[UgaBYTES] Fwd: Issue 482: The power to make it happen: Ugandan mobile operators to form rural power consortium

[Ndaula Sulah]

   [image: Balancing Act News Update]    Issue no 482
27th Nov 2009 Top Story <#1253735c6c0cd296_topstory> Telecoms
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The power to make it happen: Ugandan mobile operators to form rural power
consortium <#1253735c6c0cd296_topstory>

Africa faces two linked problems that are holding back the extension of
mobile services into a wider range of rural areas: diesel supplies are
sometimes unpredictable and prices are high. For the first time mobile
operators in Uganda this week sought to address the power problem by forming
a consortium. Russell Southwood looks at what could happen.

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telecoms
news Glo enters fixed line segment in Nigeria with a triple play offer
 <#1253735c6c0cd296_tel01> First VoIP WiMAX company Smile launches in
Kampala
 <#1253735c6c0cd296_tel02> Phone Operators Differ Over CCK Reform Proposals
in Kenya
 <#1253735c6c0cd296_tel03> Ghana: NCC Board member gives its price target as
an E1 for US$100-500 <#1253735c6c0cd296_tel04>
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 TTCL cuts Internet charges by 50 percent in Tanzania for high-volume users
 <#1253735c6c0cd296_int01> Firms Put on Notice Over High Internet Charges in
Kenya
 <#1253735c6c0cd296_int02> Broadband Below Standards, Says South Africa’s
Minister
 <#1253735c6c0cd296_int03> Computer news Cape Verdean government wants to
create “cybernetic island” with help from India
 <#1253735c6c0cd296_comp01> IBM Mainframe Deployed in Namibia for the First
Time
 <#1253735c6c0cd296_comp02> Egypt IT spending projected to reach USD 1.9
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Rwf10b syndicated loan
 <#1253735c6c0cd296_money01> Africell completes acquisition of Millicom
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 <#1253735c6c0cd296_money02> Libya to Sell Stakes in State Owned Mobile
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<http://lists.balancingact-africa.com/t/6310/241592/899/0/>   The power to
make it happen: Ugandan mobile operators to form rural power consortium

Africa faces two linked problems that are holding back the extension of
mobile services into a wider range of rural areas: diesel supplies are
sometimes unpredictable and prices are high. For the first time mobile
operators in Uganda this week sought to address the power problem by forming
a consortium. Russell Southwood looks at what could happen.

Danish Hussain, the head of engineering at Warid Telecom, told journalists
in Kampala last week that Warid, MTN, Zain and Uganda Telecom, have formed a
consortium that will see the companies share costs incurred in electrifying
their base stations across the country.

Warid already shares infrastructure with Orange Uganda but this new
announcement is a big step towards solving a major problem. The more urban
base stations with relatively easy access to roads and grid power can cost
US$2,500 a month to run. By contrast, the rural bases stations without
either of these advantages can cost up to US$20,000 month to run: in other
words, each base station of this type costs an additional $210,000 a year to
run. So both capex and opex are held high through lack of power to the base
stations.

The Consortium plans to connect some rural communities to the grid and the
obvious spin-off is that houses and business premises in those areas will
get power supply.

In July 2007, News Update ran a Top Story entitled “Power to the base
stations – A modest proposition” in which we said:”In a nutshell, the mobile
operators need to appoint a private company to build and operate a power
transmission network.”

The issue remains one of silo thinking. Africa’s regulators have universal
access funds that they are extremely slow in spending. Mobile operators are
extremely heavily taxed, with Uganda Government jostling for the pole
position of taxing them most heavily.

Telephony universal access funds should be given to provide access to
electricity for rural areas: many services (like broadcast television)
arrive once a village has power. Government can grant mobile operators tax
breaks to help set up privately operated consortia to tackle the problem.

And while we are throwing stones at those with silo mentalities, why not run
fibre along the power lines that would be built? The marginal additional
costs would be a negligible part of the overall budget and it would save
operator spend on expensive national satellite cellular backhaul.

About a year ago I went through these ideas with one of the continent’s most
progressive regulators. The idea did not fire up him up because all he could
see were institutional problems: persuading government to allow telecoms
regulators to tackle power would just be too difficult. Perhaps this new
consortium of mobile operators will light the way for more to happen.


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    TELECOMS NEWS

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Glo enters fixed line segment in Nigeria with a triple play offer

Globacom is launching a Triple Play service offering voice data and video
that will be branded Glo Broad Access.

The new service will use Globacom’s national fibre backbone that connects
over 40 cities in Nigeria.  According to the Group Chief Operating Officer,
Globacom,  Mohamed Jameel, the service offerings from Glo Broad Access
include landline telephony on IP/MPLS-enabled optic fibre for
distortion-free clarity, 24/7 connectivity and stability of connection at an
affordable price.

"Apart from its affordability, the phone lines will also provide value-added
services such as 3-party conference call, alarm clock, call waiting and
diversion, caller identity recognition (CLIR) and a host of other exciting
features. "The Glo prepaid fixed lines can be recharged using normal Glo
mobile recharge cards, which are available at Gloworld shops and almost at
every street corner", he said.

Jameel, stated that other packages included in the service are video
conferencing, which would help to reduce travel and thus enhance enterprise
productivity, fast broadband internet which allows for interactive gaming,
video streaming, high speed downloads and simultaneous "Talk & Surf" on the
connection.

"Glo Broad Access will also offer consumers their favourite local and
foreign cable TV channels subject to agreement with broadcast right owners,
using thesame magical digital wire or dedicated Glo fixed line," he said.
(Source: Leadership)
  First VoIP WiMAX company Smile launches in Kampala

Smile Telecom, the first ever VoIP telephone provider on the WiMAX platform
in Africa launched its services on the Uganda market last week bringing the
number of telecommunication providers to seven.

In an exclusive interview with East African Business Week,  Carrington
Phillip, the Country Manager of Smile Telecom revealed that this is the
first VoIP WiMAX based telecom company and operates in the same way as Skype
(phone communication over the internet free except when calling a mobile
phone or landline).

"We chose this platform over GSMA and others because of its efficient,
unique, excellent, competitive and low cost technology that translates into
the lowest cost call rates ever to the customer," Phillip said. "We are
targeting the bottom of the economic pyramid customers."

