Connectivity Providers Database

From: Dr Nii Narku Quaynor <quaynor@ncs.com.gh> To: sghuter@psg.com CC: tevie@ncs.com.gh Date: Mon, 11 Nov 1996 22:11:40 -0800 DAILY GRAPHIC - OCTOBER 31, 1996 INTELSAT EARTH STATION LAUNCHED ********************************************** An Intelsat Standard Earth station, to serve as an international gateway for the provision of Internet services to Ghana has been commission in Accra. The Internet network procured and installed by Network Computer Systems Limited (NCS), will make available in Ghana direct connections to the US and other parts of the world. The Internet technology enables the integration of networks into a large information system infrastructure to provide services such as world-wide electronic mail information movement, remote log in access to data bases. Other services offered are the world-wide web, gopher, Telnet and usenet. The technology can be attained in a number of ways namely through subscription connection through local providers and also interconnecting various parts of an organization. Mr. Edward K. Salia, Minister of Transport and Communications who commissioned the facility yesterday, said the ceremony is a clear manifestation that the government's telecom reform policy, has begun to yield results. The policy he stated, aims at a rapid expansion and provision of efficient telecommunication services through limited competition, as well as the liberalisation in the provision of value-added services such as the Internet and cellular facilities. Mr. Salia commended NCS the pioneer Internet service provider in the country, for its vision and commitment to put Ghana on the Internet map, in spite of the numerous problems it encountered due to the inadequate telecom infrastructure in the country. "Today Ghana probably has the biggest hub in sub-Saharan Africa" he said with pride. The minister expressed the hope that cost-saving and system flexibility facilitated by the gateway would enable NCS to provide an affordable Internet service to a lager segment of the population which a has access to computers, like the educational institutions Public and Civil Service departments, banks and the business community. He urged NCS to participate more effectively and competitively in the multi-million data processing industry that offers massive employment to young professionals and data entry clerks in countries like Jamaica and India. Mr. Salia announced that at least three other Internet service providers have been authorised to commence business in the country. He said before the end of the year, Ghana Telecom will be privatised under a virile and experienced investors, while a second network operator would be authorised to operate. According to Mr. Salia, it is the significant progress in the country's telecom policy that encouraged U.S. vice president Al Gore to launch the Leland Initiative with Ghana in June 1996. Under the programme, the Government of the U.S. through USAID, is offering an Internet service assistance package to some African countries. Dr. Nii Quaynor Executive Chairman of NCS, said the facility goes direct to Virginia U.S. where the core of the Internet business is. He said by its entry into Internet market, Ghana is ahead of all sub-Saharan African and is next to only South Africa. Dr. Quaynor commended all those who in diverse ways contributed to the success of the project. The NCS has revised its monthly subscription to $45 per month. Kwame Peprah, Minister of Finance, who chaired the function said the Internet system is one way hop step and jump to the developed countries and therefore appealed to all to take advantage of this new technology.