- KICTANet - KICTANet

Autoreply: [Kictanet] Fw: NYTimes: Poor Nations Are Littered With Old PC's
by wainaina.mungai＠oneworld.net 02 Nov '05

02 Nov '05

Beginning 3rd November 2005, kindly contact me on wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org or mobile number +254-722-811171

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Fw: GGP Public Mailing List ICT consumer protection campaign
by alice＠apc.org 02 Nov '05

02 Nov '05

The report will released soon. Thank you ----- Original Message ----- From: "Pact Kenya" <pactke(a)pactke.org> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Sent: Wednesday, November 02, 2005 10:29 AM Subject: Re: GGP Public Mailing List ICT consumer protection campaign > Hi, > > I just got this email since we have not been using this address. Dou have > proceedings of this meeting. if not how else can we participtate? My email > address is titus(a)pactke.org > > alice(a)apc.org wrote: > >>Dear Kenyan GSM Services Consumer >> >> >> >> >>We would like to invite you to our Network's first public forum Consumer >>Protection Campaign scheduled as follows: >> >> >> >>Date: 25 October, 2005 >> >>Venue: Jacaranda Hotel, Gazebo Banda >> >>Time: 9:00 am. >> >> >> >>KICTANet (Kenya ICT Action Network) aspires to translate the spirit of the >>National ICT Policy into ACTION for maximum "Harnessing of ICTs for >>National >>Development". >> >> >> >>The service market characterised by varying consumer needs, are >>continually >>undergoing changes among other enterprise challenges. The absence of a >>critical mass of mobile telephony service providers has resulted in the >>Kenyan Communications Services consumers feeling exposed to uncompetitive, >>arbitrarily high communication costs, coupled by poor quality of services. >> >> >> >>Recognising that communication is a basic human right, an economic and >>development priority, the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is concerned >>with consumer disquiet and their rights in the information and >>communication >>technologies sector. >> >> >> >>This will be the first of our monthly ICT sector specific public meetings, >>to discuss ICTs consumer issues between service providers and consumers. >> >> >> >>We would be delighted to welcome you on this important public service >>oriented occasion. >> >> >> >>_______________________________________________ >>Ggppublic-l mailing list >>Ggppublic-l(a)gendergovernancekenya.org >>http://lists.gendergovernancekenya.org/mailman/listinfo/ggppublic-l >> >

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GOLDEN BOOK : STAKEHOLDER COMMITMENTS AND INITIATIVES
by Wainaina Mungai 02 Nov '05

02 Nov '05

Apart from JKUAT and FOSSFA, which other organisations in Kenya have submitted commitments into the WSIS Golden Book? - http://www.itu.int/wsis/goldenbook/search.asp It would be refreshing to see what the government has on offer to match the commitments by JKAUT & FOSSFA, below:. GOLDEN BOOK : STAKEHOLDER COMMITMENTS AND INITIATIVES The Golden Book is intended to promote new commitments that stakeholders have announced, or are planning to announce during the Tunis Phase of the WSIS. Updated Country Entity Description Official Launch 31/10/2005 Kenya Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT) East Africa E-Government Academy The Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in collaboration with a private c <http://www.itu.int/wsis/goldenbook/search/display.asp?Quest=2405266&lan g=en> (more on the Project 2405266) 18th November 2005, Tunis. ICT4D Hall Civil Society Updated Country Entity Description Official Launch 31/10/2005 Kenya Free Software & Open Source Foundation for Africa (FOSSFA) IDLELO2 - Achieving Millenium Development Goals through Community Software The IDLELO2 Process <http://www.fossfa.net/idlelo2> www.fossfa.net/idlelo2 was officially launched on 2nd February 2005 during the A <http://www.itu.int/wsis/goldenbook/search/display.asp?Quest=3526377&lan g=en> (more on the Project 3526377) 17th November 2005, Tunis, ICT4D Hall

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KICTANET Logo
by Dorcas Muthoni 02 Nov '05

02 Nov '05

Dear All, We are in the process of designing the KICTANET website. Currently, KICTANET does not have a logo. Please feel free to send me your desired logo designs. Regards, Dorcas Muthoni

