Connectivity Providers Database

Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 23:49:32 +0100 From: Olivier MJ Crepin-Leblond <ocl@gih.com> To: info-nets@rg.net Cc: Randy Bush <randy@psg.com>, Steven Huter <sghuter@psg.com> Subject: Somalia to go on line (1999.10.05) The BBC has reported a week ago that Somalia has gone (or is currently going) online. Olympic Computers Network Administrator Ibrahim Abdulkadir Sheikh has informed the BBC that his company will not only provide Internet connectivity within Mogadishu, but also in other towns such as Merca Town, Borama, and the capital city of the breakaway republic of Somaliland, Hargeisa. This is quite a feat since we all have to remember that Somalia still has no sustainable infrastructure, and is subject to constant fighting, and no overall government. 25 customers have already been connected, and the current aim is to have 100 people across the country benefit from the service. That said, it *is* rather expensive for the local population: an installation fee of US$ 100, a monthly rental of US$ 30, and most costly of all, the communications cost of 75 cents a minute. The sales manager of Olympic Computers, Mr. Mahmud Nur Olow mentioned that the company would bring down costs once the number of customers exceeds 300. Until then, I think that the largest use of Internet in Somalia will be for E-mail only. Still, I am sure that it will bring a breath of fresh air to that region of the world that has so-far been firmly in the "have-nots" camp. Sorry I don't know any Web site or E-mail address yet. Cheers, -- Olivier MJ Crepin-Leblond, Ph.D. |--> Global Information Highway Limited Phone: +44 (0)956 84 1113 | http://www.gih.com/ | E-mail: <ocl@gih.com> Fax : +44 (0)207 937 7666 | Emporium: http://www.mobile-emporium.com