evelyn Kwamboka The battle to stop the sale of shares in Safaricom Limited to the public has moved to court. Three members of Parliament filed a notice at the High Court in Nairobi saying they want to stop a planned initial public offer until the Privatisation Act 2005 comes into force. Their move will also block other planned privatisations as well as secondary offers of partially privatised firms. The IPO, expected before Christmas, will see the sale of a 25 per cent stake held by the Government through the Nairobi Stock Exchange. President Kibaki has already assented to the Act, but its coming into force was on hold until recently when Parliament forced the Finance minister, Mr Amos Kimunya, to move on it. The MPs — Prof Peter Anyang' Nyong'o (Kisumu Rural), Mr Omingo Magara (South Mugirango) and Mr Mwandawiro Mghanga (Wundanyi) — claim the intended sale is illegal and undermines Parliament. They want the court to direct Kimunya to set a date when the Act will come into force. They also want an order barring the Government from any further sale of public corporations and State-held shares until when the Act comes into force. In the papers filed in court through Katwa and Kemboy Advocates, Nyong'o says Kimunya has no legal power to sell the 25 per cent stake in Safaricom or any shares in the company. "It also raises suspicion on the real motive and overall objective of the hurried privatisation exercise done within a legal vacuum, particularly when the overall effect appears likely to be detrimental to the common good against the greater national interest," he says. Another ground the MPs are relying on is that the minister has no authority to form a Privatisation Steering Committee to implement and co-ordinate the process or ignore the collective will of Parliament as expressed in the Privatisation Act 2005. "The decision of the minister is in breach of the order given by the Speaker of the National Assembly on August 23 to the minister to operationalise the Act within seven days from the said date," adds Nyong'o. Kimunya is alleged to have refused to appoint a date on which the said Act will come into force. The Act provides for the formation of a specialised privatisation commission to manage and implement the privatisation programme. Nyong'o says the Act regulates and limits the powers of the Government as well as the minister with respect to the privatisation process. The MP avers that records concerning Safaricom and Vodafone Kenya Ltd have been missing from the Registrar of Companies and Parliament cannot access them. As a result of the shares owned by the Government in Safaricom, the MP says the public has a right to know whom the company does business with. He claims that given the number of Safaricom subscribers and profit the company makes, the proposed privatisation is critical. The company this year announced a pre-tax profit of Sh17.2 billion off a turnover of Sh47 billion. It has close to seven million subscribers. Its actual shareholding structure has previously been cause for controversy. Source: http://www.eastandard.net/news/?id=1143975045 <http://www.eastandard.net/news/?id=1143975045> ************ ************* Uganda Celtel parent firm rebrands Monday, 24th September, 2007 E-mail article Print article By Vision Reporter MTC Group, the parent company of Celtel International, has re-branded to Zain which becomes the group's corporate master brand immediately. In Africa, the Zain Group will continue to trade under the Celtel brand. "Zain will bring together all our operations under a single, strong and unique identity. We believe it is the optimal platform upon which we can build a global brand with the ultimate goal of better serving our customers," Saad Al Barrak Zain Group's chief executive said. "It will propel the group towards becoming one of the top 10 global mobile telecommunications companies in the next four years." The Zain brand's theme is: "A Wonderful World." Brand architect Tito Alai, the group's chief commercial officer who also developed the Zain Group's successful Celtel brand in Africa, said: "The name Zain was selected from a list of over 400 after extensive research across many countries and cultures validated its broad global appeal." http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/220/588294 <http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/220/588294> ******************** Rwanda Tuesday, 25th September 2007 MTN needs competitor that matches their profile BY DAVID KEZIO MUSOKE SEVENTY per cent of Rwandatel shares are up for grabs. By the end of October, Rwanda's telecom market could be having a new player. Is this good or bad news for MTN Rwanda? What about the subscribers, what are they going to expect? There are six bidders including two telecom giants: the Vodacom Group of South Africa and Celtel, Africa's third-largest cell phone firm. The others include V-Tel Holdings of Jordan, Bit Map Ltd of Singapore and two little known companies: LapGreen Network of Uganda and Rwanda's R-Com. Rwandatel and its branded products, including Terracom and recently introduced Karame, have always played the fiddle to the already existing and powerful brand of MTN Rwandcell. The edgy relationship between both premier telecommunication companies has not really played a pivotal role in the development of the market and its infrastructure since 1998. According to the International Development Research Center (IDRC), MTN Rwanda grew a subscriber base four times the number of subscribers of Rwandatel, and the rate for telephone calls from mobile to fixed lines grew prohibitive. This discouraged most of Rwanda's users from calling mobile to fixed telephones. IDRC says they estimate 90 per cent of interconnection calls are initiated from the Rwandatel network and terminate on the MTN Rwandacell network (fixed to mobile). This means Rwandatel has to pay a tremendous amount of money to MTN Rwandacell for termination charges to use the MTN Rwandacell network, a business venture found to be unfair. MTN has since then operated in a monopolistic manner, controlling a market share of 95 per cent to a population of over 8 million Rwandans. The company boasts over 500,000 subscribers. Looking at MTN Rwanda closely, it belongs to the MTN family that set fort in South Africa. From the global footprint, the MTN group operates in 21 countries, serving a combined population of over 500 million people worldwide. But the gold is not that glittering for MTN Rwanda. According to the MTN Group Limited Integrated business report for last year, MTN Rwanda contributed only 2 per cent of subscribers to the South and East Africa (SEA) region of the MTN Group. It also supplied just 1 per cent of the total revenue the MTN Group collects from SEA, a region that includes South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Zambia, and Uganda. So what kind of competitor does MTN Rwanda need? What kind of market does Rwanda's population need? Skeptics say telecommunications is very crucial, if not one of the most important tools to eradicate the many socio-economic problems plaguing any third world country. The Rwandan government has made it very clear it is interested in a new owner of Rwandatel who will have to meet certain objectives underlined in the country's Vision 2020. The Grameen Foundation argues Rwanda has a relatively low rural tele- density (the number of telephone lines per 100 people) which is quoted at 5 per cent. Research done by the Research ICT Africa also shows Rwanda has the second highest mobile call tariffs in Africa, trailing Ethiopia. Rwanda has recently joined the East African Community (EAC). All the members states in this bloc (with the exception of Burund) have telecom markets which are quite superior to that of Rwanda. Safaricom of Kenya has a subscriber base of 7.6 million out of the estimated 10 million subscribers in the country. Tanzania boasts four GSM operators, while Uganda's subscribers with the recent registration of Warid and Hits telecommunications have an option of choosing between five operators by the end of this year. All three East African countries are connected to Celtel's `One Network coverage', a borderless network that allows subscribers to make calls at local rates and receive free incoming calls. This network is the first of its kind in the world and has won the company international recognition within the GSM association, a telecom club that harbors over 300 telecommunication companies worldwide. Rwanda would therefore need an alternative telecommunications company that can fully integrate subscribers into the EAC bloc – one which doesn't only concentrate on the transmission of voice, but also on transmission of data. One who will adopt third-generation (3G) mobile services in the country. In a recent statement, Rwandatel said: "We are looking for a strategic investor with capacity to develop the sector by improving the quality of services and meeting the ever increasing expectations of telecommunications market in Rwanda." Of all six bidders, there are only three which have profiles that match those of the telecoms mentioned above. The eventual winner of the bid would provide a highly competitive market for MTN Rwanda. V-Tel Holdings of Jordan and Bit Map Ltd of Singapore have hardly had any operations in Africa. Therefore, they have no experience working in an African setting and definitely don't know the market. Libya Africa Investments Portfolio for Africa (Lap Green) is a Libyan consortium reorganising the interests of investments owned by the Libyan government. The group, which has invested US$4 billion in cash and owns US$3 billion in assets, also owns Lap Green Networks Ltd who bought 69 per cent of shares in Uganda's national telecom operator, Uganda Telecom Limited (UTL). LapGreen Networks also owns Mali's Sahelcom and together with UTL's 700,000 subscribers, it would boast of about 900,000 fixed line and mobile subscribers in Africa. Vodacom and Celtel have both been identified as pan-African with regional interests in sub-Saharan Africa. Vodacom provides 3G GSM services to millions of customers in South Africa, Tanzania, Lesotho, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Vodacom brand is also a 50 per cent joint venture investment with the United Kingdom's mobile firm, Vodafone Group Plc. The same telecommunication company has a 40 per cent stake in Safaricom of Kenya. Celtel which is owned by Kuwaiti-based Mobile Telecommunication Company (MTC), operates in 15 African nations. The company which recently announced a re-branding rollout from MTC Kuwait to Zain International has also established a strong hold across the West African region. Celtel's Fayaz King told telecom regulators by the end of 2007, all 15 countries would be part of its One Network plan recently, at the 1st Mobile Roaming Conference in West Africa. Sources within the telecom circles say MTN Rwanda is planning to forge a regional free-roaming zone with Safaricom. According to sources, MTN Rwanda's chief executive, Themba Khumalo and his Safaricom counterpart, Michael Joseph, met at the sidelines of the annual GSM Conference in Nairobi recently and discussed the prospects. The other advantage Celtel and Vodacom would have over all the other four bidders, is the fact that both companies are subscribers to a US$ 235m project to build a fiber-optic submarine cable. This project would fulfill what the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) calls the `missing link' to 21 eastern and southern African countries by 2009. The project is meant to reduce international connectivity costs by two-thirds. With `Connect Africa,' an ITU sponsored communications summit set to be held in Rwanda next month, the bidding process of the new player in Rwanda telecom market has to be done in line with the interests of ITU. At this summit, different heads of state will have to make key decisions in the regulatory environment in order to approach the market and attract the business leaders, some of which will include these bidders. Rwanda could use this summit to show case its ability to do away with unfair monopolies that might hinder growth in her telecommunications industry. dkmusoke(a)newtimes.co.rw <mailto:dkmusoke%40newtimes.co.rw> http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=1298&article=1147 <http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=1298&article=1147> ***********************

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Econet finally connected after paying $12m fee
by alice 25 Sep '07

25 Sep '07

Econet finally connected after paying $12m fee By A STAFF WRITER The EastAfrican South African-based mobile telephone operator Econet Wireless has finally found an entry into Kenya's highly lucrative market after it was allocated frequencies by the Communication Commission of Kenya (CCK), ending a bruising three-year battle for a licence. Its local subsidiary, Econet Wireless Kenya Ltd, announced last week that it had received the frequencies after it paid the $12 million (Ksh840 million) balance of its licence fee earlier this month. The company said it was now preparing for rollout of it services, effectively becoming Kenya's third mobile telephone operator. The balance is part of the $27 million the company was required to pay before it could be licensed and allocated frequencies. But the company is entering a market dominated by Safaricom Ltd and Celtel International — more or less a duopoly where the two players dictate terms. In a David and Goliath situation — Safaricom Ltd is the most profitable company posting Ksh17 billion ($253.7 million) in profits while Celtel has established a name for itself — Econet can hope that the CCK finds favour with its appeal and enforces a provision in its licence that commits regulatory authorities compel its competitions to provide a level playing field. But this will only be feasible if the competition allows number portability and the sharing of basic physical infrastructure, including base stations. Number portability allows consumers to retain the same number regardless of the network they are on at any one particular moment, but there is no indication that the CCK will introduce and enforce the requirement and even less hope that the other better entrenched companies will be willing to give in. But Econet's ability to roll out its network almost immediately it receives its licence and frequencies as it had promised remains to be seen. Its entry comes in at a time when the sector is undergoing rapid growth. It has recently witnessed the introduction of CDMA technology by Telkom Kenya, Popote Wireless and Flashcom. Econet's hopes of making an impact and quick profits for its principal shareholders will depend heavily on CCK's ability to negotiate complex interconnect agreements between multiple players and set the price for shared infrastructure. The telecommunications sector is characterised by a large mobile- phone segment, that has experienced sustained growth, with the number of subscribers surging at a phenomenal rate. For the period 2000 to 2005, growth in this sector was a remarkable 105 per cent. It is estimated that total subscriber numbers hit a new peak of eight million in December 2006, implying a penetration rate of 23 per cent. The number of fixed lines remains comparatively low, falling from a peak of 320,000 in 2002 to 280,000 in 2006. With ongoing deregulation and a sustained commitment from the government to support the sector, the business environment is seen as being extremely robust http://www.nationmedia.com/eastafrican/current/News/News24090714.htm <http://www.nationmedia.com/eastafrican/current/News/News24090714.htm> __._, <http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/kenyainternational>

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ICANN, TWNIC Host "Toward the New Era of Internet"
by Alex Gakuru 25 Sep '07

25 Sep '07

http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-20sep07.htm ICANN, TWNIC Host Toward the New Era of Internet in Taipei Internationalized domain names, Internet security key topics at three-day meeting 20 September 2007 MARINA DEL REY, Calif.: The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers is joining forces with the Taiwan Network Information Centre (TWNIC) to host a special regional meeting Toward the New Era of Internet in Taipei 19-21 October 2007. ICANN, TWNIC, and the global Internet community are tackling some of the most important issues impacting the Internet since its creation, said Dr Paul Twomey, ICANNs President and CEO. This meeting is an opportunity for technical communities, Internet businesses, and policy makers from the Asia-Pacific to come together and share thoughts and ideas on how we can move forward together. Some of the meeting highlights include: * Internet security and the challenges it presents to governments, service providers, and end-users * The need for a migration to IPv6, with its 340 trillion trillion trillion Internet Protocol addresses, because of the depletion of the widely-used IPv4 space * One of the last official ICANN functions for Board Chair Vint Cerf, whose term ends at the Los Angeles International Public Meeting at the end of October. * ICANNs progress on implementing internationalized domain names (IDNs), which have the goal of adding to the 37 characters presently available for domain names to tens of thousands of characters from many of the languages of the world. IDNs are going to change the face of the Internet when they arrive it will give people the chance to register domain names with their names in their languages, Dr Twomey added. ICANN is about to launch a technical evaluation of the impact IDNs will have, and if all goes well internationalized domain names could be available sometime in 2008. Links to the agenda and registration for the Taipei meeting are online at: http://taipei2007.icann.org/. -- Glen de Saint Géry GNSO Secretariat - ICANN gnso.secretariat[at]gnso.icann.org http://gnso.icann.org ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase. http://farechase.yahoo.com/

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NY Times FREE AGAIN!!!
by Alex Gakuru 24 Sep '07

24 Sep '07

["Now, everyone is entitled to our opinions. Effective September 19, 2007, TimesSelect has ended. Content previously published for TimesSelect is available free to all NYTimes.com visitors." http://www.nytimes.com/marketing/ts/] ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: WWWhatsup <joly(a)punkcast.com> Date: Sep 22, 2007 10:14 PM Subject: [isoc-ny] NY Times FREE AGAIN!!! To: isoc-ny(a)yahoogroups.com, discuss(a)isoc-ny.org [Finally, the old grey lady digs the bullet out of it's foot] http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/ A note to our readers: We have ended TimesSelect. All of our Op-Ed and news columns are now available free of charge. Additionally, The New York Times Archive is available free back to 1987 ---------------------------------------------------------- WWWhatsup NYC http://pinstand.com - http://punkcast.com ---------------------------------------------------------- ____________________________________________________________________________________ Don't let your dream ride pass you by. Make it a reality with Yahoo! Autos. http://autos.yahoo.com/index.html

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Fwd: NSE Week Ending 21Sep2007
by Bill Kagai 22 Sep '07

22 Sep '07

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Bill Kagai <mediacorp.research(a)mediacorp.co.ke> Date: Sep 22, 2007 10:21 PM Subject: NSE Week Ending 21Sep2007 To: mediacorp.research(a)mediacorp.co.ke Dear Sir/Madam, In this week's analysis; i. Improved fiscal rectitude and political governance prompts Citi to open shop for equities market in Kenya. ii. Kengen to pay Kshs 0.80 dividend for year ending June 2007. iii. Time in partnership with CNN ponder the mystery behind M-Pesa - aptly summarised as...'Socially useful yet Profitable'...as Safaricom crosses the 500,000 subscriber threshold for M-Pesa. iv. Test drive [myStocks+] a ground breaking software solution developed by Synergy in partnership with MediaCorp that now manages your stock portfolio and generates your statements using real time data. www.mystocks.co.ke -- -- Bildad Kagai MD - MediaCorp Limited Nairobi Stock Exchange [NSE] - Authorised Information Vendor Suite B2 Tetu Apartments StateHouse Avenue P. O. Box 20311-00200 Tel. 254 20 272 8332 Fax. Rendered Obsolete URL. www.mediacorpafrica.com --

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Fwd: EuroAfrica-ICT workshops - Publication sur médias et TIC -- CIPACO FLASH - N°7 - 22/09/2007 (IPAO/PIWA)
by Eric Osiakwan 22 Sep '07

22 Sep '07

Begin forwarded message: > From: "contact(a)cipaco.org" <contact(a)cipaco.org> > Date: 22 September 2007 14:21:13 GMT+03:00 > To: newsletter(a)cipaco.org > Subject: EuroAfrica-ICT workshops - Publication sur médias et TIC > -- CIPACO FLASH - N°7 - 22/09/2007 (IPAO/PIWA) > > CIPACO FLASH - N°7 - 22/09/2007 > -------------------------- > > ******** > ENGLISH > ******** > > ** EuroAfrica-ICT workshop in Botswana** > > As you may already know, the EuroAfrica-ICT initiative > (<http://www.euroafrica-ict.org>) is a project developed under the 6th > Framework Programme (FP6) of the European Commission (DG InfSo) > with the > aim to strengthen, develop and support S&T partnerships in the ICT > field > between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa in particular in FP7 > (<http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7>). > > In this framework you are cordially invited to attend the next two > EuroAfrica-ICT Awareness Workshops: > > Gaborone, Botswana > :: Date: October 8 & 9 > :: Venue: Gaborone International Conference Centre - Gaborone, > Botswana > :: Organiser: The Meraka Institute of the CSIR, South Africa > :: Supporting organisations: Ministry of Communications, Science & > Technology (Botswana) and the University of Botswana. > :: Language: English > :: Participation : Free but no schoolarship to support attendance > available. > :: Contact : RNaidoo(a)csir.co.za and cmanneson(a)csir.co.za > > > Yaoundé, Cameroon (details below in French) > :: Date: October 11 & 12 > :: Venue: Franco Hotel - Yaoundé, Cameroon > :: Organiser: Panos Institute West Africa (PIWA), Senegal > :: Supporting organisation: Ecole Nationale Polytechnique Supérieure, > Université of Yaoundé 1 > :: Language: French > > > ** Publication "Enjeux et usages des TIC en Afrique : Les médias > entrent > dans le débat" ** > > New publication by the Panos Institute West Africa (PIWA), mainly in > French, on media and ICTs in Africa. Issues covered: media uses of > ICTs, > blogs, regulation, SAT3, GSM uses, e-administration, telecenters, etc. > Contains analyses on ICT issues for journalists and 43 articles > written > by journalists from West and Central Africa; 262 pages. Produced > within > the framework of a PIWA project funded by IDRC - See details in > French below > > > > ********** > FRANCAIS > ********** > > ------------------------ > Ateliers EuroAfrica-ICT > ------------------------- > > Comme vous le savez peut-être, l’initiative EuroAfrica-ICT > (<http://www.euroafrica-ict.org>) est un projet soutenu par le 6ème > Programme Cadre de Recherche et Développement (PCRD) de la Commission > européenne (DG Société de l’Information et Media) ayant pour > objectif de > faciliter les partenariats scientifiques et techniques entre les pays > d’Afrique sub-saharienne et de l’Union européenne au sein du 7ème PCRD > (<http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7>). > > Dans ce cadre, nous sommes heureux de vous convier aux deux > ateliers du > projet EuroAfrica-ICT: > > GABORONE, BOTSWANA > :: Date: 8 & 9 Octobre > :: Lieu: Centre de Conférences International - Gaborone, Botswana > :: Organisateur: L’Institut Meraka, CSIR, Afrique du Sud > :: Soutien: Ministère des Communications, des Sciences et Technologies > (Botswana) et l’Université du Botswana > :: Langue de travail: Anglais > :: Contact : RNaidoo(a)csir.co.za et cmanneson(a)csir.co.za > > YAOUNDE - CAMEROUN > :: Date: 11 & 12 Octobre > :: Lieu: Hôtel Franco - Yaoundé, Cameroun > :: Organisateur: Institut Panos Afrique de l’Ouest (IPAO), Sénégal > :: Collaboration: Ecole Nationale Polytechnique Supérieure, Université > of Yaoundé 1 > :: Langue de travail: Français > > ** Objectifs de l'atelier du Cameroun: ** > > 1) Informer les participants sur les activités de l’initiative > EuroAfrica-ICT et ses différents services ; > 2) Informer sur les modalités de participation au 7ème PCRD ; > 3) Identifier les principales institutions africaines pouvant > participer > au 7ème PCRD ; > 4) Favoriser la discussion sur les enjeux de la Recherche Scientifique > sur les TIC, ainsi que la collaboration entre les différents acteurs. > > La rencontre réunira les principales organisations intéressées par la > recherche scientifique dans le secteur des TIC, du Cameroun, des pays > voisins, des institutions régionales et internationales, ainsi que des > représentants de l’Union européenne. > > Durant l’atelier, les enjeux de la recherche sur les TIC pour > l’Afrique, > de la coopération avec l’Union Européenne dans ce domaine, ainsi > que des > initiatives de recherche sur les TIC seront discutés. Des visites de > laboratoires TIC auront également lieu. > > Public cible : Universitaires intéressés par les TIC, acteurs du > secteur > privé TIC intéressés par la recherche/développement et la coopération > technique, autres acteurs travaillant sur ces questions, acteurs de > l’Union européenne intéressés par la recherche et la coopération > technique avec l’Afrique dans ce domaine. > > ** Comment y participer ? ** > > La participation est gratuite mais l’inscription préalable est > impérative ; veuillez bien vouloir vous inscrire en remplissant ce > formulaire > http://www.euroafrica-ict.org/awareness_workshops_formulaire.html. Les > inscriptions seront closes le 2 Octobre 2007. > > Les personnes intéressées devront prendre en charge les frais liés à > leur participation. L’initiative EuroAfrica-ICT prendra en charge les > déjeuners durant l’atelier. > > Pour plus d'informations : > http://www.euroafrica-ict.org/awareness_workshops.html et > http://www.cipaco.org/spip.php?article1198 -- > > > ** > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > ------------ > Publication : "Enjeux et usages des TIC en Afrique : Les médias > entrent > dans le débat" > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > ------------- > > Une nouvelle publication du Programme "Usages et Politiques du > Numérique" (TIC) de l’Institut Panos Afrique de l’Ouest (IPAO) > vient de > paraître. Elle a été réalisée dans le cadre du projet « La presse > écrite > ouest-africaine : médiatrice des enjeux de la société de l’information > », mis en oeuvre par l’IPAO entre 2004 et 2006 et financé par le > Centre > de Recherches pour le Développement International (CRDI). Il avait > pour > objectif de sensibiliser les acteurs des médias aux enjeux de la > société > de l’information et de renforcer leurs capacités à traiter ce thème de > manière professionnelle. > > La publication rend ainsi compte et débat, d’une part, des usages > actuels des TIC pour le développement en Afrique et, d’autre part, de > leurs usages et enjeux pour les médias eux-mêmes. Elle contient des > analyses et plus de quarante articles écrits dans différents > contextes, > par des journalistes de l’Afrique de l’ouest et de l’Afrique centrale, > en français et dans quelques cas en anglais. L’utilisation des TIC > dans > l’administration, celle des blogs, de la téléphonie mobile, la > régulation, le SAT 3, la question « genre et TIC », la convergence et > surtout l’intérêt des TIC pour les médias, sont autant de > problématiques > traitées dans cet ouvrage collectif de 262 pages. > > Le projet financé par le CRDI a été réalisé en liaison avec un autre > projet de production et de renforcement de capacités des médias sur > les > TIC, financé par l’Agence Intergouvernementale de la Francophonie > (AIF), > dans le cadre du Fonds Francophone des Inforoutes (FFI). > > ** Sommaire ** > > - Renforcer les capacités des médias et favoriser la gouvernance > efficiente des TIC (Avant-propos) > - Quand les médias s’approprient les enjeux des TIC : une analyse de > productions de journalistes ouest-africains > > - Sélection d’articles sur les TIC en Afrique > * Régulation et convergence > * Genre et accès universel > * SAT3, régulation, accès > * Médias, accès > * Gouvernance démocratique, développement > * Thèmes divers > > - Usages et perspectives des blogs en Afrique de l’Ouest : cas du > Sénégal > - Eléments d’évaluation sur la problématique « TIC et Médias » en > Afrique : Interviews d’acteurs > > > ** Télécharger gratuitement votre copie : > http://www.panos-ao.org/IMG/pdf_enjeuxetusagesticmedia.pdf > > Publication également disponible sur support imprimé. > > Pour plus d’information sur les activités de renforcement de capacités > des médias sur les TIC menées par l’IPAO, et financées par des > institutions telles que le CRDI, l’OIF/FFI, OSIWA, consulter le site > http://mediatic.panos-ao.org et http://www.haayo.org > > Pour plus d'informations : http://www.panos-ao.org/spip.php? > article15055 > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > ------ > "Flash" est un bulletin d’alerte rapide qui paraît, lorsque nécessaire > et au plus deux fois par mois. Il vous informe rapidement sur un sujet > nécessitant votre prompte réaction (événement, opportunité, nouvelle, > etc.). C'est une production du projet CIPACO de l'Institut Panos > Afrique > de l'Ouest. > > Envoyez-nous vos informations: Contact(a)cipaco.org > > Pour s’abonner, envoyez-nous un email ou aller sur : > http://www.cipaco.org/article.php3?id_article=15&lang= > Pour se désabonner, envoyez-nous un email ou aller sur > http://mailman.cipaco.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/newsletter > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > ----- > "Flash" informs you on ICT policy issue(s) (event, opportunity, news, > etc) for which you need to take a prompt action; "Flash" is released > only when needed, and at most, twice a month. It is produced by the > CIPACO project of the Panos Institute West Africa (PIWA). > > Contact - To send us an event: contact(a)cipaco.org > > To subscribe, send us a email or go to: > http://www.cipaco.org/article.php3?id_article=15&lang=en > To unsubscribe, send us an email or go to > http://mailman.cipaco.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/newsletter > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > ------ > > _______________________________________________ > Newsletter mailing list > Newsletter(a)cipaco.org > http://mailman.cipaco.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/newsletter > 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] Safaricom Effects Refund; is the Safaricom to Telkom SMS Link?
by John Walubengo 21 Sep '07

21 Sep '07

Alex from ur message below, Snip> "Dear Customer we (Safaricom?) curently have no SMS connection to Telkom. <snip Could someone confirm if there's interconnection between the two Operators at an SMS (texting) level. I would have thought interconnection between the two operators is much more important than refunding for failed messages... walu. --- Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Dear All, > > Further to our earlier SMS conversation, I have received > an SMS > message from Safaricom that states as follows: - > ----- > "Dear Customer we curently have no SMS connection to > Telkom. > Any SMS via our network charged on submission. We now > refund the > charges on your SMS to Telkom" > > Sender: Safaricom > Date 21-September -2007 > Time 11:10:47 > --- > It would appear my remaining airtime balance increased > after that. > > Many thanks > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell. http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/

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Not..Venting Data Vending
by Bill Kagai 21 Sep '07

21 Sep '07

Hi Alex, Actually, we are not venting but trying to be responsible for the changes we want. Despite all our efforts including the Government's in getting ICT related legislation in place, and none of that happening basically means that change of strategy is required. The MediaCorp Board of Directors will be sponsoring my candidature for the Westlands Parliamentary Seat on a KANU platform in 2012. The work nevertheless begins immediately to ensure that MPs who are coming for the 10th August House understand that we are just too behind in IT technology and its a shame to be talking legislation and optic fiber when in Asia, a fridge will send you an email alerting you milk is over and order for the same online. As part of being responsible for the changes we require, we need to identify ICT friendly MPs and make them see the seriousness of ICT...for the buck seems to stop in the honourable August House. See attached.... Good Day.. Bill On 9/19/07, Alex Gakuru <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Hey Billy, M8 you look like you're really spilling > it;-) > > http://article.wn.com/view/2007/09/14/Data_Vending_Hit_By_Poor_Internet_Con… > > Have y'self a nice day. > > Alex > > > > _

5 8

(no subject)
by John Kariuki 20 Sep '07

20 Sep '07

Please go ahead --------------------------------- Yahoo! Answers - Get better answers from someone who knows. Tryit now.

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Fwd: GJLOS on traffic offences
by Brian Longwe 19 Sep '07

19 Sep '07

Please pass on to all you know and stop these cops harassing people - especially at the roadblock just after Sigona Begin forwarded message: > Subject: FW: GJLOS on traffic offences > > This is a piece of paper that is handy to have in your car. Please > pass it > on. > > If you are stopped for a minor traffic offence in Kenya, please > follow the > following simple rules > > 1. Demand that the officer identify him/herself through an appointment > certificate OR trough the name and number normally pinned on their > uniform. > > 2. Equally always identify yourself by a driver's license or ID > document. > > 3. Please do not allow police officers to get into your car when > you have > been stopped for a minor traffic offence. (Your car is private > property > and technically the police require a search warrant to enter your > car, but > we are normally polite and allow them to look in the boot etc.) > > 4. If you are being charged with a minor traffic offence, the paper > work > can normally be done on the spot ! it's called a " bail bond" or > "police > bail ". You make a cash payment and get an official receipt (which > is also > a notice to appear in court on a future date). If it cannot be > issued on > the spot, insist that you follow a police car to the nearest police > station and then ensure that the bail bond is issued at the police > station. Please also note that all minor traffic offences in Kenya are > indeed eligible for "bail bond "or "police bail " - there is > absolutely no > justification for you to be locked up at a police station for minor > traffic offences (But this is a threat normally used to scare people) > > 5. Never allow a police officer to take the keys of your car from the > ignition ! This is illegal. > > 6. Be polite and non-confrontational at all times. > > Jacques Carstens > Chief Technical Coordinator > Programme Coordination Office > Governance, Justice, Law and Order Sector (GJLOS) Reform Programme > Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Kenya > Cell: +254 (0)723919539 > Tel:+254-20-224029/55/82x116 or DL 215974 > E-mail: jcarstens(a)gjlos.co.ke http://www.gjlos.go.ke/ > 9th Floor, Room 908, Cooperative Bank House > > This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and > intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom > they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please > notify the system manager. This message contains confidential > information and is intended only for the individual named. If you > are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute > or copy this e-mail. > ______________________________________________________________________ > This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. > For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email > ______________________________________________________________________ > > > "Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have."- > Jomo Kenyatta

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[Fwd: please remove Eng Kariuki former address]
by alice 19 Sep '07

19 Sep '07

Dear all Someone stole Engineers Karuiki's e-mailbox and is using it to commit fraud. Eng. Kariuki is unable to access the box to close it. If any of you has received or receives this message, see below, from this address: jnkariuki(a)gmail.com be warned it is a fraudster using it. Take care of your passwords... best alice ---------------------------------------------------------- > *From:* John Kariuki [mailto:jnkariuki@gmail.com] > *Sent:* 18 September 2007 10:21 > *To:* undisclosed-recipients: > *Subject:* Please, I Need Your Help Urgently. > > How are you doing today? I am in a hurry writing you this message, i > don't have much time on the pc here, so i have to brief you my present > situation which requires your urgent response. Actually, I had a trip > to Nigeria for a program called "Empowering Youth to Fight Racism, > HIV/AIDS, Poverty and Lack of Education, the program is taking place > in three major countries in Africa which is Ghana, South Africa and > Nigeria. but unfortunately for me all my money got stolen at the hotel > where i lodged due to a robbery incident that happened in the hotel. I > had been so restless since last night, i have been without any money i > am even owing the hotel here as well, moreover the Hotel's telephone > lines here got disconnected by the robbers and they are trying to get > them fixed back. > I have access to only emails at the library because my mobile cant > work here so i didn't bring it along, please i want you to help me > with some money so that i can clear my bills and return back home. > please can you send me $3000 so i can return back i would refund it > back to you as soon as i get home, I am so confused right now and > don't know what to do, you can have it sent through Western Union but > My passport is with the Embassy here so not sure if i can use my name > to collect it now, But you can send it directly to a Man who works for > Western Union, he helps people in the hotel i lodge to get money from > their relatives and i would get it through him, I have already spoken > to him, so he will get it immediately it is sent but let me know if > you can help me then i will make findings. please let me hear from you > so i can collect his full name and address where you can send the > money to today please, Its really urgent for me as i don't know what > to do right now than to leave here soonest you send it to me and i > will pay you back immediately i get home. > > Thanks alot for your kindness. I will really appreciate your quick > response. > > > -- > Eng.J.N. Kariuki, > P.O.Box 72748, > NAIROBI 00200, KENYA > e-mail: jnkariuki(a)gmail.com <mailto:jnkariuki@gmail.com> >

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Work in Dar es Salaam...
by Michael Kipsang Bullut 19 Sep '07

19 Sep '07

Please pass on... ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Ken Ndirangu <kendirangu(a)gmail.com> Date: 19 Sep 2007 14:36 Subject: [Skunkworks] Work in Dar To: skunkworks(a)my.co.ke Hi all. A friend is building a wireless ISP in Tanzania and would like to hire 1 or 2 techies with some experience in this. The job will mainly be to work on the ongoing rollout, maintenance, network management and support. If you are seriously interested please contact me. yahoo id: kendirangu(a)yahoo.com msn: kendirangu(a)hotmail.com Have a nice day, Ken _______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks(a)my.co.ke http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com -- "To see a world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wildflower...hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour..." ~ William Blakeg. --

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Venting Data Vending
by Alex Gakuru 19 Sep '07