Smile Telecom is a South African and Saudi Arabian owned consortium with
headquarters in South Africa. "We are the answer to beeping and we are not
using any marketing gimmicks to woo customers," he said. Former MTN
executive Irene Charnley has been closely involved with the development of
the company.
(Source: East African Business Week)
  Phone Operators Differ Over CCK Reform Proposals in Kenya

Telecommunications operators are divided over new proposals meant to promote
fair competition and guard against abuse of market power. Of particular
contention is a clause that calls for a 30-day notice to the Communication
Commission of Kenya before any tariff changes, and another one touching on
the definition of a dominant operator.

Safaricom raised the issue that the two clauses were specifically targeting
the company and would undermine its ability to compete effectively, adding
that they should be deleted. Safaricom's head of legal and regulatory
affairs Nzioka Waita said the way the regulator defines a dominant operator
targets Safaricom as a company.

Part of the clause defines a dominant operator as one that controls more
than 25 per cent of the market share. He spoke at a forum that started
yesterday called by the Communication Commission of Kenya (CCK) to
deliberate on the way forward on the 14 new regulations it intends to
implement beginning next year.

The regulations are contained in the Kenya Communication Amendment Act 2009.
"The clause should target the abuse of dominant position, but not target an
operator due to its market size," said Waita.

A study by Renaissance Capital notes that Safaricom controls 83 per cent of
the market revenue. "Despite market fears that irrational pricing by its
competitors could threaten the company's market share position, the company
has maintained 83 per cent as its prices are little changed over the past
half a year period," read part of the Renaissance note.

CCK director general Charles Njoroge said the regulations deal with the
entire sector, following changes in the market, and denied claims that they
target a specific operator. "Tariffs regulations are not targeted to any
company but keep in touch with the changing market, we should remove that
fear," said Njoroge

The purpose of these regulations is to provide a regulatory framework for
the promotion of fair competition and equal treatment in the communication
sector, as well as protect against anti- competitive practices. Njoroge said
that while the market has had two mobile operators Safaricom and Zain in the
past, there are two new entrants, Telkom's Kenya Orange and Essar's Yu.

This, he said, called for new regulation that can ensure fair competition.
"If the behaviour of the dominant operator goes unchecked consumer welfare
can be eroded," he said.

Stephen Kiptinness, the head of regulatory affairs at Telkom Kenya, said it
would be wrong to term Telkom Kenya a dominant operator. The firm, he said,
was the only fixed telephone line provider because of government failure to
license a second landline operator.

Julius Kinyua, the chief executive of local loop operator Flashcom, said the
high interconnection rates by the big operators was locking consumers into
their networks.
He said that it was not necessarily true that they were getting better value
for their money.
(Source: Business Daily)
  Ghana: NCC Board member gives its price target as an E1 for US$100-500

A two day workshop called "Fiber Optic Undersea (Submarine) cable", in
collaboration with West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly
(WATRA), the German Technical Group (GTZ) and also the National
Communications Authority (NCA) at the La Palm Royal Hotel.

The workshop offered WATRA members the guidance regarding the regulation of
access to new undersea cables and also come up with adoptable guidelines for
issuance of undersea cable licenses and landing rights agreement. This would
ensure the transparency in deployment and pricing of undersea cables.

A Member of the Board of Directors of NCA, Solomon Quandzie has observed
that the availability of international bandwidth, coupled with NCA's plans
for licensing additional terrestrial fiber optic cables systems, and also
wireless broadband access (through things like WiMAX) operators would
finally set the deployment of broadband networks throughout the country and
further lay the foundation for rapid economic growth in the ICT sector.

He said, application of Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) and Government's
decentralization program would enhance various e-government packages which
would increase the social-economic development of the citizenry in a manner
never witnessed in this country over the past several years.

Quandzie said that the NCA is committed to opening up the market base of the
telecommunication industry by offering an additional fiber optic cable
operator (WACS), which would add more capacity to the existing one, all
within a 24 month period.

According to Quandzie, the current SAT 3 cable systems provides an estimated
three gigabytes capacity of international bandwidth to the country at approx
systems to become operational, adding that "They will be adding
respectively, for a total of 1,920 gigabytes or 640 fold increase to the
current capacity of international bandwidth in the country".

Quandzie said that NCA expectation of a supply bandwidth a price goal of
$100-500 per E1 should be possible within the very near future which would
provide the necessary framework for the attainment of such an outcome.

He concluded that with the right regulatory framework established, reliable
and affordable broadband networks, coupled with low cost of available
international bandwidth can be provided through undersea fiber optic cables.
(Source: The Ghanaian Chronicle)



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telecoms briefs

- Nigeria's national telecommunications operator, Globacom, has obtained an
operating mobile licence in Côte d'Ivoire. The approval was conveyed to
Globacom by the Agence des Telecommunications de Cote d'Ivoire, the
telecommunications regulatory authorities of the Francophone country. The
company which started operations in Nigeria in August, 2003 and in Benin
Republic in June 2008 has connected over 28 million subscribers in both
countries.

- In Kenya, mobile telephony operators have taken their lobbying for lower
spectrum costs for 3G licence a notch higher and are now actively engaging
the government in talks. The three licensed operators -- Safaricom, Zain and
Essar Telkom -- have held various high level meeting with government
officials and the industry regulator -- the Communications Commission of
Kenya -- that could see the current fee, Ksh1.8 billion ($3.2 million)
considerably reduced.

- The non-payment of 17 months salaries to staff of the ailing Nitel and its
mobile arm, MTel by their former owners, Transcorp and now government is
causing disquiet among the two firms' staff members. The federal government
had approved payment of five months out of the 17 but the Bureau of Public
Enterprises (BPE) that superintends it now alongside the technical committee
set up by the government is insisting on paying only one month.

- Mobile telephony provider Safaricom is the most respected company in East
Africa for the third year running. In a an award that also marked the 10th
anniversary of the CEO's Most Respected Company East Africa awards sponsored
by the Nation Media Group, Safaricom was voted by its peers as the most
resilient company in the face of the global financial crisis.

- MTN Nigeria on Thursday, announced the sack of 65 workers, including
divisional managers in its Nigerian operations,  according to the Next news
service. In a press statement announcing the sack, MTN Nigeria said the move
will help it embark “on an aggressive plan to refocus its customer service
operations towards the next generation customer care.”

