Draft National ICT Policy Discussions Day 4 of 10: How to enhance Universal Service & Access
Listers, We inadvertently skipped the day 4 discussion since it was to be done over the weekend (Saturday 25 June 2016). As such we will back track so that we can tackle the topics which are very important. Today we focus on the following topics *Universal Access (Infrastructure) *Universal Service (PWD) *Affordable Internet broadband Services *Affordable User Devices *Public e-Literacy The Background Universal service principles are based on the fact that all citizens are entitled to basic communication rights. In other words, the government is obliged to ensure that communication signals reach all Kenyans, irrespective of their income levels, remote localities, lack of (e)literacy and/or disabilities (e.g. the blind/deaf/etc). There was recent access-gap study commissioned by the regulator which confirmed that a large number of Kenyan localities are underserved http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/blogs/dot9/walubengo/-/2274560/3155384/-/l3vdw8.... How can we change the situation? Thank you -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A
Barrack and all The Universal Service Access Fund is a commendable initiative but too often there hasn't been much information on the impact the critical resource is having. My suggestion would be to have an interactive real time map showing its impact and why certain regions are chosen to receive its largess and not others. This should be linked with Infrastructure sharing and last mile strategies to provide connectivity from the NOFBI. WayLeaves in my humble opinion are a major stumbling block to achieving Universal Access. Some counties think that this is a major income earner. We need to dissuade them from this myopic thinking. There has to be robust engagement with counties to ensure that ISPs and Telcos are not held to ransom by short term county revenue hunting at the expense of spreading ubiquitous broadband connectivity. This is so critical that a clear strategy paper needs to be put together by all stakeholders to guarantee its implementation. What are the roadblocks that hinder us from achieving universal broadband connectivity? Ali Hussein Principal Hussein & Associates +254 0713 601113 / 0770906375 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim "Discovery consists in seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought". ~ Albert Szent-Györgyi Sent from my iPad
On 28 Jun 2016, at 7:43 AM, Barrack Otieno via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Listers,
We inadvertently skipped the day 4 discussion since it was to be done over the weekend (Saturday 25 June 2016). As such we will back track so that we can tackle the topics which are very important.
Today we focus on the following topics
*Universal Access (Infrastructure)
*Universal Service (PWD)
*Affordable Internet broadband Services
*Affordable User Devices
*Public e-Literacy
The Background Universal service principles are based on the fact that all citizens are entitled to basic communication rights. In other words, the government is obliged to ensure that communication signals reach all Kenyans, irrespective of their income levels, remote localities, lack of (e)literacy and/or disabilities (e.g. the blind/deaf/etc).
There was recent access-gap study commissioned by the regulator which confirmed that a large number of Kenyan localities are underserved http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/blogs/dot9/walubengo/-/2274560/3155384/-/l3vdw8....
How can we change the situation?
Thank you
-- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A
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The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
Many thanks Ali for your timely response, do you think there is need for harmonizing of regulations or policies that touch on wayleaves nationally considering the fact that cable and powerlines can be considered as critical National infrastructure? Regards On 6/28/16, Ali Hussein <ali@hussein.me.ke> wrote:
Barrack and all
The Universal Service Access Fund is a commendable initiative but too often there hasn't been much information on the impact the critical resource is having. My suggestion would be to have an interactive real time map showing its impact and why certain regions are chosen to receive its largess and not others. This should be linked with Infrastructure sharing and last mile strategies to provide connectivity from the NOFBI.
WayLeaves in my humble opinion are a major stumbling block to achieving Universal Access. Some counties think that this is a major income earner. We need to dissuade them from this myopic thinking. There has to be robust engagement with counties to ensure that ISPs and Telcos are not held to ransom by short term county revenue hunting at the expense of spreading ubiquitous broadband connectivity. This is so critical that a clear strategy paper needs to be put together by all stakeholders to guarantee its implementation.