19 Sep '07

Hey Billy, M8 you look like you're really spilling it;-) http://article.wn.com/view/2007/09/14/Data_Vending_Hit_By_Poor_Internet_Con… Have y'self a nice day. Alex ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase. http://farechase.yahoo.com/

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Fwd: [Idlelo2] Africa Conference on FOSS and the Digital Commons - Idlelo 3. Call for Papers
by Judy Okite 18 Sep '07

18 Sep '07

FYI ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Nnenna <nne75(a)yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2007 03:25:52 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Idlelo2] Africa Conference on FOSS and the Digital Commons - Idlelo 3. Call for Papers To: African Information Society Initiative - Discussion Forum <aisi-l(a)lyris.bellanet.org>, ACSIS <africa(a)wsis-cs.org>, Governance <governance(a)lists.cpsr.org>, IDLELO <idlelo2(a)fossfa.net>, Nigeria List <wsisnigeria(a)yahoogroups.com>, Naija_IT_Professionals(a)yahoogroups.com, Language <language(a)fossfa.net> Apologies for crossposting Nnenna ** High Priority ** Call for Papers Paper submissions are invited for Idlelo3 Conference, which will be taking place on the 16-20 March , 2008 in Senegal. Delegates who wish to present papers, case studies and workshops are invited to access this link: http://floss.meraka.org.za/ocs/index.php/idlelo3/idlelo3 which will serve as a guidelines for submission Deadline Schedule Abstract Submission 15 October 2007 Peer Review Result 15 November 2007 Abstract Accepted 14 December 2007 Final Paper 15February 2008 Instructions for Presenters Presentation materials must accompany all papers. The presentation material should compliment your full paper. Failure to submit a full paper will result in speaker benefits being withdrawn. Speaker Benefits All Idlelo 3 speakers have their conference registration fee waived. Note that it is important that you get your papers in by the due dates we reserve the right to withdraw the free registration if you do not get it in on time. If you are having problems meeting the deadlines, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can work with you to figure it out. If you are a student, please make sure that we know it. We may offer prize(s) for the best student paper submitted. Submission Guidelines Proposals Your proposal must include: Name, affiliation and address of principle author Brief biographical note, which summarises your CV and explains relevance of your experiences to the topic of your Paper. Full title of the Paper Abstract of the Paper, including a description of what you expect to cover (Maximum length 250 words) Target Audience, namely, who your talk is likely to interest (keywords indicating categories) Preferred stream for presentation Names and bio information of any co-authors Proposals acceptance Authors will be notified of the acceptance of their proposals by the 14 December 2007. Whilst we encourage many proposals, the constraints of time, resources and space dictate that only a restricted number of proposals will be accepted for presentation. We suggest that you communicate any information regarding your individual local requirements with them as soon as possible to ensure a swift response. Paper Submission All presenters are required to submit presentation materials by the specified date. Failure to do so may result in loss of your speaking slot and speaker benefits. Your full paper should include an abstract, introduction, body and conclusion. Please ensure that grammar and spelling is corrected. Make sure your paper includes at the very least a brief introduction to your subject material and a list of further resources. We would prefer that papers for standard length talks (30 minutes) be no more than 5 A4 pages of 11point type with reasonable margins. Papers for long talks (60 minutes) should be not exceed 10 pages. Appropriate file formats include any file that can be read with Open Office (which includes plain text and HTML with minimal mark-up). Slides (even those accompanied by speaker notes) will not be printed in the proceedings. Please provide a good range of sample paper layouts. By submitting a paper to be published in the proceedings, you are agreeing to the FOSSFA terms and regulations. Review results All papers will be reviewed to ensure that papers are of a high quality. The purpose is not to identify spelling or grammatical errors or to test code snippets, although errors may be corrected during the review if found. It is recommended that the presenters should read their papers thoroughly before submitting. Once your paper has been reviewed, the presenters will receive their results in order to make the requested improvements for the published version. Proceedings version A final copy of your paper will be printed in the conference proceedings. Contact details If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Pumeza Ceza at pceza(a)csir.co.za or Vanessa Phala vanessap(a)dpsa.gov.za Please note: Submissions for the abstracts are strictly on the 15 November 2007 FOSSFA reserves the right to select papers for presentation. Abstracts received will be acknowledged and notification of acceptance or rejection will be by email by 15 December 2007 Abstracts of papers submitted to other congresses or previously published will not be considered. No more than three submissions are welcome per presenter We urge presenters to please read the submission requirements carefully as we expect a high volume of presentations --------------------------------- Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on Yahoo! Travel. -- 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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Fwd: eLearning Africa 2008 News Service - Call for Papers Now Open!
by Judy Okite 18 Sep '07

18 Sep '07

FYI, ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: newsservice(a)elearning-africa.com Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2007 22:54:19 +0200 (CEST) Subject: eLearning Africa 2008 News Service - Call for Papers Now Open! To: judyokite(a)gmail.com To unsubscribe, please scroll to the end of this message. News & Information on the eLearning Africa conference, an annual event for developing eLearning capacities in Africa www.elearning-africa.com 1. Call for Papers Now Open The Call for Papers for the eLearning Africa 2008 conference programme is open. You can submit a proposal for a session, presentation, workshop or discussion. Please send us your proposal by December 7, 2008, using the online submission form submission at www.elearning-africa.com. Themes of eLearning Africa 2008 are: - Unleashing the Capabilities of Universities Through Information and Communication Technologies - Corporate eLearning in Africa and Beyond - Introducing eLearning into the School System - Designing and Delivering eLearning - Building the Infrastructure for Education in the 21st Century - Open Source and Open Content - eLearning in Medical Education and the Fight Against HIV and AIDS - Advanced Technology Developments - eLearning Supported by Development Partners - Empowering Women Through ICT and eLearning - Improving the Quality and Outreach of Technical and Vocational Education - Libraries as Access Providers to Resources and Expertise - Quality Development and Quality Assurance - Achieving Inclusivity Through eLearning - eLearning for the Public Sector - Policy Issues and Large-Scale Take-Up of eLearning More information 2. The eLearning Africa Video The eLearning Africa film crew was constantly on the go during the three conference days in Nairobi to get impressions and statements from speakers, participants and exhibitors. They have produced an entertaining five-minute film that captures the lively and inspiring atmosphere at the event... Watch the eLA Film 3. Exhibition & Sponsoring Opportunities eLearning Africa is accompanied by an exhibition and demonstration area where leading international eLearning manufacturers, suppliers and service providers present their latest products and services. Located centrally within the conference venue, the exhibition has a relaxed atmosphere that encourages cooperation initiatives. Participants value the exhibition as a central meeting point within the conference and an excellent opportunity to meet with the exhibiting companies and institutions. If your company is interested in meeting the participants of eLearning Africa, your presence at the exhibition is surely an excellent opportunity to: Promote your organisation and latest developments to a highly specialised audience Establish and strengthen valuable personal contacts Actively engage with a growing market represented by leading eLearning professionals from all over Africa Should you wish to become a sponsor and/or exhibitor at eLearning Africa's accompanying exhibition, please contact us at marketing(a)elearning-africa.com. Visit the event's website 4. Early Bird Rate - Register Now! Get the special conference rate prior to December 14! African Participants - 200 Euros (250 Euros from December 15) Non-Africa Participants - 490 Euros (590 Euros from December 15) African Students - 80 Euros (100 Euros from December 15) Non-African Students - 120 Euros (170 Euros from December 15) Fees & Registration ==================================== Please send any feedback, comments or suggestions to the eLearning Africa newsletter team at press-service(a)icwe.net. For more information about the event, please contact: ICWE GmbH Leibnizstrasse 32 10625 Berlin, Germany Tel.: +49 (0)30 310 18 180 Fax: +49 (0)30 324 98 33 www.icwe.net, www.elearning-africa.com E-Mail: info(a)elearning-africa.com ==================================== Click here to unsubscribe or to change your settings. -- 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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Books
by Dorcas Muthoni 17 Sep '07

17 Sep '07

Dear All, If you happen to have any IT/Computer Science (programming, networking, Internet, Web Development, Databases, AI, Computer Architecture etc) reading materials (books, journals, magazines etc) that you can donate to a school, please get in touch with me. LinuxChix Kenya will be holding an event for girls´ high schools under our mentorship program for young women on 29th September at Catholic University at which we shall donate the books together with others donated to us by NSRC (http://www.nsrc.org/) You are also welcome to the event, Muthoni

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retreat update, spaces available
by Rebecca Wanjiku 17 Sep '07

17 Sep '07

hi, just to let you know that the retreat is still on course, the retreat will take place between the 27-29 of September at the lake Elementaita lodge. we leave on 27th afternoon, at about 5 and get back on 30th, the program will be sent soon by our lead consultant,in attendance will be another prof. who is an expert in the field, we still have space, for those interested in participating, for those who will not make it, you can still forward your contributions for consideration, regards becky Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games.

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ICANN Los Angeles meeting
by alice 17 Sep '07

17 Sep '07

Dear All, For those planning to attend the LA meeting, the schedule has been posted at: http://losangeles2007.icann.org/schedule See below. Schedule and Agendas Sort by Committee / Organization Starts Ends Event Room Saturday, 27 October, 2007 - 00:00 Saturday, 27 October, 2007 - 17:00 GNSO Council Working Session <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/76> Saturday, 27 October, 2007 - 14:00 Saturday, 27 October, 2007 - 18:00 GAC Working Group on IDNs (CLOSED) <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/30> Sunday, 28 October, 2007 - 00:00 Sunday, 28 October, 2007 - 10:00 GAC Working Group 1: IDNs in gTLD Space (CLOSED) <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/31> Sunday, 28 October, 2007 - 00:00 Sunday, 28 October, 2007 - 10:30 Fellowship Participants Orientation <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/32> Sunday, 28 October, 2007 - 09:00 Sunday, 28 October, 2007 - 16:00 GNSO Council Working Session <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/81> Sunday, 28 October, 2007 - 10:00 Sunday, 28 October, 2007 - 11:00 GAC Working Group 1: Follow-up to Whois and New gTLDs (CLOSED) <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/37> Sunday, 28 October, 2007 - 11:15 Sunday, 28 October, 2007 - 13:00 GAC Working Group on IDNs (CLOSED) <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/33> Sunday, 28 October, 2007 - 13:00 Sunday, 28 October, 2007 - 14:00 ICANN Board / GAC Joint Working Group (CLOSED) <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/34> Sunday, 28 October, 2007 - 14:00 Sunday, 28 October, 2007 - 15:30 IANA Workshop: IPv6 <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/36> Sunday, 28 October, 2007 - 14:00 Sunday, 28 October, 2007 - 15:45 GAC Working Group 2&4: Meeting w/ ccNSO Council (CLOSED) <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/50> Sunday, 28 October, 2007 - 16:00 Sunday, 28 October, 2007 - 17:30 IANA Workshop Part II: IPv6 <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/38> Sunday, 28 October, 2007 - 16:00 Sunday, 28 October, 2007 - 18:00 Joint GAC/GNSO Council Meeting <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/39> Monday, 29 October, 2007 - 00:00 Monday, 29 October, 2007 - 17:00 ccTLD Technical Meeting <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/40> Monday, 29 October, 2007 - 00:00 Monday, 29 October, 2007 - 00:00 Fellowship Participants Meeting <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/41> Monday, 29 October, 2007 - 09:00 Monday, 29 October, 2007 - 09:45 Welcome Ceremony <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/42> Monday, 29 October, 2007 - 10:30 Monday, 29 October, 2007 - 11:00 ICANN Public Forum: President's Report and Comments <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/43> Monday, 29 October, 2007 - 11:00 Monday, 29 October, 2007 - 12:30 Workshop: GNSO Review <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/44> Monday, 29 October, 2007 - 11:00 Monday, 29 October, 2007 - 12:30 DNSSEC Workshop <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/77> Monday, 29 October, 2007 - 13:00 Monday, 29 October, 2007 - 19:00 GNSO Public Forum on New gTLDs <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/45> Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 00:00 Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 00:00 Fellowship Participants Meeting <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/46> Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 00:00 Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 17:00 gTLD Registries Constituency Meeting <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/47> Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 00:00 Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 18:00 Registrars Constituency Meeting <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/48> Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 00:00 Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 17:00 Non-Commercial Business Users Constituency <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/49> Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 00:00 Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 10:30 GAC Working Group 7: GAC Reforms (CLOSED) <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/60> Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 00:30 Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 17:00 ccNSO Members Meeting <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/51> Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 10:00 Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 12:00 Cross Constituency Meeting <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/52> Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 11:00 Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 11:45 GAC Working Group 7: Discussion of Input on Accountability (CLOSED) <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/79> Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 11:45 Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 13:00 SSAC Briefing for GAC and ccTLD Operators on DNSSEC <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/53> Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 14:00 Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 16:30 GAC Plenary (CLOSED) <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/54> Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 14:00 Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 17:00 Intellectual Property Interests Constituency Meeting <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/55> Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 14:00 Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 17:00 Internet Service and Connectivity Providers Constituency Meeting <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/56> Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 14:00 Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 16:00 Commercial and Business Users Constituency Meeting <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/57> Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 16:45 Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 18:00 GAC Meeting with the ICANN Board (OPEN SESSION) <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/80> Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 19:30 Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 - 23:00 GALA Event @ Sony Studios including Official Tribute to Vint Cerf <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/58> Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 00:00 Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 00:00 Fellowship Participants Meeting <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/59> Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 00:00 Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 10:30 GAC Plenary (CLOSED) <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/62> Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 00:00 Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 12:00 ccNSO Members Meeting <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/63> Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 00:00 Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 00:00 ccNSO Council Meeting <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/69> Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 00:30 Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 10:00 GNSO Council Meeting & Public Forum <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/61> Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 10:30 Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 12:00 GNSO Council Meeting and Public Forum Continued <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/64> Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 13:00 Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 14:00 Workshop: Internet Governance <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/65> Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 13:00 Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 15:00 SSAC Open Meeting <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/78> Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 14:00 Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 15:00 Workshop: ICANN Translation Policy <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/66> Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 14:00 Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 18:00 GAC Plenary (CLOSED) <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/67> Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 15:30 Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 17:00 Workshop: Registrar Accreditation Agreement <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/68> Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 17:00 Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 - 18:30 Workshop: ICANN Nominating Committee Review <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/70> Thursday, 1 November, 2007 - 00:00 Thursday, 1 November, 2007 - 00:00 Fellowship Participants Meeting <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/71> Thursday, 1 November, 2007 - 00:00 Thursday, 1 November, 2007 - 00:00 GNSO Council Discussion of Input from Meetings <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/73> Thursday, 1 November, 2007 - 00:30 Thursday, 1 November, 2007 - 10:00 ICANN Public Forum <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/72> Friday, 2 November, 2007 - 00:00 Friday, 2 November, 2007 - 00:00 Fellowship Participants Meeting <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/74> Friday, 2 November, 2007 - 00:30 Friday, 2 November, 2007 - 13:00 Meeting of the ICANN Board <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/node/75>

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Public comments on GNSO Council's WHOIS outputs invited
by Alex Gakuru 17 Sep '07

17 Sep '07

http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-2-14sep07.htm Public comments are invited via email until 00:00 UTC (17:00 PDT) on 30 October 2007 on the GNSO Council's WHOIS reports and recommendations. Submit comments to: whois-comments-2007(a)icann.org. View comments at http://forum.icann.org/lists/whois-comments-2007/. Background In March, 2007, a WHOIS Task Force convened by the GNSO Council in June, 2005 completed its final report. The Task Force was asked to address important questions related to WHOIS. Key questions included the purpose of WHOIS service, which information should be available to the public, how to improve WHOIS accuracy and how to deal with conflicts between WHOIS requirements and relevant privacy laws. In the final report, a simple majority of members of the WHOIS Task Force endorsed a proposal called the "Operational Point of Contact" (OPOC). Under OPOC, every registrant would identify a new operational contact and the technical and administrative contact details would no longer be displayed. The final WHOIS Task Force Report of 12 March, 2007 is posted at http://gnso.icann.org/issues/whois-privacy/whois-services-final-tf-report-1…. Following completion of the Task Force Report and public comment period, on 28 March the GNSO Council issued a resolution creating a WHOIS Working Group to examine three issues and to make recommendations concerning how current policies may be improved to address these issues: 1. to examine the roles, responsibilities and requirements of the OPOC, and what happens if they are not fulfilled; 2. to examine how legitimate interests will access unpublished registration data; and 3. to examine whether publication of registration contact information should be based on the type of registered name holder (legal vs. natural persons) or the registrant's use of a domain name. The Whois Outcomes Working Group Report was finalized on 20 August, 2007. It is posted at http://gnso.icann.org/drafts/icann-whois-wg-report-final-1-9.pdf [PDF, 213K]. On 6 September 2007, the GNSO Council approved a resolution which, among other things, establishes a schedule for consideration of the WHOIS Task Force Report and the WHOIS Working Group Report. This schedule includes solicitation of further public comments and culminates in a public Council discussion and vote on 31 October 2007 during the Los Angeles ICANN. In addition, the resolution calls for ICANN staff to prepare a type of "draft final report" that references the Task Force Report, the Working Group Charter and the Working Group Report and which includes an overall description of the process. The following document, entitled, Staff Overview of Recent GNSO WHOIS Activity [PDF, 77K], has been prepared in response to the Council Resolution. It contains the full text of the GNSO resolution and the schedule for GNSO Council consideration of the reports. Again, further public comments are invited via email until 00:00 UTC (17:00 PDT) on 30 October 2007 on the GNSO Council's WHOIS reports and recommendations referenced above and summarized in the Staff Overview of Recent GNSO WHOIS Activity [PDF, 77K]. Submit comments to: whois-comments-2007(a)icann.org. View comments at http://forum.icann.org/lists/whois-comments-2007/. -- Glen de Saint Géry GNSO Secretariat - ICANN gnso.secretariat[at]gnso.icann.org http://gnso.icann.org ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545469

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URGENT: Anyone Attending the Internet Governance Forum in Rio?
by Janet Feldman 16 Sep '07

16 Sep '07

Dear Friends, Please see this urgent message, and contact Michael Gurstein directly, at gurstein(a)gmail.com. Thanks and best wishes, Janet (Feldman, kaippg(a)earthlink.net) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: michael gurstein gurstein(a)gmail.com Date: Sep 16, 2007 7:05 AM Subject: [gta] URGENT: Is anyone from this group (or in associated groups) likely to be attending the Internet Governance Forum in Rio? As most of you know the major follow-on activity to the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) is the Internet Governance Forum which met last year in Athens and is meeting this year in Rio de Janeiro. http://www.intgovforum.org Civil society is a quite active player in this forum and has the opportunity to nominate speakers for various of the sessions which will be held. I've been fairly vocal in arguing that those such as folks involved with the Telecentre movement i.e. with grass roots experience and interests should have a role to play in these discussions and I've now been roped into being on the Civil Society (actually the CS Internet Governance Caucus) nominating committee for CS participation in the forum. A major problem and one that I and others have been complaining about quite strenuously is that there is NO funding for participation by CS in the IGF. What I'm asking is whether any of you folks (or people that you know as Telecentre colleagues or collaborators) either will be attending the Rio conference or could attend the Rio conference even in the absence of any financial support. If there are such persons on this list or that you know of I need to have an indication of your/their interest in participating more or less immediately (the committee is meeting starting late tomorrow for two days) to come up with a list of names to send forward to the IGF Management Committee. If you do send an indication of interest please also include a brief resume and if possible a statement of what areas would be of particular interest/expertise for you to contribute on. The subject matter areas on which sessions will be held are as follows: Critical Internet Resources: Starting point for the discussion is the definition contained in the WGIG report (Para 13 a): "Issues relating to infrastructure and the management of critical Internet resources, including administration of the domain name system and Internet protocol addresses (IP addresses), administration of the root server system, technical standards, peering and interconnection, telecommunications infrastructure, including innovative and convergent technologies, as well as multilingualization." The session will use a baseline approach, taking into account WSIS principles. The purpose of the discussion is to bring out information and opinion. There will be a balanced panel of five to seven experts, including the major players, reflecting a range of views Access: - Special connectivity problems faced by Africa, land-locked, island and least developed countries. - Access challenges in rural areas. - Skills development, training and capacity building in the use of technology. - Low cost access solutions. - Mobile and wireless access. - International infrastructure reliability, connectivity policy and costs. - Local and regional interconnection and cross-border regulation. - Economic impact of access. - Issues related to net neutrality. Diversity: - Building support and stimulating demand for locally developed content. This includes content that is not commercially viable, software support and the role of audio-visual communication. - The role of open standards in promoting diversity. - The involvement of language communities in developing internationalized domain names (IDN) and in developing multi-lingual content, including content in indigenous and minority languages. - Technologies, policies, and capacity building to reduce illiteracy and to provide access and accessible content for marginalized and vulnerable groups of society, including older persons and persons with disabilities. - Public policies concerned with user generated content. Openness: - Freedom of expression and the role of governments to protect that right. - Protection of privacy and its relation to freedom of expression. - The relationship between national regulations on freedom of expression and the border-free Internet. - The relationship between private enterprise, human rights, and compliance with national law. - The balance between citizens' rights, and the rights of IPR holders. - Innovative business models, made possible by the Internet, for dealing with digital content and their application in development. - Open source software, proprietary software and open standards. - The challenges to access to information and knowledge and what can be done to overcome them. - Maximizing access to content. Security: - Security threats to countries, companies, and individuals as users of the Internet and to the Internet itself - The definition of security threats, international security cooperation, including such issues as cybercrime, cyber-terrorism and cyber-warfare. - The relationship between national implementation and international cooperation. - Cooperation across national boundaries, taking into account different legal policies on privacy, combating crime and security. - The role of all stakeholders in the implementation of security measures, including security in relation to behaviour and uses. - Security of internet resources. - Authentication and identification - Authentication and identification and their role in fostering trust online and their relation to the protection of privacy. - Challenges to privacy in a security environment. - Respecting freedom of expression. - Privacy and identity. - Privacy and development. - Security issues related to the protection of children. - Protecting children from abuse and exploitation in the online environment. Emerging issues - Emerging pervasive nature of the Internet in a political, economic, and social context. - Policy implication of rapid spread wireless and mobile Internet. - Policy implications of user generated content. - Implications of competition policy. Best, MG Michael Gurstein, Ph.D. Centre for Community Informatics Research, Training and Development Ste. 2101-989 Nelson St. Vancouver BC CANADA v6z 2s1 http://www.communityinformatics.net tel./fax +1-604-602-0624

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Internet Service Providers Record Rise in Earnings in Kenya
by alice 16 Sep '07

16 Sep '07

From Balancing Act Internet Service Providers Record Rise in Earnings in Kenya Local Internet service providers are earning higher revenues signalling increased use of the web among consumers, industry statistics show. The data indicate that average revenue per user (ARPU), a measure of how each user spends on internet access, has risen to an all time high of $600 in some segments of the market, up from an average of $500 last year. Globally, ARPU is used as a measure of how much money a service provider makes from the average user and enables the ISPs to make revenue projections as well as determine which products are earning most revenues. It also provides an accurate picture as to what services and products are popular with consumers in certain segments of the market. "Most ICT firms, however, have indicated application of cost leadership strategies, resulting in lower ARPUs with the intention of raking in higher subscriber number," said Shida Mutuku, the group head of marketing at Africa Online. The pan-African ISP, which is changing focus from being a pure ISP services company to a supplier of comprehensive IT services, says demand for ICT products is rising across the board. ISPs can maximise on their resources by using ARPU data to their advantage. ARPU can also be used as a measure of how successful a company is in moving users to new services that are regarded as strategically important. Citing steadily increasing revenues from its broadband product, AccessKenya Group hopes to realise its projected revenue target from customers looking for better speed and capacity from their internet connection. Last week, AccessKenya said it was on track to realising an ARPU average of $540 owing to increased number of large customers coming on board and many existing customers upgrading their bandwidth. The ICT company, which recently announced that it had realised its customer target of 1,720 four months ahead of schedule, says its current ARPU is underpinned by the strength of its Broadband Max 2 leased line solution that has become popular with the corporate market. "Broadband Max 2 offers a quadruple downlink coupled with high reliability evidenced by a 99.8 per cent Service Level Agreement," said Jonathan Somen, the managing director of AccessKenya. "We are the only ISP offering this sort of solution in the Kenyan market and have realised significant increase in demand over the past six months," he said. Somen said AccessKenya had set a new target of enrolling a minimum of 1,900 leased line customers by the end of the year, and has been reinvesting some of its profits from increased customer numbers to build up sales and customer service teams. Africa Online refused to reveal its current ARPUs but said it was targeting ARPU of $1,000 per use by the end of the year. The ambitious target is based on increased demand for corporate leased line solutions and increased take up in the residential user market of the wireless broadband product, Infinet. (Source: Business Daily)

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Research fellow position - at Berkeley
by Michael Kipsang Bullut 16 Sep '07

16 Sep '07

Distribute widely... ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: AhA <consultancysupportservices(a)gmail.com> Date: 9 Sep 2007 17:09 Subject: [DigAfrica] Research fellow position - in ip at Berkeley] To: ictcnigeria_group(a)yahoogroups.com, dltw0903(a)yahoogroups.com, NVLNaijaProject(a)yahoogroups.com, Naija_IT_Professionals(a)yahoogroups.com, FGCKadunaOSA(a)yahoogroups.com, Wsisnigeria(a)yahoogroups.com, digitalheritage(a)googlegroups.com, Pro-Unitate(a)googlegroups.com, cyberianigeria(a)googlegroups.com, ALF_DLTW(a)googlegroups.com, ICTAdvocacy(a)googlegroups.com, DLTWFemaleMediaPractitioners(a)yahoogroups.com, DigAfrica(a)yahoogroups.com, cyber-buddies(a)yahoogroups.com Please pass on to those who might be interested __._,_.___ Messages in this topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/message/6309;_ylc=X3oDMTM0ZmdmZGpzB…>( 1) Reply (via web post) <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJwYmxnaDdiBF9TAzk3M…>| Start a new topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJlaXFiN2pnBF9TAzk3M…> Messages<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/messages;_ylc=X3oDMTJla2dmZzZiBF9TA…>| Links<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/links;_ylc=X3oDMTJmYTc5NWpzBF9TAzk3…>| Polls<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/polls;_ylc=X3oDMTJmNXRwNzNuBF9TAzk3…> Dig Africa site welcomes you to join us at http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/Digafrica on IT in Africa Aids-Africa is a forum for communication and information on AIDS related issues in Africa and all are welcome to join us at http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/aids-africa Join us on hiv/aids forum on Kenya at http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/kenya-aids Join us at a Kenyan networking forum and NGOS at http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/kenyainternational [image: Yahoo! Groups]<http://groups.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTJka3U2azJnBF9TAzk3NDc2NTkwBGdycElkAzI5M…> Change settings via the Web<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/join;_ylc=X3oDMTJmZDZja2k2BF9TAzk3N…>(Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest<DigAfrica-digest@yahoogroups.com?subject=Email+Delivery:+Digest>| Switch format to Traditional<DigAfrica-traditional@yahoogroups.com?subject=Change+Delivery+Format:+Traditional> Visit Your Group <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica;_ylc=X3oDMTJkdjBkM2tsBF9TAzk3NDc2NT…>| Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> | Unsubscribe <DigAfrica-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com?subject=> Recent Activity - 3 New Members<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/members;_ylc=X3oDMTJmbmF1NWw1BF9TAz…> Visit Your Group <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica;_ylc=X3oDMTJlZ3MyZjNpBF9TAzk3MzU5Nz…> Yahoo! Groups Moderator Central<http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=12jhug8hb/M=493064.10729651.11333342.8674578/D=…> Connecting a world of moderators Real Food Group Share recipes<http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=12jobk3sf/M=493064.11036139.11614791.8674578/D=…> and favorite meals w/ Real Food lovers. Beauty Groups on Yahoo! Groups<http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=12jh1h9u5/M=493064.11135489.11710475.8674578/D=…> A great place to connect and share. . __,_._,___ FYI. This may be of interest to members of our list. - Molly. Original Message: ----------------- > Date: September 6, 2007 7:25:06 PM EDT > To: Fellows(a)cyber.law.harvard.edu <Fellows%40cyber.law.harvard.edu> > Subject: [fellows] research fellow position > > > Please share this notice with anyone you think might be interested: > > The Berkeley Center for Law & Technology (BCLT) is seeking to hire > a Research Fellow for a one year term (possibly renewable for a > second year), beginning in January 2008, to undertake research on > intellectual property and other high technology issues under the > supervision of BCLT faculty. Because the funding for this > fellowship is being provided by Microsoft Corp., the Research > Fellow hired will be known as the "Microsoft Research Fellow." > > BCLT is a research center at the University of California Berkeley, > Boalt Hall School of Law. For the past ten years, BCLT has been > rated by US News & World Report as the best intellectual property > program in the country, in part because of the high quality, high > impact research conducted by its faculty and students. BCLT's > research extends beyond the intellectual property core to > encompass electronic commerce, telecommunications regulation, > cyberlaw, privacy and other areas of law that are affected by new > information technologies. > > Primary Responsibilities > > The primary responsibilities of the Fellow will be: > > research and writing of articles or reports of publishable quality > on high technology issues, under the supervision of BCLT faculty > working with BCLT faculty and staff to organize workshops, > conferences, talks, and meetings with lawyers, policymakers, and > industry representatives > collaborating with JD, PhD students and Professors working on > related projects, including a major study of Intellectual Property > and Entrepreneurship > producing a periodic newsletter focused on BCLT research > writing articles, white papers, and opinion pieces directed at > audiences beyond academia > speaking at conferences and meetings, and to the press about the > research > Examples of issues for research are: patent law and > entrepreneurship, patent law reform, international patent issues, > rules for secondary liability of technology developers, anti- > circumvention regulations, legal regulation of spam, spyware, > malware and deceptive software, privacy and security issues, > digital rights management, trusted computing, computer crimes and > broadband policy. > > Qualifications > > An ideal candidate for this position would have the following > characteristics: > > • J.D. degree or relevant Ph.D. in science and technology > policy > > • research experience > > • excellent communication, analytical and writing skills; > > • subject matter knowledge of intellectual property law > and technology policy > > To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, relevant > transcripts, writing sample, and a detailed statement of interest > as soon as possible, but in any event not later than, October 1, > 2007. Two letters of recommendation (which may arrive separately or > with application materials) required. Materials should be directed to: > > Louise Lee, Assistant Director for BCLT > > School of Law (Boalt Hall Rm 351) > > UC Berkeley > > Berkeley, CA 94720-7200 > > Please refer potential reviewers to the UC Berkeley Statement of > Confidentiality found at: http://apo.chance.berkeley.edu/ > evalltr.html. > > Applicants should be prepared to begin work during the spring of > 2008. Appointment is for one year. > > The University of California is an AA/EEO employer. Minority, > female, disabled and GLBT applicants are particularly encouraged to > apply. > > Compensation > > $45,048 to $51,660 depending upon experience. > > For more information about BC LT visit our website at <http:// > www.law.berkeley.edu/institutes/bclt/>http://www.law.berkeley.edu/ > institutes/bclt > > > > Pamela Samuelson > Richard M. Sherman Distinguished Professor of Law & Information > University of California, Berkeley 94720 > (510) 642-6775 www.ischool.berkeley.edu/~pam ---------------------------------------------------------- mail2web.com – Enhanced email for the mobile individual based on Microsoft(r) Exchange - http://link.mail2web.com/Personal/EnhancedEmail -- "To see a world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wildflower...hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour..." ~ William Blakeg. --

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Two other classics from the Kenyans
by Eric Osiakwan 15 Sep '07

15 Sep '07

Online Newspaper Editions Increase Sales Kenyan newspapers have embraced the internet and increased their sales with innovations such as sending headlines by SMS to readers. Nairobi has also become the hub of an ambitious project to digitise all sub-Saharan newspapers. Field director of the Library of Congress Office in Nairobi, Pamela Howard-Reguindin, told the recent World Library and Information Congress in Durban that the managing editors of Kenya's main papers, the Daily Nation and Standard "realise they must adopt new technology or fall into oblivion as has happened with some of their competitors". Despite limited access to the internet by Kenyans, the two dailies and a Swahili newspaper, Taifa Leo, have used online editions to increase sales of both electronic and print versions. The key to this success has been the production of "born digital" items - first on the net and then in print - as well as marketing innovations. Text teasers and headlines are sent to SMS lists and e-mail addresses. Now the Nation Media Group is to launch a "born digital" publication, Business Daily. Deals have been struck with NewsStand and NewspaperDirect to increase sales and RSS feeds. "Both newspaper editors report that sales of online and hardcopy issues are growing," says Howard-Reguindin. "The Daily Nation is working on a new website Nation Digital that will include text messages via mobile phones, online news/chat rooms, RSS, and specialised services such as sports scores, stock prices, and horoscopes." The Standard is getting about 3 million hits a day for their website, "most from outside Kenya, but a steadily increasing number from within the country as internet access penetrates more Kenyan businesses, schools and households". Meanwhile, the US Library of Congress office in Nairobi is racing against time to digitise the newspapers of 29 sub-Saharan newspapers that are crumbling to dust in archives across the continent. The project started with a "computer-based index of the articles published in the major Nairobi newspapers from 1980 onwards covering the cultural affairs of this country, mainly music, dance, theatre, literature and art", overseen by Ruth Thomas, a noted Nairobi librarian. "Subsequently the topics expanded to include reproductive health, law/ governance affairs, and various others. "Hundreds, if not thousands, of newspaper titles from some 29 sub- Saharan countries have already been microfilmed and dozens more are being filmed on an annual basis by the library and its office in New Delhi, India. "In spite of this laudable work, many more newspaper titles and corresponding issues remain in our ever-growing backlog," says Howard- Reguindin. Ten sub-Saharan titles are being sent to the library in Washington, DC for treatment (www.loc.gov/acq/ovop/nairobi/lc_npapers.html for the list). At the library's office in New Delhi several cameras and camera operators are working overtime to film as much as possible of another 115 titles. "One possible role of Kenyan librarians would be to encourage the newspaper managers to offer internet access to full content of the articles free to Kenyan schools and universities." This "could be a role for any national African library association. Many journal publishers located in the US and Europe are now allowing internet users in developing countries to access full content of journal articles without charge". "If this open access could be offered to Kenya newspaper readers, the information in the daily press could strengthen efforts in governance and democratisation, literacy and responsible civic leadership," says Howard-Reguindin. (Source: Cape Argus) The potential of data vending in Kenya The poor penetration of Internet services coupled with low levels of computer literacy in Kenya are holding back the country's emerging data vending industry. The data vendors, who sell and distribute financial and business news, are targeting rural populations as well as Kenyans in the diaspora. Mr Bildad Kagai , the managing director of data vending firm MediaCorp Limited, told the Business Daily that while data vending has the potential to be a major industry in the financial services sector, more needed to be done to ensure computer services reached majority of the people. "Kenyans, especially those outside Nairobi, have been waiting eagerly for the Real Time data, but inability to access the Internet remains a big challenge," says Mr Kagai He said traders did not have to physically go to the bourse to get financial data, but they could do this in the comfort of their offices through the Internet. He said the highest potential for growth in data vending was in rural towns and that lack of Internet services was limiting the uptake of online financial news and data. MediaCorp earlier this month launched its data vending services in Mombasa to increase its presence in the country. Symon Ndirangu, the chief executive officer of Information Convergence Technologies ICT Ltd, says that with the signing of an average of 50 to 100 new users every month, most of the six data vendor currently operating in the market should break even within the next 12 months. "Although it is taking time for many investors to appreciate the value of data, we are upbeat that revenue will pick up very soon." Currently, the cost of a data vending license from the NSE is valued at Sh170,000 (US$2500) while ISPs are charging about Sh50,000 per month for connection. With an estimated Sh180,000 in other costs, data vendors are paying at least Sh400,000 a month or Sh4.8million annually to stay afloat. Ndirangu however projects that with the developments in the ICT sector as well as the Capital Markets, the data vendors should have at least each have 10,000-20,000 customers utilizing their services. At an annual charge of Sh5000 per customers, data vendors could easily rake in Sh50 million in a year. 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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Internet Service Providers Record Rise in Earnings in Kenya
by Eric Osiakwan 15 Sep '07

