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Spectrum Crunch? How about Wi-Fi
by Matunda Nyanchama 12 Jul '12

12 Jul '12

Interesting reading. We already use Wi-Fi more than cellular; Why not continue the trend? By Kevin Fitchard We think of our mobile phones as connecting to mobile networks, but that’s really not the case. When it comes to mobile data, our smartphones are far more reliant on Wi-Fi. Given that’s the case, why are carriers so single-mindedly focused on acquiring new licensed spectrum and building expensive new 3G and 4G networks, when they could implement more Wi-Fi and tap into other sources of unlicensed spectrum? That’s the question a new study is asking. In a recently released report on unlicensed spectrum, wireless consultant and former Ofcom economist Richard Thanki argues that the wireless industry and its regulators have their priorities all wrong. If the idea is to build ubiquitous networks offering plentiful and cheap data, then carriers and governments should pursue the cheapest and most efficient technologies, which in most cases isn’t cellular infrastructure. That report will be one of the key topics of Center for Internet and Society conference held Wednesday at Stanford University (Our own Stacey Higginbotham will be moderating one of the panels). You canwatch the live stream here. Thanki argues that the ‘spectrum crunch’ is a misnomer. Carriers can support far more capacity if they deploy smaller cells, reusing the spectrum it already has to nth degree. What the mobile industry faces, Thanki says, is an “infrastructure crunch”: It hasn’t built out the density of cells necessary to support the demands for mobile data. Nokia Siemens Networks’ conception of a heterogeneous network This isn’t a new concept by any means – operators like AT&T, Verizon Wireless andSprint are now planning their first small cell deployments with an aim of implementing multitechnology heterogeneous networks in the future. But while their plans include Wi-Fi to varying degrees, those operators are still leaning heavily on small cells built over licensed spectrum they own and control, which to Thanki makes absolutely no sense. “For example a cellular picocell costs from $7,500 to $15,000 whereas a much higher capacity carrier-grade Wi-Fi access point costs around $2,000,” Thanki wrote. “The cost of a Wi-Fi chipset for a consumer device is around $5, whereas 3G cellular chipsets costs around $30. Thanki said that the insistence on licensed airwaves isn’t a function of efficiency or utility, rather it’s one of control: Cellular operators are calling for ever more exclusive-use spectrum, in some cases up to 1,000MHz of additional bandwidth. Fulfilling these requests will lead to a substantial concentration in the ownership of the most valuable spectrum, risking both decreased competition and innovation. As part of a balanced approach to meeting the growing demands for data, policy makers should also enable more dynamic spectrum sharing and licence-exempt access across the spectrum. As shown in this report, licence-exemption promotes methods of broadband delivery that are overwhelmingly more efficient in their use of spectrum than their licensed counterparts. In addition, the licence-exempt ecosystem has been notable for creating contestable and competitive markets, characterised by disruptive innovation. Standards like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and emerging “super Wi-Fi” technologies can not only support more capacity at a much lower cost, they will be key to connecting rural and underserved areas as well as creating the Internet of Things, in which not just our phones, tablets and laptops are connected but also our homes, cars and appliances. The high costs of mobile data carriage and cellular hardware have already made Wi-Fi a much preferable alternative to mobile broadband, according to Thanki: Another way of understanding the scale of global Wi-Fi deployments is to compare the aggregate capacity of Wi-Fi networks to global cellular networks. The aggregate capacity of the world’s Wi-Fi networks can be conservatively estimated to be well over 16,500 terabits per second. In comparison, the total capacity of the world’s 3G and 4G radio networks is probably no more 600 terabits per second. Unlicensed spectrum is already the way the world is heading. Instead of trying to overcome their dependence on Wi-Fi and other unlicensed technologies, Thanki said, carriers and regulators need to embrace them. In his report he doesn’t say that the industry should do away with spectrum ownership completely, but he does recommend that regulators quash their bias for carrier-owned frequencies and strike a balance between licensed and unlicensed. Specifically Thanki recommends that regulators throw open TV white spaces spectrum for unlicensed use, which would trigger the next wave of wireless broadband innovation. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matunda Nyanchama, PhD, CISSP; mnyanchama(a)aganoconsulting.com Agano Consulting Inc.; www.aganoconsulting.com; Twitter: nmatunda; Skype: okiambe ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be prepared for ICT security failures & know how to respond when they happen! Call: +1-888-587-1150 or info(a)aganoconsulting.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "The best revenge is massive success" - Frank Sinatra----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This e-mail, including attachments, may be privileged and may contain confidential or proprietary information intended only for the addressee(s). Any other distribution, copying, use, or disclosure is unauthorized and strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and permanently delete the message, including any attachments, without making a copy. Thank you.