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RE: [Fwd: [Kictanet] KICTANet Planning Meeting - Notice to Postpone
by Wainaina Mungai 02 Nov '05

02 Nov '05

Dear All, I second the change of date and suggest that we add one more item to the agenda. We have a request by Global NetCorps (GNC) - an initiative of Digital Opportunity Trust - to meet with especially members of the KICTANet civil society caucus on the same day. They are planning the launch of NetCorps in Kenya. We could have them present to us between 2:30pm and 3:30pm. If members could read through the GSM Consumer forum Report ciculated earlier, and come in by 2pm, we could comfortably include this extra item. Regards, Wainaina -----Original Message----- From: bounce-kiplist-cl-117112(a)lyris.idrc.ca [mailto:bounce-kiplist-cl-117112@lyris.idrc.ca] On Behalf Of John Walubengo Sent: 31 October 2005 08:47 To: KIPlist Subject: [Fwd: [Kictanet] KICTANet Planning Meeting - Notice to Postpone I am reliably informed by one of my 'holiday-sniffing' colleague that this Friday 4th Nov 2005 is likely to be a (Muslim) holiday in Kenya. As such I am proposing we shift the Monthly KICTAnet meeting to the following week, Tue 8th Nov 2005, Jacaranda Hotel, 2:00-5:00p.m. Proposed Agenda 1. Confirmation and adoption of previous minutes 2. Matters Arising 3. KICTANet Activities & Receiving of Reports (Review of 1st ICT Consumer Protection Forum) 4. Planning for 2nd Consumer Protection Forum (ISP focus) 5. Date and Time for the next meeting 6. AOB walu.

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Tunis Visas
by waudo siganga 01 Nov '05

01 Nov '05

Thanks for the information you sent Elizabeth. It will be very useful at Tunis airport. To aid in boarding the plane at Nairobi the organizers have also sent me the attached instructions and embarkation card to be filled in and sent so that they can send back the official letter. Kind Regards Waudo -- waudo siganga emailsignet(a)mailcan.com -- http://www.fastmail.fm - I mean, what is it about a decent email service? ----- Original message ----- From: waudo(a)signet.co.ke To: emailsignet(a)mailcan.com Date: Tue, 1 Nov 2005 04:11:01 -0600 (Central Standard Time) Subject: [Fwd: ] ---------------------------- Original Message ---------------------------- Subject: From: "visa" <visa(a)smsitunis2005.tn> Date: Tue, November 1, 2005 2:47 am To: waudo(a)signet.co.ke -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Sir, please fill and send the attached documents as soon as possible in order to complete your file .We will send the confirmation later THANK YOU,

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Podcast primer
by alice＠apc.org 01 Nov '05

01 Nov '05

++ Podcast primer This is a quick and dirty guide to Podcasting... in short, how to hear ours and other Podcasts with the minimum of fuss. 1. What is a Podcast? It's basically an MP3 audio file added to an RSS feed that can be easily downloaded and accessed by your computers' media player and/or your portable MP3/audio player. 2. What do I need to download a Podcast? You'll need a Podcast client, or software application. There's a few to choose from, but to make things easy we'll recommend iPodder Lemon. It's available for Windows, Linux and Apple operating systems. Download iPodder: http://ipodder.sourceforge.net 3. Ok, I have iPodder. What's next? Fire up iPodder and go to the "Tools" menu. Select "Add a feed". In the URL field add the Secession Podcast link: http://toysatellite.org/secession/podcast.xml Then press "Save". You might also want to add the KunstRadio Podcast too: http://kunstradio.at/kunstradio.xml Now go to the "Subscriptions" tab. Highlight the feed you want to download. If you're online all Podcasts from that feed will be listed. Tick the one you want, go back to the "Tools" menu and select "Check selected". Your feed will now download and be ready for listening... 4. Er... but where will I find my downloaded Podcasts? Good question! Under the "File" menu select "Preferences". Under the "General" tab you'll see a path to the folder where iPodder has automatically created a download directory. 5. Anything else before I give this a go? Sure! Drop us a line and let us know how you go... leave a message as a comment to this primer. Have fun... live lightly, shine brightly. http://www.toysatellite.org/secession/news/podcast_primer.php +++ SECESSION RECORDS || secession(a)toysatellite.org +++ new releases: http://www.toysatellite.org/secession/releases/ Alice Wanjira National Coordinator, Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa (CATIA) Association for Progressive Communications (APC) alice(a)apc.org http://www.apc.org http://www.catia.ws