15 Sep '07

Internet Service Providers Record Rise in Earnings in Kenya Local Internet service providers are earning higher revenues signalling increased use of the web among consumers, industry statistics show. The data indicate that average revenue per user (ARPU), a measure of how each user spends on internet access, has risen to an all time high of $600 in some segments of the market, up from an average of $500 last year. Globally, ARPU is used as a measure of how much money a service provider makes from the average user and enables the ISPs to make revenue projections as well as determine which products are earning most revenues. It also provides an accurate picture as to what services and products are popular with consumers in certain segments of the market. "Most ICT firms, however, have indicated application of cost leadership strategies, resulting in lower ARPUs with the intention of raking in higher subscriber number," said Shida Mutuku, the group head of marketing at Africa Online. The pan-African ISP, which is changing focus from being a pure ISP services company to a supplier of comprehensive IT services, says demand for ICT products is rising across the board. ISPs can maximise on their resources by using ARPU data to their advantage. ARPU can also be used as a measure of how successful a company is in moving users to new services that are regarded as strategically important. Citing steadily increasing revenues from its broadband product, AccessKenya Group hopes to realise its projected revenue target from customers looking for better speed and capacity from their internet connection. Last week, AccessKenya said it was on track to realising an ARPU average of $540 owing to increased number of large customers coming on board and many existing customers upgrading their bandwidth. The ICT company, which recently announced that it had realised its customer target of 1,720 four months ahead of schedule, says its current ARPU is underpinned by the strength of its Broadband Max 2 leased line solution that has become popular with the corporate market. "Broadband Max 2 offers a quadruple downlink coupled with high reliability evidenced by a 99.8 per cent Service Level Agreement," said Jonathan Somen, the managing director of AccessKenya. "We are the only ISP offering this sort of solution in the Kenyan market and have realised significant increase in demand over the past six months," he said. Somen said AccessKenya had set a new target of enrolling a minimum of 1,900 leased line customers by the end of the year, and has been reinvesting some of its profits from increased customer numbers to build up sales and customer service teams. Africa Online refused to reveal its current ARPUs but said it was targeting ARPU of $1,000 per use by the end of the year. The ambitious target is based on increased demand for corporate leased line solutions and increased take up in the residential user market of the wireless broadband product, Infinet. (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: SV: [AfrISPA.Discuss] Undersea cable plan tangled in acrimony inSouth Africa
by Eric Osiakwan 14 Sep '07

14 Sep '07

fyi from the AfrISPA discuss list.... Begin forwarded message: > From: "Anders Comstedt" <anders(a)ssvl.kth.se> > Date: 9 September 2007 21:52:19 GMT+03:00 > To: <Discuss(a)afrispa.org> > Subject: SV: [AfrISPA.Discuss] Undersea cable plan tangled in > acrimony inSouth Africa > Reply-To: Discuss(a)afrispa.org > > Frank, > > You are right that everyone else but RSA needs a cable to RoW much, > much > more than the good folks south, also that the thing has got stuck in > political concerns and power games. The good thing is, however, > that the > general consensus on the needs, commercial impact and development > leverage > of a widely available optical fibre cable has shifted from cold to > warm. > > Technically, there is no need for an East African submarine cable > south > beyond Maputo at all, as there is well protected optical fibre > Maputo - > Pretoria on the power lines. Which, btw, RSA has effectively > prevented open > & fair use of during several years, effectively leaving Maputo on > VSAT for a > much longer time than necessary. So SA could connect that route, > already > today, to any cable from the north that lands close to Maputo. > > Now two small issues: > First, RSA companies are major stakeholders in any submarine cable > proposal > that has emerged the last couple of years, dominant to the extent > that it > has made other parties concerned on who actually will control a > cable system > supposed to be a joint project with some 23 participants. The > Telkom SA part > of EASSy is closer to 50% than 1/23, and may well increase to >50% > if Telkom > buys any of the other participants, which has been contemplated by > some > pundits. > Second, the RSA market is a closed market where only a very limited > number > of politically approved players are carefully allowed to > participate in > sharing the revenues of an artificially high price level market. > Who wants > to rock that boat of the industry insiders? So you have strong > concerns > among established telecom industry interests in RSA to not change > the game > for as long as possible. According to some analysts, keeping this > inflated > price for another year or so is worth much more money in excessive > profits > than the entire investment in EASSy. Why give away money by a too > early > price reduction? > > So what does the rest of the SSA think about this? And also the > international community in general, forking in quite a bit of the > financing > into any of the cable projects suggested? > Well, they probably don't go easily on potentially offending the > single > biggest partner they have in all other trade and political issues > in SSA by > suggesting a solution without clear RSA involvement. The bean > counters then > look at the traffic volumes and say that any project without the > RSA volume > will be a commercial disaster, and what about restoration if we > cannot reach > and have an agreement with SAT-3? > > You end up in a situation where the question is: Who blinks first? > > If there is no initiatives potentially making any EA submarine cable > roll-out happen ex RSA, there will be little change in any broader RSA > stance as long as the revenues and influence of the joint RSA > political and > industrial telecoms interests are lined up the way they are. > > Others have to consider their positions and responsibilities in > relation to > all this. Personally, I cannot help looking at TEAMS in the light > of the > above. > > What about an EASSy project, now financed even more by international > development money, first built to those countries where an open market > exist? Gradually expanding South instead of gradually expanding North? > > Loosing a big Telkom part of the financing is of cause not what those > banking, operator and vendor interests want that have got the > financial > EASSy-packet stitched together with difficulty. > > The interesting thing, however, is that the financing of EASSy > seems to have > been growing softer by the day during 2007. What was a year ago > portrayed as > a pure commercial financing is now looking more and more to be > relying upon > soft elements just short of labelling significant amounts pure grants. > > This shift opens up interesting considerations on the entire > development > financing too: Shall such money be used to shelter commercial > interests from > competition, actively preventing driving user prices down? > Maintaining artificially high profits to protected operators in > restricted > markets is not necessarily in line with what should be eligible for > support. > At some point of time that discussion will re-surface too in a > similar way > as it did at WSIS when the WBG took a clear stance pro openness and > equal > availability of cable capacity for all interested parties. > > I have a hard time understanding how EU institutions can provide > not only > the initial semi-soft "commercial loans" but now more of softer > financing to > any venture so openly wide open to violating several EU principles > regarding > telecoms and general market openness. Sure, as long as it stayed > under the > radar various individuals could claim ignorance, but that is > getting harder > and harder with the EA debate on why an obvious need is not met in > a fair > way. Supporting a questionable package could soon kill a promising > career > inside the EU system rather than promoting it. Time must be running > out on > the non-open conditions? > > The alternatives to EASSy now visible, funded by pure commercial > capital > like SEACOM, makes it even more questionable to give soft funds to any > set-up having questionable market development properties. Rather, it > reinforces the need to justify any support by such funds with even > MORE > arguments on the project openness and development leverage. > > Both EASSy and SEACOM seem to have a hard time in RSA as long as > they are > not clearly controlled by local interests. > > Both seem up for a hard choice in RSA: > Give in, as little as possibly, but the control must be in RSA hands > Pass RSA in an immediate implementation of the rest of the system, or > Delay the whole thing, waiting for RSA to blink in fear of being > left out. > > Other EA stakeholders need to consider what situation they like to > promote > for any cable project in the above respect. Don't just ask the cable > projects to carry the burden of dealing with this political risk > all by > themselves, later blaming them for whatever compromise they make! A > risk now > being the main obstacle between the current deficit and a state-of- > the art, > reasonably priced cable connection for SSA to RoW. > > The worst alternative for RSA operators is probably a combination > of an > early East-West SSA link (EA to Angola or Nigeria?) with two new > terrestrial > and/or submarine links north to the Mediterranean from EA. All the > current > transit traffic from RSA neighbours to SAT-3 will then disappear in > a flash. > Instead, RSA may be faced with not only a very limited interest > from others > to consider an EA submarine cable south, but a desire to making RSA > operators subject to a similar transit pricing practice that Telkom > SA has > up to now offered its neighbours in connecting to SAT-3. > Considering the > profits in the closed RSA market such a scenario may, however, > still be a > good alternative to some players in that local market as it may > delay the > tide by another year or two. > > The frustration over the EA development lag by the delay in cable > implementation is causing a lot of impatient folks to say that "the > only > important thing is that a sub marine cable gets built". That is > understandable but dangerous. Remember SAT-3. > > Dispatched over an industry standard 100Mb/s connection to the home, > commonly available for a couple of Big Macs/month in an open, > competitive > market. > > Anders > > -----Ursprungligt meddelande----- > Från: Discuss-owner(a)afrispa.org [mailto:Discuss-owner@afrispa.org] > För Frank > Habicht > Skickat: den 9 september 2007 09:27 > Till: Discuss(a)afrispa.org > Ämne: Re: [AfrISPA.Discuss] Undersea cable plan tangled in acrimony > inSouth > Africa > > Question(s)... > > Who _needs_ (badly) that Eassy lands in SA ? > I'm not up-to-date with most things, but I guess for many the > connection > to Sudan will connect them to the world (maybe without redundancy, but > maybe that redundancy would be clumsy anyway). > > I think the ones who need Eassy to land in SA the most are SA > operators > (maybe excl. Telkom, maybe not?). > > For everyone else only one thing is important: that this thing gets > built! > If SA wants to stay with the connectivity they have now.... fine with > me. I don't want myself to stay with VSATs. > > So, let the SA companies loose out. Let them take it up with their > government. Or change the same if necessary. Their problem. > > The worst thing that can happen in my little uninformed opinion is > that > this political (*&^%()*&% delays the building of that cable. > > So, can we continue to build it up to Maputo, please? > The ..... opinion of politicians in SA shouldn't prevent ~20 other > countries to get proper connectivity. > > For how long has this project dragged on already? For how long been > delayed by politics? > Wasn't the contract done to start building? > > Frank > impatient, disappointed, upset > > > On 9/8/2007 3:10 PM, Eric Osiakwan wrote: >> The sole active supporter of the NEPAD-backed Broadband >> Infrastructure >> Project that will never be built, the South African Government is >> trying >> to arm-twist EASSy because the project has slipped free of NEPAD >> control. This is the arrogant display of naked political power that >> those who have not signed the NEPAD political protocol feared would >> occur if the larger African brother failed to get its way. >> >> The 10,000km Eassy cable will be 27% owned by Telkom, Neotel and MTN, >> and is designed to provide desperately needed cheap bandwidth to 21 >> African countries. But SA's communications department has taken >> umbrage >> at what it sees as the commercial nature of the enterprise, and >> intends >> to withhold landing rights. >> >> Instead, the government will use taxpayers' money to roll out two >> rival >> cables heading east and west, jointly known as the Nepad Broadband >> Infrastructure Network. Denying landing rights to EASSy will be >> detrimental to the three local companies, which, they say, have >> had the >> foresight to invest in the project to slash bandwidth prices. >> >> It will also be anticompetitive if EASSy members are not allowed >> to sell >> bandwidth to other operators in SA, says Mohsen Khalil, a director >> with >> the International Finance Corporation (IFC). He also says the >> government's hostility shows it has not understood a new >> commitment the >> consortium has made to open access. >> >> The IFC is part of the World Bank, and is investing $32,5m to help >> about >> 15 small operators participate in Eassy. Yet the director-general >> of the >> communications department, Lyndall Shope Mafole, remains vehemently >> opposed to the project. "Eassy is bad news for developing >> countries that >> are not at the level of SA," she says. >> >> "We have many problems with it. The fact that you work for the World >> Bank makes you think you know what's good for Africa even when you >> don't >> live in Africa. I find that quite insulting." >> >> Because Eassy's biggest shareholders are giants like MTN and Telkom, >> their bulk buying power gives them an advantage over smaller >> operators >> also trying to buy and resell capacity to customers in each >> country, she >> says. >> >> "South African companies could use their dominance to compete >> unfairly >> in other countries. We have a responsibility as the government to >> ensure >> there is fair competition. We are not willing to look at something >> that >> is clearly discriminatory. We couldn't rest with a clear >> conscience." If >> the South African Government has this responsibility, why has it not >> exercised it over Telkom's SAT3 prices? The Department of >> Communications >> talks the talk but does not walk the walk. >> >> A bigger issue threatening not only Eassy but also other foreign- >> backed >> cables is a demand that any cable landing in SA is partly owned by >> local >> companies. The minimum percentage of local ownership will be >> determined >> by Communications Minister Ivy Matsepe Casaburri. >> >> The instant reaction is to question whether SA has the right to do >> that. >> It has, under the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, >> Shope-Mafole says. The second reaction is to assume that foreign >> investors will be deterred. The government's belligerent stance in an >> effort to promote local industries may backfire and deprive >> consumers of >> cheaper bandwidth if foreigners opt to bypass SA's coastline. >> >> Nonsense, Shope-Mafole says. "There are millions of people who >> want to >> enter into arrangements and land in SA. We welcome anybody who >> wants to >> invest in submarine cables that land on South African soil, but we >> need >> South African companies to invest." >> >> Although Eassy boasts 27% local ownership, that may not be enough. >> Seacom, another private cable already under construction, must also >> recruit local investors for the plans on its map to match reality. >> Seacom has signed a deal for SA's second network operator, Neotel, to >> operate the local landing station, which does not impress the >> government. >> >> Shope-Mafole said the demand for local ownership in the entire cable >> linking India to Europe via SA was discussed with Seacom's mostly US >> investors over a cup of coffee. "I don't think they thought it was >> unreasonable. I wouldn't say they loved it, but they didn't throw >> their >> cups at us," she says. >> (Source: Business Day) >> >> >> >> Eric M.K Osiakwan >> Executive Secretary >> AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org <http://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" >> >> >> >> > > 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 > > 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 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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Vote for Pambazuka News
by Alex Gakuru 14 Sep '07

14 Sep '07

Asked to request for your vote support. Thanks > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Firoze Manji <firoze(a)fahamu.org> > Date: Sep 14, 2007 5:31 PM > Subject: [ke-internetusers] Vote for Pambazuka News > To: ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > > > Dear All > > For the third year running, Pambazuka News has been > selected as one of > 25 finalists for the Top 10 Who Are Changing the > World of Internet and > Politics. > > Pambazuka News is produced by a pan-African > community of some 300 > citizens and organisations academics, policy > makers, social > activists, women's organisations, civil society > organisations, > writers, artists, poets, bloggers, and commentators. > > Winning this award would be a tribute to all the > many contributors who > have made Pambazuka News essential reading for all > concerned with the > cause of justice and freedom in Africa. > > With your help, we could win this award. Please vote > for us at: > > http://tinyurl.com/2yo3vy > > Pambazuka News Changing the World of Internet and > Politics > > Firoze > ______________ > Firoze Manji > Director, Fahamu - Networks for Social Justice > (http://www.fahamu.org/) > Editor, Pambazuka News (http://www.pambazuka.org/) > 2nd Floor, 51 CORNMARKET STREET, OXFORD OX1 3HA > Cellphone: +44 (0) 77 86 62 86 86 > Tel: +44-(0)1865-727006 > Fax: +44-(0)1865-727909 > Skype: firozemanji > Pambazuka News: weekly electronic newsletter on > social justice in > Africa: In English: http://www.pambazuka.org/en/ > In French: http://www.pambazuka.org/fr/ > > > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > > > -- > website: http://www.billowsbpo.co.ke/ > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase. http://farechase.yahoo.com/

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Re: [kictanet] Fwd: SV: [AfrISPA.Discuss] Undersea cable plantangled in acrimony inSouth Africa
by Joseph Manthi 14 Sep '07

14 Sep '07

This is from the venerable news magazine The Economist: Telecoms in Africa Not so EASSy Aug 9th 2007 >From The Economist print edition A plan to run a submarine cable down Africa's east coast runs into difficulty THE East African Submarine Cable System (EASSy), a project to wire up several African countries with high-speed optical fibre, is not living up to its name. The plan, hatched in 2003, was simple enough: lay an 9,900km (6,200-mile) submarine cable along the east coast of the continent, from Sudan to South Africa, touching at several points along the way, and then link it up with the rest of the world. But the scheme has become entangled in disagreements between operators and governments over its business model. The logic of the project is clear: extra connectivity would reduce Africa's dependence on the SAT-3 cable, which runs from Iberia down the west coast of the continent, and on expensive satellite links, the only option in some countries. Cheaper connectivity would promote development and make African countries more attractive destinations for offshoring. Connecting a call-centre with 25 agents is said to cost $17,000 a month in Kenya, compared with $600–900 elsewhere. The disagreement centres on the structure of the EASSy consortium, made up of around 30 African and international telecoms operators. The governments of some countries, including South Africa, want to avoid a repeat of what happened with SAT-3. That cable is run by a consortium that allows only one telecoms operator to sell capacity in each country. The lack of competition means prices are so high that satellite is often cheaper, says Alan Mauldin of TeleGeography, a consultancy. To prevent such an outcome with EASSy, several governments, acting through the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), have threatened to withhold landing rights for the cable unless their proposals for how to run it are accepted, says Edmund Katiti of NEPAD. They want governments to join the consortium and to have a veto over strategy; and they want any African operator to be able to buy wholesale capacity at a regulated (ie, low) price. They are even talking of building an entirely new cable on these terms, under NEPAD's supervision. The operators in the EASSy consortium say this is an attempt to hijack an existing commercial project and micromanage the industry. They do not like the sound of government vetoes or regulated pricing. And EASSy's current rules will mean that consortium members will compete to sell capacity in the same markets, driving down prices, says Michel Rouilleault of Axiom, a consultancy attached to EASSy. Critics respond that these rules, the details of which are unclear but which link the cost of access to the size of the operator's investment, could lead to high prices in countries where the local operator has only a small stake in the project. In South Africa, where several competing operators have stakes, there will be plenty of competition, but this may not be true elsewhere. The delays to EASSy have helped to spur other projects, including SEACOM, which has just appointed a contractor to lay a cable along a similar route, and TEAMS, which will link Kenya with the United Arab Emirates. India's Flag Telecom also plans to lay a cable to Kenya. At the moment there is insufficient demand to support so many cables, says Russell Southwood, an expert on African telecoms. But that may prompt operators to offer low prices to stimulate demand. So whatever happens to EASSy, getting cheaper bandwidth along Africa's east coast could soon be a lot less difficult. On 9/13/07, Manthi, Joseph <Joseph.Manthi(a)fmr.com> wrote: > Alex > Just know that you have my help if you need it. > > Joe > -------------------------- > Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Alex Gakuru <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> > To: Manthi, Joseph; jmanthi(a)gmail.com <jmanthi(a)gmail.com> > Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Sent: Thu Sep 13 14:09:06 2007 > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: SV: [AfrISPA.Discuss] Undersea cable plantangled in acrimony inSouth Africa > > Hi Joe, > > I'd be glad to mobilise and work with all consumers > but if you on note my message, I requested Dr. Ndemo > to give us that chance. We wait and see what tomorrow > brings. > > > Alex > > --- "Manthi, Joseph" <Joseph.Manthi(a)fmr.com> wrote: > > > Alex > > Please I beg you to prepare that SV to buy TKL. Let > > me know if youi need help in doing this. > > > > Thanks > > Joe > > ------Original Message------ > > From: Alex Gakuru > > Sender: > > > kictanet-bounces+jmanthi=gmail.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > To: jmanthi(a)gmail.com > > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > > Sent: Sep 13, 2007 12:43 PM > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: SV: [AfrISPA.Discuss] > > Undersea cable plantangled in acrimony inSouth > > Africa > > > > wow! "Open Access" is music to many no just my ears. > > > > I wish you failure at selling Telkom this way, > > honestly. That said, could you allow me to organise > > a > > Special Purpose Truck for Kenyan consumers to invest > > in Telkom more money that the Shs. 5 Billion? Fast > > tracking (READ get round) NSE rules? > > > > Thanks. > > > > --- bitange(a)jambo.co.ke wrote: > > > > > Dear Alex, > > > Telkon will not own Teams. The Government of > > Kenya > > > will own 40% stake in > > > the Teams SPV while regional operators and > > investors > > > will own 45%. The > > > remaining 15% shall be owned by Etisalat. The > > > Government shall ensure > > > open access in both Teams and the Terrestrial > > > Networks to enable both > > > large and small enterprises to compete. > > > > > > Do not worry about the sale of TKL since we have > > not > > > sold it yet and we > > > shall not sell it if the deal is not good. > > > > > > > > > Regards > > > > > > > > > Ndemo. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Before quickly "thirding", I urge on the need to > > > have > > > > light shed on TEAMS investment structure, > > > otherwise we > > > > could end up never getting the envisaged cheap > > > > bandwidth. > > > > > > > > Why? After 51% of Telkom Kenya is sold to > > British > > > > Telcom (or another) then whoever will have the > > > cable > > > > ownership transfered to them thus could dictate > > > what > > > > the final price will be. > > > > > > > > Little Telkom sale (Shs 5 Billion) is happening > > > just > > > > when the promising CDMA is getting rolled out. > > > Going > > > > by last year's Safaricom profits, the sale value > > > is > > > > also K > > > > -------------------------- > > Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld > > > > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > Check out the hottest 2008 models today at Yahoo! Autos. > http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html > > -- Joseph Manthi CEO MEO Ltd http://www.meoltd.com

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Re: [kictanet] Fwd: SV: [AfrISPA.Discuss] Undersea cableplantangled in acrimony inSouth Africa
by Eric Osiakwan 14 Sep '07

14 Sep '07

Dear All, I had refrained from commenting just because of type language being used, please, please lets excercise decorum. First of all, i dont think it is right for us to use certain langaguage among ourselves, how much against our present leaders especially when we disagree with them on issues...please lets stick to the issues because these conversations are about shaping our African future and destiny so lets not fall prey to the temptation to personalise and loose the focus. I am going to attempt to set the conversation back on cause. I think the question that has bedeviled us is "does ownership of a cable or anything for that matter has an impact on the price to market and working mechanism?"..... so far the evidence is YES hence we need to tackle the owership structure. The human nature is such that "self centreing" is obvious and hence the best bet is "cross checking" by other natures. So in every element we setup each other as a check for the other because though one would have noble objectives, if the person has absolute power and control, falling to the temptation of abuse is almost certain. So if one investor or constituency has absolute owership, they obviously would like to maximise that investment or resource. Like SAT3, the incumbent league in some countries are not selling but they just prefer to control under all conditions and not let go though their investment is down the drain. I have argued and i do that a collective owership from all constituencies is the best way to handle a critical national or international infrastructure in a public private partnership where the various interested are represented so that the rules convey a balance of development, profits, community etc. I think there are tools to make this a reality so why dont we try them. On the issue of majority owership by Africans, may be the "capitalist niga" would do..... Eric here From: Brian Longwe <brian(a)isisweb.nl> Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2007 12:10:19 +0300 Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: SV: [AfrISPA.Discuss] Undersea cableplantangled in acrimony inSouth Africa Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> To: eric(a)afrispa.org hear, hear my mblatha! Mblayo ps. any relationship to Classic's Mwalimu Kingangi? :-D On Sep 14, 2007, at 8:46 AM, Ronald King'ang'i wrote: > I concur lets keep all discussion civilized > > King'ang'i > > -----Original Message----- > From: kictanet-bounces+fes=iconnect.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > [mailto:kictanet-bounces+fes=iconnect.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] > On Behalf > Of Alex Gakuru > Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2007 5:55 PM > To: fes(a)iconnect.co.ke > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: SV: [AfrISPA.Discuss] Undersea > cableplantangled > in acrimony inSouth Africa > > I know that I am usually hard hitting at my opposition > discussants, but I am feel expressions used below are > uncalled for no matter how opposed the writer's view > is. > > --- Joseph Manthi <jmanthi(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> Sean, >> You of all people, a man living in England, reaping >> wealth from the >> ignorance of Africans, should not be making comments >> like these. You >> do not want Africans to realize what is going on. Do >> not wake a >> sleeping giant. It is high time we started taking >> care of our own. Why >> do you think that what SA is doing is "Rubbish"? >> Doesn't this >> honourable minister have the right to protect SA >> assets from nyangaus >> like you? >> >> I wish every African government is like South Africa >> where we can weed >> off foreign ownership of African assets. >> >> Bravo SA. >> >> Joe >> >> On 9/13/07, Sean Moroney <seanm(a)aitecafrica.com> >> wrote: >>> Yes, the security angle struck me as typical >> Newspeak from a regime that can >>> get away with rubbish like that where there is no >> effective opposition. How >>> like their Apartheid forebears they sound! >>> >>> Sean Moroney >>> Chairman >>> AITEC Africa >>> seanm(a)aitecafrica.com >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: >> > kictanet-bounces+seanm=aitecafrica.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> >> > [mailto:kictanet-bounces+seanm=aitecafrica.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] >> On >>> Behalf Of Kai Wulff >>> Sent: 12 September 2007 12:54 >>> To: seanm(a)aitecafrica.com >>> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: SV: [AfrISPA.Discuss] >> Undersea cable >>> plantangled in acrimony inSouth Africa >>> >>> I second that! >>> >>> It is comforting to know that SA will provide >> security to Africa by >>> insisting on a majority ownership of the cables! >>> >>> I am sure this attitude will change once Kenya >> receives capacity @ less than >>> >>> USD 100,- per M .. >>> >>> Kai >>> ----- Original Message ----- >>> From: <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> >>> To: <kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke> >>> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" >> <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >>> Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2007 14:44 >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: SV: [AfrISPA.Discuss] >> Undersea cable plan >>> tangled in acrimony inSouth Africa >>> >>> >>> I used to have a difficult time explaining to >> fellow Kenyans that it was >>> very difficult dealing with our brothers in SA >> because at every meeting >>> goal posts kept on shifting. Perharps now >> everybody understands that the >>> veto power in the NEPAD protocol was a control >> tool. Below please find >>> additional material. >>> >>> Ndemo. >>> >>> >>> Cables require local ownership BY DAMARIA SENNE & >> CHRISTELLE DU TOIT >>> <mailto:damaria@itweb.co.za> [ Johannesburg, 10 >> September 2007 ] >>> >>> South Africa requires that all undersea cables >> landing here be majority >>> owned by South Africans, says communications >> Minister Ivy >>> Matsepe-Casaburri. >>> >>> Speaking at the Southern African >> Telecommunications Networks and >>> Applications Conference (Satnac) 2007, in >> Mauritius, this morning, >>> Matsepe-Casaburri said government was happy with >> indications that >>> investors plan to land cables in the country. >>> However, she will soon announce new landing >> guidelines that require that >>> "all cables " landing in SA be majority owned by >> South Africans, she said. >>> >>> The guidelines will also be consistent with SA's >> foreign policy and take >>> the security of the country, and the African >> continent, into >>> consideration, she said. >>> "Every cable landing or leaving SA should >> incorporate in it the Nepad [New >>> Partnership for Africa's Development] Broadband >> Infrastructure Network." >>> Security measures are important, given the state >> of our insecure world, >>> she added. >>> >>> Matsepe-Casaburri said that she instructed Dep.of >> Communications >>> Dir-General Lyndall Shope-Mafole to propose the >> landing guidelines to the >>> Interim Inter-Governmental Assembly for >> discussion. She also noted that >>> her department studied the communications >> regulations of other countries >>> when drafting the landing guidelines, ensuring >> they are consistent with >>> international trends. >>> >>> Determination expected >>> BMI-TechKnowledge senior analyst Richard Hurst >> says the implications of >>> the ownership stipulations are that "those who do >> end up rolling out >>> cables will have to do so via partnerships". He >> cites Seacom and Neotel's >>> interaction as an example of this, where "Neotel >> basically would control >>> the landing rights of Seacom in SA". >>> According to Hurst, "government is trying to hedge >> its bets", but the >>> stipulations set out by the minister have >> generally been expected. He says >>> South African companies should benefit from the >> directives, as should the >>> consumer. >>> "It should open up access to those cables and >> bring prices down." He adds >>> that, as the international community moves towards >> always-on broadband, SA >>> will also increasingly need high-speed capacity. >> However he reiterates: >>> "The more bandwidth we have, the better." >>> >>> Investor support >>> Meanwhile, Matsepe-Casaburri said SA was convinced >> it was on the right >>> path to break away from the Eassy (Eastern Africa >> Submarine Cable System) >>> cable project and support the Nepad Broadband >> Infrastructure Network, as >>> well as initiating its own undersea cable systems. >>> >>> She said there was strong support from potential >> investors in the Nepad >>> Broadband (?) Infrastructure Network. "Instead of >> people running away >>> from us, we have a lot of support from investors." >>> SA and other African governments broke away from >> the Eassy project because >>> larger operators taking part in the initiative >> bought such large >>> quantities of capacity that there would never be >> fair access for smaller >>> operators, she noted. >>> >>> EASSY project was not in line with the Nepad >> objective, which was to >>> facilitate fair and open access for all telecoms >> providers to lower the >>> cost of telecoms on the continent, she said. She >> noted that SA's >>> Parliament had ratified the Nepad Broadband >> Infrastructure Network >>> protocol. >>> >>> >>>> fyi from the AfrISPA discuss list.... >>>> >>>> >>>> Begin forwarded message: >>>> >>>>> From: "Anders Comstedt" <anders(a)ssvl.kth.se> >> > === message truncated === > > > > > ______________________________________________________________________ > ______ > ________ > Check out the hottest 2008 models today at Yahoo! Autos. > http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: fes(a)iconnect.co.ke > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/fes% > 40iconnect.co.ke > > > __________ NOD32 2527 (20070913) Information __________ > > This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. > http://www.eset.com > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: brian(a)isisweb.nl > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/ > mailman/options/kictanet/brian%40isisweb.nl _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: eric(a)afrispa.org Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.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] Fwd: SV: [AfrISPA.Discuss] Undersea cable plan
by Eric Osiakwan 14 Sep '07