- The Uganda Communications Commission will announce a price ceiling for
cross-network rates next week. Patrick Masambu, the executive director of
the commission, said on Monday that upon the announcements, all licensed
telecom companies will have to adjust their rates. It will be mandatory not
to charge beyond the ceiling, he said.

- Tunisie Telecom has opened an outlet in Paris in order to meet the growing
demand of foreign investors and offshore companies willing to settle in
Tunisia.

- MTN Group has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing the impact of climate
change by becoming the latest signatory to the Copenhagen Communiqué on
Climate Change.


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   INTERNET
NEWS

Back to top <#1253735c6c0cd296_top>
 TTCL cuts Internet charges by 50 percent in Tanzania for high-volume users

Tanzania Telecommunication Company Limited (TTCL) last week reduced its
Internet charges by 50 per cent in order to pass on the cost saving benefit
to the end users after its recent connecting to the Seacom submarine fibre
optic cable. The cost savings seem to be mainly aimed at high volume users

TTCL Public Relations Manager Amin Mbaga said the new price has seen high
volume Internet users including small scale entrepreneurs, banks, students
in the higher learning institutions and business community enjoy a
substantial internet bandwidth cost reduction.

Mbaga told The Guardian on Sunday that this would enable them to get the
same capacity of bandwidth at a third the initial prices. Under the new
structure, TTCL clients who used to buy in wholesale 1Mbps of Internet
capacity for Sh9.2 million can now buy the same capacity at Sh3.14 million,
a reduction of about 34 per cent.

Likewise, he said their customers can now buy 10 GB at Sh200, 000, the
amount that was initially used to buy only 5GB, adding that all Internet
subscribers will continue enjoying high speed of up to 4Mbps through their
TTCL fixed lines.

He said 100GB, 40 GB, and 20 GB are charged at Sh1 million, Sh450, 000 and
Sh360, 000 per month respectively while 10GB, 4GB, 2GB and 1GB are now sold
at Sh 200,000, Sh100,000, Sh60,000 and Sh30,000 in that order.

At the same time TTCL has brought in the market a new wireless phone with
the brand name Bongo Phone for the benefit of their mobile subscribers that
would give their clients advantage of a mobile phone at almost landline
rates. Bongo Phone he said will be a mobile like flexibility, allowing its
users to move with it freely. They can access Internet services, send SMS.

At a cost of Sh 30,000, Bongo phone users will be access to 600 minutes
on-net, 50 SMS and free registration, while at Sh 60,000 monthly, phone
subscribers will be able to have 900 minutes on-net, 100 SMS, 100 MB and
free registration while 1,200 minutes on-net, 250 MB and free registration
will be given to the TTCL client who will buy a Bongo phone at Sh 120,000.

TTCL is jointly owned by the government of the United Republic of Tanzania
that controls 65 per cent of the share and Zain Tanzania with 35 per cent.
It is licensed to provide landline, mobile and data base services at both
individual and corporate level.

According to statistics from the Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority
website, up to June 2009, TTCL had recorded a total of 278,092 subscribers.
This includes 166,379 fixed line and 111,713 mobile subscribers.

The number has increased by 56,023 from the 222,069 subscribers recorded by
December 2008 to 278,092. While the total number of voiced subscription
stands at 15 million, the trend of voice subscription has increased by 4 per
cent from the 32 per cent recorded in 2008 to 36 per cent.

Likewise, the number of voice mobile operators in the country increases from
6 to 8 with Sasa tel joining in the market, the number of ISP/Data operators
has, from 62 by June 2009 from 60 (end of 2008).
(Source: IPP Media)
  Firms Put on Notice Over High Internet Charges in Kenya

The government has given Internet Service Providers a stern warning: Cut
your charges or risk an official price cap. It has slapped a March 2010
deadline on the firms to reduce costs on bandwidth and retail prices to
allow more Kenyans to access the Internet.

ISPs were paying as high as $6,000 per megabyte per month for satellite
capacity before the onset of the fibre optic cables, which allow for high
speed Internet, but are currently paying $200 for the same capacity in
addition to maintenance costs. This has not translated into cheaper internet
costs for end users although two cables --Seacom and Teams -- have been
activated.

Consumers are instead getting a higher bandwidth capacity, which they might
not need or use, and receiving the same bill as before the arrival of the
cables. Assistant information minister George Khaniri said the government
believes the charges should go down substantially.

"Indeed the government is concerned that landing of the two cables has not
had a profound impact on bandwidth costs and extension on retail internet
prices" he said. "If we do not see any changes in retail prices for
internet, the government through the Communication Commission of Kenya will
consider introducing price caps for bandwidth."

The number of internet users currently stands at 3.6 million 90 per cent of
whom are in Nairobi and Mombasa, according to CCK, which says most ISPs are
not keen on investing in remote areas because of the high cost of satellite
bandwidth.

CCK boss Charles Njoroge said they were conducting another price cap study
to capture the Internet market, which was left out when a price ceiling was
introduced in the telecommunication sector three years ago. "In March next
year we will be giving new guidelines for the sector and will be very keen
on internet accessibility and pricing," said Mr Njoroge.

The telecommunications price cap put the maximum a mobile phone operator can
charge for calls to other networks at Sh30 per minute to as high as Sh48.
It's not clear at what level the price ceiling will be introduced because
unlike in the mobile phone sector, the internet has multiple layers of
providers who buy the bandwidth capacity at different prices.

More widespread Internet use is critical to the government as it starts
offering some of its service online through the e-government programme.
Apart from pricing, other factors such as access to laptops and electricity
besides low computer literacy levels may hold up the e-government ambition.

But a host of projects such as deploying a mobile computer lab in each
constituency, the setting up of digital villages (Pasha) and the one million
laptop campaign are lined up to overcome the challenges.
(Source: Business Daily)
   Broadband Below Standards, Says South Africa’s Minister

South Africa's internet broadband penetration is at 2 percent below the
global average of 22.5 percent, Communications Minister Siphiwe Nyanda said
last week. Nyanda said that 15 years after the advent of democracy, South
Africa had "not been able to ensure as many people as possible have access
to what is undoubtedly rapidly becoming a basic tool, the Internet.

