AfDB says ICT holds promise for Africa dev

Remmy Nweke who was in Abuja

African Development Bank (AfDB) has said that Information and Communications Technology (ICT) holds significant promise for the continent.

Speaking through its Information Technology and Communications specialist, Mr. Cornelius Ozor, AfDB said in its “Role in ICT development and the bank support to private sector,” that the financial institution is providing instruments and windows for ICT development.

Mr. Ozor, who spoke at the Connecting Rural Communities Africa 2006 in Abuja, outlined that ICT is the leverage path that holds significant promise for improving efficiency in the delivery of socio-economic improvements.

Describing it as a tool for good governance, he said that it gives boost to electronic governance through quality of service that is rendered to the populace, effectiveness, trust, accountability and reduces cost of running government administration.

ICT, he said, is a catalyst that bridges the economic and social gaps that divide the world, describing digital divide as a “trap of social exclusion and marginalisation of the poor.”

Mr. Ozor also described ICT as a major driver in the global revolution whose impact transcends communications and information sectors to all levels of production process and trade.

Therefore, “ICT complements, rather than replace investments in traditional development efforts” he said, stressing that this description negates what some critics felt about ICT; in that scarce resources should be used to fight extreme poverty, hunger, deprivations and diseases.

Emphasising that AfDB’s intention is to make it happen by supporting the creation of enabling environments through sector policies, institutional capacity building and infrastructure financing.

“Building human capacity through support of education initiatives that promote knowledge, skills and implementation of ‘eee’s – e-governance, e-health, ecommerce, e-agric,” he asserted.

Mr. Ozor further said that the bank group, has a menu of instruments and windows for financing ICTs that could cater for its various stakeholders.

AfDB’s ICT interventions, he said, cut across a range of sectors and are carried out in phases, evolving policy, regulatory, economic, and social environments.

Pointing out that most ADB resources and projects are streamlined to benefit the Regional Member Countries (RMCs), which must be based on credit worthiness and gross domestic product (GDP) related considerations.

Currently, he said, that Nigeria and Zimbabwe are credit worthy within the bank’s RMC for concessional financing loan from its ADF window.This is among the 38 RMCs that are unable to borrow at market rates under the ADB window.

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‘Full liberalisation bequeaths development’

Remmy Nweke who was in Abuja

Full liberalisation of any sector bequeaths it with positive development as dividends.

Chief regulator of the Nigeria’s telecommunication industry and the executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, made this declaration in Abuja.

This, he said, was beneath the progress made in the last five years by Nigeria which has began to trickle down to the rural communities with the avalanche of “umbrella people” serving as middle men between these communities and technology.

Speaking at the Connecting Rural Communities Africa 2006 in Abuja, Dr. Ndukwe, recalled that Nigerian telecom industry has come of age given that at iindependence in 1960, that is 46 years ago, there were less than 20,000 lines, even as early telecom development policies marred by political, administrative and military interests.

Nigerians he said, have a peculiar entrepreneur gift, which inspires them to commence setting up call centres as soon as there is signal available within their communities.

He traced the history of telecommunications development in Nigeria to 1999, where he said, there were still less than 400,000 lines nationwide, so there was the need for the sector reform.

“The new democratic government at inception (1999) opted for full sector reform to improve services, eradicate misuse of monopoly power while increasing sector efficiency through competition by encouraging innovation and introduction of advanced services as well as attract local and foreign investment,” he explained.

Just as the reform paved the way for enhanced value to consumers through improved range and pricing of services, at the same time as extending services to underserved and unserved areas.

He tracked the level of development in the sector to what he called “full liberalization” beginning from year 2000 till date.

Ndukwe also pointed out that this move was further elucidated by encouragement of democracy and responsive governance since 1999.

“The hallmark of the 2001 telecom policy was the blueprint for full liberalization of the telecom industry,” he affirmed, even as the implementation required some measures being taken to ensure success.

He said that it also gave confident to foreign direct investment and inflow of capital and equipment, coupled with the removal of restriction in level of foreign equity participation.

“Reduction in level of import duties on telecom equipment from 25 per cent to 5 per cent for two years from August 2001; simplification of procedures for importation of telecommunications equipment and development of related software; granting of pioneer status to qualified investors, and fiscal incentives to encourage local manufacture,” he said were meant to spur development.

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Mobile coverage to increase by 20% in 2010 - GSMA

Remmy Nweke who was in Abuja

Approximated 60 per cent population of the sub-Saharan Africa currently have mobile coverage, which is expected to grow by 20 per cent in the next four years.

Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs at the Global System for Mobile Association (GSMA), Mr. Gabriel Solomon, gave this projection in an exclusive chat with ITrealms Online at the on-going conference tagged: “Connecting Rural Communities Africa 2006” taking place in Abuja-Nigeria.

“This would probably grow by 20 per cent by 2010,” he declared, stressing that close look at the population today, “there are 350 million that are covered by mobile but do not have connection.”

Government policies in the universal access coverage, he said, should be to lower barriers for people to get connected such as handset taxes, mobile service taxes, which prevent many consumers from affording and benefiting from mobile services.

He also noted that taxes on the continent when lowered would pave the way for more operators to take part in investing on the continent.

