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  • The Challenge of Digital Inclusion in Mozambique

    Mozambique Thetha Report Cover

    SANGONeT (Southern African NGO Network has been coordinating a regional research project into ICT4D issues in different countries in the region. Reports are produced, and then debated in Forums in the respective country. So I want to give you a quick report on the Mozambique Forum, which as you know from SANGONeT, took place on 30 July 2009.

  • ICASA Approves Connection Rate Cut

    The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa approves a cut in the rate charged by the three main cellphone operators to connect calls between networks

    The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has approved a cut in the rate charged by the three main cellphone operators to connect calls between networks.

    Vodacom, MTN and Cell C last month filed an agreement with ICASA proposing a cut in the peak interconnection rate from R1.25 to 89 cents on March 1.

    ICASA rejected the plan because it would have forced it to agree to a fixed gradual reduction over three years.

    Source: 
    Independent Online

  • Africa Telecoms Lacks Clear Law Frameworks, Chireka

    Africa’s telecoms sector lacks clear and comprehensive legislative frameworks, says consultancy Frost and Sullivan

    Africa’s telecoms sector lacks clear and comprehensive legislative frameworks. This is according to Spiwe Chireka, an industry analyst at Frost and Sullivan.

    In a press statement, Chireka, points out that while the absence of comprehensive legislative frameworks placed multinationals in a vulnerable position, there is an element of ‘no pain, no gain’ in play.

    Source: 
    Citizen
    Article link: 
    http://www.citizen.co.za/index/article.aspx?pDesc=113868,1,22

  • Telkom to Launch Mobile Phone Services

    Telkom to begin offering mobile phone services from 2010

    Fixed-line phone group Telkom will begin offering mobile phone services from 2010 as it launches a new mobile business to offset falling profit from its fixed-line business.

    Telkom CEO Reuben September points out that, "We believe there's room for the fourth mobile operator in South Africa."

    September states that Telkom, the biggest in Africa, saw opportunities in the mobile data market as competitors MTN, Vodacom and Cell C dominated the near-saturated voice market.

    Source: 
    Mail&Guardian

  • Zambia Thetha ICT Discussion Forum

    The Zambia Thetha ICT Discussion Forum will be held on 28 October 2009 at the Golfview Hotel in Lusaka.

    The event forms part of a series of regional events that SANGONeT is hosting in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Botswana.

    Event type: 
    Conference
    Event venue: 
    Golfview Hotel, Lusaka
    Event start date: 
    10/28/2009
    Event end date: 
    10/28/2009
    Contact person(s): 
    John Munsaka

  • Public Hearings Focuses on Fees Cut

    The South African government holding public hearings as part of plans to push mobile and telecommunication operators to reduce interconnection fees

    The South African government is holding public hearings as part of plans to push mobile and telecommunications operators to reduce interconnection fees, in an attempt to lower telecommunications costs that have affected the country’s growth.

    In its submission to the Parliament this week, Vodacom argued that a dramatic reduction of charges is likely to have a negative impact on government policy objective of universal access and will be disruptive to the economy and communications industry.

    Source: 
    SABC News

  • Meeting Discusses Interconnection Rates

    ICASA to meet with representatives of telecoms companies to discuss the lowering of interconnection rates

    The Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) will meet with representatives of telecoms companies to discuss the lowering of interconnection rates after reports that the Department of Communications (DoC) is on a quest to fast-track the process.

    ICASA spokesman, Jubie Matlou, points out that at the previous meeting last month to discuss the same issue, representatives from Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom, Neotel and Internet services provider associations had already committed themselves to reducing interconnection costs.

    Source: 
    <br /> Business Day
    Article link: 
    http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=83687

  • Buses to Dent ICT Access in Rwanda

    Reports of the introduction of mobile internet cafes, show high ICT impact across Rwanda

    Barely four months since RDB/IT introduced the two models of ICT buses, reports indicate that their impact in improving information technology is already being felt all over the country.

    In a phone interview with Wilson Muyenzi, the e-Rwanda coordinator, one of the Hi-tech buses is already being used in Kamonyi district, in the Southern Province, by students and other local residents seeking IT services.

    "We expect higher benefits to people in other rural areas which have been cut off in terms of ICT access," pointed Muyenzi.

    Source: 
    <br /> All Africa
    Article link: 
    http://allafrica.com/stories/200909290055.html

  • Interconnection Reduction for Mobile Users

    The Portfolio Committee on Communications is to hold public hearings to have mobile operators bring down their excessive and exorbitant interconnection rates

    The Portfolio Committee on Communications is to hold public hearings to have mobile operators bring down their excessive and exorbitant interconnection rates as soon as next month.

    The committee met with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), the Competition Commission and the Department of Communications on to discuss the interconnection rates.

    Source: 
    <br /> My Broadband
    Article link: 
    http://mybroadband.co.za/news/Cellular/9633.html

  • Call Termination Rates to be Reduced – ICASA

    The Independent Communications Authority of South African and telecommunications companies will embark on a process to cut call termination rates

    The Independent Communications Authority of South African (ICASA) and telecommunications companies will embark on a process to cut call termination rates.

    In a press statement, following a meeting between ICASA, Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom, Neotel and the Internet Service Provider’s Association, ICASA says the interconnect rate has been discussed.

    Interconnect rates are the amounts charged by networks for carrying calls on behalf of one another, with South Africa having exorbitant interconnect fees when compared with most other countries.

    Source: 
    Mail&Guardian