Connectivity Providers Database

From: Daniel Mpolokoso <daniel@africonnect.co.zm> To: Maria Dolores Lizarzaburu <mlizarza@darkwing.uoregon.edu> Cc: sghuter@nsrc.org Time: Thu, 01 Jul 2004 10:53:18 +0200 Subject: Re: Zambia and the current state of the Internet Zambia's External Internet Connectivity ======================================= Zambia's Internet access is provided by five (5) Internet Services Providers namely: ZamNet, Zamtel Online, CopperNet, Microlink and UUNet Zambia. All ISPs use satellite connectivity to bring bandwidth into the country. Total international capacity is estimated at 15 Mbps of downstream capacity, with most ISPs typically running at least 3Mbps downlink with 1.5Mbps return. It is reported that Zamtel might be upgrading it's international link by an additional 9Mbps of downstream capacity. ISPs ISP in ZM Link Type Bandwidth* Upstream ISP POP location(s) ========= =========== =========== ================ =============== ZamNet Satellite 3Mb/1.5Mb TaideNet Lusaka, Kitwe ralph@zamnet.zm Livingstone Zamtel Satellite 3Mb/2Mb BT/Teleglobe Lusaka, Kitwe, Ndola Chingola, Chipata, Kabwe Microlink Satellite 5.5Mb/1.5Mb TaideNet Lusaka, Livingstone kasenge@microlink.zm Ndola, Livingstone CopperNet Satellite ? / ? IP Planet(?) Lusaka, Kitwe, Ndola jay@coppernet.zm Livingstone UUnet Satellite ? / ? Lusaka Internet Exchange Point ======================= There is an informal, open IXP operating with equipment provided by ZamNet. The peering arrangement was setup in October 2000, initially between ZamNet and Zamtel Online, with the other ISPs joining later. The ISPs typically peer at 2Mbps. There has been discussion about a formal arrangement with proper failover routing capability, as is typically the case with other IXPs. However, the lack of resources has hampered these plans. There is no URL for the IXP, but you can get more information from Raphael Maseko (ralph@zamnet.zm). Prospects for Growth ==================== Zambia had a relatively early start in-as-far-as Internet connectivity is concerned, with a permanent connection established in late 1994. However, the growth and penetration of the Internet has been considerably slower than neighbours like Zimbabwe and Botswana, where the Internet has quickly found it's way into mainstream public and private sector establishments. The reason for this lackluster growth is the low penetration of high bandwidth services i.e. broadband and possibly the lack of a national ICT policy. A lot of subscribers still rely on dial-up Internet access with only a few able to afford the faster dedicated Internet connections. There has been a considerable push for low-cost wireless connectivity and a number of organisations have moved onto the faster, 'always on' type connectivity. There is a general lack of uptake by businesses for business related activities other than basic email e.g. websites, portals, e-commerce. It is hoped that over the next few months and years, there will be a general shift from the typical brick and mortar way of doing business to the newer online based transactions. One or two banks have introduced online banking, but it is all very basic and in most cases, only allows querying for statements and bank balances. One possible reason for the lack of development in the ICT arena could be the absence of an official ICT Policy. A draft policy was completed late last year (2003) and it is hoped that Parliament will consider it during the course of this year. The launch of an official ICT policy will help create direction for ICTs and the growth of the Internet in the country. One interesting development in this year's budget was the reduction of duty on computers from 25% to 5%. This is bound to have a positive development on the growth of ICTs and the Internet in general as computers become more affordable to the general public. There is a noticeable push for further exploitation of the capabilities of the Internet for conducting business as more and more people become aware of its potential. A lot more people are also Internet aware with the establishment of several Internet cafes countrywide. Regards, Daniel. Daniel Mpolokoso <daniel@africonnect.co.zm>