Further interconnection, he said, is a big issue Long Run Increment Cost (LRIC), as the best way to base interconnect regime, stressing that it is the best practices the world over.

The operators, he noted, are taxed not only at the federal level but also by the local and state governments among other government authorities.

Besides, he said, the importation taxes on equipment also increase the total cost of ownership (TCO).

Mr. Solomon also said that in many African countries, mobile operators are in the top-three tax payers’ group, “so there is no need for these other taxes.”

He argued that if import duties are to be lowered, “corporate tax may well increase,”highlighting that government should seriously review the tax policies on the continent.

He also cited an instance that in Nigeria, “the tax on consumer is probably around 10 per cent and Uganda its over 30 per cent whilst penetration is just 7 per cent.”

Stressing, “there is a correlation between high consumer taxes and low penetration.”

According to him, if government policies are to have people using mobile phones, they have to lower taxes.

“If you want the mobile usage to grow, slash taxes,” he declared.

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Internet access: Efficacy of C-band

Features of the week:

Various frequency bands exist through the satellite including C-band. REMMY NWEKE in this report examines the efficacy of C-band for a developing nation like Nigeria.

Enterprising youngman who is an Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) enthusiast, Mr. Ejike Umunnaekwe, believes in the usefulness of modern technologies and does not want to be left out in any form; be it knowledge or applications.

So he engaged a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) solution provider who came to his office, mounted a satellite dish at the back of the building, brought in some other installations identified as downlinks and uplinks modem.

VSAT, defined as a computer term and a small earth station for satellite transmission by TheFreeDictionary.com, while another online encyclopaedia, Whatis.com says VSAT is a satellite communications system that offers a number of advantages over terrestrial alternatives.

The solution was serving him as he described it “very well” until the ground began to get wet in the middle of the year, then disruption crept in and he began to experience all manner of data loss by the day, as well as hardware device errors and so on.

The Internet, no doubt has been very instrumental to the progress of being a part of today’s history globally, yet there seems to be seasons for downturn, which happens from time to time.

But the period when the Internet mostly records an increase in the downturn, according to our investigation is during the rainy seasons, also referred to as change of weather, especially if the deployment was structured on satellite tool like the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT).

At first instance, it would report on the screen “Bad Gateway,” informing the subscriber that the enhancement client proxy could not communicate with the server proxy.

The reason automatically generated is that connection is lost and “If you contact your satellite service provider because of this message, please include a copy of the receiver log ‘recv.log’ otherwise known as log file.

Persistence would give you the report that there is a bad gateway due to the inability of the enhancement client proxy to communicate with the server proxy, indicating, “An outstanding acknowledge protocol data unit (pdu) was not received in time probably due to high User Datagram Protocol (udp) data loss.”

In some other instances the system would inform the subscriber that the page could not be displayed as “The page you are looking for is currently unavailable. The web site might be experiencing technical difficulties, or you may need to adjust your browser settings.”

Yet in other cases the systems generated message would read thus; “Please try the following by clicking on the ‘Refresh button,’ or try again later and if you typed the page address in the address bar, make sure that it is spelled correctly. To check your connection settings, click the tools menu, and then click Internet options. On the connections tab, click settings. The settings should match those provided by your local area network (LAN) administrator or Internet Service Provider (ISP).”

It would further advise that you check to see if your Internet connection settings are being detected, just as “You can set Microsoft Windows to examine your network and automatically discover network connection settings - if your network administrator has enabled this setting.”

Thereafter, it would request that the subscriber clicks the tools menu, and then on the Internet options and connections tab, click LAN settings, select automatically detect settings, before clicking OK. Underscoring that some sites require 128-bit connection security.

However, it would ask to click the help menu and then ‘About Internet Explorer’ to determine what strength security you have installed. “If you are trying to reach a secure site, make sure your security settings can support it. Click the tools menu, and then click Internet options.”

The system also states that on the ‘advanced tab,’ the user should scroll to the security section and check settings, counseling that the subscriber clicks back button to try another link, mostly when it could not find server or Domain Name System (DNS) error via the Internet explorer.

At the opening of the fourth hub by a Lagos-based satellite solution company, Direct-On PC, the Managing Director, Mr. Munish Sharma, noted that the hub hosted in the United States, would reinforce the firm’s strategies for its market share in the sub-region and precisely in Nigeria.

He disclosed that the hub, based on Hughes Network Systems (HNS) technology, is the most advanced platform Digital Video Broadcasting-Standard 2 (DVB/S2), a pioneer of VSAT technology.

Mr. Sharma also noted that the launch positions DOPC as truly a pioneer of Ku-band VSAT, explaining that DVB/S2 technology is the most recent technology that has just got introduced in Europe and United States, “And we’re bringing the same in Africa, thus, ensuring that Nigeria is at par with any leading nations.”

This, he said, gives DoPC high bandwidth efficiency by approximated 30 per cent, which the company intends to avail to its customers so as to provide them with high Internet bandwidths at low price.

The new platform, he also said, comes with the Associated Computer Machinery (ACM) enabled KU band, that withstands rains.