14 Sep '07

Dear Dr. Ndemo, Thanks for the detailing but it would be good if you breakdown what the "Open Access Model' would be in terms of teams and the terrestrial network? Would it be there the infrastructure would be seperate from services so that the entirities that build and operate the infrastructure would be restricted from competing with the service providers and that the price approach would be high volumes against low margins? By the way what happened to the idea of having 20% on the stock market for non-deep pocket folks like myself.....:-) Eric here Date: Thu, 13 Sep 2007 19:32:44 +0300 (EAT) From: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: SV: [AfrISPA.Discuss] Undersea cable plan tangled in acrimony inSouth Africa Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> To: eric(a)afrispa.org Dear Alex, Telkon will not own Teams. The Government of Kenya will own 40% stake in the Teams SPV while regional operators and investors will own 45%. The remaining 15% shall be owned by Etisalat. The Government shall ensure open access in both Teams and the Terrestrial Networks to enable both large and small enterprises to compete. Do not worry about the sale of TKL since we have not sold it yet and we shall not sell it if the deal is not good. Regards Ndemo. > Before quickly "thirding", I urge on the need to have > light shed on TEAMS investment structure, otherwise we > could end up never getting the envisaged cheap > bandwidth. > > Why? After 51% of Telkom Kenya is sold to British > Telcom (or another) then whoever will have the cable > ownership transfered to them thus could dictate what > the final price will be. > > Little Telkom sale (Shs 5 Billion) is happening just > when the promising CDMA is getting rolled out. Going > by last year's Safaricom profits, the sale value is > also Kidogo Sana. > > Alex > > --- Kai Wulff <kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke> wrote: > >> I second that! >> >> It is comforting to know that SA will provide >> security to Africa by >> insisting on a majority ownership of the cables! >> >> I am sure this attitude will change once Kenya >> receives capacity @ less than >> USD 100,- per M .. >> >> Kai >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> >> To: <kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke> >> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" >> <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >> Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2007 14:44 >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: SV: [AfrISPA.Discuss] >> Undersea cable plan >> tangled in acrimony inSouth Africa >> >> >> I used to have a difficult time explaining to fellow >> Kenyans that it was >> very difficult dealing with our brothers in SA >> because at every meeting >> goal posts kept on shifting. Perharps now everybody >> understands that the >> veto power in the NEPAD protocol was a control tool. >> Below please find >> additional material. >> >> Ndemo. >> >> >> Cables require local ownership BY DAMARIA SENNE & >> CHRISTELLE DU TOIT >> <mailto:damaria@itweb.co.za> [ Johannesburg, 10 >> September 2007 ] >> >> South Africa requires that all undersea cables >> landing here be majority >> owned by South Africans, says communications >> Minister Ivy >> Matsepe-Casaburri. >> >> Speaking at the Southern African Telecommunications >> Networks and >> Applications Conference (Satnac) 2007, in Mauritius, >> this morning, >> Matsepe-Casaburri said government was happy with >> indications that >> investors plan to land cables in the country. >> However, she will soon announce new landing >> guidelines that require that >> "all cables " landing in SA be majority owned by >> South Africans, she said. >> >> The guidelines will also be consistent with SA's >> foreign policy and take >> the security of the country, and the African >> continent, into >> consideration, she said. >> "Every cable landing or leaving SA should >> incorporate in it the Nepad [New >> Partnership for Africa's Development] Broadband >> Infrastructure Network." >> Security measures are important, given the state of >> our insecure world, >> she added. >> >> Matsepe-Casaburri said that she instructed Dep.of >> Communications >> Dir-General Lyndall Shope-Mafole to propose the >> landing guidelines to the >> Interim Inter-Governmental Assembly for discussion. >> She also noted that >> her department studied the communications >> regulations of other countries >> when drafting the landing guidelines, ensuring they >> are consistent with >> international trends. >> >> Determination expected >> BMI-TechKnowledge senior analyst Richard Hurst says >> the implications of >> the ownership stipulations are that "those who do >> end up rolling out >> cables will have to do so via partnerships". He >> cites Seacom and Neotel's >> interaction as an example of this, where "Neotel >> basically would control >> the landing rights of Seacom in SA". >> According to Hurst, "government is trying to hedge >> its bets", but the >> stipulations set out by the minister have generally >> been expected. He says >> South African companies should benefit from the >> directives, as should the >> consumer. >> "It should open up access to those cables and bring >> prices down." He adds >> that, as the international community moves towards >> always-on broadband, SA >> will also increasingly need high-speed capacity. >> However he reiterates: >> "The more bandwidth we have, the better." >> >> Investor support >> Meanwhile, Matsepe-Casaburri said SA was convinced >> it was on the right >> path to break away from the Eassy (Eastern Africa >> Submarine Cable System) >> cable project and support the Nepad Broadband >> Infrastructure Network, as >> well as initiating its own undersea cable systems. >> >> She said there was strong support from potential >> investors in the Nepad >> Broadband (?) Infrastructure Network. "Instead of >> people running away >> from us, we have a lot of support from investors." >> SA and other African governments broke away from the >> Eassy project because >> larger operators taking part in the initiative >> bought such large >> quantities of capacity that there would never be >> fair access for smaller >> operators, she noted. >> >> EASSY project was not in line with the Nepad >> objective, which was to >> facilitate fair and open access for all telecoms >> providers to lower the >> cost of telecoms on the continent, she said. She >> noted that SA's >> Parliament had ratified the Nepad Broadband >> Infrastructure Network >> protocol. >> >> >> > fyi from the AfrISPA discuss list.... >> > >> > >> > Begin forwarded message: >> > >> >> From: "Anders Comstedt" <anders(a)ssvl.kth.se> >> >> Date: 9 September 2007 21:52:19 GMT+03:00 >> >> To: <Discuss(a)afrispa.org> >> >> Subject: SV: [AfrISPA.Discuss] Undersea cable >> plan tangled in >> >> acrimony inSouth Africa >> >> Reply-To: Discuss(a)afrispa.org >> >> >> >> Frank, >> >> >> >> You are right that everyone else but RSA needs a >> cable to RoW much, >> >> much >> >> more than the good folks south, also that the >> thing has got stuck in >> >> political concerns and power games. The good >> thing is, however, >> >> that the >> >> general consensus on the needs, commercial impact >> and development >> >> leverage >> >> of a widely available optical fibre cable has >> shifted from cold to >> >> warm. >> >> >> >> Technically, there is no need for an East African >> submarine cable >> >> south >> >> beyond Maputo at all, as there is well protected >> optical fibre >> >> Maputo - >> >> Pretoria on the power lines. Which, btw, RSA has >> effectively >> >> prevented open >> >> & fair use of during several years, effectively >> leaving Maputo on >> >> VSAT for a >> >> much longer time than necessary. So SA could >> connect that route, >> >> already >> >> today, to any cable from the north that lands >> close to Maputo. >> >> >> >> Now two small issues: >> >> First, RSA companies are major stakeholders in >> any submarine cable >> >> proposal >> >> that has emerged the last couple of years, >> dominant to the extent >> >> that it >> >> has made other parties concerned on who actually >> will control a >> >> cable system >> >> supposed to be a joint project with some 23 >> participants. The >> > === message truncated === > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ ____________ > Need a vacation? Get great deals > to amazing places on Yahoo! Travel. > http://travel.yahoo.com/ > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > ---------------------------------------------- > 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: eric(a)afrispa.org Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.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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TEAMS: Private sector gets more shares for project
by Alex Gakuru 14 Sep '07

14 Sep '07

http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3034&Item… Consumers risk continued participation exclusion unless we get organized. Any interested on investing in TEAMS? We can get together and the government would have to give us priority especially now that local investment space is expanded. Consumers shall have an upper hand in ensuring prices remain affordable while at the same time we shall get return our investment for the next 20-25 years (life of fibre). There are many other advantages we can discuss. Condition: You must Kenyan since others are catered for in the other companies. Talk to me off-list then we can strategize. Alex ____________________________________________________________________________________ Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos & more. http://mobile.yahoo.com/go?refer=1GNXIC

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Re: [kictanet] Fwd: SV: [AfrISPA.Discuss] Undersea cable plantangled in acrimony inSouth Africa
by Alex Gakuru 13 Sep '07

13 Sep '07

Hi Joe, I'd be glad to mobilise and work with all consumers but if you on note my message, I requested Dr. Ndemo to give us that chance. We wait and see what tomorrow brings. Alex --- "Manthi, Joseph" <Joseph.Manthi(a)fmr.com> wrote: > Alex > Please I beg you to prepare that SV to buy TKL. Let > me know if youi need help in doing this. > > Thanks > Joe > ------Original Message------ > From: Alex Gakuru > Sender: > kictanet-bounces+jmanthi=gmail.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > To: jmanthi(a)gmail.com > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Sent: Sep 13, 2007 12:43 PM > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fwd: SV: [AfrISPA.Discuss] > Undersea cable plantangled in acrimony inSouth > Africa > > wow! "Open Access" is music to many no just my ears. > > I wish you failure at selling Telkom this way, > honestly. That said, could you allow me to organise > a > Special Purpose Truck for Kenyan consumers to invest > in Telkom more money that the Shs. 5 Billion? Fast > tracking (READ get round) NSE rules? > > Thanks. > > --- bitange(a)jambo.co.ke wrote: > > > Dear Alex, > > Telkon will not own Teams. The Government of > Kenya > > will own 40% stake in > > the Teams SPV while regional operators and > investors > > will own 45%. The > > remaining 15% shall be owned by Etisalat. The > > Government shall ensure > > open access in both Teams and the Terrestrial > > Networks to enable both > > large and small enterprises to compete. > > > > Do not worry about the sale of TKL since we have > not > > sold it yet and we > > shall not sell it if the deal is not good. > > > > > > Regards > > > > > > Ndemo. > > > > > > > > > > > Before quickly "thirding", I urge on the need to > > have > > > light shed on TEAMS investment structure, > > otherwise we > > > could end up never getting the envisaged cheap > > > bandwidth. > > > > > > Why? After 51% of Telkom Kenya is sold to > British > > > Telcom (or another) then whoever will have the > > cable > > > ownership transfered to them thus could dictate > > what > > > the final price will be. > > > > > > Little Telkom sale (Shs 5 Billion) is happening > > just > > > when the promising CDMA is getting rolled out. > > Going > > > by last year's Safaricom profits, the sale value > > is > > > also K > > -------------------------- > Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Check out the hottest 2008 models today at Yahoo! Autos. http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html

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Re: [kictanet] Fwd: SV: [AfrISPA.Discuss] Undersea cableplantangled in acrimony inSouth Africa
by bitange＠jambo.co.ke 13 Sep '07

13 Sep '07

Mr. Manthi, Even South Africans know that your proposals are a mathematical imposibility (see article below from SA). Economics teach us that the only way to bring down cost is not by owning but by creating a competitive environment. All we need from the cables is bandwidth to create wealth. Our current problems in Africa emanate from our past mistakes with respects to our view on economic development. If those you call Nyangaus refuse to buy your flowers, your coffee, your tea and protect their people from travelling to our part of the world, we shall all perish. The world is a small place where we all must share that which is available. If you take a nap as we did in the 19th Century, someone else will take advantage of you. In essence we should blame ourselves for all that happened in the past and that way we shall approach the future with love and wisdom. When you blame someone else, you fill yourself with hate and darkness. Below find the article for your perusal. Bitange Ndemo. 12 September 2007 Cable policy slammed BY PAUL VECCHIATTO , ITWEB CAPE TOWN CORRESPONDENT [ Johannesburg, 12 September 2007 ] - Opposition parties, the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), have railed against communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casburri's stance on undersea cable ownership, saying she wants to control telecommunications. They were reacting to the minister's speech, delivered earlier this week at Telkom's Southern African Telecommunications Networks and Applications Conference, held in Mauritius. She said government would require all undersea cables landing here to be majority-owned by South African companies. Matsepe-Casaburri also announced that guidelines would be drawn up and they would be consistent with SA's foreign policy, and take into account the country's security. DA communications spokesperson Dene Smuts said the Mauritius clarification on undersea cables confirms the Department of Communications' (DOC) desire to get a slice of the pie and to control telecommunications. Her insistence that all cables landing here must be majority South African-owned is a mathematical impossibility if each African country makes similar demands. It is also contrary to SA's interests to prevent the landing of the capacity we need, she said. Suzanne Vos, IFP communications spokesperson, said: This kind of power politics has to stop. The country desperately needs bandwidth to meet its own economic development objectives and to ensure the guarantees signed by the minister for the 2010 Soccer World Cup are met. Vos added: It is no wonder that public enterprises minister Alec Erwin has stepped in as the country's alternative communications minister, because the incumbent can't get things done. She also referred Matsepe-Casaburri to the Electronic Communications Act that effectively brings government interference in the telecommunications sector to an end. Smuts said the DOC's championing of the Nepad ICT Broadband Infrastructure Network has already blocked the East African Submarine Cable System cable. The minister said in Mauritius that any cables landing here would have to become part of the Nepad Network. That network will operate under a protocol that gives each signed-up African government a controlling golden share. She has already told her DG [Lyndall Shope-Mafole, DOC director-general], who is the driving force behind the protocol, to take SA's landing guidelines to the interim intra-governmental assembly. Smuts concluded by saying: No one can make head or tail of the minister's thinking, or her DG's initiatives. The only thing that is clear is that both SA telecoms ministries-public enterprises and communications are reinstating state telecoms against the tide of liberalisation and modern economic trends. Vincent Gore, who was communications spokesperson for the Independent Democrats, refused to comment as he was in the process of crossing the floor to the African National Congress. > Kai, > This has nothing to do with SA. It is Kenya's job to protect Kenya and > not SA. If Kenya does not want the SA satellites broadcasting in > Kenya, they can block it. All SA is saying is that if there any cables > landing in SA, it should be majority owned by SAfricans. Any African > country can do the same. > > And yes any cable landing in SA (or Kenya) is the national asset of SA > (or Kenya). Every SA (or Kenyan) should have access to it. And judging > by the pricing of some of these cable, it is unlikely that majority of > SA (or Kenyans) will be able to afford it. > > Shouldn't SA (or Kenyan) governments be concerned about the pricing > and therefore ownership of these cables? > > Yes - these cables are national assets. Let me see - who owns the > cables entering the Federal Republic of Germany? Germany of course. > Why should you then, a German national, deny the South African > Government of deciding who should own these cables. > > Remember that SA has the experience of SAT3. > > Joe > > On 9/13/07, Kai U. Wulff <kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke> wrote: >> Since when is International Connectivity a national asset? >> >> A cable comes, you don't like the price you don't buy .. Why did nobody >> insist on SA ownership of the Satellites that are broadcasting

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Internet Governance Forum (IGF) - Continent to Send 20 Delegates
by alice 13 Sep '07

13 Sep '07

*Hi all Happy to let you all know that KICTANet was selected to present at the IGF taking place in Rio in November. Any Kenyans on this list planning to attend the forum please let us know. We would like to provide members attending an opportunity to share their experiences at the KICTANet Best Practice Forum. best alice ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Internet Forum - Continent to Send 20 Delegates* Daily Champion (Lagos) NEWS 13 September 2007 Posted to the web 13 September 2007 By Remmy Nweke South Africa Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Africa is to send a 20-member delegation to the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Rio de Janero, Brazil in November 2007 to ensure that African voice is heard. At a roundtable session on IGF organised by the Open Society Institute for Southern Africa (OSISA) at the on-going 11th Highway Africa conference in Grahamstown, South Africa, CSOs resolved to ensure that Africa is not relegated at the global meeting. IGF in Rio is being organised by the IGF Secretariat based in Geneva , Switzerland in support of the United Nations Secretary-General's mandate from the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) with regard to convening a new forum for multi-stakeholders policy dialogue. Speaking on behalf of the CSOs, Ms Natasha Primo of the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) said that the essence of bringing the crusade to the largest gathering of pen-pushers on the continent was to guarantee that African communicators were not left out. According to her, the session was basically to raise awareness in the participation of Africans at the IGF by having an understanding of the theme focusing on access, openness, security and critical Internet resources and capacity/development agenda. African CSOs, she pointed out would be sending a 20-man delegate to the global meeting to "Get African voices heard centred on capacity and development agenda. We must make ourselves heard in all the themes." She added that the CSOs presently want to continue the crusade online with so as to develop shared position to the Rio meeting with Africa at heart. "We had a preliminary discussion and we want to take that online for further discussions," she asserted, adding that those interested should contact OSISA. The online discussion would kick off on September 15 and that it's an open invitation to organisations and individuals to join hands with CSOs to make certain the aim is achieved.

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[Fwd: [APC Forum] New Book: Diversifying Participation in Network Development]
by alice 13 Sep '07

13 Sep '07

*Diversifying Participation in Network Development* http://www.regulateonline.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=104… The final report from the World Dialogue on Regulation (WDR) 3rd research cycle has been released and can now be downloaded at <www.regulateonline.org>. Edited by Amy Mahan and William H. Melody, this most recent collection of the network’s research and case studies elaborates on inclusive and propoor strategies for extending network development. The book is divided into three sections. The first, entitled *Affordability and Use*, opens with a study on affordability - definitions, analysis and issues. This is followed by two demand side studies, the first focusing on mobile use by the poor; and the second assessing communication expenditures across four developing countries. The final chapter in this section reports on a survey of ICT use by SMEs in eight African countries. Section 2, *Models to Extend Participation in Network Development* considers /microfinance/, /smart subsidies/, /community owned microtelcos/ and the /extension of research networks/. The countries used to highlight these alternative approaches include Bangladesh, Nepal, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Ghana. Section 3, *Regulatory and Information Practices*, begins with two chapters dedicated to the information provision and communication practices of regulators - which are important for cultivating informed participation in regulatory processes. Next regional regulation in support of national regulators and to ensure competitive markets is examined using the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States as a case study. Further perspective on this is provided by a chapter on multinational operators in African mobile markets. The section concludes with a case study on the regulatory environment in Guyana. This report is the third in a series of research cycles that WDR is undertaking to assess different approaches to regulation in a rapidly changing telecom environment. With the advent of privatisation, competition, and converging infrastructure sectors, the role of the regulator is in a transitional phase. The first World Dialogue on Regulation research cycle assessed two emerging regulatory trends and the report, The Next Step in Telecom Reform: ICT Convergence Regulation or Multisector Utility Regulation; and the second cycle, Stimulating Investment in Network Development: Roles for Regulators - are both available for download and hardcopies of the second can be ordered from WDR.

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Data vending hit by poor Internet connections
by Bill Kagai 13 Sep '07

13 Sep '07

http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3001&Item… Written by James Makau - Business Daily 13-September-2007: The poor penetration of Internet services coupled with low levels of computer literacy in Kenya are holding back the country's emerging data vending industry. The data vendors, who sell and distribute financial and business news, are targetting rural populations as well as Kenyans in the diaspora. Mr Bildad Kagai , the managing director of data vending firm MediaCorp Limited, told the Business Daily that while data vending has the potential to be a major industry in the financial services sector, more needed to be done to ensure computer services reached majority of the people. "Kenyans, especially those outside Nairobi, have been waiting eagerly for the Real Time data, but inability to access the Internet remains a big challenge," says Mr Kagai He said traders did not have to physically go to the bourse to get financial data, but they could do this in the comfort of their offices through the Internet. He said the highest potential for growth in data vending was in rural towns and that lack of Internet services was limiting the uptake of online financial news and data. MediaCorp earlier this month launched its data vending services in Mombasa to increase its presence in the country. Data from the Communications Commission of Kenya estimates that as of March, this year, only 3.2 per cent of the country's population had access to Internet up from 200,000 or 0.7 per cent of the population in 2000. Internet Service Providers have blamed the low penetration on high costs of Internet on satellite connectivity which costs up to 10 times more than the fibre optic connectivity. But once any of four planned international fibre optic cables land in Mombasa, Internet connection costs should fall drastically. The Government's Digital Villages Project under the Ministry of Information and Communication is also set to greatly boost access, resulting in more subscribers for data vendors. And with the Nairobi Stock Exchange set to switch onto a wide area network (WAN) in the next one month, the potential of data vending services may well be on its way to be unlocked. Mr Symon Ndirangu, the chief executive officer of Information Convergence Technologies ICT Ltd, says that with the signing of an average of 50 to 100 new users every month, most of the six data vendor currently operating in the market should break even within the next 12 months. "Although it is taking time for many investors to appreciate the value of data, we are upbeat that revenue will pick up very soon." Currently, the cost of a data vending license from the NSE is valued at Sh170,000 (US$2500) while ISPs are charging about Sh50,000 per month for connection. With an estimated Sh180,000 in other costs, data vendors are paying at least Sh400,000 a month or Sh4.8million annually to stay afloat. Mr Ndirangu however projects that with the developments in the ICT sector as well as the Capital Markets, the data vendors should have at least each have 10,000-20,000 customers utilizing their services. At an annual charge of Sh5000 per customers, data vendors could easily rake in Sh50 million in a year. "The need for investment decisions based on sound finanical information and data rather than speculation as is often seen today will spur the growth of data vending services," says Mr. Ndirangu. With the chairman of the NSE Jimnah Mbaru estimating that the watershed Safaricom IPO slated for later this year will bring the number of investors at the bourse to 3 million, the need for real time data on the stock markets will clearly be there. Foreign interest in the Kenyan capital markets which has picked up in last one year following a string of high profile IPOs is an also seen as a major driver to the success of data vending services. "Kenyans in the diaspora and international investors who do not have the luxury of popping into Nation Centre to see the market Viewer will definitely drive this industry." Reckons Mr. Kagai It may not be unfathomable then, that local data vendors could enter the big league of Reuters, Bloomberg and CNBC sometime in the future. -- -- Bildad Kagai MD - MediaCorp Limited Nairobi Stock Exchange [NSE] - Authorised Information Vendor Suite B2 Tetu Apartments StateHouse Avenue P. O. Box 20311-00200 Tel. 254 20 272 8332 Fax. Rendered Obsolete URL. www.mediacorpafrica.com --

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Slightly unusual request
by Brian Longwe 12 Sep '07

12 Sep '07

Hi all, I have a slightly unusual request..... I need to set a vehicle mileage rate for the local operations of one of the NGOs I'm associated with. I have the official AA rate book (August 2007) but would like to benchmark against what other organisations (and especially Public sector or NGOs) give as compensation for mileage. Could anyone who can help with this info send it directly to me off- list please? Warm regards, Mblayo

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[Grant Competition: Lighting Africa]
by alice 11 Sep '07

11 Sep '07

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Grant Competition: Lighting Africa Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:23:00 +0300 From: kmuthembwa(a)worldbank.org To: undisclosed-recipients:; Dear Colleague, I would like to draw your attention to an announcement (below) of a grant competition entitled ?Innovations in Off-Grid Lighting Products and Services for Africa". You are invited to participate if it is relevant, but if not, kindly display and/ distribute it to as many people as possible. Please note that the deadline is 30th October 2007. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Embedded image moved to file: pic18238.jpg) The World Bank Group and its partners are pleased to announce a Development Marketplace (DM) competition for the design and delivery of low cost, high quality, non-fossil fuel-based lighting products targeting low income consumers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The DM is part of the broader Lighting Africa program managed by the World Bank Group which seeks to reach 250 million customers with modern, affordable lighting by 2030. The grant competition entitled ?Innovations in Off-Grid Lighting Products and Services for Africa" will reward project ideas that address the various off-grid lighting needs of Sub-Saharan Africa, including alternative distribution models, new clean lighting technology, stronger production chains, and improvement of the policy environment. Ten to 20 winners will receive grant funding up to $200,000. The competition is open to a broad range of innovators around the world, including private businesses, nongovernmental organizations, universities, government entities, and individuals. Lead sponsors include the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program, the Global Environment Facility, and the Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility. Other supporters include Good Energies Inc., the Governments of Norway and Luxembourg, and the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership. The deadline for submitting proposals is 23:00 GMT on October 31, 2007. (See attached file: DM Competition_Brochure_English.pdf) For more information on how to apply, visit the Lighting Africa Web site at: http://www.lightingafrica.org

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IPv4 to IPv6
by Alex Gakuru 11 Sep '07

11 Sep '07

Hi, We understand Swift Global and .KE are on IPv6 and would appreciate any info on whom else upgrades from this list http://www.cck.go.ke/html/child.asp?title=Telecommunications&contcatid=2&ch… Thanks Alex ____________________________________________________________________________________ Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today! http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7

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America's wolves
by Dorcas Muthoni 10 Sep '07

10 Sep '07

Kenyans be proud of our wildlife and strive to protect it! *America's wolves need our help! * America's wolves were nearly eradicated in the 20th century. Now, after a remarkable recovery in parts of the country, wolves are once more threatened. **More>> http://action.defenders.org/site/PageServer?pagename=savewolves_homepage&JS…

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Newspaper columnists are dinosaur bloggers- Maher
by Rebecca Wanjiku 10 Sep '07

10 Sep '07

By Rebecca Wanjiku and Mantsha Nkayi The blurred lines that differentiate blogging and journalism were exposed yesterday, at a discussion on whether bloggers are columnists or columnists are bloggers. The discussion was spiced up by the presence of Freddy Khumalo, a columnist who thinks bloggers are not necessarily journalists/columnists and Vincent Maher, who is of the opinion that newspaper columnists are dinosaur bloggers. One of the lingering questions was; who do bloggers speak to and who is their audience? Khumalo took the opportunity to trash some bloggers as mere diarists who do not follow any code of conduct. He argued that some blogs are dedicated to pets and may not make much sense; however, he admitted that some blogs contain important and informative material. When am writing a column, I have to take time to consider the impact of what am writing about and whether it has been said before and under what context. With the blog, it is easy, and there are no such considerations because there is no code of conduct, said Khumalo. But Maher a former head of the New Media Lab at Rhodes University argued that bloggers have filled in a space that was not previously addressed by the mainstream media. He was supported by journalism trainer, Roland Stanbridge who added that 50 per cent of the women in the Middle East are blogging and addressing issues considered as taboo and not addressed in mainstream media. Blogs are giving people voices, whether it is eroding morality in society is not the issue, it is a place for the people to air what they feel. Maybe the people want a change to such standards of morality, said Maher. While supporting the argument that newspaper columnists are dinosaur bloggers, Maher invited participants to evaluate the development of communication from newsletters to newspapers and to letters to the editor-through snail mail. He argued that blogs give an opportunity for feedback and connection with the communities, which is vital for any media organisation, and he also mentions that blogs are personal web pages. But the main question that was not satisfactorily answered in the discussion was: given the challenges of technology and information penetration in Africa, can one claim to be blogging for the public while they have no access to internet or computers? Is blogging elitist? Ends Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games.

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[Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] Employment Opportunities ICANN]
by alice 10 Sep '07

10 Sep '07

-------- Original Message -------- FYI - http://www.icann.org/general/jobs.htm Employment Opportunities Administrative Support Supervisor/Manager <http://www.icann.org/general/jobs.htm#adminmgr> At-Large Coordination Officer <http://www.icann.org/general/jobs.htm#atlargeadmin> (Original Title: At-Large Administrative Support Officer) Communications Manager - Policy Development <http://www.icann.org/general/jobs.htm#commmgr> Consulting services to assist with the development of a translation policy <http://www.icann.org/general/jobs.htm#translate> General Manager, Policy Development <http://www.icann.org/general/jobs.htm#gmpd> GNSO Policy Officer <http://www.icann.org/general/jobs.htm#gnsooff> Manager, Regional Relations - Asia <http://www.icann.org/general/jobs.htm#manregrelasia> Manager, Regional Relations - Europe <http://www.icann.org/general/jobs.htm#manregrel> Registrar Liaison Manager <http://www.icann.org/general/jobs.htm#regliaison> At-Large Regional Affairs Officer <http://www.icann.org/general/jobs.htm#RAsec> (Original Title:Secretary for Regional Affairs, At-Large Community) _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Southern Africa media in peer review
by Rebecca Wanjiku 10 Sep '07

10 Sep '07

Malawi, Zambia and Mauritius win inaugural gender and HIV/AIDs awards By Rebecca Wanjiku Malawi, Zambia and Mauritius yesterday won the inaugural gender and HIV/AIDs awards, in recognition of their exemplary work place policies. The awards were judged through peer review and targeted 218 newsrooms in the southern Africa region. Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) won the HIV/AIDs category; Times of Zambia was runners up. In the gender policy category, Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) scooped top honours while the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation took the runners up position. Organised by Gender Links and several regional organisations, the awards sought to initiate a process where the media houses in the region will develop and implement policies and commit resources to implement them. We all know that the media has not produced gender and HIV/AIDs policies. But how do you change an institution without putting your neck on the line? The awards seek to recognise media houses in the region willing to sacrifice and implement such policies, said Colleen Lowe Morna, head of Gender Links. While citing scanty statistics of HIV/AIDs reportage in the media, Morna added that the awards are critical in showing other media houses in the region how to implement their policies and improve the quality and quantity of stories. The awards were organised in conjunction with the Sol Plaatje leadership Institute which is dedicated to training media managers in Africa . We would have liked more entries and we hope to receive more last year. It was inspiring to see that most applicants also presented the actual policies and implementation plans, which validated their claims, said Francis Mdlongwa, head of the institute. The awards are targeting 80 per cent of Southern Africa newsrooms by 2008 and it is hoped that reporting of gender and HIV/AIDs issues will also improve. It is also projected that more media houses will implement policies to support national, regional and international legal instruments. Speaking on behalf of the judging panel Mdlongwa said the winners, had committed resources to ensure that policies were understood and complemented through a series of policies. In Mauritius , it was noted that MBC had appointed a gender coordinator who made monthly reports to the head of MBC. The award ceremony was spiced up by music from Nia band, which embodied the true spirit of Africa with representatives from Kenya , Zambia and South Africa . Participants were treated to songs in Swahili, Xhosa and English. As the ceremony drew to a close, Morna encouraged participants to dance to the famous song Vulindlela which is Xhosa for open the way. The song was sung by the late South African musician Brenda Fassie. The song was symbolic for the winners, expected to open or lead the way for other regional media houses. Ends Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games.

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Africa complained, the west has responded
by Rebecca Wanjiku 09 Sep '07

09 Sep '07

Negative images- Africa complained, the west has responded By Rebecca Wanjiku The longest and loudest complaint by African leaders is that western media portrays Africa as desperate and hopeless, the west has now responded. The complaints have been directed to the global media houses such as CNN, BBC, AP, AFP and Reuters accused of only covering civil wars, hunger, corruption and deprivation in Africa- these are form the bulk of African content on the internet. Well, the response does not come from the big media, but from a group of Dutch journalists who felt the situation should change and started a website- www.africanews.com. Africanews.com is a website dedicated to Africans to tell their stories to the world without any inhibitions. The website is targeting politics, social as well as the economic challenges and successes in the continent. The stories, photographs and video are uploaded to the site and have reached audiences in Europe, America, Australia, Asia and Africa. This is calculated to improve on variety and content of stories available of the internet. According to Elles van Gelder, the South African representative, the website has received critical acclaim and is hoping to recruit journalists and bloggers from every African country. Why should western media fly in journalists while there are local journalists willing to tell the stories? We tap the talent, train them, and they become better writers, photographers and can take good videos, said van Gelder. The organisation has started a pilot project for reporting using state of the art mobile phones that can shoot video and upload to the website. This project will be tested during the general elections in Kenya, scheduled for December this year. To establish the reliability of mobile phones in reporting Van Gelder said a group of Dutch students will embark on an Africa-wide trip, testing the mobile phones and the challenges faced. This, van Gelder added, will help improve the quality of African content available on the internet, and the stories that come from the continent. Ends Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games.

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from Highway Africa Conference
by Rebecca Wanjiku 09 Sep '07

09 Sep '07

Rural stories remain untold By Rebecca Wanjiku Africas best stories remain untold, because journalists and bloggers have concentrated in urban areas and neglected rural areas, said Tanzanian journalist Ansbert Ngurumo. Presenting at the Digital Citizens Indaba, Ngurumo indicted journalists and bloggers for the insufficient content of African stories on the internet. The stories have to cover the feelings and aspirations of people. Most of the stories cultural, social and political are in the rural areas. These rural people are isolated because they have no access to the technology and if they do, they may not be able to blog or publish their stories, Ngurumo added. With journalists, he said they concentrate in town centres because that is where there is technology to transmit the stories meaning that most stories told are from the urban centres and occasionally from the rural areas. In developing local content, Ngurumo argued Africans have to develop the civic will to blog more because it does not take political will to start and maintain a blog. Ngurumo told the Indaba that Africa has to villagize the internet and make sure that people in the rural areas blog, podcast and tell their stories to the world. Speaking about lack of a critical mass of African languages on the internet, Ngurumo said he chose to blog in Swahili because that is the language he knows best and is spoken by about 100 million people in east, central and parts of southern Africa. Why would I want to blog in English yet 100 million Africans communicate in Swahili? asked Through his blog- www.ngurumo.blogspot.com , he was able to reach several people mostly from Tanzania where Swahili is the national language. The comments on the blog, he says, have been used to gauge the political and social temperatures. For instance, he said he had been forced to delete certain posts after readers complained about them. Ends Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today!

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Undersea cable plan tangled in acrimony in South Africa
by Eric Osiakwan 09 Sep '07

09 Sep '07

The sole active supporter of the NEPAD-backed Broadband Infrastructure Project that will never be built, the South African Government is trying to arm-twist EASSy because the project has slipped free of NEPAD control. This is the arrogant display of naked political power that those who have not signed the NEPAD political protocol feared would occur if the larger African brother failed to get its way. The 10,000km Eassy cable will be 27% owned by Telkom, Neotel and MTN, and is designed to provide desperately needed cheap bandwidth to 21 African countries. But SA's communications department has taken umbrage at what it sees as the commercial nature of the enterprise, and intends to withhold landing rights. Instead, the government will use taxpayers' money to roll out two rival cables heading east and west, jointly known as the Nepad Broadband Infrastructure Network. Denying landing rights to EASSy will be detrimental to the three local companies, which, they say, have had the foresight to invest in the project to slash bandwidth prices. It will also be anticompetitive if EASSy members are not allowed to sell bandwidth to other operators in SA, says Mohsen Khalil, a director with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). He also says the government's hostility shows it has not understood a new commitment the consortium has made to open access. The IFC is part of the World Bank, and is investing $32,5m to help about 15 small operators participate in Eassy. Yet the director- general of the communications department, Lyndall Shope Mafole, remains vehemently opposed to the project. "Eassy is bad news for developing countries that are not at the level of SA," she says. "We have many problems with it. The fact that you work for the World Bank makes you think you know what's good for Africa even when you don't live in Africa. I find that quite insulting." Because Eassy's biggest shareholders are giants like MTN and Telkom, their bulk buying power gives them an advantage over smaller operators also trying to buy and resell capacity to customers in each country, she says. "South African companies could use their dominance to compete unfairly in other countries. We have a responsibility as the government to ensure there is fair competition. We are not willing to look at something that is clearly discriminatory. We couldn't rest with a clear conscience." If the South African Government has this responsibility, why has it not exercised it over Telkom's SAT3 prices? The Department of Communications talks the talk but does not walk the walk. A bigger issue threatening not only Eassy but also other foreign- backed cables is a demand that any cable landing in SA is partly owned by local companies. The minimum percentage of local ownership will be determined by Communications Minister Ivy Matsepe Casaburri. The instant reaction is to question whether SA has the right to do that. It has, under the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, Shope-Mafole says. The second reaction is to assume that foreign investors will be deterred. The government's belligerent stance in an effort to promote local industries may backfire and deprive consumers of cheaper bandwidth if foreigners opt to bypass SA's coastline. Nonsense, Shope-Mafole says. "There are millions of people who want to enter into arrangements and land in SA. We welcome anybody who wants to invest in submarine cables that land on South African soil, but we need South African companies to invest." Although Eassy boasts 27% local ownership, that may not be enough. Seacom, another private cable already under construction, must also recruit local investors for the plans on its map to match reality. Seacom has signed a deal for SA's second network operator, Neotel, to operate the local landing station, which does not impress the government. Shope-Mafole said the demand for local ownership in the entire cable linking India to Europe via SA was discussed with Seacom's mostly US investors over a cup of coffee. "I don't think they thought it was unreasonable. I wouldn't say they loved it, but they didn't throw their cups at us," she says. (Source: Business Day) 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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Clear Directions to sega Silicon Valley
by Jose' 08 Sep '07

08 Sep '07

Dear Members, I appoloise for cross posting. I hereby give the correct directions. The best is to take an Akamba bus and drop of at Sega Township bus stop. This is a direct connection rather than dropping off at Kisumu, alternatively with Easy Coach one can drop at Maseno or Kisumu and take a PSV/Matatu to Busia Town and not Siaya town.As stated earlier. Hope to see you all there. Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || --------------------------------- Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on Yahoo! Travel.