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EAIGF Programme
by Grace Githaiga 12 Jul '12

12 Jul '12

Good morning Listers Please find attached the tentative EAIGF Programme. We look forward to seeing you next week July 17-18, 2012 at Jacaranda Hotel. Kind RegardsGrace

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Call for research proposals: exploring the emerging impacts of open data in developing countries
by Grace Githaiga 12 Jul '12

12 Jul '12

ListersThis may be of interest to some of you. RgdsGG Call for research proposals: exploring the emerging impacts of open data in developing countries Open data has become a hot topic around the world. Open data initiatives, from governments and grassroots groups are emerging in a wide range of settings. But what impacts do they have? And how can they lead to greater transparency and accountability, efficiency and innovation, and greater social inclusion? That's what the www.opendataresearch.org research network is planning to explore. The Web Foundation and International Development Research Centre (IDRC) are inviting research proposals that address current gaps in the evidence base underlying the implementation of open data initiatives in the developing world, and to inform policy and practice in a range of different settings. Research partners will be invited to form part of an international research network that will be established over the course of 2013. The project will fund a series of detailed case studies that examine the emerging impacts of specific on-going open data initiatives that address key development themes. Cases could look at: Open data in local and national budgeting processesOpen data for legislation processes and elections Open data in judicial systems Open data for smarter cities Open data for the delivery of privately provided public services Open data for the regulation of markets (e.g. extractive industries) Open data for the welfare and empowerment of marginalized groups and communities (e.g. data for small farmers) Open data and international development The call for proposals sets out full details of what we are looking for in the case studies, and the process for application. As a result of this call, we expect to issue a series of grants ranging from USD$25,000 to USD$75,000. It is expected that smaller grants will focus on small, single-country or local initiative cases, and larger grants can include a wider range of activities such as multi-country comparisons of open data about a particular governance domain (e.g. budget, cities, extractive industries), technical assistance to on-going initiatives and/or significant engagement with relevant policy dialogues. The duration of each project will not exceed 12 months, with projects expected to start in early 2012. The closing date for the call is 10th September 2012. Download the call: - Call for proposals (HTML) - Call for proposals (Word, Docx) - Call for proposals (Open Office Document) - Call for proposals (PDF) Mrs. Carole Excell Senior Associate The Access InitiativeWorld Resources Institute Tel: 202-729-7901 Fax: +1-202-729-7759 cexcell(a)wri.org www.accessinitiative.org www.wri.org https://twitter.com/#!/TAIGlobalTAI Global on Facebook -- Francesca Fanucci Lawyer - Freelance consultant on freedom of expression, transparency and freedom of information Senior Associate at Free Expression Associates (www.foeassociates.com) London, UK Email: franfanu(a)gmail.com Skype account: franfanu Fax: 0044 7092872411 Linkedin profile: http://uk.linkedin.com/in/francescafanucci "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act" -- (George Orwell)

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Cyber Stewards Program at the, Canada Centre for Global Security Studies
by Alice Munyua 11 Jul '12

