Mwendwa Thanks for reviving this issue of Universal Access. This is an issue that has been raised time and again on this forum. We have it on good authority that the Policy Makers read this list avidly. So the fact that they remain silent on this issue is a serious indictment on them on whether they take us seriously. As Walu put it aptly the other day:- 'if you are not addressing this forum of stakeholders then who are they addressing?' Ali Hussein +254 770 906375 / 0713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim Blog: www.alyhussein.com "I fear the day technology will surpass human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots". ~ Albert Einstein Sent from my iPad
On Dec 9, 2014, at 9:44 AM, Mwendwa Kivuva via isoc <isoc@lists.my.co.ke> wrote:
(Apologies for cross-posting)
Nothing is as great as high internet speed. That is the mantra on Safaricom's 4G page (1). Safaricom's 4G/LTE service is the first of its kind in the region and promises a browsing experience like never before. Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile phones and data terminals.(2)
To use LTE you need a 4G capable Device (phone/tablet/modem), Change to a 4G enabled SIM card and be in an area covered by the 4G service i.e. Some parts of Nairobi and Mombasa.
With the rollout of 4G in some parts of Nairobi and Mombasa, we are exploring the state of "real" broadband in Kenya, the cost to the common citizen, and coverage. As we continue to privilege those of us in urban areas, how are we catering for the interests and needs of the marginalized?
TESPOK in August issued a statement (3) advising it's members not to pay Universal Service Fund (4) until they meet with the Communications Authority Director General and ICT cabinet Secretary to clearly define the procedures and processes of administering the 0.5% of operators' annual revenues. What is the current state of USF in Kenya? Is it operational? Is the 0.5% sufficient to have any impact in society?
Are the USF Council members (5) representative of the Internet community in Kenya? Are all stakeholders interests taken into consideration in forming the council? Would these distinguished citizens know the troubles the user in Kitui goes through when he has to climb a flag-post to get network signal, or the parcel that arrives in Lokitang after a month?
Internet Society Kenya Chapter and Kictanet seeks to engage in a series of online discussions covering various trending issues which will culminate in a public consultative forum with industry and policymakers to share the feedback from the community and see how best we can influence and shape the Internet landscape in Kenya.
Your valuable contribution is always appreciated.
Sincerely, ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya Secretary, Internet Society Kenya.
NOTES (1). http://www.safaricom.co.ke/personal/internet/safaricom-4g-lte (2). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LTE_%28telecommunication%29 (3). http://www.tespok.co.ke/?p=310 (4). http://ca.go.ke/index.php/purpose-of-the-fund (5). http://ca.go.ke/index.php/universal-service-advisory-council
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