- KICTANet - KICTANet

Fw: [i-network] Call for applications for small grants / Appel de demandes des subventions
by alice＠apc.org 25 Sep '06

25 Sep '06

----- Original Message ----- From: "Jacqueline Nnam" <jnnam(a)bellanet.org> To: "I-Network Uganda" <i-network(a)dgroups.org> Sent: Monday, September 25, 2006 11:03 AM Subject: [i-network] Call for applications for small grants / Appel de demandes des subventions > Dear one and all, > > Please find below a call for proposals for small grants from the > Harambee Project, an initiative of the Association for Progressive > Communications, Bellanet and the United Nations Economic Commission for > Africa. Through this small grants facility, the Project will provide a > number of sectoral based networks and communities in Africa with funding > for the development of greater collaborative capacity. > > You are encouraged to apply if you meet the eligibility requirements. > Kindly, please circulate this call to your partners and networks. > > The deadline for sending Concept Notes is 13th October, 2006 > > Thanks > --- > > > HARAMBEE: REINFORCING AFRICAN VOICES THROUGH COLLABORATIVE PROCESSES > > [CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR SMALL GRANTS] > > > The Harambee Project, conceived by the Association for Progressive > Communications, Bellanet and the United Nations Economic Commission for > Africa, and funded by Connectivity Africa and Hivos, is designed to > support increased capacity among a range of Africa-based networks and > communities to coordinate and facilitate the interactions of their > respective constituencies. > > The Harambee project coordinators are announcing a small grants facility > (SGF) to provide a number of sectoral based networks and communities in > Africa with funding for the development of greater collaborative > capacity. The SGF will provide a one time grant of up to 5,000 USD per > network for a maximum period of six months. A network applying for the > SGF must be a recognized legal entity or hosted by one. Preference will > be given to networks with an institutional base in Africa. > > Applicants are required to submit, by email, a brief Concept Note (1-2 > pages) by 13TH OCTOBER, 2006. The concept note should include the name > of the applicant organisation and/or network, contact information, title > of the proposed activity, description of the problem/issue the proposed > activity will address, outline of the proposed activity including a > description of how a small grant of up to $5000 USD would be used, > beneficiaries and impact of the project and the expected duration of the > activity. > > Concept notes will be evaluated and selected applicants will then be > invited to submit a more detailed proposal (5-6 pages). > > Applicants who pass into this second stage will be assured that: > > 1. There will be a roughly 50% chance that their proposal will be funded > > 2. ALL APPLICANTS WHO HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO SUBMIT FULL PROPOSALS WILL > BE FUNDED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE UPCOMING HARAMBEE WORKSHOP, held to > develop capacity in network coordination, to share learning from the > implementation of pilot projects, to validate project strategies, and to > provide input into the design of activities for future phases of the > Harambee project. > > The following criteria will be used to evaluate applications: > > * Quality and suitability of the proposed activity with respect to > SGF objectives. (30%) > * Proposal clearly states objectives, includes a methodology, > identifies outputs, partners/stakeholders and includes a realistic > timeline and budget. (25%) > * Demonstrated potential for shared learning within the network > and/or among broader networks. (20%) > * Planned output(s) in the form of a 1-2 page learning document, > short video, journal article etc. highlighting results of the > activity (20%) > * Suitability of applicant organisation and/or network in relation > to the eligibility requirements. (5%) > > Concept notes and proposals may be written in English or French and sent > to harambee-sgf(a)dgroups.org<mailto:[email