What are the roadblocks that hinder us from achieving universal broadband connectivity?
Ali Hussein Principal Hussein & Associates +254 0713 601113 / 0770906375
Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim
"Discovery consists in seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought". ~ Albert Szent-Györgyi
Sent from my iPad
On 28 Jun 2016, at 7:43 AM, Barrack Otieno via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Listers,
We inadvertently skipped the day 4 discussion since it was to be done over the weekend (Saturday 25 June 2016). As such we will back track so that we can tackle the topics which are very important.
Today we focus on the following topics
*Universal Access (Infrastructure)
*Universal Service (PWD)
*Affordable Internet broadband Services
*Affordable User Devices
*Public e-Literacy
The Background Universal service principles are based on the fact that all citizens are entitled to basic communication rights. In other words, the government is obliged to ensure that communication signals reach all Kenyans, irrespective of their income levels, remote localities, lack of (e)literacy and/or disabilities (e.g. the blind/deaf/etc).
There was recent access-gap study commissioned by the regulator which confirmed that a large number of Kenyan localities are underserved http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/blogs/dot9/walubengo/-/2274560/3155384/-/l3vdw8....
How can we change the situation?
Thank you
-- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A
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The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
-- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A
Barrack Absolutely. Infant this is way overdue. Can you imagine what would have happened if the same chaotic environment had happened while Kenya Power were laying electricity cables? Ali Hussein Principal Hussein & Associates +254 0713 601113 / 0770906375 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim "Discovery consists in seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought". ~ Albert Szent-Györgyi Sent from my iPad
On 28 Jun 2016, at 9:03 AM, Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack@gmail.com> wrote:
Many thanks Ali for your timely response, do you think there is need for harmonizing of regulations or policies that touch on wayleaves nationally considering the fact that cable and powerlines can be considered as critical National infrastructure?
Regards
On 6/28/16, Ali Hussein <ali@hussein.me.ke> wrote: Barrack and all
The Universal Service Access Fund is a commendable initiative but too often there hasn't been much information on the impact the critical resource is having. My suggestion would be to have an interactive real time map showing its impact and why certain regions are chosen to receive its largess and not others. This should be linked with Infrastructure sharing and last mile strategies to provide connectivity from the NOFBI.
WayLeaves in my humble opinion are a major stumbling block to achieving Universal Access. Some counties think that this is a major income earner. We need to dissuade them from this myopic thinking. There has to be robust engagement with counties to ensure that ISPs and Telcos are not held to ransom by short term county revenue hunting at the expense of spreading ubiquitous broadband connectivity. This is so critical that a clear strategy paper needs to be put together by all stakeholders to guarantee its implementation.
What are the roadblocks that hinder us from achieving universal broadband connectivity?
Ali Hussein Principal Hussein & Associates +254 0713 601113 / 0770906375
Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim
"Discovery consists in seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought". ~ Albert Szent-Györgyi
Sent from my iPad
On 28 Jun 2016, at 7:43 AM, Barrack Otieno via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Listers,
We inadvertently skipped the day 4 discussion since it was to be done over the weekend (Saturday 25 June 2016). As such we will back track so that we can tackle the topics which are very important.
Today we focus on the following topics
*Universal Access (Infrastructure)
*Universal Service (PWD)
*Affordable Internet broadband Services
*Affordable User Devices
*Public e-Literacy
The Background Universal service principles are based on the fact that all citizens are entitled to basic communication rights. In other words, the government is obliged to ensure that communication signals reach all Kenyans, irrespective of their income levels, remote localities, lack of (e)literacy and/or disabilities (e.g. the blind/deaf/etc).
There was recent access-gap study commissioned by the regulator which confirmed that a large number of Kenyan localities are underserved http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/blogs/dot9/walubengo/-/2274560/3155384/-/l3vdw8....
How can we change the situation?