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New debate in US & UK on two-tier Internet - is this a good idea for Africa?
by Marcel Werner 08 Sep '07

08 Sep '07

Two tier Internet *The US Justice Department has said that internet service providers should be allowed to charge for priority traffic. *The Justice Department said imposing net neutrality regulations could hinder development of the internet and prevent ISPs from upgrading networks.The agency's stance is contrary to much of the internet community that believes in an open model for the internet. Net neutrality advocates argue that a two-tier internet would allow broadband providers to become gatekeepers to the web's content. Providers that can pay will be able to get a commercial advantage over those that cannot, they say. In particular, there is a fear that institutions like universities and charities would suffer. Last year, Sir Tim Berners-Lee the inventor of the web rallied against the idea of a two-tier internet. What are your ideas? Marcel Werner

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Engineering Students Exhibition 14-15 September, Sarit Centre (Nairobi)
by Marcel Werner 08 Sep '07

08 Sep '07

The 10th annual Engineering Students Exhibition will be held on 14 and 15 September at the Nairobi Sarit Centre (opening hours 10-6). Over a 100 innovative prototype projects will be shown by students from Kenyan universities and universities from seven more countries. The Exhibition theme this year is ICT for Rural Development (electronics, mobile computing, software). The event is held under the auspices of the global engineering society IEEE and Kenya Private Sector Alliance and has attracted wide support and endorsement from Kenyan and multinational companies, government, academia and development partners. The event demonstrates a huge capacity and drive to realise innovation for our market. Do come and see how ICT is being put in practice! Information: info(a)centurionsystemsltd.com Marcel Werner

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Directions to Sega Silicon Valley Initiative.
by Jose' 07 Sep '07

07 Sep '07

Here are the directions. From Nairobi take EASY COACH bus services to Kisumu,Then take another PSV going to Siaya and request the driver to drop you at Sega Township Primary School. IT's going to be the bomb yawa!! dont miss this chance to see how communities are being impacted through ICT. Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || ____________________________________________________________________________________ Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos & more. http://mobile.yahoo.com/go?refer=1GNXIC

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FOIA: Petition to the National Assembly
by Alex Gakuru 07 Sep '07

07 Sep '07

attached ____________________________________________________________________________________ Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today! http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7

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The 411...
by Michael Kipsang Bullut 06 Sep '07

06 Sep '07

Guys, Information is vital and sometimes can be unavailable, therefore, I want to welcome/introduce you all to my first blog <http://kipsang.wordpress.com/>dedicated entirely to matters concerning Information Technology. As an Information Technologist in the making, sharing information is vital to surviving in this competitive industry and with the advent of blogs, distributing this information will be quick and easy. By all means, feel free to comment on the articles I post and if you have anything you want posted, drop me a line. Enjoy! Kind regards, Michael. -- "To see a world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wildflower...hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour..." ~ William Blakeg. --

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Africa: The race to liberalise broadcast markets is just beginning
by alice 05 Sep '07

05 Sep '07

(From Balancing Act) Africa: The race to liberalise broadcast markets is just beginning The 1990s saw the phenomenal growth of the mobile sector in Africa turning millions of people into the proud owners of a phone. This growth was made possible by opening Africa's telecoms market to new investment and competition, lowering prices and increasing choice. Broadcasting is about to go through the same cycle only twenty years later, writes Russell Southwood, and Africa's broadcast industry may see the same kind of growth. This issue of African Broadcast, Film and Convergence sees new pay-TV entrant GTV going into more countries and a third entrant announcing its presence in the Ugandan market. Cameroon has announced four new broadcast licences for private operators. Togo has announced the arrival of a sports channel. Two new broadcast stations appear to be on the cards, one in the capital Abuja and the other in Kogi State. As elsewhere in Africa, these last two stations have been prompted by local politicians, anxious to have access to the means of communication to promote themselves. It will take a breed of tough, brave regulators to police issues around fairness and access. The state broadcasting sector is largely under-funded and will find it difficult to keep up with the pace of this race. Africa has not often seen public broadcasting in the purer sense (of the kind best represented by the BBC) as too many broadcasters have become the captive of Government, for whom they rely on their funding. At its worst, African state broadcasting is sadly amongst the dullest viewing on the planet. More private broadcasters create new talent and new voices and spread the power to communicate into more hands. Africa's state broadcasters will need to create a clear role for themselves if they are to survive this onslaught. Simply repeating what the Government wants will not play well if there are alternatives. Why watch the President opening yet another something when you can watch a local football match or the Barclays Premier League? A staggering fifty organisations were shortlisted to operate private radio or TV licences in Cameroon. Only four received licences - Spectrum TV, Canal 2 International, Sweet FM and TV+ - but according to Cameroon's Minister of Communications Professor Ebénézer Njoh Mouelle:" Amongst the 50 audio-visual stations only 4 of them have today received licences to operate. It means that 46 others should also be ready to come forth for their licences. The delay depends on them. They need to follow the example of those who have received an authorization to operate a private audio-visual media in Cameroon". In other words, show you can do it and we will give you a licence. The process has been presented as a regularisation of the existing market as many stations already operate without a licence. According to the Minister:" The licence enables those who are already operating in the field to be formal rather than informal. Those who received the licence to operate have become more opened, recognised and can freely negotiate financial deals with foreign operators". The main obstacle for more clearing the requirements for a licence are money. The sum paid depends on whether the station is a local or a national one. All applicants have cleared the technical requirements hurdles but the remaining 46 have found difficulty thus far in finding the money required to pay their licence fees. A lively and healthy media market in broadcasting will doubtless help with the process of raising the money. The first four entrants have a more or less clear run at it and should produce clear evidence of both listener/viewer interest and advertising revenues. Meanwhile in Togo, a new TV channel - Télé Sport has launched that will concentrate on meeting the thirst for sport among its Togolese viewers. It will devote 90% of its content tosport, 5% to culture and 5% to science. It wants to provide coverage of local Togolese sporting events as well as global events. Télé Sport broadcasts on Channel 29 that will start by covering the whole of the north of Lome but will eventually cover the whole region around the capital. It will employ a dozen people band its launch brings to six, the number of TV channels available to Togolese viewers. There are sixty radio stations, one of which is Sport FM.

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Internet Server Set Up at IGAD Secretariat. Expressions of interest
by alice 05 Sep '07

05 Sep '07

We are looking for Experts to undertake the task below in this month of September. If interested please email proposal/quote/ enquirie on bessie.nyirenda(a)igad.org. Thanks Bessie Nyirenda ICT Coordinator - IGAD ____________________________________________________________________________ INTERGOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY FOR DEVELOPMENT (IGAD) REGIONAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES SUPPORT PROGRAMME (RICTSP) TERMS OF REFERENCE SETTING UP SERVERS AT IGAD SECRETARIAT AUGUST 2007 Terms for Server Set Up at IT Section for IGAD Secretariat 1. Background Information The regional integration organization of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is implementing a Regional ICT Support Programme. The overall objective of the RICTSP is to contribute to the ESA region's integration agenda through an effective and efficient Information and Communications Technologies (lCT) environment, which will reduce the costs of trade and investment and thereby stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty. The purpose of the RICTSP is to achieve a reduction in the digital divide by removing some of the constraints to the efficient use of ICT. Currently, more efficient use of ICT by entrepreneurs and policy makers is inhibited by a combination of a restrictive regulatory environment; poor connectivity; poor access to commercially valuable information; and a lack of ICT skills. The Programme contains various sets of activities aimed at achieving the following results: 1) The development, and monitoring of implementation, of ICT policy guidelines and strategies and monitoring of e-readiness status; 2) The provision of high speed internet connectivity to regional key stakeholders to reduce costs of doing business in the region and promote migration to Asycuda++ in selected countries; 3) Improved and more efficient access to economic, commercial and policy information of practical use and the establishment of incubator projects to demonstrate the viability of the internet, including e-commerce. Improved capacity for entrepreneurs to exploit ICT opportunities and e-commerce techniques. As part of improved and more efficient access to information, servers have been purchased to host the regional web portal and email services. The first step to ensuring improved access to information is to properly set up the servers to provide an environment for storing information. The set up of the servers of the IT section at IGAD Secretariat will be undertaken with funding under the Regional Information and Communications Technologies Support Programme (RICTSP), funded under the 9th EDF. 2. Objectives of the Assignment The objectives of the assignment are to elaborate: i) Set up secure local hosting services for Email and Web Services for IGAD Region at its Secretariat Offices. Currently these services are being outsourced to an outside hosting Company in the USA. ii) To build capacity of IGAD staff members to take charge of their information and information provision services. 3. Regional Integration Organisation The assignment under these terms of reference will cover the IGAD Secretariat in Djibouti which serves countries of: Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Sudan. 4. Scope of Services In order to meet the objectives of the assignment, the consultant will be required to carry out the following activities: i) Carry out a situational analysis of the IT section to assess available hardware and available internet connections ii) Design the network, security system and internet services. iii) Set up the network, security system and Internet services : ? Router configuration for the DMZ, firewall, and NAT ? DNS, outbound Web proxy, and outbound e-mail ? Primary and Secondary Servers ? Name servers ? Security ? set up DMZ ? All software in use on this work must be 100% open source. ? The internal file and email server ? A secure auditing workstation will sit between the DMZ switch and the DMZ Ethernet port on the router. ? Set up Web services with Content Management System (Joomla) ix) Train Systems Administrator and Webmaster is setting up the Servers. 4. Expected Results The results to be delivered under this assignment are - A well functioning Email Service with webmail access to all staff. - A Web Server with content management system - An easy to update antivirus and antispam filtering system for email server; - A Secure network with well functioning DMZ with intrusion detection and network management facility; 5. Duration and Reporting The consultant will be expected to commence the assignment immediately upon signing the contract, and complete the assignment not later than 9 days after commencement date. The short-term expert will work under the supervision of the RICTSP Coordinator and the Supervisor (the IGAD Director of Economic Cooperation and Social Development Division (ECSD)). The consultant will produce a draft assessment report and a final report providing documentation of all work done. Soft and hard copies of the final report and final should be presented in MS Word and MS Excel (Office 2003 compatible) and will be written in English. 5. Profile of Short-term Expert/s The consultant will meet the following requirements: Qualifications and Experience: ? A University degree in Computer Science, Engineering or Equivalent qualification; ? At least 5 years experience of progressively setting up Internet Servers; ? Experience in designing and producing documentation; Record of working collaboratively and successfully with country officials, private sector and the public in the ESA region will be an added advantage. Language: The short-term expert will have an excellent command of English with good report writing skills. Knowledge of French will be an added advantage. _______________________________________________ AAW-Network mailing list AAW-Network(a)lists.apcwomen.org http://lists.apcwomen.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aaw-network

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Invitation to Opening Ceremony of the development aid project „Sega Silicon Valley”
by Jose' 05 Sep '07

05 Sep '07

We would like to invite you to opening ceremony of our project, that will be held on 15th of September 2007 in Sega Township Primary School organized by Simba Friends Foundation Poland. The project is a part of “Sega Sillicon Valley” program financed by Simba Friends Foundation and polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our activities focus on installation of computers in certain schools in Sega Township, creation of an IT Centre available for the local community, organization of trainings on ICT and environmental protection. The actions of Simba Friends Foundation are aim at empowering the inhabitants of Sega by enabling them access to IT education and as a result widening their chances for employment. Attached is our program of events that would take place from 10.am to 4.pm. You are most welcomed, we hope you will be able to make it. Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || ____________________________________________________________________________________ Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on Yahoo! Travel. http://travel.yahoo.com/

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ISO said 'OOXML ?, No thanks'
by Dorcas Muthoni 05 Sep '07

05 Sep '07

http://www.iso.org/iso/newsandmedia/pressrelease.htm?refid=Ref1070

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[Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] Kenya bids to host top IT conference]
by alice 01 Sep '07

01 Sep '07

* <http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143973832> * The East African Standard | Online Edition <http://www.eastandard.net/> * Saturday September 1, 2007 * * Kenya bids to host top IT conference * ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *By Alari Alare* Kenya has submitted a bid to host the African round of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (Icann) meeting set for November next year. The bid was submitted by the board of the Kenya Information Centre (Kenic) on behalf of the private sector and the Government. Speaking during Kenic's annual general meeting on Friday, chairman Anthony Mugambi, disclosed that a team comprising Government, private sector and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) will be constituted to lobby for the bid. As a trustee for the dot. ke country-code-top-level-domain, Kenic oversees the Kenyan Domain Name space by managing and administering the dot .ke in conformity with global Internet policies. Icann, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers on the other hand is responsible for managing and coordinating the global Domain Name System (DNS) to ensure each address is unique and that users of the Internet could find valid addresses. It does this by overseeing the distribution of unique IP (Internet Protocol) addresses and domain names. "In an effort to expose Kenya's vibrant ICT community to the rest of the world, the Kenic Board has submitted a bid to host the African round of the Icann meeting in November next year in Nairobi, Kenya", said Mugambi. "We are confident of winning the bid to host the event and we shall be seeking your support in hosting the event," said Mugambi. During the meeting, a new board led by Mugambi was named to steer the Centre's activities. << Back <http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143973832> _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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29-30 October 2007, Kigali, Rwanda:, Connect Africa Summit
by alice 31 Aug '07

31 Aug '07

Connect Africa - The Summit As host of the Summit, the Government of Rwanda will welcome some 500 participants, including Heads of State/Government and Ministers from Africa and other regions, CEOs and senior executives of global and African ICT companies, heads of international and regional organizations and financial institutions, international and local media as well as other stakeholders. The Summit will have a practical, results-oriented format, including interactive, multi-stakeholder panel discussions, partnership announcements, as well as opportunities for participants to showcase their ICT development projects to potential partners and donors. The Summit will also provide an excellent networking platform for leaders from the public, private and financial sectors to meet and forge new partnerships for the future. Participants in the Connect Africa Summit will examine key success factors for ICT investment and development and identify areas for collaboration to: * expand broadband backbone infrastructure and access networks, using innovative business and financing models, such as infrastructure-sharing and demand aggregation among local and regional institutions. This new infrastructure investment includes national and regional interconnectivity initiatives, such as Internet exchange points and rural connectivity projects; * enhance workforce training to support employment and growth in the ICT sector and the overall economy; * stimulate the development of locally-relevant ICT content, applications and services, and * broaden efforts to develop an enabling policy and regulatory environment for investment, including harmonization across regions and sub-regions. The Connect Africa Summit will be preceded by several months of preparations between the partners, including an analysis of the current situation and requirements, an assessment of constraints and an elaboration of policy options to promote private sector investment, strengthening statistical capacities to improve tracking of progress, as well as the development of specific project proposals for funding that will be presented to potential partners and donors. *29-30 October 2007*, Kigali, Rwanda: *Connect Africa Summit* <http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/connect/africa/2007/summit/index.html> http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/connect/africa/2007/summit/index.html

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Who's afraid of Google?]
by alice 31 Aug '07

31 Aug '07

Who's afraid of Google? Aug 30th 2007 >From The Economist print edition The world's internet superpower faces testing times RARELY if ever has a company risen so fast in so many ways as Google, the world's most popular search engine. This is true by just about any measure: the growth in its market value and revenues; the number of people clicking in search of news, the nearest pizza parlour or a satellite image of their neighbour's garden; the volume of its advertisers; or the number of its lawyers and lobbyists. Such an ascent is enough to evoke concernsboth paranoid and justified. The list of constituencies that hate or fear Google grows by the week. Television networks, book publishers and newspaper owners feel that Google has grown by using their content without paying for it. Telecoms firms such as America's AT&T and Verizon are miffed that Google prospers, in their eyes, by free-riding on the bandwidth that they provide; and it is about to bid against them in a forthcoming auction for radio spectrum. Many small firms hate Google because they relied on exploiting its search formulas to win prime positions in its rankings, but dropped to the internet's equivalent of Hades after Google tweaked these algorithms. And now come the politicians. Libertarians dislike Google's deal with China's censors. Conservatives moan about its uncensored videos. But the big new fear is to do with the privacy of its users. Google's business model (see article) assumes that people will entrust it with ever more information about their lives, to be stored in the company's "cloud" of remote computers. These data begin with the logs of a user's searches (in effect, a record of his interests) and his responses to advertisements. Often they extend to the user's e-mail, calendar, contacts, documents, spreadsheets, photos and videos. They could soon include even the user's medical records and precise location (determined from his mobile phone). More JP Morgan than Bill Gates Google is often compared to Microsoft (another enemy, incidentally); but its evolution is actually closer to that of the banking industry. Just as financial institutions grew to become repositories of people's money, and thus guardians of private information about their finances, Google is now turning into a custodian of a far wider and more intimate range of information about individuals. Yes, this applies also to rivals such as Yahoo! and Microsoft. But Google, through the sheer speed with which it accumulates the treasure of information, will be the one to test the limits of what society can tolerate. It does not help that Google is often seen as arrogant. Granted, this complaint often comes from sour-grapes rivals. But many others are put off by Google's cocksure assertion of its own holiness, as if it merited unquestioning trust. This after all is the firm that chose "Don't be evil" as its corporate motto and that explicitly intones that its goal is "not to make money", as its boss, Eric Schmidt, puts it, but "to change the world". Its ownership structure is set up to protect that vision. Ironically, there is something rather cloudlike about the multiple complaints surrounding Google. The issues are best parted into two cumuli: a set of "public" arguments about how to regulate Google; and a set of "private" ones for Google's managers, to do with the strategy the firm needs to get through the coming storm. On both counts, Googlecontrary to its own propagandais much better judged as being just like any other "evil" money-grabbing company. Grab the money That is because, from the public point of view, the main contribution of all companies to society comes from making profits, not giving things away. Google is a good example of this. Its "goodness" stems less from all that guff about corporate altruism than from Adam Smith's invisible hand. It provides a service that others find very usefulnamely helping people to find information (at no charge) and letting advertisers promote their wares to those people in a finely targeted way. Given this, the onus of proof is with Google's would-be prosecutors to prove it is doing something wrong. On antitrust, the price that Google charges its advertisers is set by auction, so its monopolistic clout is limited; and it has yet to use its dominance in one market to muscle into others in the way Microsoft did. The same presumption of innocence goes for copyright and privacy. Google's book-search product, for instance, arguably helps rather than hurts publishers and authors by rescuing books from obscurity and encouraging readers to buy copyrighted works. And, despite Big Brotherish talk about knowing what choices people will be making tomorrow, Google has not betrayed the trust of its users over their privacy. If anything, it has been better than its rivals in standing up to prying governments in both America and China. That said, conflicts of interest will become inevitableespecially with privacy. Google in effect controls a dial that, as it sells ever more services to you, could move in two directions. Set to one side, Google could voluntarily destroy very quickly any user data that it collects. That would assure privacy, but it would limit Google's profits from selling to advertisers information about what you are doing, and make those services less useful. If the dial is set to the other side and Google hangs on to the information, the services will be more useful, but some dreadful intrusions into privacy could occur. The answer, as with banks in the past, must lie somewhere in the middle; and the right point for the dial is likely to change, as circumstances change. That will be the main public interest in Google. But, as the bankers (and Bill Gates) can attest, public scrutiny also creates a private challenge for Google's managers: how should they present their case? One obvious strategy is to allay concerns over Google's trustworthiness by becoming more transparent and opening up more of its processes and plans to scrutiny. But it also needs a deeper change of heart. Pretending that, just because your founders are nice young men and you give away lots of services, society has no right to question your motives no longer seems sensible. Google is a capitalist tooland a useful one. Better, surely, to face the coming storm on that foundation, than on a trite slogan that could be your undoing. __._,_.___

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[Registrar-announce] Streaming KeNIC AGM 2007 - 31st August, 2007
by Michuki Mwangi 30 Aug '07

30 Aug '07

* <apologies for cross posting> Dear Members, Streaming KeNIC AGM 2007 - 31st August, 2007* * *KeNIC will broadcast a live audio stream of its' 4th Annual General Meeting. The live stream can be accessed at http://habari.kenic.or.ke:8001/. In addition, an IM server will be available for remote users to post comments and/or queries. It is our hope that this effort will continue to provide useful, timely and accessible access to the proceedings of these meetings as they happen. *Streaming and Conference Service * Streams are delivered as 64Kb/s unicast-http-streamed mp3 audio, a popular and relatively standard way to deliver internet radio. Most platforms should have a client immediatly available (windows media player, quicktime, real, winamp, vlc, mplayer, zinf, etc) capable of playing back the stream. For the jabber service: (a) those *with *jabber clients can join the meeting room, agm2007(a)conference.psg.com <mailto:agm2007@conference.psg.com>. A list of jabber clients can be found at http://www.jabber.org/software/clients.shtml <http://www.jabber.org/software/clients.shtml> (b) those *without *can send their comments and/or queries to live-comments(a)kenic.or.ke *Testing * To test your client against a currently active stream of the same type, access the stream at the following URL, http://habari.kenic.or.ke:8001 <http://videolab.uoregon.edu/events/ietf/test.m3u>/ *Meeting * Streaming begins at *0900hrs *(GMT+3) *Friday 31st August, 2007*. All meetings will be held at the Simba Room. Kind Regards, ----------------- Vincent Ngundi Technical Manager KeNIC - The Kenya Network Information Center http://www.kenic.or.ke _______________________________________________ Registrar-announce mailing list Registrar-announce(a)ole.kenic.or.ke http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/registrar-announce

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[Fwd: Fwd: FW: first announcement/ radio script writing competition]
by alice 30 Aug '07

30 Aug '07

Dear All, > Developing Countries Farm Radio Network <http://www.farmradio.org/> > (DCFRN) and CTA <http://www.cta.int/> will soon launch a scriptwriting > competition entitled African Farmers Strategies for Coping with > Climate Change for African radio practitioners (broadcasters, > production organizations, NGOs with a radio project, farmers > associations with a radio show etc.). > > > > Climate change is having a major impact on smallholder farmers in ACP > countries and farmers urgently need information to help them > understand climate change, the ways it might affect them, and how they > can adapt their resource management strategies to reduce global > warming and mitigate its negative effects. > > Radio, as we know, is one of the most effective media for providing > rural communities in Africa with information but the capacity of the > stations in writing relevant scripts is also limited. This competition > serves both purposes of better sharing information and strengthening > the capacity of rural radio broadcasters. > > > > Competitors will be invited to submit a radio script on themes related > to local adaptation to climate change under various formats (audio > interview, spots, discussion between two hosts, drama, stories). The > scripts will be reviewed by an international panel of judges. The > winners will be announced in May 2008 and the top 15 entries will > receive audio recorders and be published by CTA and DCFRN. But one of > the most important aspect of the capacity building process is that all > entrants will receive feedback on their scripts. > > > > We plan to widely communicate amongst the radio community in Africa > and amongst those who work with/ for this community (Media network, > African radio broadcasters, Development organisations such as Deutsche > Welle, radio Nederland...). > > > > Thanks for your kind help to help us disseminating the announcement > amongst the radio community in Africa (_let us know if you need a > certain format to communicate on the initiative_). > > > > Best regards > > > > > > Sarah Bel

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Fwd: [ke-internetusers] Safaricom - A case against "Ghost Owners"
by Alex Gakuru 29 Aug '07

29 Aug '07

FYI -Separately, --------Forwarded message------ --- JME Simekha <simekhajme(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Date: Wed, 29 Aug 2007 03:01:03 -0700 > From: "JME Simekha" <simekhajme(a)gmail.com> > To: Judy <judy.adhiambo(a)gmail.com> > CC: ke users <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> > Subject: [ke-internetusers] Safaricom - A case > against "Ghost Owners" > > *SAFARICOM â A CASE AGAINST 'GHOST OWNERS'* > > > > Kenyans own Telkom Kenya; a company that we all have > invested our taxes in, > and therefore, Telkom is a public asset. Telkom once > owned Safaricom > entirely. Safaricom, in the last three years, has > been the best performing > company in Kenya. At some point, Telkom decided to > sell part of Safaricom > and struck a deal with Vodafone of the United > Kingdom, which bought 30 > percent of the shares. Telkom was left with 70 > percent. However, to date > Telkom owns only 60 percent of the company. This is > a story of who owns the > 10 percent and how that percent was illegally and > fraudulently acquired. > This is a case against the 'ghost owners' of > Safaricom who are reaping where > they did not sow and secondly, want the public to > buy what they literally > stole from the Kenyans. > > > > 1. *From Telkom to Vodafone* > > Part of privatization process, initially pushed as > part of World Bank > conditionalities, involved off-loading some of the > 100 percent ownership of > Safaricom, which Telkom held since the establishment > of the company. Telkom > sought a partner and sold off the 30 percent of the > shares. Vodafone bid and > got the deal, getting 30 percent of the shares. All > paper work regarding > legal and company transfer was complete, and hence > Safaricom was jointly > owned by Kenyans and the company based in the United > Kingdom. > > 2. *From Vodafone to Vodacom Kenya Ltd.* > > Vodafone is known to have made a formal request for > an extra 10 percent of > shares held by Telkom. Rather than bid directly, a > 'subsidiary company' by > the name Vodacom Kenya Ltd, did the bidding. This > company managed to get the > 10 percent from Telkom. However, there is no legal > paper work that was > undertaken. No legal transfer from Telkom to > Vodafone and then to Vodacom > was carried out. At some point, Vodacom is said to > have off-loaded 5 percent > of the shares back to Vodafone but this did not > last, as the shares were > 'returned' to Vodacom Kenya Ltd. > > > > In fact, part of the fraud involved two critical > issues that the > Parliamentary Investment Committee (PIC) documented > in their recent report. > First, the Safaricom Chief Executive Officer, > Michael Joseph, claimed not to > know who owners of the 10 percent shares are. > Secondly, a forged letter, > which was backdated to year 2000, was produced by > Michael Joseph as evidence > but this was unacceptable to the PIC. Therefore, > from Telkom to Vodafone, > the deal involving 30 percent shares was legal. > However, the deal of 10 > percent from Telkom to Vodafone, then to Vodacom, > back to Vodafone and then > back to Vodacom was illegal and compounded by > mystery and secrecy. > > > > 1. *From Vodacom Kenya Ltd to Mobitelea* > > Vodacom has since changed its name to Mobitelea. > Mobitelea is registered in > Guernsey, a small island within the territory of the > United Kingdom, > adjacent to the English Channel. This is an island > ill-famed for > money-laundering but is gradually working on such > infamous attributions. The > 'ghost owners' of Mobitelea are reportedly: former > president Daniel > Toroitich arap Moi, Nicholas Kiprono Kipyator arap > Biwott and the son-in-law > of Biwott. If these allegations are confirmed, then > the owners cease > forthwith to be 'ghost owners'. The three gentlemen, > are reaping where they > did not sow. Other than being transferred 10 percent > of Telkom holding of > Safaricom shares illegally and without paying a > penny for it, they have been > reaping dividends which today amount to Kshs 850 > million. Mobitelea owes > Kenyans, not just the initial value of the shares > that they never paid for, > but also the accrued dividends arising from the > profits made by Safaricom > and forwarded to Mobitelea. This is illegal, unjust, > and unacceptable to > owners of Telkom and by extension Safaricom â the > Kenyan taxpayers. > > > > 1. *From Mobitelea to Safaricom IPO* > > Safaricom Initial Public Offer (IPO) has already > been set in motion. The > Government of Kenya (GoK) has announced that it > wants to off-load 25 percent > of the shares Telkom has in Safaricom. GoK, > represented by the Minister for > Finance, has said that the IPO is unstoppable. With > an unwarranted smile, > the Minister for Finance is asking Kenyans to be > part of the glory that > Safaricom has become. No doubt, anyone wants to be > part of the billions in > profit that Safaricom mints every year. However, > before Kenyans get > financially excited, they should and must ask the > question: which shares are > on sale? First, do the 10 percent of shares, which > were stolen from the > public by Mobitelea, part of the 25 percent on > offer? Secondly, is the GoK > off-loading 25 percent of the remaining 60 percent? > Third, why should > Kenyans buy shares in Safaricom without confirming > who the other > shareholders are? > > > > 1. *Breach of the Laws * > > The Minister for Finance argues all laws have been > observed and that the > Privatization Act is the only ammunition that > Kenyans can have to stop the > Safaricom IPO. Nothing could be further from the > truth. There are many > other laws, which have been breached. Beginning with > the Privatization Act > however, the Minister for Finance should tell > Kenyans why Treasury, despite > assent by the President, had to wait for a warning > from National Assembly > Speaker Mr Francis ole Kaparo to make moves to > operationalise it. This has > not been explained by the smiling Minister for > Finance. > > > > Secondly, the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crime Act > has ably defined > corruption to involve attempted or actual fraud. > Other laws, such as the > Companies Act, Communications Act, and State > Corporations Act have been > breached. The Capital Markets Act (Regulations) has > also been breached, to > the extent that the intended Safaricom IPO has not > been accompanied by > disclosure to the potential shareholders, who are > the actual owners of > Mobitelea. Therefore, with or without > operationalizing the Privatization > Act, the GoK, through the Minister for Finance, has > breached several other > Laws of Kenya. > > * * > > 1. *Final Word: Stop Safaricom IPO, Do not Buy > what is Yours* > > Safaricom IPO needs to be stopped in its tracks. > Kenyans could be part of > the process to cover up fraud or legitimizing it, > when participating in the > impending Safaricom IPO. The fraud involves looting > from the public asset â > Telkom â by Mobitelea. Secondly, in the process > Kenyans are likely to be > floated some or all the 10 percent of shares owned > by Mobitelea. This would > be tantamount to buying from oneself. Do not buy > what is yours. Third, a > Public Interest Litigation (PLI) is being instituted > by civil Society > Organizations (CSOs) in the High Court on 31st > August, 2007. The Application > seeks a Court Injunction to stop the Safaricom IPO, > pending the ownership of > Safaricom, is disclosed to the public. Be part of > the process to stop the > Safaricom IPO, as engaging in it will be the second > fraud of public > property: Safaricom, a property which you have paid > taxes to establish and > sustain. > > -- > Simekha JME > Director of Programmes > Projects & Allied Consultants Ltd > 1st Floor, Rattansi Educational Trust Building > Koinange/Monrovia Street > Opposite Kengeles Restaurant > P. O. Box 8924 GPO > Nairobi 00100, Kenya > Tel: (+254 20) 340896 / 341097; (+254) 721 920 151 > Fax: (+254 20) 341099 > E-mail: simekha.joseph(a)paconsult.co.ke ; > simekhajme(a)gmail.com > > Focusing on what's going right is a great idea, and > can be quite energizing. > We often spend far too long thinking about what's > going wrong! > > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center. http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/ _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers

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A small axe to the Safaricom IPO]
by alice 29 Aug '07

29 Aug '07

A small axe to the Safaricom IPO By L. MUTHONI WANYEKI I am not the daughter of a Big Man. Neither am I married to a Big Man or even to the son of a Big Man. I had the good fortune to have essentially middle-class parents who worked hard to give my siblings and me a good basic education. And I had the good fortune to have a mother whose citizenship made it possible for me to attend university, courtesy of the student loans system of her country. The student loans covered fees and accommodation. But my parents couldn't afford to send us much money getting $100 on birthdays and at Christmas was like getting a windfall. So I worked to supplement the student loans, from the time I left Kenya at the age of 16. Of course, I now recognise that, despite not being associated with a big man's family, in comparison with the majority of people in Kenya, I am not only fortunate, I am actually extremely privileged. But, despite that recognition, having worked since the age of 16, I also know the value of my money. I have worked for what I have. This is why, for instance, I get apoplectic with rage about corruption. Under Kenya's ridiculously constructed tax brackets, I fall into the same top tax bracket as Kenya's Big Men. And I get nothing for it, having to pay privately for everythingincluding security where I live and medical insurance. But, my privileges taken into account, I certainly wouldn't mind paying the amounts of tax that I do pay if I felt the money went to help those with fewer privileges, not to pay the obscene salaries of those who cannot be bothered to assure the House of a quorum sufficient to pass even 10 Bills a year or to build the "bigness" of the Big Men. The other night, some friends and I calculated the share of Safaricom's reported Ksh17 billion ($253.7 million) profit that would have gone to Mobitelea the company that, according to the Public Investments Committee, is irregularly in possession of no less than five per cent of the mobile phone company's shares, meaning that there are apparently no records of Mobitelea having paid for that shareholding. MEANING THAT MY TAX MONEY, which went into building and sustaining Telkom and Safaricom, was essentially given away. Meaning that, coming back to our calculation, the alleged owners of Mobitelea the son of a Big Man and the son-in-law of another Big Man under the former regime and a Big Man in this regime earned themselves no less than Ksh850,000,000 ($12.6 million) last year alone. From doing nothing at all, except live off the profits of having stolen from us. Ksh850 million off my back (and your's as well). Again, I am incapacitated with rage. And yet, the Treasury insists that Safaricom's initial public offer will proceed, regardless of the outcomes of the PIC debate within the House or any court cases that might ensue. What?! FRANKLY, DESPITE OUR NEWFOUND fascination with IPOs, I don't think a single one of us should put a single shilling forward. Those of us who do work hard and honestly deserve better. If shares in Safaricom could essentially be given away to Big Men, their sons and sons-in laws, then they can be given away to us. Why should we pay for them? They're our property in the first place, which the government was meant to hold in trust for us. If it breached that trust for three of us, then it should share the love with all of us. It might not seem like it, but there are, in fact, victims of corruption. Those victims are you and me every single Kenyan who dutifully pays his or her taxes. I'm furious. I'm ready for a tax boycott the residential associations led the way and it's time to scale up their efforts. We need to say to hell with that IPO until the issues raised by the PIC have been satisfactorily dealt with. We need to be the "small axes" that Robert Nestor Marley talked about and cut down all those "big trees." L. Muthoni Wanyeki is a political scientist based in Nairobi http://www.nationmedia.com/eastafrican/current/Opinion/Opinion2708079. <http://www.nationmedia.com/eastafrican/current/Opinion/Opinion2708079.> htm __._,_.___ Messages in this topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/message/6280;_ylc=X3oDMTM0dDFhZGw5B…> (1) Reply (via web post) <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJwcDE1bmplBF9TAzk3M…> | Start a new topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJlNmE4ZmxyBF9TAzk3M…> Messages <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/messages;_ylc=X3oDMTJlbDY5dTNmBF9TA…> | Links <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/links;_ylc=X3oDMTJmdnIxcDkyBF9TAzk3…> | Polls <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/polls;_ylc=X3oDMTJmYnJpaDNoBF9TAzk3…> Dig Africa site welcomes you to join us at http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/Digafrica on IT in Africa Aids-Africa is a forum for communication and information on AIDS related issues in Africa and all are welcome to join us at http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/aids-africa Join us on hiv/aids forum on Kenya at http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/kenya-aids Join us at a Kenyan networking forum and NGOS at http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/kenyainternational Yahoo! 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Consumers to date Safaricom in court
by Alex Gakuru 29 Aug '07

