Connectivity Providers Database

From: Jeff Cochrane <jeffc@INFO.USAID.GOV> To: Multiple recipients of list AFRIK-IT <AFRIK-IT@LISTSERV.HEA.IE> Date: Sat, 5 Oct 1996 01:44:55 -5 Greetings Afrik-ITers! Now descending through 20,000 feet -- will have to stop typing when the seat belt sign goes on... Departed Kenya this morning after a very satisfying week that began with a weekend in Naveru staring at lions ten feet away from our car. We didn't drive so close to the rhinos. The horns seemed a bit too large... 8*) Here's a bit from my "trip report" to USAID that I hope you find interesting. I refer to the "AfricaLink Registry" which is available at http://ventus.info.usaid.gov/africalink Kenya Networking Suzannie Drouilh of the East Africa Internet Association kindly offered her services in arranging appointments with a number of Internet service providers in Nairobi, as well as with members of the Association itself. Information was also gathered from other sources. A common theme expressed by almost all the service providers was a need to liberalize further the telecommunications market in Kenya. In particular, all would like to have the opportunity to employ VSAT satellite services without passing through the national telecoms authority, KPTC. One service provider suggested that the telecommunications regulatory body must be completely separated from the KPTC, particularly with respect to arenas in which KPTC is a service provider. Another common theme was the need for greatly increased investments in local human capital in the telecommunications sector. Demand for highly skilled technicians and systems administrators reportedly outstrips supply. Smaller service providers focused on somewhat different issues. Of concern is the US$5000 license fee now being charged by KPTC to all service providers. The smaller providers suggest this seems designed to concentrate the industry in the hands of large corporate organizations with international backing, eliminating smaller firms. Elimination of the fees or a graduated fee schedule was urged. They argue that it is only the smaller service providers that can effectively deliver services to rural and other neglected populations. Discussions with many service providers and several members of the East Africa Internet Association focused on a local "hub". A consortium of service providers would jointly operate the hub with an international link to the Internet. The idea is of interest particularly to smaller providers who cannot individually afford an international leased line and the KPTC license fees. Some argue that the smaller providers will be forced out of the market unless they are able to offer full-Internet services to at least some of their customers. At least one of the larger commercial operators sees this as competition for a limited customer base, and objects to any effort by donors to fund a hub. One large service provider intends to create a hub with leased lines for users as well as resellers of Internet services. While the hub concept seems to make good economic sense, a framework for collaboration among service providers has not been developed. In discussions with all service providers, it was stressed that USAID has a policy that precludes activities that would unfairly affect private sector providers of services. USAID can, however, channel resources to its partners who require Internet services, who have an interest in a vibrant telecommunications market with strong competition. One reason for publishing the AfricaLink Registry is to assure that even small providers can be well informed about the availability of USAID support of Internet access for its partners. Persons Contacted Internet Service Providers Shem J. Ochuodho, Director, African Regional Centre for Computing (ARCC) Chris Lundh, Managing Director, Africa Online Rob Sinclair, Co-Executive Director, Environment Liaison Centre International Benedicte Penda Marcilly, Environment Liaison Centre International Max Trulenau, Computer Consultant, Negra Comm Enterprises John Atchley, Thorn Tree Communication Systems Ronald W. Nunn, Managing Director, Omega Micro Systems and ThornTree Yazim Nanji, Managing Director, Form-Net Africa Fred ?, Healthnet East Africa Internet Association Suzanne Drouilh, member, East Africa Internet Association Ben Parker, Interim President, East Africa Internet Association AfricaLink -- http://www.info.usaid.gov/alnk Tel 1-703-235-5415 Fax 1-703-235-3805