“All existing KU band VSAT’s will cut off and loose its link while ACM available with, DVBS-2 adjusts the VSAT during rain, so as to speedy up slow connectivity and keep the link alive,” he said.

Founder of Jidaw.com and Nigerian online enterpreneur, Mr. Jide Awe, opined that VSAT systems operate in the Ku-band and C-band frequencies, but usually, C-band suffers less from rain attenuation, whereas it requires larger size antennas.

He stressed that though small antennas are now being produced for C-band, even as Ku-band uses smaller size antennas, but suffers from rain fade.

However, history has it that C band is the original frequency allocation for communications satellites.

According to the TechFAQ, C band uses 3.7-4.2 Gega Hertz (GHz) for the downlink and 5.925 – 6.425 GHz for its uplink, stressing that the lower frequencies used by C band perform better under adverse weather conditions than the ku-band or ka-band frequencies.

Whereas the Universal Mobile Telephone System, www.umtsworld.com, indicated that there are actually three core operating bands between Tx and Rx frequency separation, namely band 1 in this case is 190 Mega Hertz (MHz); band 2 is on 80 MHz and band 3 could be located on 95 Mhz.

C-band, therefore, requires the use of a large dish to be able to have a wider reach, just as it has variants in band frequencies that were approved for use in various parts of the world including Africa. These include what some experts classified as ‘slight variations,’ that is, between transmitting (Tx) and receiving (Rx) frequencies respectively, whilst the band cuts across as extended C-band, super extended C-band, InSat C-band, Palapa C-band, Russian C-band and IMT C-band.

C band is one of the label for three portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, including Ku and Ka bands, used in different ways as outlined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). C band is also known as “compromise” band and is a portion of the spectrum in the microwave range of frequencies, ranging from 4 to 8 GHz and an electronic and electrical standard defined by the IEEE.

Primarily used for satellite communications, normally downlink 3.7 – 4.2 GHz, (LOF 5.150 GHz, uplink 5.9 – 6.4 GHz), usually via twenty-four 36 MHz-wide transponders on board a satellite. Most C band satellites serving North America use linear polarization, while those serving other continents such as Africa and via particularly Intelsat satellites use circular polarization, in line with Wikipedia online, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE.

Experts at www.Argospress.com corroborated that C band is a band of frequencies used for terrestrial radio relay and satellite transmissions in satellite communications and is commonly called 6/4 GHz to demonstrate that the uplink frequencies are about 6 GHz and the downlink is in the neighbourhood of 4 GHz and could be located between 5.925-6.425 GHz for uplinks and 3.7-4.2 GHz for downlinks.

They also noted that communications equipment for C band is rather cheap due to its akin to the terrestrial microwave, troposcatter and radar apparatus developed some decades ago as well as is the known first branch of the spectrum to be applied extensively to satellite communications.

Still, it is the most widely used due to the low cost and wide availability of components, even as each C-band satellite covers about 500 MHz of bandwidth with a number of 36-MHz transponders, while 72-MHz transponders also exist.

Unfortunately, in this part of the world there seems to be lots of rain most of the time unpredictably. This does not give the service providers the impetus to even place outage calculators on their website to enable customers using their satellite-based services like VSAT to adjust to the time.

As matter of fact, investigations conducted showed that during the rainy seasons most ISPs suffer drastic reduction in patronage and investment for bigger ISPs who buy services in bulk and retail to the smaller ones.

On the other hand, C band is reputed as a lower frequency than Ku band, as such, it requires a much larger dish than ku band; you need at least a 7 foot dish (2 meters) and Ku band, at least, a 2-3 foot (.8 meter) dish.

While we look forward to hosting the four-day West Africa Satellite Communications summit at the federal capital territory (FCT) Abuja, it is relevant that the authorities including the Global VSAT Forum (GVF) examine the root for localised solution to this kind of occurrence so as to increase the accessibility of the Internet in this part of the world, known for its unassumed backwardness in almost everything including technologies (ICT) sector are of the opinion that it is high time political office seekers came up with what they called an ICT agenda for the nation.

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Telecom: Nigeria toes the right path – Adebayo

Remmy Nweke

General Manager of the VGC Communications Limited, Mr. Gbenga Adegbayo, has declared that Nigeria is on the right path of development given the kind of evolution it witnessed through telecommunications in the last six years.

Mr. Adebayo, who spoke at the media presentation of his book, “Telecom in Nigeria, a role in the call” at the Association of Licensed Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ALTON) secretariat, Onikan-Lagos, said, “Nigeria, has been rated the fastest growing telecom industry even by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), so we’re on the right path.”

This is coming as two universities, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and Lagos State University (LASU), in addition to the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Abuja would benefit from the proceeds from the book sells.

He said that the book was an inspiration based on the belief that the future is bright for all Nigerians, just as he urged that citizens should imbibe the culture of reading, saying, “it is very good and good for the future of the nation and particularly for the coming generation.”

According to him, it is not an easy feat for the nation to have transformed her landscape from 500,000 in 1999 to over 25 million lines within five years.

Emphasising that today, many Nigerians have become empowered by telecommunications revolution and mobile phones, which was hitherto regarded as elitist due to prohibitive cost of ownership.