Thank you
-- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/info%40alyhussein.com
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
-- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A
+ 1 @Ali. Apart from the Interactive map, it would be useful to have half yearly reports showing the exact disbursements, not just as a matter of transparency, but also for encouraging the telcos that have to contribute to this fund. Further, a clear criteria on how to arrive at who gets funded would be useful. I have in mind projects that may be supported due to political patronage (my MP insisting), but do not warrant such funding. In addition, the need to have public interest representation in that USF board. RgdsGG Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2016 08:51:09 +0300 Subject: Re: [kictanet] Draft National ICT Policy Discussions Day 4 of 10: How to enhance Universal Service & Access From: kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke CC: ali@hussein.me.ke To: ggithaiga@hotmail.com Barrack and all The Universal Service Access Fund is a commendable initiative but too often there hasn't been much information on the impact the critical resource is having. My suggestion would be to have an interactive real time map showing its impact and why certain regions are chosen to receive its largess and not others. This should be linked with Infrastructure sharing and last mile strategies to provide connectivity from the NOFBI. WayLeaves in my humble opinion are a major stumbling block to achieving Universal Access. Some counties think that this is a major income earner. We need to dissuade them from this myopic thinking. There has to be robust engagement with counties to ensure that ISPs and Telcos are not held to ransom by short term county revenue hunting at the expense of spreading ubiquitous broadband connectivity. This is so critical that a clear strategy paper needs to be put together by all stakeholders to guarantee its implementation. What are the roadblocks that hinder us from achieving universal broadband connectivity? Ali HusseinPrincipalHussein & Associates+254 0713 601113 / 0770906375 Twitter: @AliHKassimSkype: abu-jomoLinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim "Discovery consists in seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought". ~ Albert Szent-Györgyi Sent from my iPad On 28 Jun 2016, at 7:43 AM, Barrack Otieno via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: Listers, We inadvertently skipped the day 4 discussion since it was to be done over the weekend (Saturday 25 June 2016). As such we will back track so that we can tackle the topics which are very important. Today we focus on the following topics *Universal Access (Infrastructure) *Universal Service (PWD) *Affordable Internet broadband Services *Affordable User Devices *Public e-Literacy The Background Universal service principles are based on the fact that all citizens are entitled to basic communication rights. In other words, the government is obliged to ensure that communication signals reach all Kenyans, irrespective of their income levels, remote localities, lack of (e)literacy and/or disabilities (e.g. the blind/deaf/etc). There was recent access-gap study commissioned by the regulator which confirmed that a large number of Kenyan localities are underserved http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/blogs/dot9/walubengo/-/2274560/3155384/-/l3vdw8.... How can we change the situation? Thank you -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/info%40alyhussein.com The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ggithaiga%40hotmail.co... The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
I would add onto that Universal Service fund matter, Where is information? I for one am based where it might be applicably used but haven’t quite gotten all the information on the approach one can use to access this. From: kictanet <kictanet-bounces+arebacollins=gmail.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke> on behalf of Grace Githaiga via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Reply-To: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Tuesday, 28 June 2016 11:10 am To: Collins Areba <arebacollins@gmail.com> Cc: Grace Githaiga <ggithaiga@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Draft National ICT Policy Discussions Day 4 of 10: How to enhance Universal Service & Access + 1 @Ali. Apart from the Interactive map, it would be useful to have half yearly reports showing the exact disbursements, not just as a matter of transparency, but also for encouraging the telcos that have to contribute to this fund. Further, a clear criteria on how to arrive at who gets funded would be useful. I have in mind projects that may be supported due to political patronage (my MP insisting), but do not warrant such funding. In addition, the need to have public interest representation in that USF board. Rgds GG Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2016 08:51:09 +0300 Subject: Re: [kictanet] Draft National ICT Policy Discussions Day 4 of 10: How to enhance Universal Service & Access From: kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke CC: ali@hussein.me.ke To: ggithaiga@hotmail.com Barrack and all The Universal Service Access Fund is a commendable initiative but too often there hasn't been much information on the impact the critical resource is having. My suggestion would be to have an interactive real time map showing its impact and why certain regions are chosen to receive its largess and not others. This should be linked with Infrastructure sharing and last mile strategies to provide connectivity from the NOFBI. WayLeaves in my humble opinion are a major stumbling block to achieving Universal Access. Some counties think that this is a major income earner. We need to dissuade them from this myopic thinking. There has to be robust engagement with counties to ensure that ISPs and Telcos are not held to ransom by short term county revenue hunting at the expense of spreading ubiquitous broadband connectivity. This is so critical that a clear strategy paper needs to be put together by all stakeholders to guarantee its implementation. What are the roadblocks that hinder us from achieving universal broadband connectivity? Ali Hussein Principal Hussein & Associates +254 0713 601113 / 0770906375 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim "Discovery consists in seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought". ~ Albert Szent-Györgyi Sent from my iPad On 28 Jun 2016, at 7:43 AM, Barrack Otieno via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: Listers, We inadvertently skipped the day 4 discussion since it was to be done over the weekend (Saturday 25 June 2016). As such we will back track so that we can tackle the topics which are very important. Today we focus on the following topics *Universal Access (Infrastructure) *Universal Service (PWD) *Affordable Internet broadband Services *Affordable User Devices *Public e-Literacy The Background Universal service principles are based on the fact that all citizens are entitled to basic communication rights. In other words, the government is obliged to ensure that communication signals reach all Kenyans, irrespective of their income levels, remote localities, lack of (e)literacy and/or disabilities (e.g. the blind/deaf/etc). There was recent access-gap study commissioned by the regulator which confirmed that a large number of Kenyan localities are underserved http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/blogs/dot9/walubengo/-/2274560/3155384/-/l3vdw8.... How can we change the situation? Thank you -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/info%40alyhussein.com The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ggithaiga%40hotmail.co... The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/arebacollins%40gmail.c... The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
Listers, As we continued deliberating, find attached a copy of the announcement from the Ministry of ICT for noting. Whereas the moderated KICTAnet discussions will end this week, the public comment period will remain open throughout until 12th July 2016. So beyond KICTAnet and the Jadili platforms, you will still be able to make further submission through the ministry website@ http://www.information.go.ke/?p=1918 walu.
Universal Access Entrench Public institutions and corporations to expand availability. Initiatives like the now defunct posta satellites be relaunched to drive penetration of the usage to the mashinani. Kenya Power be mandated to carry fibre infrastructure on the poles to match the electricity penetration footprint. Universal Service: PWD have a better opportunity now than ever before to have their needs mainstreamed. Government to make a provision that makes it mandatory for the product developers and devices owners to allocate funds for R&D to improve the service offerings. Braille technology could be provided on digital platform more cheaply, speech recognition software's for Cerebral Palsy children, Voice automation solutions for Blind and a host of other learning materials that Innovators be encouraged to develop. An special incentive be given to spur the development. Affordable devices: Innovation for local product developers and tax concessions for importers of mass market phones. Public E-Literacy: Creation of multi media learning content to drive literacy at different levels from masomo ya kumbaru to early childhood education. Delivery format for educational learning ought to be through devices. Affordable Internet Broadband Innovative Pricing by Telcos that will be tied to consumption and geo tagged to locations. Increase momentum on initiatives like internet.org by partnership with corporates to sponsor villages and sectors to access affordable wifi connection. Kind Regards Timothy Oriedo ICF Certified Coach, Chartered Marketer, Technology, Media & Telco Enthusiast FB, Linkedln- Timothy Oriedo Skype, Twitter @timoriedo 0722 816171 On Jun 28, 2016 7:44 AM, "Barrack Otieno via kictanet" < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Listers,
We inadvertently skipped the day 4 discussion since it was to be done over the weekend (Saturday 25 June 2016). As such we will back track so that we can tackle the topics which are very important.