protected]>. > > Announcement of grant awards will be made on DECEMBER 22nd, 2006 and > implementation of activities will commence in January 2007. > > For more information on the SGF including eligibility requirements, > please refer to: > http://wikis.bellanet.org/harambee/index.php/SGF_Call_for_Applicants > > Please direct any inquiries to harambee-sgf(a)dgroups.org > <mailto:[email protected]>. > > ************************************************************************************* > > > > > > HARAMBEE: RENFORCEMENT DES VOIX AFRICAINES A TRAVERS DES PROCESSUS COMMUNS > > (APPEL DE DEMANDES DES SUBVENTIONS) > > > Le projet Harambee, conçu par l’Association des Communications > Progressives, Bellanet et la Commission Economiques des Nations Unies > pour l’Afrique, financée par Connectivity Africa et Hivos, a été élaboré > pour soutenir la capacité accrue de coordonner et faciliter les > intéractions sur place parmi de réseaux et communautés variées basées en > Afrique. > > Les coordinateurs du Project Harambee annoncent une facilité de > Subventions Moyennes (SGF) pour fournir des fonds destinés au > développement d’une capacité plus importante de collaboration aux > réseaux sectoriels et aux communautés en Afrique. Le SGF fournira un > financement unique jus qu’à USD 5,000 pour chaque réseau pour une > période maximum de six mois. Le réseau demandeur du SGF devrait avoir un > statut de personne morale ou affiliée. Les réseaux avec une base > institutionnelle en Afrique seront privilégies. > > Les demandeurs sont exigés de présenter un bref Note de Concept (1-2 > pages) au plus tard le 13 OCTOBRE 2006. Cette note devrait comprendre le > nom de l’organisation demandeur et/ou le réseau, les coordonnés, le > genre d’activités proposées, la description du problème auquel > s’adressera l’activité proposée, le plan de cette activité, y compris un > plan de dépenses d’un fonds de USD 5000, les bénéficiaires, les effets > attendus et la durée impliquée. Les Notes de Concepts seront évaluées et > les demandeurs retenus seront obligés de fournir un projet plus détaillé > (5-6 pages) > > On assurera aux candidats qui passeront à cette deuxième phase que: > > 1. Ils auront une garantie de 50% de financement de leur projet > > 2. TOUS LES CANDIDATS SELECTIONNES POUR FOURNIR LES PROJETS COMPLETS > SERONT FINANCES POUR PARTICIPER A L’ATELIER PROCHAIN DE HARAMBEE qui > aura pour objectifs: développer la capacité de coordination d’un réseau, > partager des connaissances issues de la mise en œuvre des projets > pilotes, évaluer les stratégies des projets et, fournir des entrées au > plan d’activités pour les phases de l’avenir du projet Harambee. > > Les demandes seront soumises à des critères suivants : > > * La qualité et validité de l’activité proposée en conformité avec > les objectifs SGF (30%) > * Le projet indique clairement les objectifs et les méthodologies, > les résultats, les partenaires, la durée le programme et le budget > (25%) > * Manifestation du potentiel du partage des connaissances dans le > réseau et/ou entre des réseaux élargis (20%) > * Les résultats projets sous forme d’un document d’enseignement (1-2 > pages), courte vidéo, articles de journal etc. mettant en relief > les résultats de l’activité (20%) > * La validité de l’organisation demandeur et/ou réseau en rapport > aux exigences (5%) > > > Les Notes de Concepts et les projets peuvent être rédigés en anglais ou > en français et envoyé à > harambee-sgf(a)dgroups.org<mailto:[email protected]> > > La remise des subventions sera annoncée le 22 DECEMBRE 2006 et la mise > en œuvre des activités commencera en janvier 2007. > > Pour des renseignements supplémentaires sur SGF, veuillez vous référer à > http://wikis.bellanet.org/harambee/index.php/SGF_Call_for_Applicants > > Veuillez vous renseigner auprès de harambee-sgf(a)dgroups.org > <mailto:[email protected]> > > > > > Dgroups is a joint initiative of Bellanet, DFID, Hivos, ICA, ICCO, IICD, > OneWorld, UNAIDS and World Bank > --- You are currently subscribed to i-network as: vincent(a)bridges.org > To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-i-network-48673B(a)dgroups.org >