“Now it has become the primary means of reaching an increasing number of Nigerians,” he asserted.

The book, he said, was derived from the clarion call for collective effort in the development of social services and economic infrastructure in the country and borne out of the passion for the success of the all-important telecom sector of the nation’s economy.

Mr. Adebayo stressed that the book provides a brief overview of the development of telecommunications industry in the country from the pre-deregulation to events after deregulation as well as the challenges associated with service provision, development and maintenance of networks as well as associated infrastructure.

“It attempts in eight chapters of 156 pages including picture illustrations, to provide an overview of the industry, and its development, the gains, and challenges which led in part to the achievement that transformed the landscape to over 20 million lines within six years,” he affirmed.

The forward, he said, was written by the chief executive, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, while a goodwill message was also written by the immediate past Communications Minister, Chief Cornelius Adebayo.

On why the book billed for launch on October 30, this year in Lagos, was published in the United Kingdom, Mr. Adebayo explained that he wanted to ensure it receives an international flavour and was not due to lack of expertise from Nigerians.

The publishers and printers, Alden Group UK, he said, was founded in Oxford since 1832 and is one of the UK’s leading printers and even recognised as ‘Investor in People’ and nominated printer for the prestigious Oxford University Press.

He also announced that proceeds from the book sells would be donated to the best graduating student in the Electronic Engineering with focus on telecommunications in two tertiary institutions in the country, namely the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and Lagos State University, LASU, as well as encourage training in fibre optic network infrastructure at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Abuja.

As said by him, the proceeds would be used to sponsor an annual award for a consecutive period of five years for the best graduating student in telecommunications in the aforementioned universities, while a grant would be set aside for the best function specific trainee in fibre optic network infrastructure at DBI also for five years.

The seasoned telecom engineer also said that nobody would build Nigeria except her citizens, just as he enjoined stakeholders to join hands to keep the pace of development attained in the last half a decade going.

“Once there is a will, there is a hope and then, there is a way,” he concluded.

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Zinox to go public in 2008

Remmy Nweke

NIgerian pride, Zinox Technologies Limited, is due to hit the floors of the nation’s stock exchange before the end of 2008, even as the country would record an estimated 380,000 computers sold by the end of this year.

This is coming as its office in Accra, capital of Ghana has been completed, even as the local computer manufacturer turned five on Monday, October 9, 2006.

Chairman, Zinox Technologies, Chief Leo- Stan Ekeh, gave this indication in a chat with newsmen in Lagos on the anniversary of the firm.

“Zinox will go public in 2008,” he declared.

He said that if not for the forthcoming general election in the country, Zinox would have planned to go public by 2007.

Chief Ekeh also said that the choice of going public does not in any way signal that the computer firm needs the fund, but to enable Nigerians to have shares in the company.

This, he said, would bring to accomplishment the promise Zinox made at inception in 2001 to be truly Nigerian.

“We do not need the money but we want to live up to our promise five years ago at the launch,” he asserted.

Zinox as a company, he pointed out, has a good structure with well-trained staff and the ability to fly its flag in Europe.

The emerging computer giant, he said, would beat competitors in the total market share by the end of the year, including foreign computer firms such as Hewlett Packard (HP) and Dell among others.

“Zinox would beat HP, especially on Personal Computers (PCs) and laptop, although they are still beating us on the server,” he said hopefully, stressing that despite all the challenges before the company in the country, Zinox is determined to get to where it wanted to be.

Chief Ekeh further disclosed that Zinox Accra office has been completed on schedule, just as the firm has increased its office network both within Nigeria and in the sub-region.

Speaking on Zinox relationship with its Computerise Nigeria Project (CNP), Chief Ekeh said that CNP has been registered as an entity with its Board of Trustees made of distinguished technocrats in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.

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Rural access is last hope for bridging ICT divide – Spio-Garbrah

Remmy Nweke in Abuja

The Commonwealth Telecommunication Organisation (CTO) has reiterated its recognition of rural access as the last hope for bridging the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) divide.

“We recognise that rural access is the last bastion for bridging ICT divide,” chief executive of CTO, Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah declared.

Speaking at the ongoing CTO conference tagged “Connecting Rural Communities Africa 2006” in Abuja-Nigeria, noted that this is vital now that new technologies are coming up regularly to leapfrog access.

This, he noted would enthrone improved feasibility, innovative business models and assure access.

He also said that access to the rural communities would thrive only when the Private and Pubic Partnership (PPP) is entrenched.

“PPP is the key to moving the rural people ahead,” he declared.

Dr. Spio-Garbrah also said that CTO is ready to work with those countries that are ready to connect rural communities, enjoining them to focus on accommodating rural people.

He further said that the idea of deploying Powerline, for instance, to cushion the effects of digital divide is noteworthy, but pointed out that it is still under development.

CTO, he noted, is not aware where a major telco is deploying the powerline medium, saying, “it could be deployed where right of way is difficult to come-by and even there is available electrical cables, such as in Ghana, as he looks forward to when a company called ‘Powerline’ would emerge to reach rural people.

Dr. Spio-Garbrah equally stressed that it would be useful for such a project to come up, because usually electricity gets to the rural communities before telecom among other development.