11 Jul '12

Dear all, See below an opportunity for research in the area of cyber security. Deadline is Monday next week. Apologies for cross posting. Best Alice. ------------------------ Are you a South-based cyber security scholar, advocate, or practitioner interested in articulating a vision of cyber security in which rights and openness are protected on the basis of shared research and empirical knowledge ? If so, please do consider applying to the Cyber Stewards Program at the Canada Centre for Global Security Studies (Canada Centre) and the Citizen Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs , University of Toronto. Suffice it to say, I and others on the selection committee would be delighted to have candidates apply from the African region! The deadline is July 16th, next week! Further details are below.. regards Robert -- Robert Guerra Senior Advisor, Citizen Lab Munk Centre for Global Affairs, University of Toronto Phone: +1 416-893-0377 Cell: +1 202 905 2081 Twitter: twitter.com/netfreedom Email:[email protected] Web:http://citizenlab.org --- https://citizenlab.org/2012/06/university-of-torontos-canada-centre-and- citizen-lab-announce-the-cyber-stewards-program/ University of Toronto's Canada Centre and Citizen Lab Announce the Cyber Stewards Program The Canada Centre for Global Security Studies (Canada Centre) and the Citizen Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto (with the support of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC )) are pleased to announce the launch of the Cyber Stewards program . The Cyber Stewards program is designed to address the urgent need to support South-based cyber security scholars, advocates, and practitioners to articulate a vision of cyber security in which rights and openness are protected on the basis of shared research and empirical knowledge. Cyber Stewards will be selected from across the global South. They will work locally while networking globally through the auspices of the Canada Centre and Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto. Cyber Stewards will define their own scope of work and activities based on their local context and pressing concerns. The expectation will be that Cyber Stewards will map, analyze, and ultimately impact the cyber security priorities of their own countries and regions on the basis of shared knowledge and practices. "We are excited about this opportunity, and the prospects that the Cyber Stewards network can accomplish," says Ron Deibert , Director of the Canada Centre and Citizen Lab. "Working together, we envision the Cyber Stewards will help contribute to a growing global movement of citizens, scholars and practitioners - a community of practice - whose aim is to protect cyberspace as a secure but open commons of information in which human rights are respected." Detailed Overview As cyberspace expands and deepens in the global South, there are growing concerns around how cyberspace will be governed and constituted. The security of cyberspace is now an urgent concern. A cyber arms race among governments and non-state actors has begun in earnest. Facing a growing number of threats, from cyber crime to espionage and warfare, governments are developing ambitious cyber security strategies, some of which include far-reaching and potentially ominous censorship, surveillance, and information operation components. Unless proper checks and balances are instituted locally, there will continue to be strong pressures to build "surveillance-by design" into newly built infrastructure -- particularly the newly emerging mobile and social media ecosystems. These troubling trends of information control and securitization portend the gradual disintegration of an open and secure commons of information on a global scale. It is essential that the process of cyber securitization taking place in the South includes local voices who can articulate a vision of cyber security in which rights and openness are protected on the basis of shared research and empirical knowledge. The aim of the Cyber Stewards project is to help support and develop those local voices. Why "Steward"? Stewardship is typically defined as an ethic of responsible behaviour in a situation of shared resources, typically with respect to the natural environment and the commons, such as the oceans and outer space. Although cyberspace is more of a mixed pooled resource that cuts across public and private sector than a commons per se, the concept of stewardship still carries considerable merit: it implies behaviour that goes beyond self-interest to accomplish something in the service of a wider public good. It emphasizes the need for balance and the appreciation of the complexity of the system. It carries with it a connotation of custodianship and citizen-based monitoring, all of which mesh with the aims of the network we are setting out to build. Why should South-based scholars and practitioners link up with a North-based institution, like the University of Toronto? Moving forward, it is imperative that stewards of cyberspace include representation from all stakeholders in the global communications environment, and that bridges are built between communities across North, South, East and West. Although the challenges of each locality are unique, together we live in a shared communications space that is becoming increasingly dense and interconnected. We have a shared responsibility to sustain that space in a manner that supports everyone's rights, while keeping it secure. Networking South-based Cyber Stewards with the University of Toronto's Canada Centre and Citizen Lab's already existing network of collaborative partnerships will help accomplish that goal and hopefully build a broad community of global Cyber Stewards that empowers us all collectively. Who will make up the Cyber Stewards program and how will it operate? There will be a diversity in research topics and methods, as well as regional and disciplinary backgrounds, in the constitution of Cyber Stewards. We anticipate that the group will form a network of peers, in which the Cyber Stewards regularly interact with each other, engage in knowledge sharing and joint research and development, and mutual mentorship. Cyber Stewards will interact virtually as well as through occasional joint workshops and major conferences, facilitated by the Canada Centre and Citizen Lab. Interested parties from any of the following regions should send a CV and a five page outline that details project ideas to cyberstewards(a)citizenlab.org (Central America, Caribbean, South America, sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East and North Africa, and Asia). About the Canada Centre for Global Security Studies The Canada Centre for Global Security Studies at the Munk School of Global Affairs is a centre of interdisciplinary research, policy development, and other activities in emerging security issues that are critical to Canada's future. Established in spring 2010 with a grant from the Government of Canada, the Canada Centre's areas of interdisciplinary study include cyber security, global health, food security, and region-specific concerns, such as the future of the Arctic, post-Soviet Europe, the new Asian powers, and the changing face of the Americas. About the Citizen Lab The Citizen Lab is an interdisciplinary laboratory based at the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto, Canada focusing on advanced research and development at the intersection of digital media, global security, and human rights. We are a "hothouse" that combines the disciplines of political science, sociology, law, computer science, engineering, and graphic design. Our mission is to undertake advanced research and engage in development that monitors, analyses, and impacts the exercise of political power in cyberspace. We undertake this mission through collaborative partnerships with leading edge research centers, organizations, and individuals around the world, and through a unique "mixed methods" approach that combines technical analysis with intensive field research, qualitative social science, and legal and policy analysis methods undertaken by subject matter experts. The Citizen Lab's ongoing research network includes the OpenNet Initiative , OpenNet Eurasia, and Opennet.Asia as well as the Cyber Security Stewards network. The Citizen Lab was a founding partner of the Information Warfare Monitor (2002-2012). The Citizen Lab developed the original design of the Psiphon censorship circumvention software, which spun out of the lab into a private Canadian corporation (Psiphon Inc.) in 2008. Ronald Deibert Director, the Citizen Lab and the Canada Centre for Global Security Studies Munk School of Global Affairs University of Toronto (416) 946-8916 PGP: http://deibert.citizenlab.org/pubkey.txthttp://deibert.citizenlab.org/ twitter.com/citizenlab r.deibert(a)utoronto.ca --