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Fw: Taking a break
by alice＠apc.org 23 Sep '06

23 Sep '06

Dear all This is to inform you that Catherine Nyaki is taking a health break from active engagement with KICTAnet activities until further notice. This is an order from her doctor in Nairobi. Nyaki, take care and all the best warm regards alice ----- Original Message ----- From: "Nyaki Adeya" <n_awino(a)hotmail.com> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Sent: Friday, September 15, 2006 1:03 PM Subject: Taking a break > Alice, > > Due to health reasons I have been forced to go on a go-slow. Therefore I > will not be able to give my all to KICTANet Activities. I can still help > you on an advisory level until I am given a clean bill of health. Thank > you for all the support. > > Nyaki >

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Exhibition invitation
by Sean Moroney 22 Sep '06

22 Sep '06

Dear Colleague, Please send the attached exhibition invitation to all your contacts. With thanks Sean Sean Moroney AITEC Africa seanm(a)aitecafrica.com Tel: +44-(0)1480-880774 Fax: +44-(0)1480-880765 UK Mobile: +44(0)7973-499224 SA Mobile: +27(0)72-610-7153 Kenya Mobile: +254(0)721-845674 Skype: seanmoroney <http://www.aitecafrica.com/> www.aitecafrica.com

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VoIP Termination in Kenya
by cliff＠acwsp.com 21 Sep '06

21 Sep '06

Hi all I hope that you are all doing well. I wonder if anyone has some info about VoIP termination in kenya that you might share with me. I would like to know what is the level of VoIP industry in Kenya. I have done a little home work and wonder how comes the VoIP termination providers are able to terminate calls at far much less rates than what is being charged by the infrastructure providers like telkom, celtel and safaricom. i.e people are charging about sh 2.30 for nairobi fixed line, sh 6.00 for mombasa (ROC) fixed line, about sh. 10 for celtel and about sh 11.50 for safaricom per minute. Does it mean that there is a special rate offered to companies doing VoIP termination in kenya and what are the rates for these discount. I would appreciate if you could share any information that you may have about this issue. Thanks and kind regards, Ochieng Africa Cable and Wireless Ltd

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[Stock-Detective News] Telkom Kenya – Rough Past…Promising Future?
by Bill Kagai 21 Sep '06

21 Sep '06

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: stock-detective Date: Sep 21, 2006 6:21 PM Subject: [Stock-Detective News] Telkom Kenya – Rough Past…Promising Future? To: news(a)stock-detective.co.ke Posted by stockanalyst at 2006-09-20 11:18 Telkom Kenya – Rough Past…Promising Future? Registered as a public telecommunications operator under the Companies Act in April 1999, Telkom Kenya has aggressively engaged a spirited fight in pursuit for profitability despite being state owned. Earlier, the outfit was known as 'Kenya Posts and Telecommunication Corporation' (KP&TC) where it could regulate itself and run both the telecommunication and postal services exclusively in the country. After divorcing from Posta and forming an independent regulator (Communications Commission of Kenya - CCK) from itself, Telkom Kenya was granted a 5 year monopoly to strengthen its base before opening the market to competition. Surprisingly, during that period, the company operating slightly over 300,000 active fixed land lines saw its opportunities fade with their subscriber base dwindling rather than shooting up. CCK slapped fines to the mother for failing to reach pre-determined targets of increased lines despite inheriting most of the assets and infrastructure from the defunct KP&TC. At that time, Telkom had a bloated workforce of approximately 16,000 workers typically translating to about 20 workers per line. Hypothesizing the analogy that Telkom's lifeline has been Safaricom – a 'subsidiary' company that has managed a make-over from state-run enterprise into the emerging Kenyan blue-chip family is fairly in order. Speculation is now rife that Safaricom which is 60% owned by Telkom will be axed from the mother before the later goes public. Sounds OK generally, but the investor's concern is that there is a very thin line on which service is now 'fixed' and which is 'wireless'. New entrants such as Flashcom and Popote are now in the market with a hybrid they are calling 'fixed-wireless' service which is now competing with Telkom fixed lines. In the meantime, Safaricom can also easily roll out this service after the divorce leaving Telkom pondering for a new business strategy. Telecommunication pricing will thus become a significant factor as all these players struggle to establish their niches. We are reliably informed that Safaricom has now accumulated a substantial market-share of over 70% and counting. Pundits in the market are reading this as a sign of an aggressive price war likely to be triggered by Safaricom competitors for it defies economic logic for one company to hold such a substantial stake in a free market. TELKOM TODAY Telkom is ambitious to list in the lucrative Nairobi Stock Exchange any time early next year. Going by their slogan, 'Twasema Twatenda' [We Say It – We Do It], the company is currently laying off almost 3,000 workers and a further 12,000 toeing the line as it re-models in search for a viable suitor – The Investors! Telkom also credibly states that it is owed almost Kshs 4.5 Billion in back bills by various Government Ministries and Departments which it expects to collect to solidify its financial base as it anticipates privatization. The company has also embarked on improving its infrastructure and is currently laying terrestrial fiber-optic cable alongside a parallel cable owned by Kenya Data Network. A number of new services also seem to be attracting a new market niche for Telkom especially in data and internet service. The Investor should therefore question how lucrative will Telkom be after Safaricom exit. Will the later become a major competitor to the mother who bore and weaned him to maturity? Can Telkom Kenya survive as a 'fixed line' operator when we have 'wireless' and 'fixed-wireless' operators in town? Speculation is definitely ubiquitous since all calculations seem to indicate that Telkom is definitely heading for interesting times ahead of its planned listing in the stock market. Posted on http://www.stock-detective.co.ke/public-discussion-forum by StockAnalyst _______________________________________________ News mailing list News(a)stock-detective.co.ke http://www.stock-detective.co.ke:8080/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/news