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Watch out: ‘Invitation’ as e-mail virus

Market Intelligence:

Remmy Nweke

There is electronic mail (e-mail) going rounds on the Internet nowadays entitled “Invitation.”
This mail regarded as a unique undertone, is a virus according to reports.

A computer virus as defined by Wikipedia online, is a self-replicating computer programme written to alter the way a computer operates basically without the permission or knowledge of the user.

It also noted that though the term is commonly used to refer to a range of malware, a true virus must replicate itself, and must execute itself.

The latter criteria, analysts said, is often met by a virus, which replaces existing executable files with a virus-infected copy. While viruses can be intentionally destructive; destroying data, for example some viruses are benign or merely annoying.

However, the email making rounds stated that Internet users should be at alert during the next few days warning that they should not open any message that has “Invitation” as subject.

Part of the warning email reads thus: “Don’t open any message with an attached file called “Invitation” regardless of who sent it. It’s a virus that opens an Olympic Torch that “burns” the whole hard disk of your computer. This virus will come from someone who has your e-mail address; that’s why you should send this e-mail to all your contacts. It’s better to receive this message 25 times than to receive the virus.”

The report also stated that it is the worst-ever virus announced recently by the Cable News Network (CNN), advising that the best step to take is to shut down the computer as soon as one discovers such a mail.

Equally reports have it that it has been classified by Microsoft as the most destructive virus ever, just as it was discovered by McAfee and there’s no repair yet for this electronic malice in the name of virus.

Experts also warned that it would simply destroy the zero sector of the hard disk, where vital information is kept as soon as it is opened.

Additionally, emails with pictures of where Osama Bin-Laden was hanged were being circulated and the moment any Internet user dares to open these emails; “Your computer will crash and you will not be able to fix it!”

The caution remained that if you ever get an email along the lines of “Osama Bin Laden Captured” or “Osama Hanged” don’t open the attachment.

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MTN set to unveil new fibre optic network in FCT

Remmy Nweke

PLANS have been concluded by leading Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), MTN Nigeria to unveil its newly completed Fibre Optic network in the nation’s federal capital territory (FCT), Abuja, Thursday.

This, the operator said, was encouraged by the spirit to redefine service delivery in the nation’s telecommunication sector.

ITRealms Online gathered that the event would see to the commissioning of both the first and the second phases of MTN’s ultra-modern Fibre Optic Transmission Network (FOTN) across 2,500km nationwide.

Disclosing this in a press statement made available to ITRealms Online, the Chief executive of MTN Nigeria, Mr Ahmad Farroukh, said that the event slated to hold at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja, will cover over 3,500 kilometres on completion.

“The new fibre optics network on full completion will cover over 3,500 km, spanning the length and breadth of the country and will ensure a dramatic improvement of quality of service, he explained.

Also Mr. Farroukh noted that the new project has the ability to fast-forward the growth of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) among other economic values accruing to the nation for such an investment.

MTN Nigeria boss further said that an estimated 2,500 kilometres of the project has been completed.

“The first two phases of the fibre optic transmission network, which brings the total fibre connectivity up to 2,500 kilometres, has been successfully completed,” he declared.

Equally, he said, the commissioning of the project along with many other initiatives from the company demonstrates MTN’s commitment to Nigeria’s socio-economic development and to “moving its customers ahead…everywhere you go.”

The complete Fibre Optic ring cut across Lagos-Benin-Asaba-Port Harcourt-Enugu-Abuja-Ibadan-Lagos has been completed and is already carrying live traffic.

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African CSO writes IGF secretariat

Remmy Nweke

A network of African Civil Society Organisations (CSO) on the Information Society (ACSIS) has written an open letter to the Coordinator, Secretariat of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) based in Geneva, Switzerland, Mr. Markus Kummer, regarding the participation of the civil society in the forthcoming Internet Governance Forum (IGF) later this month.

Entitled “Effective participation of Civil Society Organizations in the Internet Governance Forum (IGF),” ACSIS, while reiterating their support to the IGF and continued effort for its success, said that they have proven through all the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) processes and its commitment to contribute to the emergence of a sustainable information society.

ACSIS also advocated for favourable environment to an improved life and a sustainable economy for all citizens and communities.

They further noted that developing countries’ civil society and precisely the African civil society, participated actively in all the WSIS process despite difficulties.

“Hereby, we are reaffirming our commitment to contribute to the subsequent Internet Governance Forum processes,” the group said, just as they recalled the fundamental principles, that the various consultations related to IGF.

The network led by its President, Delphine Nana Mekounte noted this include that IGF activities should have an overall development orientation; capacity building to enable meaningful participation in global Internet policy development should be an overarching priority and meaningful participation as well as assistance to attend meetings and training in the subject matter of Internet governance.

“We would like to call your attention to the difficulties encountered by the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from the Least Developed and Developing Countries and Africa in particular, in sourcing needed financial support to be physically present at meetings, (from the Advisory Committee meetings to the Athens and other related meetings),” Delphine informed.

The network recollected that, even though remote participation, when adequate facilities are provided for it, could still have some effectiveness, “it is limited and does not replace physical presence. The need for a viable support mechanism is especially crucial for CSOs and developing countries at this very beginning of the forum process.”