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Communications Governance (expanced Internet Governance)
by gakuru＠mail.co.ke 29 Oct '05

29 Oct '05

Hi, Information Society envisages information sharing, in an environment of information business enterprise while respecting intellectual property. Communication control by governments is one thing the individual business are united aginst. Once this is fully achieved, Lord forbid there need a subsequent fight by the consumer to reclaim the same rights, this time from big business' pure profit motive? Should the WSIS IG debate not be expanded to "Communications Governance" to encompass every aspect of communications without restrictiing it to just one aspect of communication, the internet? While at this, some colleagues and I are proceeding with formation of consumer rights advocacy framework based on the very successful www.bbb.org. I welcome your comments, support or critique on the same. PLEASE NOTE: my yahoo email address is centerlawit(a)yahoo.com. Thanks Best, Alex Gakuru Attached: 1. My Oct 25 presentation are requested of me 2. There are a couple of questions that need to be answered by Safaricom and Celtel and the MC assured, the questions will be put to the firms. Should I post them on the list as an extension of the public forum? Advice!

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Fw: Consumer group activity in SA
by alice＠apc.org 27 Oct '05

27 Oct '05

----- Original Message ----- From: "Edith Adera" <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Sent: Thursday, October 27, 2005 4:21 PM Subject: Fwd: Consumer group activity in SA > You should share this with the Kenyan community. South Africa: New ICT lobby group chair to continue push for sector >> > reforms >><http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=2124005> >> > 25/10/2005 (Businessday <http://www.businessday.co.za/>) -- The >> > Communications Users Association of SA's (Cuasa's) new chairperson >>Edwin Thompson today said it would continue to lobby for legislative and >> > regulatory pressure to yield effective competition in the >> > telecommunications and other information and communications technology >> > (ICT) sectors. >> >> >>--- >>You are currently subscribed to acacia-admin-cl as: [EAdera(a)idrc.or.ke] >>To unsubscribe, forward this message to >>leave-acacia-admin-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca > >

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[APC Africa-ICT-Policy Monitor e-Updates No.14]
by Emmanuel Njenga 27 Oct '05