29 Aug '07

Dear All, I regret to confirm the story appearing on Business Daily pp. 28 today. Falling flat-face after their collapse, these talks were aimed at alternative dispute resolution through Communications Commission of Kenya. Alex ____________________________________________________________________________________ Got a little couch potato? Check out fun summer activities for kids. http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=oni_on_mail&p=summer+activities+for+kids&…

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TIDE-Innovation Series With Joe Mucheru, Google Kenya CEO
by Michael Kipsang Bullut 28 Aug '07

28 Aug '07

Sambaza... ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Gichingiri Kuria <gichingiri(a)gmail.com> Date: 27 Aug 2007 12:48 Subject: [keepingitrealafrica] Fwd: [Skunkworks] TIDE-Innovation Series With Joe Mucheru, Google Kenya CEO To: MILI <milimani(a)yahoogroups.com>, keepingitrealafrica(a)yahoogroups.com ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: John Wesonga <john.wesonga(a)multiplechoices.biz> Date: 27-Aug-2007 12:39 Subject: [Skunkworks] TIDE-Innovation Series With Joe Mucheru, Google Kenya CEO To: skunkworks(a)my.co.ke Hi, I'm pleased to invite all of you to *TIDE (Technology, Innovation, Design and Everything)- Innovation Series Event *this Saturday September 1st, 10-12pm at Grand Regency. The guest speaker will be Joseph Mucheru, Google Kenya CEO. The entrance charge is Kshs.1000. This talk is open to all persons and is not a technology only event, it will focus on innovation in Africa from a business and entrepreneur point of view. If you need any matter clarified please contact: *Charity 0733640027 or 0720302036* ** Thank you -- John Wesonga, Technology Director, Multiple Choices http://www.multiplechoices.biz http://wesonga.peupe.net "You are remembered for the rules you break."-Douglas MacArthur _______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks(a)my.co.ke http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com -- Gichingiri Kuria __._,_.___ Messages in this topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/keepingitrealafrica/message/1583;_ylc=X3oDMTM…>( 1) Reply (via web post) <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/keepingitrealafrica/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJxNnZycGp…>| Start a new topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/keepingitrealafrica/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJmNmFrNzB…> Messages<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/keepingitrealafrica/messages;_ylc=X3oDMTJmdTh…>| Files<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/keepingitrealafrica/files;_ylc=X3oDMTJnZ3E3Zz…>| Photos<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/keepingitrealafrica/photos;_ylc=X3oDMTJmbWFlM…>| Links<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/keepingitrealafrica/links;_ylc=X3oDMTJnYjB1NH…>| Database<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/keepingitrealafrica/database;_ylc=X3oDMTJkdmh…>| Polls<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/keepingitrealafrica/polls;_ylc=X3oDMTJnaHE2Ym…>| Members<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/keepingitrealafrica/members;_ylc=X3oDMTJmZzhv…>| Calendar<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/keepingitrealafrica/calendar;_ylc=X3oDMTJlZGs…> [image: Yahoo! Groups]<http://groups.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTJldnN0Z2Q5BF9TAzk3NDc2NTkwBGdycElkAzE3N…> Change settings via the Web<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/keepingitrealafrica/join;_ylc=X3oDMTJnaXFxZGx…>(Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest<keepingitrealafrica-digest@yahoogroups.com?subject=Email+Delivery:+Digest>| Switch format to Traditional<keepingitrealafrica-traditional@yahoogroups.com?subject=Change+Delivery+Format:+Traditional> Visit Your Group <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/keepingitrealafrica;_ylc=X3oDMTJlczRhcHRnBF9T…>| Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> | Unsubscribe <keepingitrealafrica-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com?subject=> Recent Activity - 4 New Members<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/keepingitrealafrica/members;_ylc=X3oDMTJnc2Zx…> Visit Your Group <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/keepingitrealafrica;_ylc=X3oDMTJmazB0NGltBF9T…> Y! Messenger All together now<http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=12jglobgf/M=493064.10729668.11333359.8674578/D=…> Host a free online conference on IM. Best of Y! Groups Discover groups<http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=12jfquh1i/M=493064.11127061.11695037.8674578/D=…> that are the best of their class. Endurance Zone on Yahoo! Groups<http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=12jbfjk62/M=493064.11135487.11710473.8674578/D=…> Communities about higher endurance. . __,_._,___ -- "To see a world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wildflower...hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour..." ~ William Blakeg. --

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cancellation of retreat...
by Rebecca Wanjiku 28 Aug '07

28 Aug '07

Dear all Greetings and hope this message finds you well. We apologize profusely to all of you that had made space for the KICTAnet retreat which was scheduled for 29August to 1 September 2007. We have had to postpone it due to unavoidable circumstances. We shall communicate back to all the stakeholders as soon as we have more concrete dates and venue. We look forward to hosting you all to finalize the assessment exercise as well as begin to work on KICTAnet strategic plan for the next two years. Once again my apologies for any inconveniences caused warm regards alice munyua Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV.

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Re: [kictanet] Safaricom SMS Swindlers
by Michael Joseph 28 Aug '07

28 Aug '07

I will look into this immediately Michael Joseph CEO Safaricom Limited BlackBerry powered by Safaricom ----- Original Message ----- From: kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> To: Michael Joseph Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Mon Aug 27 09:28:57 2007 Subject: [kictanet] Safaricom SMS Swindlers Dear Consumer, It has come to our notice that Safaricom is charging but blocking SMS sent to Telkom Wireless network. Charging for undelivered goods and services is outright theft, and criminal acts under Kenya Laws. Their Network accepts SMS from Telkom Wireless but replies to these message instantly report "message sending failed" although Safaricom still eat your balance. We have been at Telcos malpractices since 2005 and now it is time to change the strategies. We are filing a lawsuit against Safaricom Ltd and we need as many petitions as possible. Kindly send your electronic petition directly to me assist our lawyers in filing the suit. Regards Alex Gakuru Chairman, ICT Consumers Association of Kenya ____________________________________________________________________________________ Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games. http://sims.yahoo.com/ _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: mjoseph(a)safaricom.co.ke Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mjoseph%40safaricom.co… The information in this email and any attachments is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended only for the use of the named addressee. Emails are susceptible to alteration and their integrity cannot be guaranteed. Safaricom Limited does not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this email if the same is found to have been altered or manipulated. The contents and opinions expressed in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Safaricom Limited. Safaricom Limited disclaims any liability to the fullest extent permissible by law for any consequences that may arise from the contents of this email including but not limited to personal opinions, malicious and/or defamatory information and data/codes that may compromise or damage the integrity of the recipient's information technology systems. If you are not the intended recipient please notify the sender and immediately delete this email from your system.

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Re: [kictanet] Safaricom SMS Swindlers
by Eric aligula 27 Aug '07

27 Aug '07

Barrack, True it is the charges. I don't know about fair, but if you take Safaricom to court, they can argue that they had no agreement with Telkom to provide that service. What recourse do you have then? Eric Aligula Magolo Senior Policy Analyst Infrastructure and Economic Services Division Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis P.O. Box 56445, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254-20-2719933/4 Fax: +254-20-2719951 E-mail: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke URL: www.kippra.org First, they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. Mahatma Gandhi "Ex Africa semper aliquid novi" -----Original Message----- From: Barrack Otieno [mailto:otieno.barrack@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 5:02 PM To: Eric aligula; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] Safaricom SMS Swindlers Bwana aligula the contentious issues are the charges, with or without the sla's is it fair? On 8/27/07, Eric aligula <jairah(a)kippra.or.ke> wrote: > Alex, > > Does Safaricom have service agreement with Telkom in respect of this > service? > > Kind regards, > > Eric Aligula Magolo > Senior Policy Analyst > Infrastructure and Economic Services Division > Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis > P.O. Box 56445, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya > Telephone: +254-20-2719933/4 > Fax: +254-20-2719951 > E-mail: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke > > URL: www.kippra.org > > First, they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then > you win. Mahatma Gandhi > "Ex Africa semper aliquid novi" > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Alex Gakuru [mailto:alex.gakuru@yahoo.com] > Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 9:29 AM > To: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Subject: [kictanet] Safaricom SMS Swindlers > > Dear Consumer, > > It has come to our notice that Safaricom is charging > but blocking SMS sent to Telkom Wireless network. > Charging for undelivered goods and services is > outright theft, and criminal acts under Kenya Laws. > > Their Network accepts SMS from Telkom Wireless but > replies to these message instantly report "message > sending failed" although Safaricom still eat your > balance. > > We have been at Telcos malpractices since 2005 and now > it is time to change the strategies. We are filing a > lawsuit against Safaricom Ltd and we need as many > petitions as possible. Kindly send your electronic > petition directly to me assist our lawyers in filing > the suit. > > Regards > > Alex Gakuru > Chairman, ICT Consumers Association of Kenya > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________ > ________ > Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play > Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games. > http://sims.yahoo.com/ > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jairah%40kippra.or.ke > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmail. com > -- Barrack O. Otieno Project Discovery P.o. Box 21386 Nairobi 00100 Tel: +254721325277 +254726544442 +254733229925 http://projectdiscovery.or.ke

4 3

Re: [kictanet] Safaricom SMS Swindlers
by Eric aligula 27 Aug '07

27 Aug '07

Alex, Does Safaricom have service agreement with Telkom in respect of this service? Kind regards, Eric Aligula Magolo Senior Policy Analyst Infrastructure and Economic Services Division Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis P.O. Box 56445, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254-20-2719933/4 Fax: +254-20-2719951 E-mail: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke URL: www.kippra.org First, they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. Mahatma Gandhi "Ex Africa semper aliquid novi" -----Original Message----- From: Alex Gakuru [mailto:alex.gakuru@yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 9:29 AM To: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] Safaricom SMS Swindlers Dear Consumer, It has come to our notice that Safaricom is charging but blocking SMS sent to Telkom Wireless network. Charging for undelivered goods and services is outright theft, and criminal acts under Kenya Laws. Their Network accepts SMS from Telkom Wireless but replies to these message instantly report "message sending failed" although Safaricom still eat your balance. We have been at Telcos malpractices since 2005 and now it is time to change the strategies. We are filing a lawsuit against Safaricom Ltd and we need as many petitions as possible. Kindly send your electronic petition directly to me assist our lawyers in filing the suit. Regards Alex Gakuru Chairman, ICT Consumers Association of Kenya ____________________________________________________________________________ ________ Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games. http://sims.yahoo.com/ _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jairah%40kippra.or.ke

3 2

FYI: Links to DFID projects & funding programs]
by alice 27 Aug '07

27 Aug '07

DFID works in partnership with a range of different organisations to ensure effective use of our development budget and to assist us in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These include multilateral institutions (such as the World Bank, European Community and UN agencies), developing country governments, civil society organisations and the research community. See 'Who DFID works with <about:blank../aboutdfid/dfidwork/>’ for more information. Although the greater part of our development assistance funding is channelled through multilateral agencies, direct budget support and larger scale programmes, there is still substantial support provided through a variety of other funds for smaller scale initiatives. These are aimed at promoting sustainable development and eliminating poverty. They are open to different groups and the following list has been arranged to reflect this. For a breakdown of expenditure see our annual publication, ‘Statistics on International Development <about:blank../pubs/files/sid2006/contents.asp>’. Any organisations or individuals seeking funding should read the guidelines for the Fund which they feel best suits their needs and apply directly, using the instructions given. · Funding for international students wishing to study in the UK <about:blank#individuals> · Funding for not-for-profit organisations <about:blank#orgs> · Conflict and humanitarian funding <about:blank#humanitarian> · Funding for the private sector <about:blank#businesses> · Funding for educational institutions <about:blank#education> · Funding for the media <about:blank#media> · Funding for local authorities <about:blank#commonwealth> · Funding for specific countries or regions <about:blank#countries> · Closed funds <about:blank#closed> *Funding for international students wishing to study in the UK* * Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan <about:blankcsfp.asp> (CSFP) Awards for post-graduate study and occasional undergraduate study covering some Commonwealth countries. * Shared Scholarship Scheme <about:blank../funding/sharedscholarship.asp> Awards for Commonwealth postgraduate students to study in the UK. *Further information* The above schemes are aimed primarily at students from developing Commonwealth countries. For other funding opportunities, please visit the British Council website - * External linkScholarship search <http://www.educationuk.org/scholarships/> External linkStudy in the UK <http://www.britishcouncil.org/learning-study-in-the-uk.htm?mtklink=corporat…> *Funding for not-for-profit organisations* * Civil Society Challenge Fund <about:blankcivilsocietycf.asp>Aimed at UK-based not-for-profit organisations working to provide lasting benefits to poor communities and under-represented people in the developing world. * Development Awareness Fund <about:blankdaf.asp> and the Mini Grants Scheme <about:blankdafminigrants.asp> UK-based not-for-profit organisations or networks which share our commitment to raising awareness and understanding of development issues. * Partnership Programme Agreements <about:blank../aboutdfid/DFIDwork/ppas/partnerprogagreements.asp> Agreements between DFID and influential civil society organisations in the UK which set out at a strategic level how the partners will work together to meet the Millennium Development Goals. Strategic Funding is provided, and is linked to jointly agreed outcomes. * Governance and Transparency Fund <about:blankgtf.asp> Targeted principally at not-for-profit organisations. It will also consider proposals which involve local/regional government bodies and certain for-profit groups (particularly those in the media), where their involvement can show to be an integral part of the project/programme. proposal. If you would like to know more about the Fund please e-mail gtf(a)dfid.gov.uk <mailto:gtf@dfid.gov.uk> *Further information* * External linkBOND <http://www.bond.org.uk/funding/> (British Overseas NGOs for Development) * External linkForeign and Commonwealth Office Global Opportunities Fund <http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&…> * Research opportunities <about:blank../research/research-calls.asp> *Conflict and humanitarian funding* * Conflict and Humanitarian Fund <about:blankconflict-humanitarian.asp> *Applications for the current funding round closed on 8 February 2007*. Information about future opportunities for not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding for work in the areas of conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance and access to justice will be published in summer 2007. * Humanitarian response funding <about:blankhumanitarian-funding.asp> Allocated in response to specific emergencies and disasters to not-for-profit organisations, United Nations agencies and the Red Cross Movement. * Disaster Risk Reduction <about:blank../news/files/disaster-risk-reduction-launch.asp> After a major rapid-onset disaster, up to 10% of DFID's response funding may be available for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) activities including prevention, mitigation and preparedness for future disasters, where this can be done effectively. This is likely to be relevant for sudden onset disasters and will only apply to responses above £500,000. The funding is often managed by the DFID country or regional office. For further information read our Disaster Risk Reduction Policy Paper <about:blank../pubs/files/disaster-risk-reduction-policy.pdf>adobe pdf(657 kb) or contact (+44) (0)20 7023 1476. * The Africa Conflict Prevention Pool <about:blankacpp.asp> (ACPP) and External linkGlobal Conflict Prevention Pool <http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&…> (GCPP) managed jointly by DFID, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence. More information on the GCPP is also available <about://aboutdfid/organisation/conflicthumanitarianassistance.asp#GCPP>. * Mine action DFID funds a programme of global mine action through the United Nations and selected NGO partners. For further information please contact the Security and Justice Team in Conflict, Humanitarian and Security Department (CHASE) on (+44) (0)20 7023 0599. *Funding for the private sector* * Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund <about:blank../news/files/aecf.asp> A 7-Year DFID led initiative to stimulate pro-poor growth and create employment in Africa. * External linkBusiness Sector Advocacy Challenge Fund <http://www.busac.org/> (BUSAC) Aims to broaden the engagement of the Private Sector in Policy formulation and implementation in Ghana. * Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund <about:blankemergingafrica.asp> A Public Private Partnership providing long-term debt finance on commercial terms to finance the construction and development of private infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa. * Investment Climate Facility for Africa <about:blank../news/files/pressreleases/investment-climate-facility.asp> Helps lower the cost of doing business in Africa and promote a better investment climate across the continent. *Further information* * Procurement opportunities <about:blank../procurement/default.asp> * Research opportunities <about:blank../research/research-calls.asp> * External linkStrategic Business Partnerships for Growth in Africa <http://www.sbp.org.za/> * CDC Group plc <about:blank../aboutdfid/DFIDwork/privatesector-cdc.asp> Wholly owned by DFID, CDC Group plc invests in poor developing countries and aims to attract private capital by showing that such investments are worthwhile. * Public Private Partnerships in Infrastructure <about:blank../pubs/files/pppinfrastructureoct04.pdf>adobe acrobat pdf(88 kb) * Working with the private sector to eliminate poverty <about:blank../pubs/files/dfid-private-sector.pdf>adobe acrobat pdf(393 kb) * External linkForeign and Commonwealth Office Global Opportunities Fund <http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&…> *Funding for educational institutions* * DELPHE <about:blankdelphe.asp> The DELPHE (Development Partnerships in Higher Education) programme provides funding for partnerships between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) working on collaborative activity linked to the Millennium Development Goals <about:blank../mdg/default.asp>. * DFID Global Schools Partnerships <about:blankglobalschools.asp> Provides grants to schools in the UK and Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean to help build partnerships through teacher exchanges and for projects to build development issues into the curriculum. *Further information* * External linkEDULINK <http://www.acp-edulink.eu/> * External linkEngland-Africa Partnerships in Higher Education <http://www.britishcouncil.org/learning-eap> * Research opportunities <about:blank../research/research-calls.asp> *Funding for the media* * Commonwealth Broadcasting Association DFID Travel Bursary Fund <about:blankcbatravbursfund.asp> Established UK based network and regional media producers/journalists who want to spend up to three months in a Commonwealth developing country. * Commonwealth Broadcasting Association DFID Programme Development Fund <about:blankcbaprogdevfund.asp> Established UK Producers/Production companies. *Funding for Local Authorities* * Commonwealth Local Government Good Practice Scheme <about:blankcomlocgov.asp> Commonwealth local authorities, local authority associations. *Funding for specific countries or regions* Please note that this list is not exhaustive and there will be more schemes run directly from country offices. *Africa* * External linkRapid Funding Envelope for HIV/AIDS <http://www.rapidfundingenvelope.org/> Provides grants to Tanzanian non-profit civil society organisations, academic institutions, and civil society partnerships for essential, short-term projects aligned with the National Policy on HIV/AIDS and the National Multi-Sectoral Strategic Framework. * Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund <about:blank../news/files/aecf.asp> - due for launch summer 2007. * External linkBusiness Sector Advocacy Challenge Fund <http://www.busac.org/> (BUSAC) Aims to broaden the engagement of the Private Sector in Policy formulation and implementation in Ghana. * Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund <about:blankemergingafrica.asp> A Public Private Partnership providing long-term debt finance on commercial terms to finance the construction and development of private infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa. * External linkFoundation for Civil Society: Tanzania <http://www.thefoundation-tz.org/> Provides grants and other capacity building support to civil society organisations to establish a support mechanism for civil society organisations in Tanzania. * External linkGhana Research Advocacy Programme <http://www.g-rap.org/> Aims to support the institutional development of Research and Advocacy Organisations (RAOs) in Ghana. * Investment Climate Facility for Africa <about:blank../news/files/pressreleases/investment-climate-facility.asp> Helps lower the cost of doing business in Africa and promote a better investment climate across the continent. * External linkRapid Funding Envelope for HIV/AIDS <http://www.rapidfundingenvelope.org/> Provides grants to Tanzanian non-profit civil society organisations, academic institutions, and civil society partnerships for essential, short-term projects aligned with the National Policy on HIV/AIDS and the National Multi-Sectoral Strategic Framework. * External linkRegional Trade Facilitation Programme <http://www.rtfp.org/> Aims to expand the regional and international trade of Southern Africa as a way of reducing poverty. * External linkRights and Voice Initiative <http://www.ravighana.org/> Aims to strengthen capacity of vulnerable groups to exercise voice and demand their rights in Ghana. * External linkSouthern Africa Trust <http://www.southernafricatrust.org/> Supports processes to deepen and widen participation in policy dialogue with a regional impact on poverty. *Further information* * External linkStrategic Business Partnerships for Growth in Africa <http://www.sbp.org.za/> *Asia* * External linkDFID Community Support Programme <http://www.csp.org.np/> aims to provide funding support to poor, marginalized, excluded, and conflict-affected communities in Nepal to address their immediate livelihood issues. * Iraqi Civil Society Challenge Fund <about:blankiraqi-csf.asp> Aims to strengthen capacity of Iraqi civil society organisations, contribute to local/community initiatives, increase access to information, and support organisations in the non-government sector to work better with government to develop and improve social policy across Iraq. * Iraq Political Participation Fund <about:blankiraq-ppf.asp> Organisations that work to support the development of legitimate and inclusive political institutions in Iraq. * Orissa Civil Society and Poverty Programme <about:blankorissaprog.asp> NGOs that have been in existence for a minimum of five years, and are based in Orissa, India. * External linkIndia Poorest Areas Civil Society Programme <http://www.empowerpoor.com/> Seeks to support civil society organisations working in identified thematic areas in India. *Worldwide* * External linkCommunity Led Infrastructure Finance Facility (CLIFF) <http://www.homeless-international.org/text_link.aspx?link_id=1:1464> Provides loan finance for slum development projects that are implemented by the urban poor in India and Kenya. * Small Grants Scheme <about:blanksmallgrant.asp> Now the responsibility of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. *Closed funds* * Business Links Asia * External linkBusiness Linkages Challenge Fund <http://www.businesslinkageschallengefund.org/home_blcf.aspx?siteId=9035ead6…> * External linkFinancial Deepening Challenge Fund <http://www.enterplan.co.uk/fdcf/default.htm> * External linkGhana Business Linkages Challenge Fund <http://www.challengefunds.org/ghana/ghanahome.htm> * External linkHigher Education Links Scheme <http://www.britishcouncil.org/learning-higher-education-links.htm> * Know How Fund <about:blankkhf.asp> Strategic Grant Agreements <about:blank../aboutdfid/DFIDwork/strategicgrantagreements.asp>

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Re: [kictanet] Safaricom SMS Swindlers
by Michael Joseph 27 Aug '07

27 Aug '07

As i have said earlier i have for this to investigated and can assure all that this is not intended and may be a configuration error in the billing system. No sms messages to TKL were envisaged earlier and we have just started technical testing. We will try to get records of all sms records and apply a refund Michael Joseph CEO Safaricom Limited BlackBerry powered by Safaricom ----- Original Message ----- From: kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> To: Michael Joseph Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>; wawerujn(a)cck.go.ke <wawerujn(a)cck.go.ke> Sent: Mon Aug 27 16:36:44 2007 Subject: Re: [kictanet] Safaricom SMS Swindlers Hello all, I am a victim of this matter, and i would like to point out that the actual charge being levied for the "undelivered" sms is actually ksh 10/= and not even the published sms rate of Ksh 5/= to other networks. By way of this message, i hope also CCK and the courts will give this matter expeditious action. The information in this email and any attachments is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended only for the use of the named addressee. Emails are susceptible to alteration and their integrity cannot be guaranteed. Safaricom Limited does not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this email if the same is found to have been altered or manipulated. The contents and opinions expressed in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Safaricom Limited. Safaricom Limited disclaims any liability to the fullest extent permissible by law for any consequences that may arise from the contents of this email including but not limited to personal opinions, malicious and/or defamatory information and data/codes that may compromise or damage the integrity of the recipient's information technology systems. If you are not the intended recipient please notify the sender and immediately delete this email from your system.

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[Fwd: [APC Forum] OII 2nd Call for Applications from Civil Society Practitioners in the global South]
by alice 27 Aug '07

27 Aug '07

hi everyone a reminder on the OII Civil Society internship programme - the deadline is 26th september >Date: Sun, 26 Aug 2007 20:40:21 +0100 >From: "Jennifer A. De Beer" <jennifer.debeer(a)oii.ox.ac.uk> >To: oii recruit <recruit(a)oii.ox.ac.uk> >Subject: OII 2nd Call for Applications from Civil Society Practitioners in > the global South > >Reminder: Application deadline 26 September 2007 > >Oxford Internet Institute - Civil Society Practitioners Programme > > > >Invitation to apply > > > >The <http://www.oii.ox.ac.uk/>Oxford Internet Institute (University >of Oxford) invites applications from the global South to fill two >places in its Civil Society Practitioners Programme. > >This visitor programme is intended for Civil Society Practitioners >of distinction or outstanding promise who wish to visit the >Institute for a period of six weeks between February and December >2008, to undertake research concerning the social impact of the >Internet and related ICTs. Visitors are expected to reside in Oxford >during their stay, and to participate fully in the intellectual life >of the Institute. The successful applicants will receive: > * A subsistence allowance of 3800 GBP (7500 USD) to cover > research expenses and living costs during their stay in Oxford > * A travel grant of up to 1000 GBP (2000 USD) for travel to and > from the UK > >Applications will ideally be submitted by Civil Society >Practitioners in or from the global South, active in the areas of >freedom of expression, media reform, media justice, and >communications and information policy in the globalized context of >the Internet. > > >How to apply > > > >For details on how to apply, please download: >Information for Applicants (PDF, 45kb) at ><http://www.oii.ox.ac.uk/people/CSPP_Application_Information.pdf>http://www.oii.ox.ac.uk/people/CSPP_Application_Information.pdf > >You may also request to have this information emailed to you in >plain text form. The deadline for completed applications to reach >the OII Academic and Student Affairs Officer (by post or email: >contact details below) is 26 September 2007. Please note that >incomplete applications cannot be considered. > >Final notification of an award will occur in November 2007. >Successful candidates will be expected to take up their six week >residency in Oxford at any time between February and December 2008. > > >Contact > > > >Laura Taylor >Academic and Student Affairs Officer >Oxford Internet Institute >University of Oxford >1 St Giles, Oxford OX1 3JS >United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1865 287222 >Fax: +44 (0)1865 287211 >Email: ><mailto:recruit@oii.ox.ac.uk?subject=Civil%20Society%20Practitioners%20Programme>recruit(a)oii.ox.ac.uk > > >This programme has been made possible through funding by the media >policy portfolio in the ><http://www.fordfound.org/program/edu_main.cfm>Knowledge, Creativity >and Freedom Program of the Ford Foundation. >This Call for Applications is also available at: ><http://www.oii.ox.ac.uk/microsites/cspp/>http://www.oii.ox.ac.uk/microsites/cspp/ > ======================================= 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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Safaricom SMS Swindlers
by Alex Gakuru 27 Aug '07

27 Aug '07

Dear Consumer, It has come to our notice that Safaricom is charging but blocking SMS sent to Telkom Wireless network. Charging for undelivered goods and services is outright theft, and criminal acts under Kenya Laws. Their Network accepts SMS from Telkom Wireless but replies to these message instantly report "message sending failed" although Safaricom still eat your balance. We have been at Telcos malpractices since 2005 and now it is time to change the strategies. We are filing a lawsuit against Safaricom Ltd and we need as many petitions as possible. Kindly send your electronic petition directly to me assist our lawyers in filing the suit. Regards Alex Gakuru Chairman, ICT Consumers Association of Kenya ____________________________________________________________________________________ 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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Fw: Laare computing center in Meru
by Jose' 27 Aug '07

27 Aug '07

Nice innovation in Sirisia,Bungoma. Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || ----- Original Message ---- From: "bitange(a)jambo.co.ke" <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> To: ngunjirijnr(a)yahoo.com Cc: mibuari(a)gmail.com; harry KARANJA <harrykaranja(a)yahoo.com>; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 8:03:09 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Laare computing center in Meru Thank you for sharing the experience with us. We shall contact Laare to upgrade them to a Digital Center under the Digital Village Project. We saw similar projects last week in Bungoma and Busia. The level of innovation in these centers is unimaginable. In Sirisia, Bungoma for example the digital village is the only center where women are taught through internet how to diagonise some of the common diseases at a cost Ksh. 10 and it is the only center where one can charge a mobile at Ksh. 20. The center uses solar enrgey. Regards Bitange Ndemo. > Follow Harry Karanja's 'cathinoned' exploits in Meru - story from his > blog. > > Members of this forum would also be interested in the work Eric has > done at Laare, getting support from MIT. > (attached is a job posting for a manager/trainer he's looking for) > http://laare.csail.mit.edu/ > > > > http://startupkenya.blogspot.com/2007/08/internet-charity-and-miraa- > day-one.html > > Back in July my good pal Eric Mibuari (next M.P. of Ntonyiri > Constituency and MIT alumni) invited me to help him set up internet > access at a computer centre he founded in Laare, Meru. The idea was > to use my internet in the village model which I had already deployed > in two other places. I jumped at the idea, not only is Eric a fun > guy, but I had never been to Meru and I needed a holiday from Forex > trading. So together with another of my pals, Dru, we piled into a > 4WD and headed off towards Meru. > > Now, I have never been to Meru so I didn't really know what to > expect. I borrowed the 4WD from a friend suspecting I'd be in trouble > without it but I was pleasantly surprised to find well paved roads > most of the way. > > There was another reason I borrowed the 4WD, it was because it had > enough storage room. The previous week Nakumatt (Kenya's leading > retailer) had announced the opening of its Meru branch and I had my > eye on a big-screen TV that was going to be on a special half price > offer. I was sure of getting it as I would be in Meru on the day > right after grand opening. > > A rapid learning experience my trip was to prove, the first thing I > realised was that Meru is a very wealthy town. If the fact that the > TVs were all sold out on day one by 11:00 am did not convince me of > this fact then it was the brand new Toyota Hilux pick-ups scattered > everywhere making up 1 of every 3 cars. I was to learn in due course > why this was the favoured vehicle. > > Eric was already in Meru and asked us to rendezvous with him in Maua > - a town 50km north of Meru and near the Meru National Park. We > finally got to Meru at about 6pm and I discovered the second thing > about Meru; at 1800M above sea level and off the slopes of Mount > Kenya, the place is extremely cold. By luck Dru and I had both had > packed heavy woolen sweaters, although the cold seemed to seep > through those too. While waiting for Eric, who was coming from the > centre, we took a tour of Maua. To our surprise we found that half > the town's occupants were of Somali origin. Now for a non-Kenyan to > understand this you must appreciate that rural areas are usually > homogenous in ethnic makeup. We expected at least 90% Meru ethnicity. > Somalis however are extremely capable merchants and Maua has a very > valuable and tradeable commodity, miraa. So like flies to honey they > flocked in their hundreds to the small yet extremely rich town. > > By the time we got to Maua I had been driving for six hours and over > 400km but when we finally met up with Eric he insisted on taking us > to see the centre. So after checking in to our hotel we drove on to > Laare, about 10km from Maua. The centre is temporarily hosted by the > Laare Catholic parish. This stoked the fire of conviction that > churches form a good backbone for such community projects; direct > access to the community and structural resources. > > Our trip to the parish was also our first chance to interact with > locals of Meru - the priests. Kimeru language is not so much spoken > as it is sung, with alternating pitch, tempo, and rhythm. It was > fascinating to listen as the priests and Eric weaved kimeru in and > out of the English conversation. Our hosts generously served us some > hot tea and bananas (incredibly huge bananas) as they found out about > our mission to Meru. > > Eric also showed us the computers and equipment that had been donated > by MIT for use in the centre. An impressive number of relatively new > PCs, laptops, routers and switches all the way from Boston were > stacked up in one corner of the priests' living room waiting for us > to set them up the following day. > > We finally left at around nine o'clock and slowly drove back to Maua. > Slowly because it was a pitch black moonless night and the cold > mountain air hitting the warmer tarmac caused instant rising mist on > the road. > > Used to Nairobi's fast pace we found ourselves still eager to explore > the place at that late hour. However the few places we checked out > were lifeless (it was a Tuesday) so we decided to go to the hotel and > strategize on the following day. Before retiring though we purchased > some of Meru's finest. > > So while chewing on a few choice stems, we tried out the EDGE > internet connectivity from the hotel room using my laptop and my cell > phone as a modem. The connection worked quite well and I was even > able to open my forex trading platform and put in a few trades. > (Isn't technology wonderful - you can buy and sell off Wall Street > while in a hotel in Meru right on the slopes of Mount Kenya!) > > I finally gave in at 1:00 am as even the cathinone in the miraa could > not erase six hours of driving. I left a 'cathinoned' Eric sending > emails and on the phone with his colleagues in Boston late into the > night. > > Watch this space for Day Two coming soon... > _______________________________________________ > skunkworks mailing list > skunkworks(a)my.co.ke > http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.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 > _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: ngunjirijnr(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ngunjirijnr%40yahoo.com Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545469