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Final programme for BPO & Call Centre Conference
by Sean Moroney 21 Sep '06

21 Sep '06

Dear Conference Partner, Attached is the final programme for the African BPO & Call Centre Conference next week. Please could you distribute to all your contacts that may be interested in attending. I look forward to seeing you there next week. Yours sincerely, Sean Moroney AITEC Africa seanm(a)aitecafrica.com Tel: +44-(0)1480-880774 Fax: +44-(0)1480-880765 UK Mobile: +44(0)7973-499224 SA Mobile: +27(0)72-610-7153 Kenya Mobile: +254(0)721-845674 Skype: seanmoroney <http://www.aitecafrica.com/> www.aitecafrica.com

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ICANN meeting December 2 - 8 in São Paulo, Brazil
by alice＠apc.org 21 Sep '06

21 Sep '06

The next ICANN meeting will be held December 2 - 8 in São Paulo, Brazil. The meetings are free to attend, and open to any interested person. ICANN encourages broad participation in its bottom-up consensus-development process. You can take part in these meetings by attending in person, by taking part in the webcast and remote participation opportunities, and/or by joining one of the various ICANN-related mailing lists. The local host's website contains more information about the venue, transportation and hotels. a.. Travel Visa Information b.. Schedule and Agenda c.. Pre-Registration d.. Registration e.. Internet Access f.. Webcast & Remote Participation g.. Press & Media h.. Sponsorship Opportunities TRAVEL AND VISA INFORMATION Information relating to Visa's can be obtained from the local host's website . If you require a letter of invitation to obtain a visa, please write to eventos(a)nic.br . SCHEDULE AND AGENDA Sunday, 3 December a.. Tutorial Programs: a.. Public Roundtable - Welcome to ICANN, Here's What it Means to You b.. IPV6 c.. Alternate Dispute Resolution Mechanism d.. IDN b.. GAC Working Groups (closed) Monday, 4 December a.. Welcome Ceremony & President's Report b.. Public Forum (am) a.. Domain Name Market Place Update c.. Workshops: a.. New gTLD Policy Development Process b.. WhoIs Policy Development Process Tuesday, 5 December a.. CCNSO Members Meeting b.. GAC Plenary c.. GNSO Constituency Meetings d.. GNSO Public Forum Wednesday, 6 December a.. CCNSO Council Meeting (am) b.. GAC Plenary (am) c.. GNSO Council Meeting (am) d.. Workshops: a.. IDN b.. President's Strategy Committee Workshop c.. ICANN Meetings - Future Structure Thursday, 7 December a.. Public Forum (am) Friday, 8 December a.. Board Meeting (am) The items with "*" are being webcast. Please see "WEBCAST AND REMOTE PARTICIPATION INFORMATION" below for links. PRE-REGISTRATION Pre-registration for this meeting is now open. Click here to pre-register. Pre-registration is not required to attend the meeting. REGISTRATION Upon arrival, participants should pick up their badges and meeting materials at the registration desk. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES More information about sponsorship opportunities can be found on the local host's website . ICANN appreciates the support of the community in providing financial sponsorship for ICANN meetings. This sponsorship is a vital part of enabling ICANN to provide quality programs for meeting attendees. In particular, such generous sponsorship allows ICANN to hold its meetings in geographically diverse locations that allows broader participation across the world's Internet community. Details will be posted as they become available. ICANN reserves the right not to accept sponsorships from organizations whose missions and activities conflict with ICANN policies. WEBCAST AND REMOTE PARTICIPATION INFORMATION Webcasting at ICANN São Paulo PLEASE NOTE: Webcasts will begin approxmitely 15 minutes before the scheduled event. Please refer to the above schedule for event time. Comments submitted via email to the meeting can be viewed at the public archive. INTERNET ACCESS There will be an Internet Lounge. Wireless Internet connectivity (802.11b) will also be available in the main meeting and public areas. PRESS AND MEDIA INFORMATION Members of the press should contact press(a)icann.org.