27 Oct '05

Dear all, Here is the latest issue of the APC Africa ICT Policy Monitor e-updates No. 14, a selection of the latest content added to the Africa ICT Policy Monitor Website chosen by our editors. Editor APC Africa Policy Monitor Website http://africa.rights.apc.org/ NB: Apologies for cross posting //\//\//\//\//\//\/ - NEWS - //\//\//\//\//\//\/ News > Access East African fibre optic cable work to start in March 2006 <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=2123535> 26/10/2005 (The Monitor <http://www.monitor.co.ug/business/bus10263.php>) -- The laying of the proposed fibre optic cable along the entire stretch of the East African coast will start in March next year. This is according to information provided by Uganda Telecom, which is chairing one of the project's implementation committees. Upon completion, the fible optic cable will interlink the region to two other undersea cables serving South, West and Northern Africa and forming a highway continental loop that connects Africa to the rest of the world. Uganda: Bwindi gets telecentre <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=2029967> 21/10/2005 (The Monitor <http://www.monitor.co.ug/>) -- A state of the art multi-purpose community telecenter has been launched in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Kanungu district. The centre, the first of its kind in Uganda, was set up by Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), a grass roots NGO working in Buhoma. It is equipped with high-speed wireless Internet access and voice telephony via satellite communication to connect the community and tourists to the outside world Ghana Internet eXchange (GIX) Launched <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=2085225> 19/10/2005 ((GIX) <http://www.gixa.org.gh>) -- On Tuesday 18th October 2005, the entire Internet fraternity in Ghana would be gathered at the Ghana India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence for the official launch of Ghana Internet eXchange (GIX @ www.gixa.org.gh) in the company of the Hon. Minister of Communication and the French Ambassador to Ghana. South Africa: Wireless broadband report released <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=1974140> 18/10/2005 (ITWeb <http://www.itweb.co.za>) -- Sentech's MyWireless is the best broadband solution in SA, says the wireless broadband report released by Johannesburg University's broadband laboratory. Nigeria: Twist in BPE, Nitel & Sat- 3 Transatlantic Cable Tale? <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=1976346> 14/10/2005 (Allafrica <http://allafrica.com/>) -- Reports carried in the media this week indicate that there may be some contention between the BPE and the Ministry of Communications over the future of Nitel SAT - 3 submarine cable following Nitel's impending disposition by sale later this year. News > Telecommunications South Africa: Broadband restores fixed-line trend <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=2085389> 24/10/2005 (ITWeb <http://www.itweb.co.za>) -- Access to broadband is set to become the digital divide of the future, and will drive fixed-line networks, which are expected to grow at a faster rate than mobile networks, says Transtel CTO Dr Angus Hay. Speaking at ITWeb's Wireless 2005 conference last week, Hay said SA's telecommunications landscape is characterised by a lack of competition, with a few large players dominating the fixed and mobile markets. Nigeria Federal Government to Sell Nitel Without Sat-3 <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=2029801> 21/10/2005 (Allfrica.com <http://allafrica.com/>) -- Controversy surrounding the ownership of SAT-3 has been put to rest as federal government has resolved to separate SAT-3 from Nigerian Telecommunication Limited (NITEL). Communication Minister, Chief Cornelus Adebayo said federal government has started the process of selling the national asset. CTO Publishes New Report on Impact of Telecoms in Poverty Reduction <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=1989924> 19/10/2005 (CTO <http://www.cto.int>) -- The results of an international study into the impact of telephones on rural livelihoods and poverty reduction will be presented on 19 October by the CTO and an international research consortium. Funded by the UK Department for International Development (DfID), the report focuses on the use of telephones and other information and communication technologies (ICTs) by rural communities in Africa and Asia. Field research for the study was undertaken in India, Mozambique and Tanzania during 2004. New Wave of African VoIP Operators Emerge <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=1962449> 17/10/2005 (Balancing Act <http://www.balancingact-africa.com>) -- Africa's grey market VoIP operators are coming out into the light as attitudes and legislation change. The emergence of a VoIP service providers sector could prove almost as significant for Africa as the earlier emergence of independent ISPs. Because beyond the mobile companies, it has been the entrepreneurial energy and lobbying of ISPs that has driven regulatory change in many countries. Kenya: Telkom Raises Phone Tariffs By 16pc <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=1962469> 15/10/2005 (East African Standard <http://www.eastandard.net/>) -- Telkom Kenya yesterday raised cost of local telephone calls by 16 per cent. In the new tariff structure that comes into effect on November 1, local calls will cost Sh10 per three minutes up from Sh8.60. In a bid to promote trade and communication within the East African Community, the cost of calls to Uganda and Tanzania went down by 25 per cent. Nigeria: Twist in BPE, Nitel & Sat- 3 Transatlantic Cable Tale? <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=1976346> 14/10/2005 (Allafrica <http://allafrica.com/>) -- Reports carried in the media this week indicate that there may be some contention between the BPE and the Ministry of Communications over the future of Nitel SAT - 3 submarine cable following Nitel's impending disposition by sale later this year. *News > Content and Language * SANGONeT Launches South African NGO Portal <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21871ne_1&x=2085227> 24/10/2005 (Sangonet <http://sangonet.org.za/portal/>) -- The Southern African NGO Network (SANGONeT) is pleased to announce the launch of a new Internet portal for and about the NGO sector in South Africa. This portal is primed to become the gateway to the South African NGO sector, boasting the most comprehensive, validated and easily searchable NGO directory in the country, containing information about more than 2 500 organisations. South Africa: New licensing conditions for SABC <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21871ne_1&x=33941> 14/06/2005 (BusinessDay <http://www.businessday.co.za/>) -- The Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) will impose new conditions on the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) - which will result in local languages getting more airtime - with effect from April next year, the regulator said today. *News > E-Governance & E-Commerce * Namibia: Information Staff Play Crucial Role says Minister <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21865ne_1&x=2029970> 21/10/2005 (NewEra <http://www.newera.com.na/>) -- The Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, says strategic planning workshops are essential in the operation of any institution as they give an opportunity to reflect on the past and map out the way forward. South Africa govt ICT challenges not unique <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21865ne_1&x=1501165> 20/09/2005 (ITWeb <http://www.itweb.co.za/>) -- The ICT challenges that South African government departments face are not unique, but part of a global challenge, delegates at a government conference organised by the Business Zone at the Rosebank Hotel heard yesterday. Kigali-Mombasa Trade Soon On Internet <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21864ne_1&x=1962663> 15/10/2005 (NewTimes <http://www.newtimes.co.rw/>) -- The delay of Rwandan merchandise at Mombasa port will soon end when the Kenyan government introduces internet transaction system.The new developments will enable Rwandan traders to monitor the arrival and departure of their merchandise at Mombasa Port through the internet to be installed next year. News > Freedom of Expression & Media Nigeria: Journalists Push for Legal Reforms to Safeguard Free Expression <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=2123706> 25/10/2005 (IFEX <http://www.ifex.org/>) -- Journalists, editors and other media professionals from Nigeria have called on their government to pass a long-delayed access to information bill and revoke repressive laws that inhibit press freedom and freedom of expression. At a workshop organised last week in Lagos by Media Rights Agenda and the World Bank Institute (WBI), some 50 participants adopted a statement that urged President Olusegun Obasanjo to pass the Freedom of Information Bill, which has been pending before parliament since 1999. Botswana: Gaborone Broadcasting Company (GBC) licence renewed <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21872ne_1&x=1962589> 16/10/2005 (BOPA <http://www.gov.bw/cgi-bin/news.cgi?>) -- Botswanas only private television station, Gaborone Broadcasting Company (GBC) has been awarded a 15-year broadcasting licence on condition that it fulfils all the license provisions. News > Intellectual Property IP Charter With 'Public Interest Checklist' For Governments Launched <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21868ne_1&x=2028229> 20/10/2005 (IP-Watch <http://www.ip-watch.org>) -- A high-level group of legal scholars, artists, scientists and experts has launched an initiative urging governments to change the global intellectual property scheme which they argue has shifted too much toward private interests at the expense of the public. 2005 WIPO General Assembly Continues Support for Development Agenda <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21868ne_1&x=1899587> 13/10/2005 (IP Justice <http://www.ipjustice.org/>) -- In its annual meeting from 26 Sept. - 5 Oct. 2005 in Geneva, the General Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) remained firm in its commitment to incorporating a "Development Agenda" for reform at WIPO, a UN Specialized Agency. News > Laws and Regulation Nigeria: Journalists Push for Legal Reforms to Safeguard Free Expression <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=2123706> 25/10/2005 (IFEX <http://www.ifex.org/>) -- Journalists, editors and other media professionals from Nigeria have called on their government to pass a long-delayed access to information bill and revoke repressive laws that inhibit press freedom and freedom of expression. At a workshop organised last week in Lagos by Media Rights Agenda and the World Bank Institute (WBI), some 50 participants adopted a statement that urged President Olusegun Obasanjo to pass the Freedom of Information Bill, which has been pending before parliament since 1999. South Africa: New ICT lobby group chair to continue push for sector reforms <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=2124005> 25/10/2005 (Businessday <http://www.businessday.co.za/>) -- The Communications Users Association of SA's (Cuasa's) new chairperson