Today we focus on the following topics
*Universal Access (Infrastructure)
*Universal Service (PWD)
*Affordable Internet broadband Services
*Affordable User Devices
*Public e-Literacy
The Background Universal service principles are based on the fact that all citizens are entitled to basic communication rights. In other words, the government is obliged to ensure that communication signals reach all Kenyans, irrespective of their income levels, remote localities, lack of (e)literacy and/or disabilities (e.g. the blind/deaf/etc).
There was recent access-gap study commissioned by the regulator which confirmed that a large number of Kenyan localities are underserved
http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/blogs/dot9/walubengo/-/2274560/3155384/-/l3vdw8... .
How can we change the situation?
Thank you
-- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet
Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/timoriedo%40gmail.com
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
@Barrack, my 2cents on this.*Universal Access (infrastructure); we must crack the shared infrastructure thing. All operators know it is silly to dig across the road, only for the competitor come over the following week do re-dig over the same road as they lay cable. Unfortunately this policy issue goes beyond ICT and the Road/Public works and County Gov must be willing to participate/enforce this. For some of them, the more roads being dug the more money the get :-( *Affordable Services.Theory says that if the cost of infrastructure goes down (e.g through sharing), then the cost/price to the consumer will drop - at least in a competitive environment. But competition in contemporary digital services is complex, dynamic and continues to evolve. For example, are mobile operators competing with other operators or they are competing with Banks and Broadcasters(TV, Radio Stations)? Perhaps the correct answer is that mobile operators simultaneously compete and cooperate with all of the above. We perhaps need new approaches to effectively deal with pricing of communication services since competition alone wont bring down prices. *Persons with Disabilities (PWD). Very few TV stations have sign-language speakers. Most government websites have no provision/options for the blind and deaf. I think we need a specific policy statement on this so that effort/funds can be subsequently allocated for those who are challenged one way or the other. In developed economies, you find traffic lights designed to be 'seen'(heard) by the blind. That might be V2030 for us but we need to start seeing evidence of this in government documents. *Public eLiteracy:Currently most utilities (Power, Water, LandRates, Parking, etc) have adopted electronic mode of payment. I have to travel 400Km away from Nairobi to upgrade my Dads e-Skills on this so that he can continue to execute these tasks. These new services are convenient, but we must make provision for what the developed countries call continuous learning. Lets make (budgetery) provision for local tertiary institutions to increase our eLiteracy rates. I heard someone say we use Universal Service Funds, but others argue that one should not access funds they never contributed to...either way this needs to be sorted. walu. From: Barrack Otieno via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> To: jwalu@yahoo.com Cc: Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2016 7:43 AM Subject: [kictanet] Draft National ICT Policy Discussions Day 4 of 10: How to enhance Universal Service & Access Listers, We inadvertently skipped the day 4 discussion since it was to be done over the weekend (Saturday 25 June 2016). As such we will back track so that we can tackle the topics which are very important. Today we focus on the following topics *Universal Access (Infrastructure) *Universal Service (PWD) *Affordable Internet broadband Services *Affordable User Devices *Public e-Literacy The Background Universal service principles are based on the fact that all citizens are entitled to basic communication rights. In other words, the government is obliged to ensure that communication signals reach all Kenyans, irrespective of their income levels, remote localities, lack of (e)literacy and/or disabilities (e.g. the blind/deaf/etc). There was recent access-gap study commissioned by the regulator which confirmed that a large number of Kenyan localities are underserved http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/blogs/dot9/walubengo/-/2274560/3155384/-/l3vdw8.... How can we change the situation? Thank you -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jwalu%40yahoo.com The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
participants (6)
-
Ali Hussein -
Barrack Otieno -
Collins Areba -
Grace Githaiga -
Timothy- Coach- Oriedo -
Walubengo J