"Statistics tell us that broadband penetration in our country is low because
of among other things, the lack of adequate infrastructure and the high cost
of accessing broadband services," the minister said, speaking at the
National Broadband Policy Colloquium on Thursday.

To ensure that every person in South Africa has access to broadband, Nyanda
said different sectors needed to consolidate available resources with
government to build the necessary infrastructure.

Government agencies and parastatals had "a key role to play in helping the
country move with precision in the roll out of required infrastructure to
ensure the availability of accessible and affordable broadband services".

The minister said government would still determine what role state-owned
organisations like Sentech would play in delivering Internet access,
particularly to rural areas and townships. "As the information and
communications technology industry, you need to ask yourselves whether these
organisations are able to deal with the mammoth task of connecting the
nation by themselves.

"If the answer is 'no', then what is it that you, as industry, ought to do
to ensure that these important state-owned enterprises are better positioned
to respond adequately to the needs of our people," he questioned. The
minister promised to partner with affected communities and build the
necessary infrastructure. Nyanda also emphasised that the policy initiative
should not be seen as an attempt by government to control the roll-out of
broadband.

He was referring to the draft broadband policy, put in place by the
government and gazetted on 18 September, which aims to facilitate the
provisioning of affordable access to broadband infrastructure to citizens,
business and government.

The policy also aims to stimulate the usage of broadband services at
national, provincial and municipal level, including in rural areas. "The
national government is in no way indicating that government is the most
important in this. Government needs to act as an enabler for the private
sector to make money and provide services," Nyanda said.
(Source: Bua News)


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  Internet briefs

- Rwanda’s government has finalised negotiations with undersea fibre-optic
cable operator Seacom and it will deliver an STM-1 in Rwanda. The 155 Mbs
capacity will be delivered to government's owned Internet Service Provider
(ISP) New Artel Rwanda through Uganda Telecom's (UTL) POP. According to the
deal, SEACOM will deliver extra 620 Mbps after ten working days.

- The Midwives Services Scheme (MSS) embarked upon by the Federal Government
of Nigeria, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and
the Galaxy Backbone PLC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for
the provision of Internet access linking the headquarters of the NPHCDA to
its six zonal offices and 160 primary health care centres in the 36 states
of the federation.

- By end of September, 2009, 11 Arab countries had an electronic government
portal, these are; Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania,
Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia and the UAE. In a new report,
the Arab Advisors Group profiled and analyzed the Arab e-Government portals
and their varying degree of progress and sophistication.

- The rebranding Nigeria campaign was boosted this week with the donation of
a brand new website<http://lists.balancingact-africa.com/t/6310/241592/907/0/>to
support the initiative. The website which was initiated and developed
by
Crownsworth Resource Solutions, a legal and IT consultancy firm in Lagos,
was presented to the Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora
Akunyili at her office in Abuja.

- Kenya is among the first beneficiaries of a project to increase internet
usage courtesy of the World Wide Web investor Sir Tim Berners Lee. The World
Wide Web Foundation launched in Nairobi last week will help to bridge the
'digital divide' in internet use through training opportunities for locals
and technology transfer. Already, the foundation is helping create real
change and some Kenyan youth have been given global positioning software
handsets to map the Kibera Slum, in Nairobi.

- Following an outstanding business performance in 2009, Gateway
Communications, the leading supplier of secure, reliable telecommunications
services across Africa, last week claimed the prestigious award for “Best
African Wholesale Offering” for the second year running. This latest
accolade adds to two other industry awards collected earlier this year.

- Mobile operator, MTN Nigeria, has announced the commencement of its
infrastructure upgrade that would translate into a free speed upgrade its
HyConnect Internet customers. This bumper speed upgrade will be implemented
on all MTN HyConnect Internet lines absolutely free.

- Newly launched Internet Service Provider DigiChilli has recently entered
the South African market with aggressively priced uncapped ADSL services.
The company initially launched three uncapped offerings, 256 Kbps, 512 Kbps
and 1024 Kbps, priced at R500, R1000 and R3000 per month respectively.

- Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has began the trial of
a 23 year-old Internet fraudster, Okoro Osagie Victor, accused of allegedly
defrauding foreigners $96 607 through the Internet.

- South Africa’s ISP Internet Solutions reveal that they are doing more than
1,000,000 Gigabytes of DSL traffic per month.

- Intelsat last week announced that the Atlas V rocket provided by United
Launch Alliance successfully launched the Intelsat 14 satellite (IS-14).
Liftoff of the Atlas V 431 configuration booster occurred at 1:55 a.m. ET,
followed by signal acquisition and spacecraft separation nearly two hours
later at 3:53 a.m. ET. The satellite, built by Space Systems/Loral, will
provide high-powered data services through its C- and Ku-band payload to
Intelsat customers throughout Latin America, Europe and Africa. Once IS-14
is operational, it will replace Intelsat’s 1R satellite at 315º E, providing
customers with capacity that has a useful life slated to last the next 16
years.



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COMPUTER
NEWS

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 Cape Verdean government wants to create “cybernetic island” with help from
India

The government of Cape Verde wants to turn the Archipelago into a
“cybernetic island” and to do this will be supported by India, specifically
in creating a technological hub, Cape Verde’s Foreign affairs Minister said
Tuesday in Praia.

José Brito was summing up his recent visit to New Delhi, where the support
of the Indian authorities for a technological hub, in the capital Praia, was
granted. The project is expected to cost US$25 million.

According to Brito, for now India has provided US$5 million, but is
available to provide further funding after studying the project, which will
happen in January of next year, when a technical mission is due to arrive in
Praia.

“Within the framework of ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies)
we left (New Delhi) hopeful in relation to India’s support for construction
of a benchmark technology hub, which is a project that could cost up to
US$25 million and which includes production of software and which is also
aimed at becoming a business incubator,” José Brito said.

According to Minister Brito, Cape Verde plans for India to become a
“strategic partner” and, for this, it already has the guarantee of
US$300,000 in aid to boost activities of the Operational Nucleus of
Information Systems (NOSI), which is computerising the entire public
administration system on the archipelago.

With this in mind, in January, he added, a technical delegation from NITT
(National Indian Telecommunication), “one of the biggest professional
training companies in the world,” is due to arrive to analyse the Cape
Verdean market.