Edwin Thompson today said it would continue to lobby for legislative and regulatory pressure to yield effective competition in the telecommunications and other information and communications technology (ICT) sectors. South Africa: ICASA hearings begin in Parliament <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=2085391> 24/10/2005 (ITWeb <http://www.itweb.co.za/>) -- Proposed changes to the mechanism of appointing Independent Communication Authority of SA (ICASA) councillors was a bone of contention in Parliament today. In the first day of public hearings before the parliamentary portfolio committee of communications on the ICASA amendment Bill, representatives from ICASA, the SA Post Office, Internet Solutions and the Freedom of Expression Institute expressed concerns that the appointment of ICASA councillors would be taken out of Parliament's hands and given to a committee appointed by the minister of communications. News > National ICT Strategies Botswana: ICT can contribute to poverty eradication <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=29740ne_1&x=2085424> 24/10/2005 (Mmegi <http://www.mmegi.bw/>) -- Government should empower the poor by way of giving them access to information, an official at Botswana Telecommunication Authority (BTA) has said. BTA senior manager - department of broadcasting regulation - Oshinka Tsiang told participants at a three-day World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) consultative workshop on Tuesday. West African regulators agree on common IT framework <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21873ne_1&x=1962506> 14/10/2005 (Businessday <http://www.businessdayonline.com>) -- The West African sub-region is gradually moving towards common information and Communication Technology (ICT) market as regulators from the sub-region have reached a landmark agreement on a common regulatory framework for the sector. News > Security and Privacy South Africa: Draft privacy protection law released <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21875ne_1&x=1885669> 12/10/2005 (ITWeb <http://www.itweb.co.za/>) -- Protection of privacy and data draft legislation and discussion documents have been issued by the SA Law Reform Commission for public comment. The aim is to bring SA closer to international standards. News > Software Zambia Minister roots for Open Source Software <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21876ne_1&x=2030189> 21/10/2005 (Times of Zambia <http://www.times.co.zm/>) -- The Zambia Communications and Transport Deputy Minister Harrigan Mazimba has said that open source technology was a new phenomenon in the African context but if well implemented it would contribute to growth of Zambia's economy. He said for this goal to be achieved there is need to understand the "Open Source" concept well. Open Source Agreed In UN Information Society Summit Preparations <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21876ne_1&x=1847045> 10/10/2005 (IP-Watch <http://www.ip-watch.org/>) -- Encouragement for the use of free and open source software and open standards for science and technology has quietly worked its way into the draft texts being prepared for the November second phase of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). News > Training and Education Ethiopia: A regional ICT training Center to be established <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21878ne_1&x=2085670> 24/10/2005 (ENA <http://www.ena.gov.et>) -- A regional ICT training Center will be established in Amhara State during the current year, the State Capacity Building Bureau said. Public Relations Officer with the Bureau, Wudneh Gezahegn told ENA on Sunday that creating skilled manpower enabling to make use of ICT for good governance and development will be given priority during the reported period. News > WSIS NGOs plan "Citizens' Summit" in Tunis <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=29740ne_1&x=2124002> 25/10/2005 (Worldsummit2005 <http://www.worldsummit2005.org/>) -- A coalition of civil society organizations today announced they will hold a major parallel event when the WSIS summit meets in Tunis less than four weeks from now. This development was triggered by two developments: The first is a lack of meaningful civil society inclusion in the preparatory process, as again was stated publicly during the last meeting of the PrepCom in September. The second reason is the growing suppression of independent voices in the summit host country Tunisia. The "Citizens' Summit on the Information Society (CSIS)" is therefore organized together with independent Tunisian civil society groups. Botswana: WSIS workshop participants identify ICT bottlenecks <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=29740ne_1&x=2124015> 25/10/2005 (BOPA <http://www.gov.bw/cgi-bin/news.cgi?>) -- Botswana will only claim its stake in the information society if stakeholders in the implementation of the information and communications technology projects coordinate their activities. Participants at last weeks World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) national workshop in Gaborone believe all need to work together for Botswana to keep pace with information communication technology developments. Mozambique sets up committee for November WSIS in Tunisia <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=29740ne_1&x=2129186> 21/10/2005 (AngolaPress <http://www.angolapress-angop.ao/>) -- Mozambique has set up a national committee to help prepare for the country`s participation in the November World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Tunisia, Science and Technology Minister Venancio Massingue said here