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African Civil Society for Information Society - any info?
by Muriuki Mureithi 21 Sep '06

21 Sep '06

Hi Does any one know about this organisation and if so who are the members Cheers Muriuki --------------------------------------- Summit Strategies Ltd - Strategic support in infocommunication business ICT Consultancy & Research in Eastern & Central African markets Contacts : Tel +254 (20) 3875824 , Cell + 254 (722) 520090, email: <mailto:[email protected]> mureithi(a)summitstrategies.co.ke

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Vacancies - September 20th, 2006
by alice＠apc.org 21 Sep '06

21 Sep '06

15. Rugmark Foundation USA COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST - Washington, DC, United States The incumbent will be part of a three-person team that will launch and execute a national consumer awareness campaign. The goal of the campaign is to increase the market-share of Rugmark-certified rugs to 15% in the next 10 years, thus eliminating illegal child labour in the carpet industries of India, Nepal and Pakistan. S/he must have 3 to 5 years of communications and marketing experience in a socially responsible business environment. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2829.html Contact HBrykarz(a)GlobalRecruitment.net 16. Mango Tree EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Kampala, Uganda The successful applicant will develop the direction and strategy of the company with a 3 to 4 year outlook and design a fiscal strategy to ensure the sustainability of the business. S/he must have BA or BS degree, the ability to plan strategically and globally, and a minimum of 2 years working/volunteering in a developing country, preferably within Africa. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2842.html Contact mangotreeug(a)yahoo.com 17. Human Rights Law Network PROGRAMME OFFICER- REFUGEE RIGHTS - New Delhi, India The post holder will be responsible for facilitating naturalisation applications of mandate refugees and conducting refugee certificate renewal interviews of mandate refugees. S/he must have a graduate degree in social work, an understanding and interest in Human Rights and 1-2 years experience in working in the issue of human rights, preferably refugee rights. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2843.html Contact rri.delhi(a)hrln.org and resume(a)hrln.org 18. Center for Health & Gender Equality COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE - E-CAMPAIGNS & WEBSITE MANAGER - Takoma Park, MD, United States The incumbent will broaden and strengthen the organisation's presence online, in the media and among constituencies and will manage the growing website content, on-line communications, and campaign activities. S/he must have 2-3 years of related work experience with the demonstrated ability to maintain website content/design and develop creative ideas to use web-based vehicles. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2844.html Contact careers(a)genderhealth.org 19. International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development PROGRAMME COORDINATOR-PAKISTAN - Islamabad, Pakistan The successful applicant will provide technical expertise, facilitation and coordination and management support for assigned programme activities in Pakistan. S/he must have a Post Graduate academic background or equivalent experience in areas such a natural resource management or social sciences with expertise in agriculture and rural development. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2856.html Contact personnel(a)icimod.org 20. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations PROGRAMME OFFICER ROTTERDAM CONVENTION SECRETARIAT - Rome, Italy The post holder will provide technical support in the analysis, development and implementation of activities in support of the Rotterdam Convention. S/he must have 5 years of relevant experience in the development and implementation of programmes/projects relevant to chemicals management including pesticides. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2845.html Contact VA-113-06-PRJ-AGPP(a)fao.org 21. ACDI/VOCA MONITORING & EVALUATION DIRECTOR - Kirkuk & Erbil, Iraq The incumbent will play key role in the programmatic and managerial aspects of a community-based programme which fosters direct citizen participation in the rehabilitation of their communities to address local needs. S/he must have experience with communications in developing countries, particularly in the Middle East. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2840.html Contact: please see individual post page for details 22. The Pluralism Fund EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Washington, DC or New York City, NY, United States The successful applicant will play a critical role in advancing the organisation's mission and shaping a new and vital institution. S/he must have strong organisation-building and representational skills and 7 years or organisational management experience. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2848.html Contact PluralismFundED(a)aol.com 23. Peace Initiatives Institute EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Colorado, United States The post holder will be responsible for financial and administrative functions, fundraising on national and international levels and collaborative development of media-driven educational peace building programmes. S/he must have experience with collaborative leadership of teams and projects in non-profit or for-profit sectors. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2849.html Contact Mccayjd(a)aol.com PULSE Poll http://www.comminit.com/pulse.html Do you agree or disagree? The Communication and Media for Development Manifesto helps to make arguments that will strengthen my work. [For context, please see http://www.comminit.com/drum_beat_363.html] VOTE & Comment - http://www.comminit.com/pulse.html *** 24. University of Southern California PROGRAM DIRECTOR: HOLLYWOOD, HEALTH & SOCIETY PROGRAM - Los Angeles, CA, United States The incumbent will assist in the development, management and coordinating activities of the Hollywood, Health & Society programme. S/he must have at least 5 years of experience in a health care, academic, media or communication organisation as well as knowledge of cancer prevention, screening, treatment and research. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2835.html Contact: please see individual post page for details 25. Kurdish Human Rights Project RESOURCES & COMMUNICATIONS CO-ORDINATOR - London, United Kingdom The successful candidate will coordinate the organisation's communications, which includes managing the output of print and e-publications and maintaining and developing a resource centre. S/he must have a minimum of 2 years experience of project coordination. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2850.html Contact khrp(a)khrp.org 26. The South African Institute for International Affairs SENIOR RESEARCHER: APRM & GOVERNANCE PROGRAMME - Johannesburg, South Africa The post holder will be expected to conduct research, facilitate workshops and training sessions, and develop networks with civil society groups and research institutions in Africa. S/he must have strong writing and networking skills. Application deadline is September 25. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2852.html Contact govenderp(a)saiia.wits.ac.za 27. International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development COORDINATOR-REGIONAL RANGELANDS PROGRAMME - Kathmandu, Nepal The successful candidate will coordinate the planning, implementation and monitoring of the organisation's project that promotes an inclusive and holistic management regime of the Hindu Kush - Himalayan Region. S/he must have a PhD or Post Graduate in range management, range science, pasture management or related subject. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2857.html Contact personnel(a)icimod.org 28. African Network for Strategic Communication in Health & Development EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Kampala, Uganda The post holder will head the organisation's Secretariat, and will be answerable to a Board of Directors drawn from countries across Africa. S/he will provide leadership, advocate for strategic communication as critical to effectiveness of health and development programming and strengthen the credibility and visibility of the organisation. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2841.html Contact africomnet(a)gmail.com