The trip to India also made it possible to make an agreement to create two
centres of excellence - one in Praia (Santiago Island) and another in
Mindelo (Sao Vicente), focused on ICTs and English Language training, which
will train 600 professionals per year.
(Source: macauhub)
  IBM Mainframe Deployed in Namibia for the First Time

First National Bank of Namibia Ltd has selected IBM to help the bank
localize its banking systems and operations. Under the $5 million agreement,
IBM will provide FNB with two of the latest IBM System z10 Business Class
mainframes and supporting software to meet regulatory requirements and
support the bank's growth. The deal marks the first deployment of mainframe
technology in Namibia

Implementation of the IBM system was completed this month and forms part of
FNB Namibia's $15 million project to localize its core banking systems and
operations in Namibia. Previously, FNB Namibia, which is majority owned by
FNB South Africa, had its server infrastructure and the data of more than
400,000 customers residing in South Africa.

FNB Namibia joins a growing list of companies in emerging economies relying
on IBM System z to build their infrastructures.

For example, IBM in April announced its first System z sale to a commercial
bank in India -- a $10 million, seven-year win at Housing Development
Finance Corporation Limited Bank. Other growth markets where IBM has won new
mainframe business include China, Korea and Russia.

Businesses and governments in these emerging markets are modernizing their
IT systems in banking, retail and other key sectors to compete in an
interconnected world. IBM System z mainframes provide one of the world's
highest levels of security and are unmatched in reliably managing high
levels of transactions.

The FNB Namibia project responded to a directive from the central Bank of
Namibia to localize all banking infrastructure and IT systems in Namibia
before the end of 2009. Working with IBM, FNB Namibia has managed to
complete the project, which includes all information technology systems,
documents and data relating to customer transactions, the bank's business
affairs, property, assets and liabilities, well in advance of the deadline.

"FNB Namibia's investment in the latest, industry-leading IBM mainframe
systems and software has helped us to build a dynamic core banking platform
as well as meet all regulatory requirements," said Advocate Vekuii Rukoro,
Group Chief Executive Officer of FNB Namibia Holdings, at a media briefing
today. "Importantly, the project to localize Namibia's banking
infrastructure has brought technological advancement, knowledge transfer and
created jobs for Namibian professionals."
(Source: PR Newswire)
  Egypt IT spending projected to reach USD 1.9 billion by 2013

Better risk management to fuel local business' development, says SAS
IT spending in Egypt is projected to reach highs of USD 1.9 billion by 2013,
reflecting a significant jump from its 2008 levels at USD 1.2 billion,
according to statistics released by Business Monitor International (BMI) in
its 'Egypt Information Technology Report Q3 2009'. With factors such as
growing foreign investment and government spending expected to bolster the
growth over the forecasted period, SAS, the leading provider of business
advisory and analytical intelligence, is confident that better risk
management is vital to fuel the development of local businesses in the
country.

Furthermore, 'Chartis RiskTech100' report also estimates the global risk
technology expenditure to increase by 10 percent or more in 2010, with Egypt
among the countries who are geared up to undertake major risk management
initiatives. With focus on timely analysis of risk, SAS offers its
'Enterprise Risk Management' (ERM) solution, which provides a deeper
understanding of how institutions are impacted by the dynamic risk
environment of a global financial community. Designed for the banking and
financial services sectors, the system can help improve financial
performance by reducing losses, improving capital management and building a
risk-aware culture throughout an organisation. By effectively and
efficiently managing all types of risk and lowering associated costs, SAS'
ERM software can also reduce time to and cost of compliance.

"Expectations for the Egypt IT sector remain high, with projection of an 11
per cent compound annual growth rate surfacing despite anticipation that
2010 will be another challenging year for the market," said Sherif Fathy,
Business Development Manager, SAS - Middle East. "Specifically, risk
management is proving to be an excellent growth market in the country, as
the number of initiatives taken to address risk management issues continue
to grow. In line with this, we are committed to providing risk management
solutions and services to address Egypt's demand for better, timelier
analysis of risk and a deeper understanding of how institutions are affected
by the global risk environment."

Further underlining the importance of risk management initiatives, a global
study commissioned by SAS has revealed that more companies are appreciating
the advantages of such programs. Going further beyond quantitative benefits,
another study conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit revealed that
failure to address risk management issues has largely contributed to the
current global credit crisis. Embedding risk management into everyday
processes at all levels of an organisation, SAS' ERM portfolio delivers a
current, credible understanding of all types of risks unique to every
organisation, including credit, operational, market, liquidity and trading
risks.

"Amidst the current state of the global financial market, it has become more
critical for businesses to make the right strategic decisions swiftly while
minimising risks to its lowest possible levels. We leverage our extensive
experience in the banking industry by working with more than 1,100 global
banks to deliver leading risk management solution that address the current
priorities of stockholders, boards of directors and regulators. Our ERM
solution has been built around the tenet of integrating risk management into
everyday processes at all levels of an organisation, with aims of building
an effective risk management framework that can keep them operating
competitively in today's technology-driven, multi-channel banking industry,"
concluded Fathy.
(Source: Zaway)

[image: BA banner]<http://lists.balancingact-africa.com/t/6310/241592/454/0/>
Computer briefs

- Tunisia is among the first countries in Africa and in the Arab world to
have committed themselves to set up a system of intelligent transportation
to better manage its fleet of buses and lorries. The country’s
transportation company (SNTRI), signed an agreement setting up an
intelligent transportation system , with the Center for Research in
Telecommunications (CERT). Under the agreement, CERT is committed, to
monitor the movement of SNTRI bus park via satellite and developing computer
systems and communications for the benefit of SNTRI.

- Lagos State government has commenced a comprehensive computer literacy
programme involving teachers and counsellors in all primary and secondary
schools as part of its effort aimed at improving learning and teaching
techniques.

- Pristine Global Tanzania Ltd will distribute the Indian consumer
electronics major brand ‘Weston’. The company will sell various electronic
products including LCDs, CTVs, DVDs, Washing Machines and Washers.

- Executive Secretary, Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council
(NERDC), Professor Godswill Obioma has disclosed that the ultra-modern
virtual library project embarked upon by his agency has been stalled due to
lack of funds to complete the project. The E-library project according to
him was intended to serve the entire country, linking all the tertiary and
educational institutions in the country to facilitate knowledge sharing and
research activities for enhanced quality of education in Nigeria.
Unfortunately, Obioma said the N40 million appropriated by the National
Assembly in the 2009 budget could not get through at the Executive level for
the project to be completed.