Wednesday. Tunis 2005 WSIS: finishing touches brought to the Kram Palexpo as summit nears <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=29740ne_1&x=2029974> 20/10/2005 (Tunisia Online <http://www.tunisiaonlinenews.com>) -- Twenty six days before the official launching of the Tunis WSIS, the Summit's main exhibition hall, the Kram Palexpo situated north of the capital, is getting ready for the greatest international gathering in Tunisia's history. //\//\//\//\//\//\/ -*INFORMATION & RESOURCES *- //\//\//\//\//\//\/ Reports Interconnection costs <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1517985> 21/09/2005 -- The world is still in the middle of a seismic shift in communication architectures as internet-based networks steadily replace the circuit-switched systems that were designed for voice, while rapid innovation continues to throw new technologies into the mix. We are still in a relatively early stage of this evolution, and as a result, internet interconnection issues are complex, fast changing and not well understood. Information Society or Knowledge Societies? Unesco in the Smart State <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1973771> 18/10/2005 -- The chapters in this volume canvasses the dialogue emerging from discussions about the WSIS Statement of Principles and Plan of Action in the context of local, national and international communication policies. It also offers some insights to WSIS participants, which may be helpful when it comes to evaluating the process in Tunis and beyond. The various authors discuss the WSIS Statement of Principles and Plan of Action from multiple perspectives, offering insights into the key challenges facing the process and offering alternative frameworks for the management of communication rights. 'Spits and spurts' ICT advocacy and the media in Africa - the CATIA experience <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1976879> 18/10/2005 -- The media can be active catalysts for change in Africa, and don't have to be neutral bystanders as the complex ICT landscape on the continent unfolds. That's one of the findings of a report commissioned by Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa (CATIA), a three year programme funded by the Department for International Development in collaboration with other donors. ICANN, Internet governance and Africa <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1899065> 13/10/2005 -- The Collaboration for International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) has published ICANN, Internet governance and Africa, a public briefing on the current status and key points of the debate that provides essential background for the second phase of the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS). Kenya: Nairobi Software Freedom Day Event Report <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1975467> 10/10/2005 -- The 10th of September 2005 was designated by advocates of free and open-source software (FOSS) the Software Freedom Day. Every year on that day, campaigns are held across the world to sensitize people about the benefits and availability of open-source software. Although the concept is an initiative of the nonprofit company Software Freedom International, it's actualized by grassroots free software advocates. New Study: Open Access Models: Options for Improving Backbone Access In Developing Countries <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1825661> 09/10/2005 -- InfoDev has just published a report on how open access can help improve infrastructure development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Called Open Access Models: The Study by SPINTRACK AB explores (1) opportunities for leveraging new technologies to increase access and functionality of existing infrastructure; (2) the design and implementation of open access models for infrastructure; and (3) the potential role of public financing in expanding infrastructure roll-out in Sub-Saharan Africa. * Discussion Papers* "Digital Dangers: Information and Communication Technologies and Trafficking in Women" <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=2029739> 21/10/2005 -- It seems unlikely that whoever coined the term 'information superhighway' anticipated that the traffic on the internet would be in people, as well as information. How, and how much, the internet and other ICTs are implicated in trafficking is the subject of this issue paper by The Association for Progressive Communications Women's Networking Support Programme (APC WNSP) produced in cooperation with The Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID). Reframing the Role of Telecentres in Development <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=2029799> 21/10/2005 -- Telecentres - public locations for accessing ICTs - have formed an important part of "e-development" strategies for donors, NGOs, governments and the private sector in recent years. At one time, they were a centrepiece of such strategies but more recently have somewhat fallen from favour. Where do we stand today on telecentres? Free and Open Source Software: A Blind Alley for Developing Countries? <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1958945> 17/10/2005 -- There is considerable interest in the "e-development" community about FOSS: free and open source software. It is argued to be cheaper and more customisable than proprietary software; it is argued to be a potential kick-starter for the local IT industry; it merits a mention in the WSIS Plan of Action. So what is its likely trajectory? *Opinion * Tanzania's mobile phone firms should lower tariffs <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=2124192> 25/10/2005 -- Mobile