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[Fwd: [Fibre-for-africa] South Africa - Another instance where privatization trumped liberalization]
by alice 27 Aug '07

27 Aug '07

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: [Fibre-for-africa] South Africa - Another instance where privatization trumped liberalization Date: Sun, 26 Aug 2007 23:24:48 -0400 From: Steve Song <ssong(a)idrc.ca> Reply-To: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> Organization: IDRC To: 'Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants' <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> Hi all, I see that a journal article by Willie Currie and Robert Horwitz in Telecommunications Policy entitled "Another instance where privatization trumped liberalization: The politics of telecommunications reform in South Africa-A ten-year retrospective" has been written up in Business Report (http://www.busrep.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3998638) and then Slashdotted at http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=07/08/26/1642210. Looks like a damning summary of how *not* to stimulate investment and competition in the telecom sector. We all knew South Africa was an awful example but it is chilling to have 10 years of greed, incompetence, and mismanagement laid out so starkly. -Steve P.S. While we are on the topic of *access*, I see that the actual journal article is not available on the web. http://portal.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=1282573.1282768 Obviously not Open Access but perhaps the authors were allowed to self-archive? Willie? -- Steve Song <ssong(a)idrc.ca> Manager ICT4D Africa Programs http://www.connectivityafrica.org http://www.idrc.ca/acacia International Development Research Centre Tel. +1 613 236 6163 x2268 Mobile: +1 613 302 8233 Skype: steve_l_song _______________________________________________ Fibre-for-africa mailing list Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa

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Laare computing center in Meru
by Riyaz Bachani 27 Aug '07

27 Aug '07

Follow Harry Karanja's 'cathinoned' exploits in Meru - story from his blog. Members of this forum would also be interested in the work Eric has done at Laare, getting support from MIT. (attached is a job posting for a manager/trainer he's looking for) http://laare.csail.mit.edu/ http://startupkenya.blogspot.com/2007/08/internet-charity-and-miraa- day-one.html Back in July my good pal Eric Mibuari (next M.P. of Ntonyiri Constituency and MIT alumni) invited me to help him set up internet access at a computer centre he founded in Laare, Meru. The idea was to use my internet in the village model which I had already deployed in two other places. I jumped at the idea, not only is Eric a fun guy, but I had never been to Meru and I needed a holiday from Forex trading. So together with another of my pals, Dru, we piled into a 4WD and headed off towards Meru. Now, I have never been to Meru so I didn't really know what to expect. I borrowed the 4WD from a friend suspecting I'd be in trouble without it but I was pleasantly surprised to find well paved roads most of the way. There was another reason I borrowed the 4WD, it was because it had enough storage room. The previous week Nakumatt (Kenya's leading retailer) had announced the opening of its Meru branch and I had my eye on a big-screen TV that was going to be on a special half price offer. I was sure of getting it as I would be in Meru on the day right after grand opening. A rapid learning experience my trip was to prove, the first thing I realised was that Meru is a very wealthy town. If the fact that the TVs were all sold out on day one by 11:00 am did not convince me of this fact then it was the brand new Toyota Hilux pick-ups scattered everywhere making up 1 of every 3 cars. I was to learn in due course why this was the favoured vehicle. Eric was already in Meru and asked us to rendezvous with him in Maua - a town 50km north of Meru and near the Meru National Park. We finally got to Meru at about 6pm and I discovered the second thing about Meru; at 1800M above sea level and off the slopes of Mount Kenya, the place is extremely cold. By luck Dru and I had both had packed heavy woolen sweaters, although the cold seemed to seep through those too. While waiting for Eric, who was coming from the centre, we took a tour of Maua. To our surprise we found that half the town's occupants were of Somali origin. Now for a non-Kenyan to understand this you must appreciate that rural areas are usually homogenous in ethnic makeup. We expected at least 90% Meru ethnicity. Somalis however are extremely capable merchants and Maua has a very valuable and tradeable commodity, miraa. So like flies to honey they flocked in their hundreds to the small yet extremely rich town. By the time we got to Maua I had been driving for six hours and over 400km but when we finally met up with Eric he insisted on taking us to see the centre. So after checking in to our hotel we drove on to Laare, about 10km from Maua. The centre is temporarily hosted by the Laare Catholic parish. This stoked the fire of conviction that churches form a good backbone for such community projects; direct access to the community and structural resources. Our trip to the parish was also our first chance to interact with locals of Meru - the priests. Kimeru language is not so much spoken as it is sung, with alternating pitch, tempo, and rhythm. It was fascinating to listen as the priests and Eric weaved kimeru in and out of the English conversation. Our hosts generously served us some hot tea and bananas (incredibly huge bananas) as they found out about our mission to Meru. Eric also showed us the computers and equipment that had been donated by MIT for use in the centre. An impressive number of relatively new PCs, laptops, routers and switches all the way from Boston were stacked up in one corner of the priests' living room waiting for us to set them up the following day. We finally left at around nine o'clock and slowly drove back to Maua. Slowly because it was a pitch black moonless night and the cold mountain air hitting the warmer tarmac caused instant rising mist on the road. Used to Nairobi's fast pace we found ourselves still eager to explore the place at that late hour. However the few places we checked out were lifeless (it was a Tuesday) so we decided to go to the hotel and strategize on the following day. Before retiring though we purchased some of Meru's finest. So while chewing on a few choice stems, we tried out the EDGE internet connectivity from the hotel room using my laptop and my cell phone as a modem. The connection worked quite well and I was even able to open my forex trading platform and put in a few trades. (Isn't technology wonderful - you can buy and sell off Wall Street while in a hotel in Meru right on the slopes of Mount Kenya!) I finally gave in at 1:00 am as even the cathinone in the miraa could not erase six hours of driving. I left a 'cathinoned' Eric sending emails and on the phone with his colleagues in Boston late into the night. Watch this space for Day Two coming soon... _______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks(a)my.co.ke http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com

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Re: [kictanet] National e-Government Strategies: Designing for Success - 19 June 2007
by Patrick Mburu 26 Aug '07

26 Aug '07

Harry, thank you for the link to this webcast. Am interested to know how many from this list were able to attend this at the WB video conferene. I participated online and was a great delivery with key issues addressed from participants throughout the globe. I hope that there will be a posting of the questions submitted through the chat as well as the brief summary of it posted in the site: http://go.worldbank.org/KYLN3DZF40 Some key questions that was addressed regarding to e-readiness from the Kenyan participants VC), it would be insighful if we could obtain perhaps further deliberations from this perspective and how these could / would be addressed in terms of infrastructural dev activities that are currently underway.... Anyone care to comment / suggest where these could be addressed? Regards, Patrick On 18/06/07, Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> wrote: > > > > Dear Colleagues, > > > > > > The World Bank office in Nairobi has kindly availed their facility for those > interested in participating in a videoconference is titled "National > e-Government Strategies: Designing for Success" which is to take place > tomorrow June 19th at 9:00 - 11:30 am EST, which is 4pm here. > > > > This VC is organized in partnership with USAID/USTTI and Development Gateway > Foundation. The event will feature several leading experts from India, > Singapore, U.S., Kenya and World Bank who will engage in a discussion with > country clients. The event description is below and more information is > available at: http://go.worldbank.org/KYLN3DZF40 > > > > A great number of governments have now developed e-Government strategies and > are at various stages of implementation. While a significant amount of > attention has been given in the past to identifying the key components of > e-Government strategies and identifying best practices, little attention has > been given to the processes involved in the design of such strategies. > Recognizing that the process of designing an e-Government strategy is > perhaps as important if not more important than the resulting document, this > event will be an opportunity to learn from three different country > perspectives. The speakers will address the process of designing successful > national e-Government strategies, focusing on the following questions: > > > > Why is it important to have well-designed e-Government Strategies? > > Why might the process be as important as the final document? > > What constitutes successful e-Government strategies? What are the key > ingredients? > > How should governments go about designing e-Government strategies? > > What are the steps and processes that are essential not only to the > elaboration of the strategy, but also to its successful implementation? > > > > The VC room at the Bank can accommodate just a few people, and we have been > given about 15 spaces which shall be allocated on a first come first served > basis. Due to security issues at the Bank's offices, we have to submit the > names of those interested by 1pm tomorrow. So if you are interested in > participating, pls send me an email by 1pm tomorrow 19th June 2007. My > apologies for the short notice and we look forward to your participation! > > > > Best regards, > > > > Harry Hare > > African eDevelopment Resource Centre > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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/patrick.mburu%40gmail.com >

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NSE Weekly Analytics & MediaCorp Clinic
by Bill Kagai 26 Aug '07

26 Aug '07

Dear Sir/Madam, 1. Please find attached the NSE Weekly Analytics. This week our eye is on the proposed Bamburi/East Africa Portland Cement Merger - The real winners. 2.Next Saturday on 1st September 2007, we will be at Nyali Beach Hotel looking at how ICT can help you trade more efficiently at the inaugural MediaCorp Clinic. Main Plenary * * -Dr. Bitange Ndemo – PS, Ministry of Information and Communication who will speak on the role of ICT in harnessing online trading -Mr. Jimnah Mbaru – Chairman, Nairobi Stock Exchange [NSE] who will speak on transforming the market from a paper to a digital market and the future vision of the NSE. -Mr. Bob Karina – Managing Director, Faida Securities who will speak on demystifying the bond market by taking advantage of online resources in Kenya. Discussant Mr. Fred Mweni, Chief Executive, Tsavo Securities. First Plenary -Financing IPOs from a bank's perspective – K-Rep Bank - Moses Banda -Custodial Services from Barclays Securities Services – John Odhiambo / Gideon Chokah -NSE Real Time Data Demonstration – MediaCorp - Edwin Wambugu -Investor Rights and Redress – Kenya Association of Investor Groups – Patrick Kariuki -Brokers, Unit Trusts and Investment Groups Exhibition Confirmed Exhibitors Dyer & Blair Investment Bank, Faida Securities, Discount Securities, Barclays Securities Service, Bob Mathews, K-Rep Bank, Old Mutual, Tsavo Securities and Apex Africa have already confirmed exhibiting their services at the Clinic. -- Bildad Kagai MD - MediaCorp Limited Nairobi Stock Exchange [NSE] - Authorised Information Vendor Suite B2 Tetu Apartments StateHouse Avenue P. O. Box 20311-00200 Tel. 254 20 272 8332 Fax. Rendered Obsolete URL. www.mediacorpafrica.com --

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WHOIS privacy reform reaches dead end
by Alex Gakuru 25 Aug '07

25 Aug '07

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070824-whois-privacy-reform-reaches-… Reforms to the WHOIS database in order to address growing privacy concerns have once again come to a halt, leaving a seven-year-old debate to continue on how much personal information should be displayed to the public. The WHOIS Working Group published its Final Outcomes report (PDF) this week, which detailed nearly three months' worth of talks, negotiations, and disagreements among 70 users, service providers, and law enforcement officials. The group was pulled in two directions: one by those who want increased privacy protections for individuals registering domains and another by those who want easier and quicker access to WHOIS contact information in order to keep an eye on bad apples. Report: http://gnso.icann.org/drafts/icann-whois-wg-report-final-1-9.pdf ------------------- [WWWhatsup NYC, http://pinstand.com,http://punkcast.com http://isoc-ny.org] ------------------- ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545469

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Fwd: [Skunkworks] MEETING - PloneGOV - 28 Aug 2007
by Riyaz Bachani 25 Aug '07

25 Aug '07

this might be useful for members on this forum too. Begin forwarded message: > To: skunkworks <skunkworks(a)my.co.ke> > > > Nicholas Bossut will be speaking about http://www.plonegov.org > > Wananchi Online, 1st Floor Loita Hse > > 6pm, 28 Aug 2007 > > We will probably do dinner after for those wanting more discussions > > > > > > ----- > from Ashok: > > Hello All: > > One of the main creators of PloneGOV project (http:// > www.plonegov.org) [1] is > visiting nairobi during this week, and is interested in meeting > organizations, interested > parties, open source folks.... : > > <quote> > Moreover, I'm truly interested to explore opportunities for PloneGov > project. PloneGov could be a way for african municipalities to fight > the digital divide in saving money. Open source websites as City of > Seneffe website (www.seneffe.be) could be easily copy-paste and help > national administrations in charge of local governments to develop a > presence of public authorities on Internet. Different applications > are independant and interconnectable. In facts, we deployed tools > that aren't useful in Africa but municipalities can choose 'à la > carte' what they need. > </quote> > > Interested parties may drop me an email offline .... > > thanks > > Ashok > > [1] PloneGOV : > ""55 European, African, North and South American Public > organizations participate > in the PloneGov project. In doing so, they aim to gain > independence from large > IT services providers by developing, essentially by themselves and > in a > cooperative manner, applications and websites for their own use as > well as for > their citizens'. > > PloneGov is open and aims to reach more organizations. Initiated by > small towns > in close collaboration with the Plone / Zope Communities, the > project reaches now > cities, regions and 10 parliaments. This collaboration effort > already spans over 3 > continents and 15 countries."" > > > _______________________________________________ > skunkworks mailing list > skunkworks(a)my.co.ke > http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com

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Teen 'unlocks' iPhone from AT&T network
by Jose' 25 Aug '07

25 Aug '07

I found this really facinating on the new iphone just released in the USA. The 17 year old guru got it "unlocked" from the AT&T network.Now we await on the blackberry :-) http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070825/ap_on_hi_te/iphone_unlocked;_ylt=Al511V… Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545469

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training on Information Security Management Systems
by Rebecca Wanjiku 25 Aug '07

25 Aug '07

in case of interest Course: Information Security Management Systems-ISO 27001:2005 Lead Auditor Course Date: 27th-31st August 2007 (5-days 8am-5pm) Venue:Safaripark Hotel Certification: International Registrar of Certified Auditor (IRCA) Certificate Facilitator: Gerald Kelly ( From Ireland) ( He has hands on expereience in auditing and implementing ISMS so its not theory based) Cost: 69,500 + VAT TARGET GROUP Senior Managers IT Professionals IS Managers Systems Administrators Database Administrators IT Consultants Owner Managers Accountants Quality & Safety Managers Auditors AIMS OF THE COURSE Explain the purpose of Information Security Management Systems(ISMS) Explain the process Involved in establishing,Implementing,Operating,Monitoring,Reviewing,and Improving the ISMS including their significance to auditors. Explain the purpose,content and Inter-relationship between ISO 27001:2005,ISO 17799:2005,and ISO/IEC 13335 To gather evidence through observation,Interview and Sampling of documents and records. Conduct audit follow up to verify the effectiveness of corrective actions. To explain the legislative frame work relevant to ISMS including the inter-relationship with corporate governance. To conduct process based audits in accordance to ISO 27001:2005,ISO 19001:2002,EA7-03,and ISO 17021:2006 Understand the responsibility and competencies of an Auditor Write objective and verifiable audit findings and summary report. BENEFITS OF THE COURSE Accelerate your professional skills and find out what is new in IS auditing and related fields Develop ability to improve audit performance Internationally Accredited Certificate Kindly review and we hope you are going to send participants from your organization. We can also schedule a meeting so that we can discuss the course further and I give you more material. -- Joseph McDonald Ignite Consulting Limited EDEN SQUARE 7th Floor, Chiromo Road, Westlands P. O. Box 15568 00100 GPO Nairobi, Kenya Tel: 254-20-3673250-9 Fax: 254-20-3673231 Email: joseph.mcdonald(a)igniteconsulting.co.ke URL: www.igniteconsulting.co.ke Professional & Life Skills Coaching, Quality Management Systems, Health Safety, Food Safety & Environment Management Systems, Lead Auditor Courses that are Internationally Accredited by IRCA, Training on Conformity and Compliance based on International Standards (ISO), Business Management, Organizational Development, Capacity Building and Strategy Facilitation and Development. IT Solutions:- eDocuments Management, Data Management, Disaster Preparedness and Hosting and Management Services for all your IT needs. Services delivered to you by Ignite Technologies, an Ignite Consulting Division focusing on Systems Integration. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Sick sense of humor? Visit Yahoo! TV's Comedy with an Edge to see what's on, when.

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Nokia battery recall
by Jose' 25 Aug '07

25 Aug '07

Is your Nokia phone model Nokia 1100, Nokia 1100c, Nokia 1101, Nokia 1108, Nokia 1110, Nokia 1112, Nokia 1255, Nokia 1315, Nokia 1600, Nokia 2112, Nokia 2118, Nokia 2255, Nokia 2272, Nokia 2275, Nokia 2300, Nokia 2300c, Nokia 2310, Nokia 2355, Nokia 2600, Nokia 2610, Nokia 2610b, Nokia 2626, Nokia 3100, Nokia 3105, Nokia 3120, Nokia 3125, Nokia 6030, Nokia 6085, Nokia 6086, Nokia 6108, Nokia 6175i, Nokia 6178i, Nokia 6230, Nokia 6230i, Nokia 6270, Nokia 6600, Nokia 6620, Nokia 6630, Nokia 6631, Nokia 6670, Nokia 6680, Nokia 6681, Nokia 6682, Nokia 6820, Nokia 6822, Nokia 7610, Nokia N70, Nokia N71, Nokia N72, Nokia N91, Nokia E50? then log on to this link and read it for further instructions. http://batteryreplacement.nokia.com/batteryreplacement/en/ There after,please call 0911 NOKIA. You'll get it replaced. Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || ____________________________________________________________________________________ Sick sense of humor? Visit Yahoo! TV's Comedy with an Edge to see what's on, when. http://tv.yahoo.com/collections/222

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KICTANet cocktail at 6.30 pm today
by Rebecca Wanjiku 24 Aug '07

24 Aug '07

just to let you know that the cocktail is today at 6.30 pm at jacaranda, Palm room, hope to see you there, 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.

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cocktail at Jacranda
by Rebecca Wanjiku 23 Aug '07

23 Aug '07

the cocktail is at jacaranda, 6.30 to 8pm friday august 24th Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Yahoo! oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links.

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invitation to KICTANet cocktail
by Rebecca Wanjiku 23 Aug '07

23 Aug '07

Re: Introduction of the ICT board Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) and the Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Information and Communication Dr. Bitange Ndemo wishes to invite you to a cocktail on Friday August 24th 2007. At the cocktail, Dr. Ndemo will introduce the members of the newly formed ICT board and honour other members of in the ICT sectors who have made notable contributions. In line with KICTANet mission to bring together stakeholders in the ICT sector, this event aims at providing a forum which the government will inform and update ICT industry players the recent developments in the policy and regulatory arena. The cocktail starts at 6.30 pm and is expected to end at 8 pm. Yours faithfully, Alice Munyua KICTANet Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

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] Kagwe pulls back another proposed law]
by alice 23 Aug '07

23 Aug '07

Kagwe pulls back another proposed law Story by NATION Correspondent Publication Date: 8/23/2007 The Government yesterday withdrew the contentious Kenya Communication Amendment Bill 2007 from the floor of Parliament for redrafting. Information and Communications minister Mutahi Kagwe said the Bill had omitted crucial issues that included cyber crime and penalties to be meted on those who damage fibre optic cables. "The Bill has not sufficiently addressed the internet crimes and the issue of fibre optic cable protection. It will be re-introduced after it is properly drafted," the minister said. Mr Kagwe noted that laws governing theft and damage of copper wires were too lenient to deal with the optic cable that was more expensive. "The cable is expensive and we need to know what to do with those who damage and cause inconvenience to others," he said. Mr Kagwe said the issue of cross-media ownership would also be looked at afresh. "We want companies that are listed at Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) with 51 per cent shares held by the public and the rule will not necessarily apply," Kagwe said. At the same time, the minister said the government was determined to establish Universal Access Fund to enable the Information Communication Technology (ICT) to reach rural areas that were not economically viable for the operators to set up their operations. He said this would increase the ICT coverage in the country, where only 2.7 million use the internet. The minister was addressing the press after opening the 2nd annual connecting rural communities and Africa forum at Grand Regency hotel. He said some of the issues being raised were in the current law and cited the Kenya Film Censorship. He said the content of some FM stations had raised concerns from religious bodies and that their broadcast time should be reviewed. "There is an outcry by the Christian and Muslim religions and that is why we want the Media Council where such complaints can be directed," Mr Kagwe said. Print this Page Email this Story Save this Story __._,_.___ Messages in this topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/message/6251;_ylc=X3oDMTM0ZW8xa2U0B…> (1) <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJwMHNxNTBoBF9TAzk3M…>

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SILENT DEMO
by Rebecca Wanjiku 23 Aug '07

23 Aug '07

in case yhou support journalists... Hi all. This is to inform you that we have already notified the police that we shall be holding a peaceful procession as indicated in Mbaus email. We have also dispatched a letter to the AG asking him or his representative to wait for our petition on the appointed date. Please send this message to as many journalists as you can. Thank you. _____________________________________________ From: Samuel Mbau Sent: Friday, August 10, 2007 12:23 PM To: Julius Bosire; Owino Opondo; Editorial Cc: Business Daily; Easy FM; eam; NTV News Subject: SILENT DEMO Dear journalist, The contentious clause 38 (4) in the Media Bill states: "When a story includes unnamed parties who are not disclosed and the same becomes the subject of a legal tussle as to who is meant, then the editor shall be obligated to disclose the identity of the party or parties referred to." As members of the Fourth Estate who take it upon ourselves to fight for the rights of others, we simply cannot afford to sit down and do nothing while our own rights and a basic tenets of our profession are at stake. The Silent Demo is on! The Silent Demonstration will take place on Wednesday August 15, with the blessings and the support from the majority of media houses and associations as well as myriads of well wishers. We shall assemble 8:30am at Freedom Corner at Uhuru Park. We will then march to the AGs Chambers (via Kenyatta Ave- Moi Ave- Harambee Ave) where we will present a petition to the chief legal adviser to the Government and ask him to advise the President against signing the proposed law. We shall then proceed to march around Parliament two times before breaking the demo at Freedom corner. The whole programme should take about two hours maximum. The demo is silent for there will be no chanting nor singing. We will actually be quiet through out the march and our mouths gagged with black cloth or duct tape. We can also adorn black scarves, head bands or arm bands. So please bring along a gag, dress in your organisations branded wear [if available], AND remember to put on some comfortable walking shoes. We are looking forward to your participation and your organisations support as we SILENCE this bad law. NB: Watch out for a spectacular media showing on that day. Standing as one, Inter-media committee DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the intended recipient. Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Nation Media Group. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today!

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KICTANET COCKTAIL
by charles nduati 21 Aug '07

21 Aug '07

Hi All, Can someone confirm whether the earlier announced cocktail of 22/08 is till on at jacaranda. Charles CHARLES N. NDUATI BUSINESS MANAGER JKUAT ENTERPRISES LTD JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY JUJA MAIN CAMPUS, THIKA P. O. BOX 79324-00200 NAIROBI, KENYA TEL: 254-067-52420 OR 254-067-52711 FAX: 254-067-52438 MOBILE:254-722728815 EMIAL:charlesnduati2002@yahoo.co.uk www.jkuat.ac.ke ----- Original Message ---- From: "bitange(a)jambo.co.ke" <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> To: charlesnduati2002(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, 20 August, 2007 7:20:16 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] The Kenya Communications Amendment Bill Dear Alex, There is no crisis or tension in the ICT legislative process. I was pointing out the opportunities that are available to you in ensuring that the piece of legislation you want is passed. As far as I am concerned all of us have representation in parliament and we should utilize that opportunity instead of blaming the Government. The Safari Park proposals shall be given to the MPs. The Thursday date was set anticipating that parliament will go on recess. Now that they are not going on recess, they have proposed August 30th and 31st. We are looking for resources for a venue in Mombasa and shall revert to you. Regards Bitange. > May I suggest we ask Eng. Rege to help diffuse ICT > tensions now bottling up? Borrow his experince on > dealing with government, stakeholders, steakholders, > and others? Just thinking aloud and welcome comments. > > Alex > > --- Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> Thanks Alex i appreciate your response your >> arguments are valid though >> >> On 8/17/07, Alex Gakuru <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> >> wrote: >> > Barrack, >> > >> > My apologies if I appeared to harass the Permanent >> > Secretary. The gist of my, I believe justified, >> > request for information was to know the fate of >> our >> > Safari Park contributions considering that the >> > expected legislators could not come because of >> said >> > Parlimentary Procedures. >> > >> > I needed to know whether we should assume that >> those >> > contributions we made needed to be repeated should >> an >> > opportunity to meet with the Committee present >> itself >> > especially if the ministry could not incorporate >> them. >> > >> > I interpret Dr. Ndemo's advice as "they have them, >> > because we gave them but now lobby hard yourselves >> to >> > ensure your interests are captured" >> > >> > I am sufficiently pleased with his reply, his >> > voluntary additional information, and await >> > confirmation on how the committee sees best fit to >> > receive any outstanding stakeholders' concerns >> on >> > the bill as promised today. >> > >> > Please understand that I consider myself of the >> issue >> > focussed, not the person, nature and I would >> seriously >> > err to substitute any clause, error, commission, >> or >> > omission with "Bitange Ndemo":) >> > >> > Have a laughly day! >> > >> > Alex >> > >> > --- Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> >> wrote: >> > >> > > Good effort bwana Ndemo, Alex i bet you >> understand >> > > how our legislators >> > > operate take it easy on bwana Ndemo, bwana Ps >> try >> > > your level best to ensure >> > > that Stakeholder expectations are met, so far i >> > > guess you deserve a pat >> > > Regards >> > > >> > > On 8/16/07, Benjamin Makai <benmakai(a)yahoo.com> >> > > wrote: >> > > > >> > > > Dr.Ndemo >> > > > This information is very necessary and >> important. >> > > Kindly could you also >> > > > outline to the level or rather phases >> pertaining >> > > the same sir. >> > > > >> > > > This gives us the the auditable elements of >> the >> > > process for the few whom >> > > > may not be aware of the process and yet they >> may >> > > want to shout loundest.. >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > All is about the welfare of our countr >> y(personal >> > > sentiments and not about >> > > > who shouts loundest and in some situations or >> > > least solutions. ICT is all >> > > > bout solutions and world wide tested and >> proven >> > > best practices) >> > > > >> > > > Regards >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > *bitange(a)jambo.co.ke* wrote: >> > > > >> > > > Dear Alex, >> > > > I tried to explain how parliament works >> earlier in >> > > the week. We cannot >> > > > revise the bill here. We have taken the >> proposals >> > > to the committee for >> > > > consideration. >> > > > >> > > > Luckily today the committee sumoned me to >> > > parliament. They want to have a >> > > > stakeholder's meeting either on Tuesady or >> > > Thursday next week in Mombasa. >> > > > I shall confirm this to you tomorrow. Any >> changes >> > > now must go through the >> > > > committee since the bill belongs to >> parliament. >> > > You have this window to >> > > > make the necessary changes. The safari Park >> > > proposals are already with >> > > > them but they may decide that they do not want >> to >> > > include them. This is >> > > > where we need the stakeholders to push. >> > > > >> > > > I hope you do not leave this window of >> opportunity >> > > to pass and blame us >> > > > later. >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > Regards >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > Ndemo. >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > > Dr. Ndemo, >> > > > > >> > > > > You invited us to Safari Park Hotel and on >> > > information >> > > > > and belief, we were coming to meet the >> > > Parliament >> > > > > Committee. We understood your at the venue >> > > explanation >> > > > > why they could not come. >> > > > > >> > > > > However, >> > > > > >> > > > > Would you be in a position to inform >> > > stakeholders what >> > > > > to expect of our Safari Park contributions >> on >> > > the >> > > > > Kenya Communications Amendment Bill 2007? >> i.e. >> > > does >> > > > > the ministry have an "updated" >> > > version-considerate of >> > > > > expressed concerns? I am made to understand >> that >> > > a >> > > > > Bill's mover (who in this case is the >> Minister) >> > > is >> > > > > allowed to amend it anytime. >> > > > > >> > > > > This also would not only help us know where >> our >> > > > > concerns lay but it would also help us take >> > > informed >> > > > > engagements with the Energy and >> Communications >> > > > > Committee. >> > > > > >> > > > > I request for this information in view of >> your >> > > emailed >> > > > > informative note advising stakeholders on >> the >> > > law >> > > > > making processes, advising on the steps, >> when >> > > and >> > > > > where to engaging parliamentary committees >> in >> > > the >> > > > > process. >> > > > > >> > > > > Hope to hear from you. >> > > > > >> > > > > Sincerely, >> > > > > >> > > > > Alex >> > > > > >> > > > > --- Brian Longwe wrote: >> > > > > >> > > > >> Thank you very much Bw. Ndemo for this >> clear, >> > > > >> concise and very >> > > > >> practical reminder of our legislative >> process >> > === message truncated === > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who > knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. > http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545469 > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > ---------------------------------------------- > 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: charlesnduati2002(a)yahoo.co.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/charlesnduati2002%40ya… ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try it now. http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/

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Mobile and Internet OPEN SOURCE Experts, International meeting in LONDON
by Rebecca Wanjiku 20 Aug '07

20 Aug '07

st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) } FYI and possible circulation think that access to ICT is not enough and it is the ability to create, to add value that is important then you are invited to participate as speaker at the CTO's most innovative conference to date: Open Source in ICT 2007: Bridging the Digital Divide London , 4 - 6 December 2007 Open Source software presents an opportunity to cut costs, see inside the software, demystify technology and understand the design so that all users can adapt technology to meet their own needs. It is widely seen as the key enabler for developing countries to achieve technological self-determination. Open source can reduce total cost of ownership, enhance security, and create a vendor-independent network based on interoperability and open standards. Open source software also provides the opportunity to break free from the shackles of proprietary systems and expensive upgrades . The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation is hosting a three-day event in December devoted to Open Source. It is a must-attend event for ICT giants and start-ups alike. The first day of the conference is reserved for ministers and senior representatives from the public sector, the second day will include speakers from the private and public sector to analyse how open source is bridging the digital divide and the last day of the conference will be devoted to open source in mobile. We are now seeking experts like you to deliver presentations at this industry-shaping event aimed at the private and public sector. If you work in the public sector and are using open source software for e-governance, disaster management, e-literacy campaigns etc then we would like to invite you to share your experiences, achievements and difficulties If you are a service provider and have adopted open source to reduce costs, then we would like you to deliver a case study If you are an internet or mobile operator and have harnessed open source to decrease time to market and have used open source for the fast delivery of new services, then we would like you to contribute your expertise at this event CALL FOR PAPERS: If you would like to participate as speaker, please submit 4 sentences describing the main points of your proposed presentation to Conference Producer, Miss Mani Rai at m.kaur-rai(a)cto.int by 10th September. Please note all speakers are entitled to attend the entire forum free of charge. There is also an opportunity for speakers and delegates to take a free trip on the London Eye (UK's most iconic and popular tourist attraction). Open Source in ICT 2007 will bring together world experts on Open Source and you are warmly invited to join our speaker faculty. Please be sure to submit your proposal by 10th September. Confirmed Speakers so far include: Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Chief Executive Officer, Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation Mr. Magnus Glantz, Application Specialist, IT Operations OSS, TeliaSonera Mr. Arthur Feather, Senior Manager Mobile Standards and Architecture, Cisco (subject to final confirmation) Mr. Simon Crab, Team Leader, Informal Mr. Jerry Stabile, Senior Vice President, Pingtel (subject to final confirmation) Mr. Rishab Ghosh, Senior Researcher, Maastricht Economic Research Institute on Innovation and Technology If you do not want to participate as speaker, but would like to:- KNOW why One Laptop Per Child chose Open Source CONSIDER open source initial implementation and lifetime costs HEAR FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE of how successfully open source software can work with existing applications ANALYSE what Open Source can offer that proprietary systems cannot UNDERSTAND how easy it is to localise open source software to meet the needs of non-English speaking users LEARN how mobile operators are harnessing open source to deliver superior smartphone features in inexpensive handsets ENHANCE your knowledge on optimising open source in mobile for convergence and next generation networks EXAMINE how, when and where open source might fit into VoIP deployment Save the date: 4 6 December, 2007, London . Draft agenda is available on request, please email me directly at m.kaur-rai(a)cto.int. I look forward to seeing you in London! Yours sincerely, Mani Rai Conference Producer Email: m.kaur-rai(a)cto.int Tel: 0044 20 8834 1565 Fax: 0044 870 034 5626 P.S Please note the trip on the London Eye (subject to a private or public sector organisation sponsoring the conference) will be free for all delegates and speakers. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "DON'T LET SOMEONE BECOME A PRIORITY IN YOUR LIFE...WHEN YOU ARE JUST AN OPTION FOR THEM....." Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games.