  [image: advert]
  ON THE MONEY

Back to top <#1253735c6c0cd296_top>
 MTN Rwanda secures Rwf10b syndicated loan

MTN Rwanda, the country’s largest mobile operator announced on Monday that
it has acquired Rwf10b in form of a syndicated loan from seven local banks
to upgrade its network. The loan, which is the first and biggest commercial
transaction provided by a group of local lenders in Rwanda, was led by the
Commercial Bank of Rwanda (BCR).

MTN Rwanda’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Khaled Mikkawi, said the money
is a fraction of the $100m (Rwf56.7b) the mobile operator will invest in the
Rwandan telecom industry this year alone.  Last year MTN Rwanda invested an
estimated $60m (Rwf34.1b).

The company is installing more towers, purchasing new equipment and
expanding stores in order to guard its market share as competition in
Rwanda’s mobile space stiffens. Six local banks including Kenya Commercial
Bank, Ecobank Rwanda, Cogebanque, FINA Bank, Access Bank and the Development
Bank of  Kigali (BRD) where involved in the arrangement of the syndicated
loan facility.

The loan facility attracts an interest rate of 15 percent and will be paid
over a period of five years. “ This is a very strong message to investors in
the international community that  even if we do  not yet have a very first
class national bank in the country, our banks can come together to support
big  investments in the country,” said  François Kanimba , the Central Bank
Governor, hailing the syndicate loan as a milestone to the country’s
financial sector.

Kanimba noted that the arrangement is a step forward towards addressing
challenges related to mobilising foreign direct investments in to the
Country. “This has been an issue raised so many times in different forums as
the country tries to mobilise investments abroad,” he said, mentioning that
giant investors refer to Rwanda’s banks as “very small” thus incapable of
supporting big financial deals.

The Governor also said he was optimistic that more financial deals will come
through to support investments in the country.
(Source: The New Times)
  Africell completes acquisition of Millicom Sierra Leone

Africell Holding SAL, a member of the Lintel Group, has completed the
acquisition of Millicom (SL) Limited following the final regulatory
approval. Millicom (SL) is a subsidiary of Millicom International Cellular
SA.

This acquisition and the ensuing merger of the two entities will further
consolidate Africell’s leading market share to more than 55% of the total
GSM telephony market in Sierra Leone.

Africell Holding, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Africell (Sierra
Lone) Limited has been operating in Sierra Leone since 2005. Africell
Holding currently operates two GSM networks; in Gambia and Sierra Leone,
both are market share leaders with respectively 65% and 50% of the market. A
third operation is in the planning as the group has obtained a license to
operate a GSM network in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Lintel group currently employs around 1,500 between its GSM operations and
its telecom turn-key contractor, Linfra, which operates in 14 countries
across the MENA and Africa.
(Source: IT News Africa)
  Libya to Sell Stakes in State Owned Mobile Networks

The Libyan government has announced plans to sell small stakes in the
country's two mobile phone networks as part of a wider plan to sell off
state owned corporations. The IPOs will offer shares in the government's two
mobile telephone operators, al Madar and Libyana, as well as in Iron and
Steel Company and National Commercial Bank.

Earlier this year, Etisalat said it had submitted a bid for Libya's third
mobile phone license, although nothing further has been heard.

According to figures from the Mobile World, Libyana is the dominant operator
with 83% of the market, followed by Al Madar. The country has a population
penetration level of 134%.
(Source: Reuters)

Interim Results Show Telkom South Africa in Decline

A convoluted 21-page report covering Telkom's interim results boils down to
one essential fact -- its fortunes are in decline. The results issued last
week slice and dice figures every which way, but inescapably lead to a
picture of falling profit and pared profit margins.

Telkom lost 150c in basic earnings per share, down 141% from a profit of
364c a year ago, while headline earnings per share from continuing
operations slumped 37,9% to 242c. The operating margin fell from 32,3% to
27,3%, mainly due to higher running costs. This comes on an operating
revenue up 4% to R18,7bn.

Results for the six months to September 30 are distorted by Telkom's sale of
its 50% stake in Vodacom, selling its ill-conceived Telkom Media division
and impairing goodwill of R2.1bn for its struggling Multi-Links operation in
Nigeria. Headline earnings per share exclude those items.

Selling Vodacom brought in a profit of R40.4bn, but analysts are still
waiting to see how it will use the money to fill the gap in its services
from having no mobile offerings. The effect of people switching from
fixed-line to cellphones was starkly highlighted in a 9% dip in traffic
revenue.

CEO Reuben September said Telkom clearly needed to develop a mobile service
to win back traffic, and because offering both mobile and fixed products
would help it fend off competition.

Telkom had earmarked R6bn over five years for its mobile business and a plan
had been approved. But information on its network roll-out and go-to-market
strategy "cannot be disclosed due to competitive sensitivities".

One analyst said it was a concern that Telkom was not clarifying its mobile
strategy despite budgeting R6bn for the task. Overall the results were "a
mess", she said. The fixed-line business was under pressure with its margins
shrinking, and losses at Multi-Links were considerable.

Another analyst said: "I wasn't impressed. Multi-Links isn't exactly a
roaring success yet and one key concern is that it never will be. Telkom is
talking about a lot of initiatives but they are going to take time."

September said Multi-Links remained Telkom's major challenge, with an
interim operating loss of R164m. Subscribers rose by 30% to 2-million, yet
the average amount they spent each month decreased. Turnaround plans
included shedding staff, and Multi-Links was beginning to show slight
improvements with growing revenue and declining running costs, he said.

Telkom as a whole saw its operating expenses grow 12% from factors including
salary increases and higher payments to international operators. A
restructuring process to create leaner business units that will chase new
revenue streams to compensate for the dip in fixed voice profits has been
dubbed the Telkom Renaissance.