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FW: Call for Proposals for the Early Learning Innovations Fund
by Muthoni Masinde 11 Jul '12

11 Jul '12

Call for Proposals for the Early Learning Innovations Fund Deadline extended to August 15, 2012 TrustAfrica in partnership with the Hewlett Foundation, is inviting applications for grants to design and implement early learning innovation projects from organizations in Kenya, Uganda, Mali and Senegal. We are seeking organizations with a credible track record in the area of designing and implementing learning innovations, to submit applications for funding partnerships. At this stage, our 'Early Learning Innovations Fund' is at the pilot phase and we are looking at disbursing grants averaging US$55,000 for projects that can be implemented over 24 months, starting from October 2012. The primary goal of the project is to foster innovative learning approaches and environments for early learners who are currently not well served by existing education systems. Targeting children ages 5 - 11 years-old, the project will specifically seek to: 1. Significantly improve the literacy and numeracy competencies among early learners through cutting-edge innovations that are successfully piloted in different geographic locations and contexts; 2. Identify the enabling factors and feasibility probability for taking early-learning innovations to scale within the focus countries through outreach; 3. Strengthen the effectiveness of organizations that produce the early-learning innovations, through technical assistance provision, and peer-learning opportunities; and 4. Promote dissemination of the innovation results among relevant policy stakeholders. Applications for the grants can be found in both English and French on the TrustAfrica Website. For more information, please visit our Website. Akwasi Aidoo Executive Director, TrustAfrica e-mail: info(a)trustafrica.org phone: +221.33.869.46.86 <tel:%2B221.33.869.46.86> fax: +221.33.824.15.67 <tel:%2B221.33.824.15.67> web: MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "r20.rs6.net" claiming to be http://www.trustafrica.org <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001TXi_Kkp-op-uR-6kcx5cNqENweG7pogG8z6uyhgJnSPy HwYsf__ss-VWy4x3_H9T5-s-C8-kF5RNPa00jyYKWMGm08HggzuLU48U2T7pA76Nm4i-V-_t-g== > -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner <http://www.mailscanner.info/> , and is believed to be clean. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI IS ISO CERTIFIED The University of Nairobi is committed to providing quality services to all its clients. The University will monitor and review its quality performance from time to time through an effective implementation of the Quality Management System based on ISO 9001:2008 standard. University of Nairobi Website: http://www.uonbi.ac.ke/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ------ End of Forwarded Message ----------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI IS ISO CERTIFIED The University of Nairobi is committed to providing quality services to all its clients. The University will monitor and review its quality performance from time to time through an effective implementation of the Quality Management System based on ISO 9001:2008 standard. University of Nairobi Website: http://www.uonbi.ac.ke/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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Digital TV STB
by robert yawe 11 Jul '12

