Connectivity Providers Database

From: Steve Huter <sghuter@igc.apc.org> To: randy@psg.com, sghuter@psg.com Date: Tue, 18 Apr 1995 14:23:31 -0700 /* Written 6:49 PM Apr 11, 1995 by cochrane@ac.baobab.com in igc:list.africana */ /* ---------- "Update on Sierra Leone" ---------- */ From: cochrane@ac.baobab.com (Jeffrey Cochrane) Greetings Africanans! Here's a brief report on public network developments in Sierra Leone, starting with an even briefer overview: 1. A local computer consultant has formally launched a service providing email and email-2-fax to businesses and individuals in Freetown. A formal Fido node designation (probably 5:7831/0 and 5:7831/102) is forthcoming. Contact Feyi@sl.baobab.com 2. The US Information Service of the American Embassy not runs a Fido system during business hours. Standard Fidonet File Requests are supported. FREQ the magic name "files" for their collection of news and economic reports. Their node number is pending, but will likely be 5:7831/103. Contact usis@usis-sl.baobab.com. 3. The University node, in operation since September last year, presently has little activity, though there have recently been some developments. Contact chaytord@usl.gn.apc.org 4. A project to make email available for student research has recently installed equipment and secured phone service at a facility in Freetown. Contact Adrian.snet@sl.baobab.com 5. Several "Internet" familiarization events have been held in Freetown, with one to take place Thursday. Details follow. 1. A local computer consultant has formally launched a service providing email and email-2-fax to businesses and individuals in Freetown. A formal Fido node designation (probably 5:7831/0 and 5:7831/102) is forthcoming. Contact Feyi@sl.baobab.com Feyi Asgill of Securicom Consultants is the sysop. He has for some time designed custom business software for Freetown companies, and became interested in connectivity technologies while associated with a University project. He and I entered into discussions late last year, and did a few demonstrations. Early this year Mr. Asgill decided to incorporate email services into his business. The system is 24 hours, dependent on national power but with a backup generator during business hours. The number is 232-22-229652. Mr. Asgill sells USRobotics modems, and does installation and configuration. He provides training for system operation. 2. The US Information Service of the American Embassy not runs a Fido system during business hours. Standard Fidonet File Requests are supported. FREQ the magic name "files" for their collection of news and economic reports. Their node number is pending, but will likely be 5:7831/103. Contact usis@usis-sl.baobab.com. USIS has applied to Securicom for a node designation, which will have to wait until Securicom's own status as Fido country coordinator is confirmed by the regional coordinator in Nigeria. USIS is presently working on ideas to provide local services for Freetown (see item 5 below). Their Internet mail is gated directly through the Baobab in Washington, rather than through the Securicom gateway, though at some point this may change, particularly if Securicom increases the frequency of its own Washington polls. 3. The University node, in operation since September last year, presently has little activity, though there have recently been some developments. Contact chaytord@usl.gn.apc.org The key problem seems to be one of administration and organization, since the technical requirements for service have all been met. I am told that the Director of the Institute for Public Administration and Management (IPAM), Mr. May-Parker, is concerned that he will incur large costs. He has thus insisted that the node computer be kept on his desk. Hence it has been necessary to familiarize him with the technology. Mr. May-Parker has recently exchanged a few messages with colleagues abroad, and his computer system operator Daniel Chaytor is working with him to develop a plan for providing service. The IPAM modem and software were provided as part of a CABECA/PADIS project. That project's consultants also installed a system at the Fourah Bay College Library, but the computer there had configuration problems involving serial port conflicts and their UNIX partition. These hardware problems have been overcome. Since the IPAM system has been largely idle, the Library has made arrangements with Securicom Consultants to gate Internet mail. The Library now offers public access for people without computers. Library staff types in and prints out messages for a modest charge. A proposal was taken to the University Senate for the distribution of 9 additional 2400bps modems and cables donated through the PADIS/CABECA project. I understand the debate was rather rancorous. However several sites in the university are now in the process of installing systems to connect to the IPAM node. The key stumbling blocks are access to telephone lines and electricity. Presently, Fourah Bay College typically receives power only at night, but some departments have generators of their own. I have assisted the URDS (research division) of the University to install their point software and modem. They should be in operation soon. 4. A project to make email available for student research has recently installed equipment and secured phone service at a facility in Freetown. Contact Adrian.snet@sl.baobab.com Mr. Adrian Labor is well known to participants of the LeoneNet discussion forum. He wrote a grant to IDRC and received funding for a pilot project that he is now implementing. He recently managed to obtain a phone line and has been sending out test messages. He plans an experiment soon to introduce the technology to students. I understand he also has a relationship with HealthNet, but I'm not sure if that has started operation as yet. Mr. Labor routes his Internet mail through Securicom Consultants. 5. Several "Internet" familiarization events have been held in Freetown, with one to take place Thursday. There was a panel presentation at IPAM some months ago. Another presentation was held recently at the FBC Library. This Thursday the Public Affairs Officer of the American Embassy, Dr. Patricia Sharpe, is hosting a video showing called "Democracy and the Internet" to be followed by a question session and displays by local hardware vendors. Mr. Asgill and I will be on the panel to answer questions, as will Mrs. Deanna Thomas, librarian at FBC, who will hopefully be able to provide a non-technical perspective. Regards from Freetown, Jeff