"We are expanding into other geographic markets and other domestic markets,"
September said, but he warned that earning new revenues from mobile services
and data centres would take time and incur up-front costs.
(Source: Business Day)


[image: BA report
banner]<http://lists.balancingact-africa.com/t/6310/241592/288/0/>
On the Money briefs

- South Africa’s technology services provider ConvergeNet has suffered a
drop in profitability in the past year with delays in the awarding of
government contracts compounding damage caused by the recession. Business in
the government segment was slower than expected due to the general election
and changes in the administration, the directors said, which delayed some
projects. In the private sector, some customers had delayed or cancelled
their technology investments outright.

- Bourse Africa, a unit of Financial Technologies, plans to set up an
electronic exchange to trade African commodities futures by the second half
of next year, Director of Strategy Adam Gross said. The Gaborone-based
company is in talks with regulators in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda,
Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, South Africa and Zambia for approval to
incorporate them into an Africa-wide trading forum.

- South Africa’s independent telecommunications provider Vox Telecom
released its annual results this week. The company has recorded a 13% growth
in revenues over the previous year to R2.1 billion. EBITDA was 11% higher at
R201 million, and earnings per share climbed 45% to 5.49 cents. Operating
profit was however down by 3.5%. Vox Orion remains the largest contributor
to group revenues, although it showed little growth over the previous year.

- Listed investment company Sekunjalo will continue to target acquisitions
in the ICT sector. CEO Khalid Abdulla says: “In the next months and year we
will be quite active in the ICT space.” He explains that ICT is an important
growth area for the company, and there are opportunities in the public and
private sector locally and on the continent. Sekunjalo is also the black
economic empowerment partner of global telecommunications giant British
Telecom (BT), for its South African operations. The company has a 30% stake
in BTSA.

- iBurst's listing on the JSE has been put on hold, because foreign
investors want to rather invest in an “offshore” entity. The vehicle that
iBurst SA and iBurst Africa were going to use to make their début on the JSE
was S&J Land Holdings, which is listed on the JSE, although trade in its
shares is suspended as it is a cash shell.
      MORE

   - Telecoms, Rates, Offers And Coverage <#1253735c6c0cd296_troc>
   - Web and Mobile Data news <#1253735c6c0cd296_wmd>
   - People <#1253735c6c0cd296_people>
   - Events <#1253735c6c0cd296_events>
   - Jobs and opportunities <#1253735c6c0cd296_jobs>
   - Contracts <#1253735c6c0cd296_contracts>

Back to top <#1253735c6c0cd296_top>

 Telecoms Rates, Offers and Coverage

- In Uganda, MTN's ARPU has declined, according to its latest figures. On
average, each MTN caller spent US$6 (Approx. Shs 11,000) on calls in the
September Quarter compared to US$7 (Approx. Shs 13,000) which is a 9% drop
in revenue contribution to the group. Ugandans were spending up to US$8 on
MTN calls in 2008 and US$10 in 2007. In 2002, MTN's ARPU in Uganda was
US$30.

- Tigo Rwanda, the third mobile operator in the country has launched
commercial operation this week. The new mobile operator has so far
registered over 30,000 subscribers. The company announced it had put in
place base stations in 111 network sites with 26 in Kigali and the rest in
the provinces. Currently, Tigo has 53% of the network population coverage.
The network is live in 13 out of 30 districts in the country. On the same
day MTN Rwanda has launched the MTN Multi Media Messaging (MMS).

- Research In Motion (RIM) announces that BlackBerry App World is now
available to BlackBerry smartphone users in South Africa. The on-device
application store brings together a broad mix of free personal and business
applications for South African customers to discover.
   Web and Mobile Data News

Growing Use of Cellphones for Family Planning in Africa

The growth of cellphone use, particularly in the developing world, is
providing health experts with a new channel of communication to provide
family planning information.

"The number of mobile subscribers is increasing at a dramatic rate with the
number of global cellphone subscribers in 2006 being estimated at 2.5
billion of an estimated global population of 6.6 billion," says David
Cantor, a senior technical manager of ICF Macro - a U.S.-based research
firm.

"These figures are expected to grow to 3.3 billion or approximately half of
the world's population by 2010, with the greatest growth in Asia, the Middle
East and Africa."

Cantor, who was attending the International Conference on Family Planning
held in Kampala, Uganda Nov. 15-18, says there is growing interest in the
health sector in capitalising on this rapid uptake of mobile communication.

One World's Mobile4Good in Kenya uses cellphone technology to inform
subscribers about opportunities for free exams or treatment, and also
provides a question-and-answer service that allows individuals to ask
sensitive health questions.

In South Africa and Botswana, cellular technology is being used to remind
people needing to take medicines at regular intervals.

Jamaica Corker of Population Services International (PSI) - a global health
programme targeting malaria, child survival, HIV/AIDS and reproductive
health - says a project in the Democratic Republic of Congo where mobile
users call a toll-free line to request family planning related information
has shown the power of mobile technology.

Since 2005, PSI has run a toll-free line through which callers can speak to
trained educators and get accurate information about family planning, or a
referral to the nearest clinic or pharmacy, where one is available in the
caller's location.

"While at the onset, the project was aimed at reaching more women, we have
learned that mobile technology is an effective way of reaching men with
family planning messages," Corker says.

"Since men are the majority of mobile phone owners, many call on behalf of
their wives and girlfriends and we are able to pass the message to them as
well."

The use of PSI's toll-free line by men seeking family planning information
could indicate encouraging growth interest in family planning by men,
perhaps facilitated by the privacy communicating by phone allows.

With the cost of mobile technology steadily falling, Cantor says the stage
is set for more rapid development in the sector.

Aside from providing family planning information, mobile phones are being
used as patient monitoring devices. Mobile phones are also being used to
collect community and clinical health data, for sending information to
health workers, researchers and patients, and to monitor patients' vital
signs.
(Source: IPS)


Online livestock auctions a hit in Namibia

The recent introduction of livestock auctions on the Internet by Agra
Cooperative is taking the farming community by storm. Several animals have
already been sold online. The biggest deal was the electronic auction of
Clawa, a top Brahman bull who fetched N$48 600.

Clawa, bred by the well-known farming couple Mecki and Brigitte Schneider of
Okabra Brahmans, was bought by Hendrik Blaauw and his son Piet.  A week
before buying Clawa on the Internet, Piet Blaauw bought a son of Clawa,
two-year-old Roas at a northern auction. There the Blauuws saw the top
quality of Clawa’s offspring and the good prices they fetched.

