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From: "Dave Main" <dave@csl.ws> To: Maria Dolores Lizarzaburu <mlizarza@darkwing.uoregon.edu> Cc: <sghuter@nsrc.org> Time: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 13:56:17 -1100 Subject: RE: The development of the Net in Samoa SAMOATEL, which provides all international communication via dual Satellite stations, has internet connectivity agreements with two upstream providers; TeleGlobe and NewSkies. Both services provide 3Mbps/1Mbps Asymmetrical circuits. SamoaTel is not an ISP. ISPs in Samoa: ISP in WS Link Type Bandwidth Upstream ISP POP location(s) ========= =========== =========== ================ =============== Samoa.WS Satellite 3.0Mbps NewSkies Apia Ipasifika Satellite 1.5Mbps Teleglobe Apia LeSamoa Satellite 1.5Mbps Teleglobe Apia Contact information of the ISPs: ================================ Samoa.WS http://www.samoa.ws Technical contact: Aniseko Ioane (aniseko@csl.ws) Ipasifika http://www.ipasifika.net Technical contact: Aitken Fruen (aitken@ipasifika.net) LeSamoa http://www.lesamoa.net Technical contact: Lesa Seumanutafa (lesa@lesamoa.net) Prospects for Internet growth: ============================== In 2004 SamoaTel has installed a 2nd Satellite base station, built a new office complex at Malufou and is in the process of shifting to a new voice switch. Fibre optic backbones are now in place around much of the two main islands. Connectivity between the two main islands (Upolu and Savaii)is via Microwave/RF. Elements that would help Internet growth: ========================================= Provide Undersea fibre into Samoa. Provide free internet and PCs to schools. (about 10 schools in Samoa offer limited PC training) Provide ICT training. Obstacles for Internet growth: ============================== Internet is expensive and slow. SamoaTEL is a state monopoly and controls all forms of communication. Current infrastructure is improving but still much of the last mile is older copper. Limited access from remote villages. Internet usage from Remote villages and Savaii is more expensive as they are charged per minute via national call tarrif in addition to standard internet fees Limited ICT knowledge in rural areas. Small population base with limited access to PCs. David Main <dave@csl.ws>
