FYI, Also Kenya's real connectivity situation! ACTION is needed urgently!!!! rgds, Alex ----- Original Message ----- From: "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru@mail.co.ke> To: "Christian de Larrinaga" <cdel@firsthand.net>; "Alan Levin" <alan@futureperfect.co.za> Cc: <chapter-delegates@elists.isoc.org> Sent: Friday, September 30, 2005 7:20 AM Subject: Re: [Chapter-delegates] ISOC@WSIS Blog

Christian,

Kenya embraces help from any household from this global village brought about by the IP protocol.

Alex

----- Original Message ----- From: "Christian de Larrinaga" <cdel@firsthand.net> To: "Alan Levin" <alan@futureperfect.co.za> Cc: "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru@mail.co.ke>; <chapter-delegates@elists.isoc.org> Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2005 7:29 PM Subject: Re: [Chapter-delegates] ISOC@WSIS Blog

Alan

You are building up a big head of steam then. just don't be standing too close when the pressure cooker blows.

I guess help from uk is out of the question right now?

Christian de Larrinaga cdel@firsthand.net

On 28 Sep 2005, at 14:54, Alan Levin wrote:

...

Hi Alex and others,

On 26 Sep 2005, at 3:36 PM, Alex Gakuru wrote:

...

I am glad to note our ISOC ambassadors have kept their focus on the unconnected individual, and the problems facing the connected one.

Regards the 'unconnected individual' and for your interest...

We have experienced some backlash from our first Internet Fiesta in March. Subsequent to the fiesta (fully reported at our website at http://isoc.org.za/fiesta) we heard some rumours that the local community was unhappy with the outcome. Initially they would not meet with us but after a couple months they finally agreed. When we were there, we were confronted with a barrage of complaints. Basically they were so impressed by the Internet access they experienced at the Fiesta, that they were equally unimpressed with the fact that there is no way that they can afford it.

Initially we considered a few routes and communicated to them for follow up: - The Universal Service Agency (government) have a programme where they install telecentres - The local government installs free internet at all libraries - The Provincial (state) government provides free computer labs at schools - There are start-up entrepreneurs that set-up internet cafe's so in fact that there are many government programs that establish cheap or free access for poor communities, as well private sector opportunities.

We also considered that a Fiesta objective was to create demand and establish broader support - from those who are still unconnected - for telecoms liberalisation (deregulation and/or competition).

Unfortunately it's resulted in accusations that all we did was 'tease' these poor people, by showing them the wonderful world of technology, even though they cannot afford it. Unfortunately all the options above are not going to just materialise or do not provide them with a real solution. Which in turn has understandably demotivated our volunteers who spent hundreds of hours assisting with the fiesta.

Having said this, we've come up with a plan to deal with this and we're still planning on doing another 50 fiestas over the next three years. Considering 75% of our population has never had an internet experience, I thought it would be interesting to hear.

If you're interested in reading more about the facts (a few short current articles show that we're still under a monopoly for all data connectivity and now have some of the most expensive prices by many fold). I'm quoted here: http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/ national.aspx?ID=BD4A92253

But our government keeps saying: "We must modernise the telecommunications sector, and achieve the best for all South Africans in terms of choice, quality, innovation and value for money,” and “This is essential to promote a competitive economy and achieve the target growth rate of 6%. Effective and competitive telecommunications services must be available to all.” see http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/national.aspx?ID=BD4A96210 and not doing anything about it....

warm regards,

Alan

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Christian de Larrinaga cdel@firsthand.net