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BIG DISH SELECTED AS THIRD REGIONAL CARRIER BY AfrISPA
by Eric Osiakwan 19 Sep '06

19 Sep '06

19th September, 2006 Press Release For Immediate Release (Contact; Eric M.K Osiakwan =96 eric(a)afrispa.org, +233.244.386792) BIG DISH SELECTED AS THIRD REGIONAL CARRIER BY AfrISPA Big Dish have also been selected by the African ISP association, AfrISPA, i= n response to its Request for Service for data transport between the different ISP members of= local Internet Exchange Points. Big Dish Ltd, a new satellite provider incorporated in Mau= ritius has joined the two earlier bidders that successfully met the Request For Service (RFS)= criteria to provide an African Regional Internet Traffic solution. The peering point design can= be extended to allow additional Internet Exchanges to join the network with ease at any ti= me in the future.? ? AfrISPA wants to establish true inter-country connectivity within the Afric= an continent, to remove the current dependence upon overseas carriers and to promote the est= ablishment and growth of African regional data carriers. The establishment of a networ= k of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) within Africa would also result in reduced costs, im= proved speeds and the improvement of the Internet backbone within Africa as a whole.? ? Big Dish has implemented a project that will revolutionise Internet access = in Africa by breaking the current paradigm of Interconnection charges. This is achieved= by buying substantial amounts of bandwidth where it is inexpensive, and delivering it= via a leased Teleport and bulk space segment. This yields the capacity to deliver bandw= idth via 5 satellites to any corner of Africa, using VSATs and proprietary modem= s. This project can help ISPs in the African market who are currently struggli= ng with high interconnection charges. Simultaneously, the Big Dish network can bec= ome a regional transit and interconnection provider. The project is being used = to easily realize the dream of establishing a Pan African Virtual Internet Exchange (PAVIX) by se= lling transit at each IXP and offering interconnection between all African IXPs. According to Matthew Rudd who is the CEO of Big Dish, =93Big Dish can lever= age its inexpensive bandwidth, burst capabilities and thousands of square feet of r= ack space into a Point to Multipoint configuration. We can connect every national IXP to ea= ch other, and thus exceed the requirements of the original RFS.=94 About AfrISPA? and Big Dish AfrISPA is a continental association of ISP associations. AfrISPA=92s objec= tives include promoting the development of key Internet infrastructure on the African con= tinent. Contact details: - Brian Longwe, General Manager, AfrISPA, Brian(a)pure-id.co= m, +254.733.518.744 - Big Dish Ltd, a new satellite provider incorporated in Mauritius, has imple= mented a project that will revolutionise Internet access in Africa by breaking the= current paradigm of Interconnection charges. Contact details: - Matthew Rudd, CEO, Big Dish Ltd, Mauritius, bigdish@bush= net.net +254.733.625.340 -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://afrispa.skybuilders.com/users/Eric/blog.html Slang: "Tomorrow Now" --

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