ACSIS said that the failure to find adequate solutions to this problem might seriously prevent, to an important extent meaningful participation from those stakeholders and will be contrarily to the WSIS and IGF stated principles. We also wish that practical procedures are also put in place for stakeholders to ensure their participation.

While expressing appreciation in advance, ACSIS said it’s expecting consideration of their proposals for an effective CSO and developing countries participation in the IGF billed for October 30 and November 2, this year in Athens, Greece.

The President also said that they are confident that IGF will find a relevant answer to those concerns, which may be through consultations with appropriate institutions such as African governments, development partners and United Nations (UN) institutions or any other suitable strategy.

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Tripplesea reassures on Blue Gate products

Remmy Nweke

Business Manager of hardware solutions provider, Tripplesea Limited, Mr. Godson Osita, has reiterated the firm’s commitment to support the nation’s hardware market, saying they have the capacity.

Tripplesea, a distributor of Blue Gate brand of uninterruptible power supply (UPS), he said, has the certification of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), even as they control over 40 per cent of mass market share in Nigeria as a result of the product’s quality, which he noted is of international standard.

Mr. Osita also assured on the reliability of Blue Gate’s range of UPS, emphasizing the brand has continued to make in-roads in the nation’s market.

He stressed that the product has many features including very long interruptible backup time, rugged components, affordability, two year full warranty irrespective of point of purchase, and after sales support division that is managed by skilled engineers.

In accordance with the Blue Gate UPS standard, Mr. Osita, noted that with its rugged nature the brand is largely ideal for computers, television sets, Compact Discs (CD), Digital Video Display (DVD), VDCs, musical equipment, public address systems, hospital equipment to name a few.

“We also have Blue Gate range of Liquefied Crystal Display (LCD) and CRT monitors certified by SON,” he affirmed.

Furthermore, he said, the product has many features including being very sleek, rugged, 100 per cent dot less and multimedia.

He, however, cautioned customers to be watchful so as not to patronize refurbished products.
Mr. Osita pointed out that Tripplesea Ltd, has the capacity to support the market with the state-of-the-art Blue Gate range of products, especially the rugged power back up that withstands what he called the tough operating Nigerian environment occasioned by ever dwindling power supply by the service provider.

Just as he guaranteed customers on after-sales support, saying that the Nigerian IT market has the capacity to contribute at least 10 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the next half a decade.

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NIG board lauds Ajayi-led exco

Remmy Nweke

BOard of Trustees (BoT) of the Nigeria Internet Group (NIG) led by the former Communications Minister, Chief Olawale Ige, has given kudos to the present leadership of the group led by a seasoned telecom engineer, Mr. Lanre Ajayi.

The board at the end of its meeting last month in Lagos, expressed its pleasure on the outlines presented by Mr. Ajayi, especially with the expanded sub-committee structure, which facilitates its being all-inclusive leadership.

Rising from its first historic meeting in the last two years held in Lagos, Chief Ige applauded the initiative of the new executive to reposition NIG towards achieving its goals and objectives at its inception.

Some of these laudable programmes are the Internet For Jobs Initiative, E-readiness, Web Certification, Youth Development, and Grassroots Empowerment to name a few.

He also extolled the virtues and contributions of the past executive and members of NIG, “who have contributed their resources - intellectual, time, financial and otherwise to the continued realization of the aims and objectives of the group despite difficulties encountered occasionally over the years from within and without the organisation.”

He reminded the new executives that this is a “new era, a new dawn, which requires a reassessment, reawakening and restrategising,” if the NIG is to remain focused in its aims and objectives in the ever-changing Information Technology (IT) environment.

In his address to the BOT, President of NIG, Mr. Ajayi, expressed gratitude to the board members for their devotion and commitment to the goals of group.

He informed them that, the new mission of NIG is now expanding to include and focus more on the promotion of local Internet content.

“We now have the pipes (access), it is just right that we build the content that goes into the pipes,” he said.

The NIG President used the event to announce the resuscitation of the NIG website, which has attracted well over 50,000 visitors, stressing that the portal has the capacity to host websites of people and organisations for a reasonable price.

With the operation of the portal, the online discussion groups on major issues in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT), has commenced with distinguished Nigerians as moderators.

The BOT meeting was attended by Chief Ige, Chief Iromantu, Mrs. Maduka, Prof Osuntogun, Mr. Inye Kemabonta of the National IT Development Agency (NITDA) representing Director General of NITDA, Mr. Marcel Eze represented Chief Jim Ovia, while Dr Henry Nkemadu stood in for the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and a representative of Chief Don Etiebet as well as executive members of NIG.

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IMC, Celtel institute awards in Sierra Leone

Remmy Nweke

THe Independent Media Commission (IMC) in collaboration with CelTel Limited, has instituted media awards in the reinvigorating West African country of Sierra Leone.

The awards, the organisers said came on board to honour deserving journalists in Sierra Leone.
Also, it was gathered that the award ceremony has already been scheduled to hold in December this year at the capital city of the country, Freetown.