11 Jul '12

Hi, I number of list members have been contacting me privately for details on which STB I am using & where I got it. I am using the StarTimes STB they are at Victoria Towers in UpperHill opposite Crowne Hotel, please check their website www.startimes.co.ke for locations of their other shops and dealers who might be closer to you. Regards

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Mpesa and privacy
by Alice Munyua 11 Jul '12

11 Jul '12

Dear all, Is there anyone studying or has studied this issue (mpesa/privacy nexus)? Please get in touch with me off line best Alice --

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Yawe migrates to Digital TV
by robert yawe 11 Jul '12

11 Jul '12

Hi Listers, Wanted to inform you that on the 19th of June 2012 I migrated from analogue to digital TV reception, the signal is crystal clear not like the graining images I have been accustomed to over the past many years. The move was necessitated by the need for some of my house-mates to watch Tusker Project Fame, I went VoD many months ago. To put an issue to rest especially those in the media who have been spreading malicious roamers about the migration that I did not buy a digital TV set. All I bought was a decoder for 2,999/- which I plugged into old faithful and "pap" I can now receive clear digital signal. It was encouraging to note that all the current free to air channels, some of which I did not even know existed, have jumped onto the transmission including NTV, KTN and Citizen which makes you wonder what all those legalise was about. The quality of the various channels is glaring, something that was not visible with the analogue signal. To get a more holistic experience I also paid for the basic bouquet for 500/- a month, the offering was not disappointing but the number of channels is mind boggling especially having been there during the days of single channel VOK (Voice of Kenya). I only wish they could allow me create my own selection of channels to receive, the standard offerings make me feel like I am in a straight jacket. Yes, this is what happens when you enlighten people, 2 days ago I was comfortable receiving 6 horrible free to air channels today I am demanding a la Carte. All of you out there who where saving to buy expensive digital TV sets you can take 2,999/- of that money and migrate to digital TV today. Regards PS. I just took the device home handed over to my son who within 15 minutes had it up and running, held on to the remote. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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Airtel vs YU: Airtel to shut down YU
by Odhiambo Washington 10 Jul '12

10 Jul '12

An inconspicuous column inside The Star today talks about a spat between Airtel and YU in which the former is threatening to shut down YU because of a payment dispute. 1.3b (I think) is the figure in dispute - arising from "Site Sharing" where Airtel has been sharing its sites with YU. How this plays out is gonna be interesting, but hopefully it doesn't go the way I think - YU shutdown. Which brings me to the Digitial TV scenario, and subsequently 4G/LTE. Will such a scenario play out between KBC/Signet and the other 160+ providers - such that a provider can easily be shut down for non-payment, leaving it's subscribers without service? I am not saying we are there yet, but I have a feeling.... lisemwalo liko! -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ I can't hear you -- I'm using the scrambler.

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New UNHRC Resolution on Human Rights on the Internet
by Victor Kapiyo 10 Jul '12

10 Jul '12

Dear Listers, The United Nations Human Rights Council’s passed a Resolution on the “promotion, protection, and enjoyment of human rights on the Internet.” <https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:U5wQ6OQskWkJ:www.regeringen.se/c…> The Resolution affirms that the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online, and recognizes the global and open Internet as a driving force for development. It also calls upon all States to promote and facilitate access to the Internet. The 20th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council was held in Geneva on 18 June – 6 July 2012. See the rest of the story here: http://www.internetsociety.org/news/internet-society-welcomes-adoption-reso… Cheers. Victor -- Victor Kapiyo, LL.B ==================================================== *“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude” Zig Ziglar *

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