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FW: Needed: Web-experts for: Web-portal Development, Hosting & Training (IGAD) -COMESA/RICTSP
by Harry Hare 20 Aug '07

20 Aug '07

Dear Colleagues, This posting might be of interest to some of you. Please circulate further, and apologies if youve already seen it. Kindest Regards Harry ________________________________________ From: Jane Møller Larsen [mailto:jml@ict.danishmanagement.dk] Sent: Friday, August 17, 2007 5:58 PM To: Jane Møller Larsen Subject: Needed: Web-experts for: Web-portal Development, Hosting & Training (IGAD) -COMESA/RICTSP Dear ICT experts, We are presently searching for individual web-experts to be included in a team for the following position. Please distribute this to personal contacts and networks where you believe that experts could find interest in this. Thank you in advance. Pls. note that proposed start-date is expected to be in September 2007. ____________________________________________________________________ We are presently looking for experts who have an interest in the following position: Project title: Web-portal Development, Hosting & Training (IGAD) Application deadline: As soon as possible and at the latest Thursday 30 August 2007 Contract duration: Short term Company: Danish Management A/S (http://www.danishmanagement.dk/) for the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) under COMESA/RICTSP. _______________________________________________________________ General information: Overall Objectives of the Assignment The main objective is to develop and achieve improved information access at the Intergovernmental Authority for Development org. and in the IGAD and ESA region. Specific Objectives: 1. Collect and analyse the user requirements and information needs of the stakeholders of the Regional IGAD Web Portal; 2. Design and develop a web portal; 3. Collect all information and populate the databases with the information; 4. Define information provision protocol for member states information suppliers to the web portal; 5. Train Technical staff on the web Servers including update to Web portal server software required from time to time; 6. Train Technical staff in the development and management of the Web Portal; 7. Design /provide a Content Management System(CMS) for content management; 8. Train Professional users on updating the portal using the Content Management System; 9. Train Regional Member states Technical staff in Web Portal development; 10. Train Regional Member states professional team in updating their specific information on the Portal. 11. Develop a Portal governance and Security system; 12. Define information for Intranet and develop the intranet system for IGAD; 13. Train staff in using the intranet; 14. Provide feedback and usage statistics. Requested Services The services required involve developing a new WEBPORTAL, over a period of 6 months, maintaining updating and building capacity for content uploading and maintenance, ensuring portal content integrity and security, providing feedback and usage statistics, and providing technical training of IGAD staff to maintain the portal after the termination of the contractual period. Additionally, the team of STEs will be required to provide services of setting up the WEBPORTAL servers and related IT support mechanisms to provide information to both potential and existing partners and the public at large about Intergovernmental Authority for Development. The Portal must be interactive, enabling global partners to make enquiries and requests for more information on-line. Implementation Time Frames: The development of the WEBPORTAL shall occur within a period of twelve (12) months and thereafter the staff of IGAD shall take over the responsibility of updating the Webportal which shall be on monthly basis. If completed sooner the STE will move on to the phase of Webportal enhancement, maintenance and capacity building - training. Expertise Required: Project managers, web development experts, and administrators - including STEs with experience and qualifications in web design, web programming, Microsoft Windows 2003, Microsoft Internet Information Server administration, Linux Mysql and PhP, etc. Indicate the respective roles that you/the STE will play in the team. Language: The webportal should be developed and regularly updated in both English and French languages. Eligibility (who can apply?): EU citizens and citizens from: Angola, Burundi, DR Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan AND citizens of the ACP member states: http://www.acpsec.org/en/acp_states.htm Background information: www.igad.org http://www.comesa.int http://comesa.assure.danishictmanagement.dk Please find ToR enclosed If you find the position of interest and your - or one of your proposed expert's - profile complies with the stated criteria, please contact us immediately and send us a short professional presentation of yourself and an updated CV with relevant similar experience (stating your age, nationality, languages spoken, education and exactly in what you are an expert). Send your application to: ictjobs(a)danishmanagement.dk NB: Only shortlisted candidates will receive notice. Contact person: Jane Moeller Larsen Danish Management A/S Margretheholmsvej 2 1432 Copenhagen, Denmark Phone: +45 70 200 298 Direct: +45 35 250 655 Kind regards, Jane Moller Larsen

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FW: CD celebrates 25th anniversary
by Harry Hare 20 Aug '07

20 Aug '07

_____ From: Harry Hare [mailto:harry@africanedevelopment.org] Sent: Friday, August 17, 2007 8:47 PM To: 'kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke'; 'swopnet(a)dgroups.org'; 'ethinktanktz(a)yahoogroups.com' Subject: CD celebrates 25th anniversary Dear Colleagues, Interesting story, 25 year later, what appeared to be an "engineering marvel" is fighting for survival! Read on. Harry +++++++++++++++ CD celebrates 25th anniversary EINDHOVEN, Netherlands (AP) -- It was August 17, 1982, and row upon row of palm-sized plates with a rainbow sheen began rolling off an assembly line near Hanover, Germany. Are CDs burnt out after 25 years? An engineering marvel at the time, today they are instantly recognizable as Compact Discs, a product that turned 25 years old on Friday -- and whose future is increasingly in doubt in an age of iPods and digital downloads. Those first CDs contained Richard Strauss' Alpine Symphony and would sound equally sharp if played today, says Holland's Royal Philips Electronics NV, which jointly developed the CD with Sony Corp. of Japan. The recording industry thrived in the 1990s as music fans replaced their aging cassettes and vinyl LPs with compact discs, eventually making CDs the most popular album format. The CD still accounts for the majority of the music industry's recording revenues, but its sales have been in a freefall since peaking early this decade, in part due to the rise of online file-sharing, but also as consumers spend more of their leisure dollars on other entertainment purchases, such as DVDs and video games. As the music labels slash wholesale prices and experiment with extras to revive the now-aging format, it's hard to imagine there was ever a day without CDs. Yet it had been a risky technical endeavor to attempt to bring digital audio to the masses, said Pieter Kramer, the head of the optical research group at Philips' labs in the Netherlands in the 1970s. "When we started there was nothing in place," he told The Associated Press at Philips' corporate museum in Eindhoven. The proposed semiconductor chips needed for CD players were to be the most advanced ever used in a consumer product. And the lasers were still on the drawing board when the companies teamed up in 1979. In 1980, researchers published what became known as the "Red Book" containing the original CD standards, as well as specifying which patents were held by Philips and which by Sony. Philips had developed the bulk of the disc and laser technology, while Sony contributed the digital encoding that allowed for smooth, error-free playback. Philips still licenses out the Red Book and its later incarnations, notably for the CD-ROM for storing computer software and other data. The CD's design drew inspiration from vinyl records: Like the grooves on a record, CDs are engraved with a spiral of tiny pits that are scanned by a laser -- the equivalent of a record player's needle. The reflected light is encoded into millions of 0s and 1s: a digital file. Because the pits are covered with plastic and the laser's light doesn't wear them down, the CD never loses sound quality. Legends abound about how the size of the CD was chosen: Some said it matched a Dutch beer coaster; others believe a famous conductor or Sony executive wanted it just long enough for Beethoven's 9th Symphony. Kramer said the decision evolved from "long conversations around the table" about which play length made the most sense. The jump into mass production in Germany was a milestone for the CD, and by 1982 the companies announced their product was ready for market. Both began selling players that fall, though the machines only hit U.S. markets the following spring. Sony sold the first player in Japan on October 1, with the CBS label supplying Billy Joel's "52nd Street" as its first album. The CD was a massive hit. Sony sold more players, especially once its "Discman" series was introduced in 1984. But Philips benefited from CD sales, too, thanks to its ownership of Polygram, now part of Vivendi SA's Universal Music Group. The CD player helped Philips maintain its position as Europe's largest maker of consumer electronics until it was eclipsed by Nokia Corp. in the late 1990s. Licensing royalties sustained the company through bad times. "The CD was in itself an easy product to market," said Philips' current marketing chief for consumer electronics, Lucas Covers. It wasn't just the sound quality -- discs looked like jewelry in comparison to LPs. By 1986, CD players were outselling record players, and by 1988 CDs outsold records. "It was a massive turnaround for the whole market," Covers said. Now, the CD may be seeing the end of its days. CD sales have fallen sharply to 553 million sold in the United States last year, a 22 percent drop from its 2001 peak of 712 million, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Napster and later Kazaa and BitTorrent allowed music fans to easily share songs over the Internet, often illegally. More recently, Apple Inc. and other companies began selling legal music downloads, turning the MP3 and other digital audio formats into the medium of choice for many owners of Apple's iPods and other digital players. "The MP3 and all the little things that the boys and girls have in their pockets ... can replace it, absolutely," said Kramer, the retired engineer. CDs won't disappear overnight, but its years may be numbered. Record labels seeking to revive the format have experimented with hybrid CD-DVD combos and packages of traditional CDs with separate DVDs that carry video and multimedia offerings playable on computers. The efforts have been mixed at best, with some attempts, such as the DualDisc that debuted in 2004, not finding lasting success in the marketplace. Kramer said it has been satisfying to witness the CD's long run at the top and know he had a small hand in its creation. "You never know how long a standard will last," he said. "But it was a solid, good standard and still is." E-mail <http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/08/17/cd.anniversary.ap/index.html> to a friend E-mail to a friend

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DOMAIN NAME TASTING
by alice 17 Aug '07

17 Aug '07

Dear All: A Request for Information has been posted by the ad-hoc group formed by the GNSO Council to look at Domain Tasting. The announcement can be found at: http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-2-10aug07.htm <http://www.icann.org/announcements/> In particular, an easy-to-use survey of the questions in the Request For Information (RFI) is available in the BigPulse voting/polling system. This makes it quick and easy to register your answers to the RFI. This can be found at: https:// <https:///> www.bigpulse.com/872i <http://www.bigpulse.com/872i> Real-time results from the survey are also publicly available at: http://www.bigpulse.com/pollresults?code=4Rkitd2chD5rD7eyJHJi We hope that many in the community will take the time to register their views and provide any suggestions of additional sources of information to be analysed while the RFI is open - it closes 15th September. DOMAIN NAME TASTING Background info <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=e68jwbcab.0.rhwdddcab.xrsqb6bab.183&ts=S0263&p=http…> One sure sign of the growing maturity of the domain name system is the speculative market that has grown up around domains. But is this market a sign of health, the result of a loophole that needs to be closed, or somewhere in between? An Issues Report <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=e68jwbcab.0.uhwdddcab.xrsqb6bab.183&ts=S0263&p=http…> on domain tasting was produced for the San Juan ICANN meeting where it was discussed in a number of sessions - including a tutorial <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=e68jwbcab.0.whwdddcab.xrsqb6bab.183&ts=S0263&p=http…> on the issue. There is no simple solution however and the GNSO Council declined to launch a formal policy development process (PDP) into it, delaying a decision until September in order to provide time for more research to be carried out. An ad hoc group will draft a focused terms of reference for the possible PDP. A GNSO process isn't the only route however: ICANN staff pointed out that domain tasting may also be tackled through the ICANN Budget process; registry contractual changes; and the approval of new registry services. Each change would be aimed at removing the financial incentive that currently exists for companies to register and then "drop" tens of thousands of domain names every day. Key date: September: GNSO Council discussion on whether to launch domain tasting PDP

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It's official: Mugabe sorts the mail
by Alex Gakuru 17 Aug '07

17 Aug '07

[JURIST] (via africa.rights.apc.org) http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2007/08/zimbabwe-president-approves.p… Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has signed off on the controversial Interception of Communications Bill, which establishes a government communications surveillance agency and authorizes the government to intercept communications across the telephone, the Internet, and other electronic communication devices. The bill, which has been criticized by opposition lawmakers as an effort to consolidate power and crack down on dissent, will also allow the government to open conventional mail, requires communication services providers to facilitate the interception and storage of private communications at the government's request. The legislation was approved in June by both the Senate and House of Assembly. Mugabe has been criticized for his handling of the economy of Zimbabwe and his increasingly authoritarian rule. In July, Zimbabwean police reports indicated the arrest of at least 1300 shop owners and managers who refused to comply with price controls that halved the prices of all goods and services. Zimbabwe's inflation rate, which is reportedly exceeding 5000 percent, is largely attributed to Mugabe's controversial white-owned farm seizure program as previously productive farms have become barren under inexperienced new owners. In June, the International Commission of Jurists accused the Zimbabwean government of "interfering with the proper functioning of the administration of justice, the role of lawyers and their independence". In May, Zimbabwean police refused to comply with a High Court ruling requiring police officials to vacate a farm seized by police in March, and responded by ordering more police on to the property. In March, opposition leader and presidential hopeful Morgan Tsvangirai was arrested and beaten while in police custody. Police officials have routinely ignored court orders and critics have alleged that Mugabe has given tacit approval to their actions. BBC News has more. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us. http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7

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Procedure for appointment?
by bitange＠jambo.co.ke 17 Aug '07

17 Aug '07

I think in future it may prudent to direct questions to the source on issues such as Board Appointment. In the past, it was purely the prerogative of the President and the Minister to appoint even the MD. This has since changed and we want it to change even further to enable stakeholders to nominate potential candidates. If you carefully scrutinize the ICT Board and Management appointment, you will see our rationale. The CEO went through a vetting process by Delloite. The Minister only confirmed the outcome. We needed both the CEO and the Chairperson to be both marketers and have some knowledge of ICT to market our country as an outsource destination. The Board appointments were made in such a way to accomodate most of the stakeholders and also takes into account on such issues as Gender, diversity (age, race, religion, public/private etc). With all these variables, it is not difficult to annoy a few in the process. What needs to be done is to have a legal requirement as we have done with the Film Commission that the stakeholders nominate. But even in this case some stakeholders are not permanent entities or are not recognized by all. In my view Kicktanet is a wonderful organization but it has remained a virtual club. We need to move its agenda a notch higher to create interface between policy making and the citizenry. I have given my views on this to the consultant but we should one day have an holds barred seminar to reform this noble organization. Regards Bitange Ndemo. > I believe the board members have terms and more people will have an > opportunity to serve in future. > > The board is new and it is not necessarily that membership is on reward > basis. Its about work! We shall be definitely challenging. Thats how i see > it. > > Muthoni > > > On 8/13/07, Lizette Kraft <lfkraft(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >> Hi Walu, >> >> No one ever had the thought that there wasn't other talent out there, >> but >> considering she was a founder of the organisation or whatever it is >> known >> as, should have at least given it some consideration don't you think. As >> I >> said, we don't know how the board was put together, whether through >> nomination or whatever, (some of us didn't see this at all to even >> comment >> on), but besides that what other factors where there that overrode the

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Update on Kenyaś OOXML Vote
by Dorcas Muthoni 15 Aug '07

15 Aug '07

I just made contact with one of the committee members and i am told that the vote went Yes in Kenya last evening. We had a problem in that out of 12 members in the committee, 7 were from Microsoft or were Microsoft dealers/partners and were actually brought into the committe by Microsoft. I am told the vote was: 9 - Yes (Microsoft and dealers/partners, 1 university, I society) 2 - No (Kenya Airways and IBM East Africa) 1 - Abstain (Kenya Bureau of Standards and Committee Secretariat) This committee met only 5 times. Once i get the official copy of this ballot, i will post more information. The committee was not representative of the industry. Most members representing the various organisations were not experts in the subject matter from my analysis. I attended part of the meeting yesterday. Muthoni

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board members
by Rebecca Wanjiku 15 Aug '07

15 Aug '07

in case you were wondering who are the other board members, here the names The other members are: Richard Bell Catherine Adeya Peter Kimacia Kevit Desai Kiptiness from CCK. Getting a board nowadays is very difficult as you must take into account many issues. I hope we got the bast here. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us.

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I Want The Earth Plus 5 per cent
by Alex Gakuru 14 Aug '07

14 Aug '07

Want to know why money-makers aspire to be Fabian? <snip> "Fabian was excited as he once more rehearsed his speech for the crowd certain to turn up tomorrow. He had always wanted prestige and power and now his dreams were going to come true. He was a craftsman working with silver and gold, making jewelry and ornaments, but he became dissatisfied with working for a living. He needed excitement, a challenge, and now his plan was ready to begin...." This meant that for every $100 he held in deposits, it was possible to make 42% profit, most people believing he was only making 2%. The other goldsmiths were doing the same thing. They created money out of nothing at the stroke of a pen, and then charged interest on top of it.... <snip> See http://www.relfe.com/plus_5_.html [Posted by Ashok Hariharan to skunkworks mailing list http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks] ____________________________________________________________________________________ Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on Yahoo! Travel. http://travel.yahoo.com/

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Say NO to OOXML campaign
by Judy Okite 13 Aug '07

13 Aug '07

Dear Listers, Just to alert you on the ongoing campaign.......this product is substandard,but M$ is determined to launch it. Please do not get caught in between and make a wrong decision.... briefly scrutinize the links below and make a well defined decision. Say NO to this product,sadly M$ has a strong hold in our country,but its within your rights to demand for a worthy product.do not be fooled/coarsed or get caught in marketting gimmick. Please spread this news out and wide. Kind Regards, The campaign to stop Microsoft getting the Office format approved by ISO is on. MS's OOXML has been proved to be long, incomplete, patented,and unsuitable as an ISO standard. There is also an existing standard, ODF, as you know. The FFII has been fighting OOXML in Europe and Latin America, and FTISA has beat it in South Africa. Together with these guys, we should be able to kick OOXML out of the rest of Africa. There are ISO votes in Ghana, Nigeria, Cote-d'Ivoire, Botswana, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, and Congo. Microsoft have, I heard, gone to Nairobi in force to try to force the vote there. What we need to do is work with the ISO national boards to understand that OOXML is really broken, and we then need to make sure those boards can't be stuffed with Microsoft puppets, as happened in the US, Italy, Azerbaijan, Romania, and elsewhere. We just want national boards to vote "NO" until all the technical problems in the format are fixed. The FFII has collected information on this campaign, see www.noooxml.org. But to start with, I'd like to invite you to join this mailing list: https://lists.ffii.org/mailman/listinfo/noooxml-africa Thanks, - Pieter ph(a)imatix.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."

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Tanzania: City Launches Own Local Internet Exchange
by Alex Gakuru 13 Aug '07

13 Aug '07

[Guys, I hope am not such a bore to stop your full enjoyment of Freedom of Expression but just for moment look over yonder. Ugandans too are moving very fast. Thanks Cece for this pointer - Alex] Tanzania: City Launches Own Local Internet Exchange Point Arusha Times (Arusha) By Valentine Marc Nkwame 11 August 2007 Arusha <snip> Arusha has just become the first non-capital urban center in East and Central Africa to have its own Internet Exchange Point, a physical infrastructure that allows different Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to connect to each other and exchange local traffic between their networks by means of mutual peering agreements. <snip> http://allafrica.com/stories/200708120056.html ____________________________________________________________________________________ Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell. http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/

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Re: [kictanet] board members - Procedure for appointment?
by John Walubengo 11 Aug '07

11 Aug '07

Fatma, All details for the ICT Board were contained in the corresponding Gazette Notice. A quick browse on the government sites, Parliament http://www.bunge.go.ke/ and Ministry of Info and Comm http://www.information.go.ke/ gave me no reference to the document. So I am compelled to tread carefully and find out if the said Gazette notice is for public consumption and if so, why it is not available in electronic form...I know I sound like the KANU days are back but hey, the environment may have changed but the laws (Secrecy Act and its cousins) are still pretty much the same... walu. --- Fatma Bashir <fbashir(a)cyberschooltech.com> wrote: > Walu > > hi, might you know what the mandate of the ICT board is? > in terms of > hierachy as well, will it be like Rwanda's RITA ? > > Fatma > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "John Walubengo" <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> > To: <fbashir(a)cyberschooltech.com> > Cc: "Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet" > <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2007 11:31 AM > Subject: Re: [kictanet] board members - Procedure for > appointment? > > > > Lizette, > > > > FE's contribution to ICT in Kenya is quite exceptional > and > > outstanding. However, when it comes to sitting on > > non-elective boards, other factors tend to override. > > > > The legislation (Gazette Notice) for the Kenya ICT > board > > and other similar boards accross the world leaves the > > search and appoint procedures at the pleasure of the > > President and his respective minister. Now, in a market > > with excessive ICT and related talent like Kenya, one > can > > only understand if some qualified members miss out > > (including me maybe? ;-) > > > > Nevertheless, what matters is if the new board can > deliver > > the anticipated benefits within reasonable timeframes. > And > > I believe the six or seven of them will not succeed > without > > the input the likes of FE et al. > > > > walu. > > > > > > > > --- Lizette Kraft <lfkraft(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > >> Congratulations to all the Board members!! > >> > >> On the other hand, It's amazing how Dr. Florence Etta > was > >> not given the > >> opportunity to be nominated and/or participate on the > >> Board!!! As one of > >> the key founders of KICTANET and the name and having > >> contributed > >> extensively to ICT as a whole in everyway!!!! Have we > >> forgotten so fast!!! > >> With no disrespect intended to anyone, but I must ask > - > >> Is this the Kenyan > >> way of doing things??? I am sure most of you will > agree > >> that at least > >> Florence should have been nominated or asked to > >> participate as a board > >> member. It was then upto her to decide if she was > >> interested to or not, and > >> of course then, the voting or whatever would have been > >> done to determine the > >> members, or so I would think. Is this what everyone > >> agreed to?? would be > >> good to know. > >> > >> Sorry but its always hard for people to be upfront, > >> truthful and bold enough > >> to ask and I think it's only fair to raise this. What > >> method > >> was used to select the board members??? Important for > >> all to be informed. > >> > >> > >> Thanks to all > >> best regards > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> On 8/10/07, Rebecca Wanjiku <rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com> > >> wrote: > >> > > >> > in case you were wondering who are the other board > >> members, here the names > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > The other members are: > >> > Richard Bell > >> > Catherine Adeya > >> > Peter Kimacia > >> > Kevit Desai > >> > Kiptiness from CCK. > >> > > >> > Getting a board nowadays is very difficult as you > must > >> take into account > >> > many issues. I hope we got the bast here. > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > Tel. 254 720 318 925 > >> > > >> > blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ > >> > > >> > ------------------------------ > >> > Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. > Join > >> Yahoo!'s user > >> > > >> > > > panel<http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=48516/*http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_pa…>and > >> lay it on us. > >> > > >> > > >> > _______________________________________________ > >> > kictanet mailing list > >> > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >> > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> > > >> > This message was sent to: lfkraft(a)gmail.com > >> > Unsubscribe or change your options at > >> > > >> > > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/lfkraft%40gmail.com > >> > > >> > > >> > >> > >> -- > >> Lizette Kraft > >> P.O. Box 18488, 00500 > >> Nairobi, Kenya > >> Cell: 0722-800362 > >> > _______________________________________________ > >> kictanet mailing list > >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> > >> This message was sent to: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > >> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >> > > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jwalu%40yahoo.com > >> > > > > > > > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > > Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. > Join Yahoo!'s user > > panel and lay it on us. > > > http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7 > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > This message was sent to: fbashir(a)cyberschooltech.com > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/fbashir%40cyberschoolt… > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos & more. http://mobile.yahoo.com/go?refer=1GNXIC

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Thumbs-up ECK - Confirm your Polling Station via SMS
by Alex Gakuru 10 Aug '07

10 Aug '07

List M8s, On behalf of consumers, allow me to declare Mr. Samuel Kivuitu (i.e.ECK) ICT compliant. This morning, I composed an sms - typed only my National ID No and sent that sms to 020-4605872. Within seconds I received a reply sms that read: >From ECK ID No: XXXXXXX(I've masked my ID No) Voters Name: ALEX GAKURU Voters Card No: 005/012/1570733010 Constituency: 005-DAGORETTI Polling Station: 012-JAMHURI PRI. SCH. Status: OK On further inquiry, I found out this sms is charged at normal rate (shs 5/=) and that anyone can query/confirm their polling station from Safaricom, Celtel or Telkom CDMA phone. The service is powered by Telkom Wireless technologies. For delivering the ECK register to consumers' hands and so conveniently we are delighted with ECK's visible electoral transparency. We only hope every public body emulated ECK and offered similar services. We would be happy to do e-government business this transparently. Thank you Alex Gakuru > -- > website: http://www.billowsbpo.co.ke/ > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today! http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7

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Fwd: African Telecoms Billing And Revenue Management Forum
by Mike Theuri 09 Aug '07

09 Aug '07

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: yamanjanl <yamanjanl(a)yahoo.com> Date: Aug 9, 2007 3:49 AM Subject: [Fikara] African Telecoms Billing And Revenue Management Forum To: Fikara(a)yahoogroups.com African Telecoms Billing And Revenue Management Forum Event Registration Register online or Call: Customer Services Tel: +44 (0) 20 7017 7483 Email: registrations(a)iir-telecoms.com Mon 03 Sep 2007 - Fri 07 Sep 2007 Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town, South Africa Building on the resounding success of IIR's 3rd Annual African Telecoms Billing and Revenue Management Forum in September 2006, IIR is delighted to announce the dates and venue for the 2007 event. Join us this September in Cape Town and benefit from an event offering 5 focused days of conference and seminar sessions addressing. The event will bring together leading operators and operators to address commercial address the specific Revenue Management and Billing challenges currently being faced by African Telecoms Operators and Service Providers. The event attracted 120 delegates from across the African continent and Gulf States last year. This forum presents an invaluable opportunity to hear real-world experiences in a series of cutting- edge case studies and workshops led by African and European Operators. The weeklong event offers two back-to-back conferences: the format is fully flexible allowing delegates to attend either the full five days to gain a complete overview of Billing and Revenue Assurance/Management strategies or individual conference days depending on their particular professional interests. Who Will Attend?The conference is specifically designed for: Decision-makers from fixed, mobile, prepaid, post paid, Internet, broadband and convergent Operators from EMEA, with responsibility for: Billing / Prepaid * Customer Care / CRM * IT/MIS/ICT/Mediation * BSS / OSS Implementation * Systems Development * Network Engineering * Finance / Accounting / Audit * Revenue Assurance and Fraud Management * Interconnect / Partner Administration« Business Strategy / Development * Pricing, Rating, Marketing and Sales Regulatory agency executives and senior government officials with oversight for the regulatory framework within the telecom industry Senior banking executives with responsibilities for managing lending and financing activities to the telecom industry Legal practitioners, external auditors, management consultants and risk management experts serving the telecom industry Key PresentationsKey topics to be addressed include: Developing A Successful Billing System Implementation Strategy: Creating A Benchmark For Implementation And Project Management Best Practice Exploiting Prepaid Recharge Mechanisms To Maximise Revenues By Boosting Both Customer Acquisition And Retention Examining How The Increased Convergence Of Telecoms With Other Industry Sectors Will Impact Key Revenue Protection Functions Like Billing, Revenue Assurance And Fraud Management Deploying A Prepaid Charging System To Effectively Deliver Prepaid Content And Next Generation Services Developing Mobile Banking Services To Generate New Revenue Streams Understanding Why It is Essential For African Operators To Move Beyond Revenue Assurance To Revenue Management To Successfully Respond To Emerging Requirements Of A Fast-Paced And Increasingly Convergent Telecoms Market Addressing The People Factor In Revenue Assurance And Billing – Finding, Retaining And Training Staff With The Appropriate Skills Setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) To Benchmark And Quantify The Performance Of Your Revenue Assurance Strategy Developing A Successful Revenue Assurance Solution Implementation Strategy: Creating A Benchmark For Implementation Best Practice Understanding How To Structure An RA Team And Where To Position It Within The Company For Maximum Benefit Addressing The Challenges Of Managing Revenue Assurance For Prepaid Services Minimising Cost And Revenue Losses Incurred By African Operators Through Infrastructure Failure, Damage And Theft Key speakers include: Susan Burger, Group Revenue Assurance & Interconnect Manager, MTN Group Albert Salima, Billing Manager, Celtel Zambia Ehtisham Rao, Director Billing, Mobilink Ebele Eghobamien, HOD Wholesale Billing Services, Revenue Management Division, Celtel Nigeria Andreas Krebs, Senior Product Manager, Partnering & Innovation, O2 Germany Bernard Wole Ilori, Manager, Revenue Assurance and Fraud Management, Globacom Mike Nelson, Specialist, Business Analysis, Telkom SA Dennis Baguyo, Senior Billing Manager, Celtel Group Henry Whyte, General Manager/Revenue Assurance, Ghana Telecommunications Johnson Bareyei, Head Billing and Customer Management, Topcom Nigeria Syed Thameen, Revenue Assurance Manager, Celtel Uganda Elliot Mashumba, Service Risk Manager, Econet Wireless Johan de Wet, Senior Manager, Revenue Assurance and Accounting, Group Finance, Telkom SA http://www.iir-events.com/IIR-conf/Telecoms/EventView.aspx? EventID=1082&SearchResult=http%3a%2f%2fwww.iir-events.com%2fIIR-conf% 2fSearchEvents.aspx __._,_.___

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[Fwd: Key CTO Forum in Kenya to examine solutions to African rural connectivity]]
by alice 09 Aug '07

09 Aug '07

Any members interested in attending this forum? Please let me know off line. Thank you best alice -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [kictanet] Key CTO Forum in Kenya to examine solutions to African rural connectivity] Date: Wed, 08 Aug 2007 12:15:02 +0300 From: alice <alice(a)apc.org> Organization: Association for Progressive Communications (APC) To: alice(a)apc.org CC: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> CTO Forum in Kenya to examine solutions to African rural connectivity Africas search for real solutions that will lead to the early connection of the nearly 80% of the Continent that is still without telephone and internet access will take a giant leap forward when ministers, regulators, operating company executives and high-level officials from various development partner agencies converge in Nairobi for the Connecting Rural Communities Africa Forum 2007, and is preceded on the 20th August by a meeting of the Commonwealth Connects programme. The Forum is taking place at the Grand Regency hotel in Nairobi, Kenya from the 21st to the 24th August. This key event, organised by the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) and hosted by the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), will provide a forum for discussion of research findings, policy options, regulatory strategies, business models, financing and investment facilities, available technologies and public-private-people-partnerships that could enable improvement in African rural connectivity. The Conference proceedings are expected to contribute to a major study to be launched by the CTO on Africas Rural Connectivity within the context of the Commonwealth Connects programme, and recommendations from the Conference will go a long way to outline the agenda for subsequent meetings, workshops, programmes and projects in the sector. The advances in information and communication technologies (ICTs) in developing nations are facilitating socio-economic development, as well as the general progress and well-being of individuals and communities. ICT has been identified as playing a leading role in enabling countries to attain their Millennium Development Goals, such as the elimination of poverty, combating of serious disease, improving access to education and providing equal opportunities to women. This conference will discuss each of these issues and highlight the work of African governments, regulators and the private sector in providing universal access. For ICTs to be sustainable and provide widespread ubiquitous access to all citizens, it is generally considered imperative that governments, regulators and the private sector work together to provide solutions and enhance connectivity. As part of its commitment to bridging the digital divide, the CTO has produced this knowledge-sharing event, designed to bring together the giants of the ICT sector, from both the public sector, private companies, the development and academic community and civil society, especially non-governmental and community-based organisations. CTOs CEO, Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, states: We are delighted to be able to assemble such a high faculty of speakers and delegates from all over Africa, and also from many other regions of the world. Participants in this Conference are those who have come to acknowledge that of all the challenges the global community faces in the ICT sector, that of connecting Africas rural populations must be the epi-centre. All who are committed to the use of ICTs to advance the development process should be interested in this fundamental challenge. We look forward to seeing and meeting with as many of Africas development and investment partners as possible. The CTO Conference will significantly contribute to the development of universal access to ICT in the African region. Based on the success of last years CTO event on Connecting Rural Communities in Abuja, Nigeria, the CTO has decided to increase the duration of this years forum to three days to incorporate a Focus day which will cover amongst other things, telemedicine and improving the accessibility of education. The Conference be preceded by a half-day workshop on the use of satellites to connect rural communities in the afternoon 21st August; a half-day meeting between the CTO and heads of Universal Service Funding agencies in Africa, on the morning of 21st August, and by another all-day meeting on 20th August of representatives of African Commonwealth countries whose Points of Contact will discuss various issues involved in the Commonwealth Connects programme, that has been mandated by Commonwealth Heads of State and Government. According to an official of one of the several companies that has agreed to sponsor the event, Connecting Rural Communities Africa is a timely opportunity for all stakeholders who are spearheading rural connectivity to network, discuss best practices for harnessing ICT to deliver socio-economic benefits, share strategies for connecting rural Africa and consider different solutions for bridging the digital divide through sustainable ICT connectivity. For more information and to register to attend, or for opportunities to support this event, contact: Toby Davies Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation Tel.: +44 870 777 7697 t.davies(a)cto.int <http://mailer.eddiction.co.uk/_webscripts/emaillog.php?789c35cbcd0a80201004…> *** About the CTO - The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) is an international development partnership between Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth governments, business and civil society organisations. It provides the international community with effective means to help bridge the digital divide and achieve social and economic development, by delivering to developing countries unique knowledge-sharing programmes in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the specific areas of telecommunications, IT, broadcasting and the Internet. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: alice(a)apc.org Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alice%40apc.org

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[Fwd: Support A Digital Village (Centre, School, or Kiosk) In Kenya]
by alice 09 Aug '07

09 Aug '07

Dear Friend, To assist the Government of Kenya to rapidly and successfully implement the Digital Village Project in all 210 constituencies, ICTvillage.com is coordinating a public private partnership (PPP) to take ICTs to the rural and peri-urban areas all over Kenya. If you would like to support a youth or womens group, faith-based or community-based organization, primary or secondary school to set-up and run a digital village in the rural or peri-urban areas of Kenya then click on www.ictvillage.com/dvn_dve_3a.asp to apply online on their behalf. As a digital mentor, you will assist your chosen beneficiary to participate in a Digital Village Network that adopts and transforms existing computer facilities (cybercafe, computer lab, training centre, etc.) into world-class branded digital villages. Constituency development is not reserved for politicians. All Kenyans have an obligation to assist the less fortunate in our midst. ICT initiatives like the Digital Village Project presents us with a golden opportunity to stimulate economic and social development for all Kenyans. Let us work together to fulfill this noble and innovative vision. You can change lives by supporting rural communities via digital villages. Please visit our website, www.ICTvillage.com, for more information on digital villages and how to participate. Best Regards, Anne Mutugi, General Manager. -------------------------------------------- ICTvillage.com, Idea Factory Limited, The Office Park, Riverside Drive. Tel: 254-020-444-9277 254-020-444-7655 Fax: 254-020-444-9210 PO Box 12 - 00606, Sarit Centre, Nairobi, Kenya.

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