A press statement made available to ITRealms Online from IMC office and endorsed by the Marketing Manager of CelTel Sierra Leone, Mr. Bernard Sesay, said that recognising media practitioners for excellence reporting is CelTel’s initiative.

He said that the Premier Media boss, Dr. Julius Spencer, is the brain behind the award programme.

“The proposed award is in recognition of individual journalists who have done much to improve the standard of information dissemination in the country,” he said.

Noting that the media plays an important role in national development.“The efforts of these individuals must be complimented and encouraged to work harder. Striving for excellence in the media is the essence of the award,” he said.

Mr. Sesay further spelt out the categories of the award to include development, human rights, sports, best features writing, best radio magazine programme, best TV magazine programme, best newspaper columnist, best investigative report, photo journalism, and report on gender issues.

The organisers equally said that the award, articles or stories should be published or aired in a media house registered with the IMC and certified by the editor or manager of the media house.
Entries, the organisers said, must reach their office on or before the close of work on Thursday, November 30, 2006.

In her remarks, the Commissioner of IMC Ms Bernadette Cole enjoined media practitioners especially journalists to submit as many entries as possible to ensure an enriched the competition.

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3 governors contest for NITTA-06 award

Remmy Nweke

THREE executive governors, those of Lagos, Akwa-Ibom and Ogun states, are now contesting for the foremost Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Governor of the year 2006 at the Nigerian Information Technology and Telecom Awards planned to be held next month in Lagos.

This development came as the organisers of NITTA awards have announced categories for this year.

According to the chairman of NITTA board of trustees, Dr. Tom Adaba, the race for this year’s prizes hots up with the three states topping the list of ICT-friendly states.

He said that top on the list of nominees for the ICT Governor of the Year 2006, are the governors of Akwa Ibom, Lagos and Ogun states, Obong Victor Attah, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Otunba Gbenga Daniel respectively.

The board explained that the category was created to give due recognition to any state governor who has used ICT effectively for governance as well as helping the citizenry to better their lives using information technology tools.

A press statement made available to our correspondent and endorsed by the secretary of the committee and editor-in-chief of IT & Telecom Digest, Mr. Mkpe Abang, this year’s ceremony would come in a style as it presents Nigeria and Nigerians the grandest opportunity to celebrate the nation’s phenomenal achievements in ICT since the current administration came to power on May 29, 1999.

“Never before has Nigeria been on this path of honour and glory; and those who have contributed in any way including in governance, will be honoured,” he said.

The organisers said, entries and nominations for NITTA 2006 have since been opened and are available online at www.ittelecomdigest.com, listed other categories to include Best Telephone Company of the Year (Mobile/Fixed), Best Customer Care Telephone Company of the Year, Best ICT Reporter of the year (Print/Electronic), Best ICT Advert/Commercial of the Year (Print/Electronic), Best Telephone Equipment Distributor/Supplier of the Year and Best Telecom network partner of the Year.

In addition there are categories for Best Computer Company of the Year, Best ISP of the Year, Best Prepaid Phone Card Company of the Year, Best Indigenous Software Company of the Year, Fastest Selling GSM handset brand of the year, IT/Telecom Personality of the Year, IT Woman of the Year, Best Banking Solution/Application of the year, Best Online Bank of the Year, Banker of the Year, Telecom CEO of the Year and Man of the Year.

Explaining further, the organisers said that part of the criteria is that entrants or nominees must have playing relevant role in the ICT industry in the last 12 months.

“To qualify for entry, entrant(s) must have played in the Nigerian ICT sector during the last 12 months,” stressing that all necessary information to back the nominee’s or entry’s claims should be submitted by email or physically at the magazine’s office.

“Awards are open to persons, products and companies involved in the ICT sector in Nigeria. A nominee/entry may be in more than one category; however, any false claims shall disqualify the entry/nomination. Great care will be exercised by the judges in adhering to the principles of objectivity and justice,” he said.

Therefore, entries must include veritable facts and complete details to show reasons that the entrant or nominee qualifies to enter and why such deserves to win,” the organisers stated.

It was also gathered that nominations and entries have started pouring in immediately the categories were posted on the magazine’s website, thereby confirming the high status of NITTA and the fact that the public has since been awaiting the opportunity to either nominate someone, a product, or company or themselves.

The entries are open till November 2 this year.

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Starcomms opens shop @ Lekki

Remmy Nweke

UNified Licensed Operator (ULO), Starcomms Limited, has opened shop at the Lekki Shopping Mall, just as the telco recorded over 400,000 subscriber base.

This is the eight-shop the operator is opening in addition to six Starpoints in Lagos State, thus bringing to 14 its customer service centres in the state.

Speaking at the event, Commercial Director, Starcomms, Mr Prakash Pantham, said that the launch shows the operator’s commitment to its Nigerian customers and which is a boost to its recently obtained unified license from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

He disclosed that the telco has achieved over 400,000 subscriber base till date, and is maintaining the pace as the fastest Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA 1x) telco in the country.

He noted that the reason behind the setting up of the Star shop at the Lekki Shopping Mall, was to draw its services nearer to the residents of the area.

Also speaking, the Public Relations Manager at Starcomms, Ms Laura Johnson, said that any phone or hardware that is purchased at the new shop attracts 10 per cent discount to the customer.