telephony has registered phenomenal growth in Tanzania in the last decade. In 1995, there were only 2,198 mobile phone lines; by last year there were 1,942,000. In contrast, fixed telephone lines increased from 88,000 to 148,000 lines in the same period. While mobile lines have been growing, the fixed line service has been degenerating. In fact, the number of fixed lines were fewer last year than in 1999. Last year, 93 per cent of telephone subscribers had mobile lines with fixed lines accounting for only 7 per cent. UN summit should provide a good opportunity for Africa to lobby for support to fund ICT efforts <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1433861> 16/09/2005 -- This week's UN General Assembly (UNGA), exactly two months before the Tunis World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), gives Africa a perfect opportunity to lobby rich-world leaders to support a long-term mechanism to fund information and communication technology for development (ICT4D). Why Cyber Crime Persists in Nigeria <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1434278> 16/09/2005 -- "While agreeing that greed forms a major causative factor in the spread of cyber crime in Nigeria, one cannot actually shy away from the fact that the harsh economic situation in the country, which has created mass unemployment and of course the high rate of corruption in the society is the fuel that fans its embers." //\//\//\//\//\//\/ - *UPCOMING EVENTS* - //\//\//\//\//\//\/ *07/11/2005*, South Africa <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21817e_1> Government Technology World Africa 2005 <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=1500329> The Government Technology World Africa 2005 conference will address the key strategic issues surrounding the use of technology in Government. With a strong case study base, the conference draws on the knowledge and experience of a host of well-renowned speakers and panelists from throughout Africa and internationally. *14/11/2005*, Tunisia <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21809e_1> World Forum on Information Society <http://irfd.org/events/wf2005/> The International Research Foundation for Development is organizing the second phase of its World Forum on Information Society to be held in Tunis in November 2005 in view of the United Nations World Summit on the Information Society - November 16-18, 2005. *16/11/2005*, Tunisia <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21809e_1> World Summit on the Information Society, Second Phase: 16-18 November 2005 <http://www.itu.int/wsis/tunis/index.html> The World Summit on the Information Society is held in two phases. The second phase of WSIS will take place in Tunis hosted by the Government of Tunisia from 16 to 18 November 2005. *17/11/2005*, International <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s30084e_1> Legal Issues in the Global Information Society <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=1847194> In connection with the Tunis Summit, the Center for International Legal Studies will present a seminar on legal issues relating the distribution and use of intellectual property and technology. *08/01/2006*, Uganda <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21849e_1> Africa Source II - Kalangala, Uganda - Jan 08-Jan 15, 2006 <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=1974142> Africa Source II will be an eight day hands-on workshop aimed at building the technical skills of those working with and within NGOs on the continent. It will take place in one of the most beautiful parts of the Kalangala Island on Victoria Lake during the beginning of January 2006. //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\// ABOUT APC The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is an international network of civil society organisations dedicated to empowering and supporting groups and individuals through the strategic use of information and communication technologies, especially internet-related technologies. APC and its members in more than 30 countries pioneer practical and relevant uses of ICTs for civil society. APC is an international facilitator of civil society's engagement with ICTs and related concerns, in both policy and practice. APC: http://www.apc.org. APC and ICT Policy Advocacy in Africa APC's Communications and Information Policy Programme aims to contribute to more enabling ICT policy environments through promoting inclusive policy processes. In Africa APC is doing this through the Africa ICT Policy Monitor project which aims to enable civil society organisations to engage in ICT policy development to promote an information society based on social justice and human rights. APC's Africa ICT Policy Monitor: http://africa.rights.apc.org The APC Africa ICT Policy Monitor is supported by HIVOS and the International Research Development Centre (IDRC). //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\// To change your subscription (set options like digest and delivery modes, get a reminder of your password, or to stop receiving APC Africa Policy Monitor Website e-Updates and Newsletter), visit the mailing list: http://lists.sn.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/africa-ir-public or send an email to africa.rights(a)apc.org //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\// -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Emmanuel Njenga Njuguna Africa Policy Monitor Project Association for Progressive Communications (APC) Email: africa.rights(a)apc.org or njenga(a)apc.org Web: http://africa.rights.apc.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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