This discount, she said, would draw residents to the shop within a week, assuring that every service obtainable at the firm’s headquarters is available at the new shop including voice and data.

She also spoke on the operator’s recently introduced Per Second Billing (PSB), which she said, could be activated by interested subscribers by sending a short messaging service (SMS) to the network, stressing it would be up before 72 working hours.

Ms Johnson equally said the product, tagged, ‘Lifestyle Per Second Billing’ package is a prepaid tariff plan that is billed by the second, and helps subscribers to pay for exact talk time utilized.

As stated by her, all new subscribers would now be activated by default on the PSB platform, while existing subscribers could migrate to the Lifestyle PSB by visiting any Starcomms Shop or Starpoint nationwide, fill a migration form and within three working days the migration will be completed.

The Vice Chairman of the Ikoyi Club, Mr. Jide Odekunle, accompanied by the senior manager at GTBank, Mr. Isa Omagu and Mr. Kolawole Ayawale of CentreSpread, later declared the shop officially opened.

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Glo is best network – Survey

Remmy Nweke

Latest survey in the telecommunications industry in the country, has rated the mobile arm of the Second National Operator (SNO), Glo Mobile, the best network.

The survey conducted by IT Edge Intelligence Unit and Next Technology recently, indicated that Glo Mobile has again emerged the best Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) operator in the country.

The study published for the month of August and September, 2006 stated that the mobile operator which began operations two years after the other GSM operators placed first on the table with an overall score of 37 out of a maximum 45 points. Vmobile now Celtel had 33 points, MTN 31 and M-tel 24 points.

Glo Mobile’s score is an improvement on the last survey in which it had 34 points, but still finished top.

A total of nine test categories were used in assessing the performance of all the GSM companies, with Glo Mobile emerging first in all.

These included signal strength, call success rate, call drop, voice quality to downlink, voice quality to uplink, successful recharge, successful enquiry, value added services (VAS) and call centre operations, while coming second in the ninth test category, call success rate.

According to Segun Oruame of IT Edge Intelligence Unit the survey statistics were based on feedback from subscribers across the networks as well as call centre operators.

Next Technology also has a team of engineers, which monitors network signal strengths.
Globacom’s overall success in service delivery and product innovation stems from its deployment of the superior 2.5 technology.

“It is the only operator in Africa to launch its operations on the robust technology which enables the convergence of voice, data and multimedia technologies and ensures unparalleled voice clarity and low drop calls,” he said.

Noting that Glo Mobile recently announced its readiness to launch the latest telecommunication technology, the 3G network, following the successful test-run of the platform on the Glo network by Alcatel.

The 3G network will revolutionize the way data is transferred and relayed digitally, which enables a much faster transmission of data, voice, broadband internet and multimedia services over a range of frequencies, and allows customers to do video call, video streaming and high-speed mobile internet access from their 3G mobile handset, amongst others.

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VIA launches digital media chipset

Remmy Nweke

Leading innovative chip technologies and Personal Computer (PC) platform solutions, VIA Technologies, has launched the VIA CX700M digital media IGP chipset for the VIA C7 and Eden processor platforms.

Designed specifically for the embedded market, the VIA CX700M integrates premium graphics, audio, memory, storage, and High Density Television (HDTV) support all in a single chip design.

This unified design enables the creation of smaller form factor designs, reduced power consumption, and easier cooling, all of which opens the door for an expanded range of embedded solutions.

“Building on the success of earlier single chip solutions for the embedded market, the VIA CX700M clearly demonstrates VIA’s leadership in integration of the latest features such as HDTV support into smaller and smaller designs,” said Chinhwaun Wu, Special Assistant to the President, Processor Platform Product Marketing at VIA Technologies Inc.

He noted that as demand increases for embedded devices in the living room, or in applications such as high definition point of sale displays, the VIA CX700M provides an ideal platform to propel a new wave of solutions ready for the latest high definition content and displays.”

The VIA CX700M will be on display at the just concluded Embedded System Conference Boston, last month.

Explaining further, he said, that the product which measures 35mm x 35mm, generates a silicon real estate saving of over 42 per cent.

A host of leading digital media, memory and connectivity technologies are packed into the compact design of the VIA CX700M including,” he declared, emphasising that there is advanced HDTV Display Support - Built in HDTV encoder for connection to the latest displays, and multi-configuration LVDS/DVI transmitter.

Graphics enhanced video quality, he noted, is provided through the proven VIA UniChrome Pro II IGP core with its 128-bit 2D/3D graphics Chromotion Video Engine - Powerful image enhancement technology delivering a Hi-Def visual experience including advanced video acceleration for MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and WMV9 Memory Support.

“VIA’s renowned memory controller technology has been incorporated into the VIA CX700M, with support for both DDR and the latest low power high-bandwidth DDR2 memory modules. This includes support for 32-bit DRAM modules enabling a further reduction in form factor.”

Audio Integrating the VIA Vinyl HD Audio controller supporting up to eight high definition channels delivering a richer all-round digital media experience.

Connectivity broad connectivity, the expert pointed out, comes with support for SATA II and PATA drives, six USB2.0 ports, and four PCI slots.

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