Two of Clawa’s other sons were sold for a total of N$126 000 at this
auction.
Building a Brahman stud, the Blauuws found Clawa’s genetic material ideal.
At the northern auction they heard about Agra e-Auctions.

In the comfort of his office, Piet explored the Agra e-Auctions site and
took part in the final bidding of the auction, which caused the auction to
last half an hour longer than scheduled, with two prospective buyers
bidding.

“I am very excited to have a bull like Clawa joining our stud. I encourage
serious breeders to make use of Agra’s e-Auctions and stud auctions to
obtain the best genetic material in Namibia,” Blaauw said.

For Mecki Schneider, offering Clawa via on Agra’s e-Auctions was a first
trial run.
“I am convinced that this option provides a wonderful opportunity in
breeding circles to make selected genetic material available to potential
buyers, also outside the borders of Namibia. It made a big difference not to
having to drive the animal to an auction over a long distance, thus saving
time and cost and stress for the bull,” Schneider said.
(Source: The Namibian)
   People

Harris Stratex Networks CEO, Harald Braun has been awarded the prestigious
title of International Telecom CEO of the Year 2009 by IT & Telecom Digest
at the Eight Nigerian Information Technology & Telecom Awards.
   Events

*ONLINE EDUCA BERLIN 2009*
*2-4 December 2009, Berlin, Germany*
Innovate, Share, Succeed – is the theme of OEB 2009. This year’s agenda will
be about your learning innovations, your expertise and the great ideas that
will lead your organisation, company or school to success.
For the full programme visit the organiser’s
website<http://www.online-educa.com>

*TANCon AFRICA 2009*
*4-6 December 2009, Taia Resort, Freetown, Sierra Leone*
This years conference will explore the theme "Virgin Territories: A New
Market for Innovative Investment" through the use of case studies on Sierra
Leone and other liberalizing African markets.
TANCon Africa is hosted by TAN a global non-profit organization that fosters
entrepreneurship and technology among people of African descent. TAN was
founded in Silicon Valley, California in 2004 to provide a support structure
and network for entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, and community leaders
worldwide. This year, the TAN Africa conference is held in collaboration
with the Internet Society of Sierra Leone and supported by the Ministry of
Trade & Industry and Sierra Leone Import Export Promotion Agency (SLIEPA).
TANCon Africa 2009 will attract over 250 local and international attendees
from the United States of America, South Africa, the United Kingdom,
Nigeria, Ghana and the rest of the world. Conference participants will range
from industry leaders and key decision makers of global financial
institutions, fortune 500 companies in ICT, Finance, Agriculture, Tourism,
Infrastructure, Social Entrepreneurship and Renewable Energy.
For more information on the conference, see the conference Web
page<http://lists.balancingact-africa.com/t/6310/241592/807/0/>

*MOBILE PAYMENT, REMITTANCE AND M-COMMERCE AFRICA 2009*
*9-10 Dec 2009, La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra, Ghana*
This premier Summit brings in telecom operators, Mobile Virtual Network
Operators, financial institutions and technology providers in the mobile
payment & remittance space to look at the new opportunities in Africa,
particularly West, Central and Southern Africa. Indeed, banks, including
microfinance/microfinance institutions, together with the national telcos
are tapping on new business opportunities in the African market by rolling
out mobile financial services products.
For further information visit the conference’s
website<http://lists.balancingact-africa.com/t/6310/241592/877/0/>

*INVESTING IN ICT IN EMERGIN MARKETS*
*9-10 December 2009, London, UK *
With a world population of 6.7 billion people, 1.2 billion land line
telephone lines and 4.0 billion mobile cellular subscribers, there is a need
to bring new ICT investment into developing countries. This years CTO
Conference on Investing in ICTs in Emerging Markets will help to bridge the
gap by discussing future policy, regulation and business models to maximize
opportunities for joint investments.
 The conference will be attended by an International delegation consisting
of ministers, regulators, funding agencies, operators and infrastructure
providers
For further information on the conference visit the CTO’s
website<http://lists.balancingact-africa.com/t/6310/241592/902/0/>

*TELECOMFINANCE 2010*
*26th – 27th January 2010, Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel, London*
Telecom Finance 2010 will bring together the key individuals and companies
that will shape the telecoms industry in what is set to be another
challenging year ahead.
After a subdued year of deal activity the panel sessions will explore the
changing focus in global M&A, the hottest regions for deals and fresh ideas
on operational efficiency and maximising new technologies.
Don't miss this opportunity to network, share knowledge and do business with
operators, financiers and dealmakers from across the global telecom finance
community.
For further information please visit
www.telecomfinance.com/2010<http://lists.balancingact-africa.com/t/6310/241592/872/0/>

*MOBILE WEB EAST AFRICA: Harnessing the potential of the internet and
applications on mobile devices*
*3rd & 4th February 2010, The Continental Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya*
Following the unrivalled success of Mobile Web Africa, the most progressive
and innovative mobile focused event in Africa is now moving to East Africa.
With contributions and support confirmed from a host of the leading
individuals and organisations Mobile Web East Africa is promising to be a
superb two day conference.  If the evolution of one of the most important
technological advances of the 21st century is of interest to you then
attending this event, which features an interactive roundtable seating
format, is a fantastic opportunity.  For information visit the event
website<http://lists.balancingact-africa.com/t/6310/241592/903/0/>or
contact the organiser
All Amber <info at allamber.co.uk>

*AITEC BANKING & MOBILE MONEY COMESA *
*24-25 February 2010, Kenya International Conference Centre, Nairobi, Kenya*
Technology presents great opportunities for the financial sector to extend
reach, improve service and reduce costs. However, in the drive to implement
the very best that technology vendors have to offer, the focal point of the
banking process is often forgotten – the customer.
AITEC Banking & Mobile Money COMESA 2010 will focus on the customer
experience in relation to all technology implementation and services,
challenging suppliers and bankers alike to evaluate their systems in the
light of customer needs and preferences.
For further information on the conference visit AITEC’s
website<http://lists.balancingact-africa.com/t/6310/241592/904/0/>

    Jobs and Opportunities

Implementation Manager - NSN Equipment – Sierra Leone
The Implementation Manager’s position involves Implementation Management of
WCDMA rollout as well as R4 and GPRS deployment.

Requirements:
Technical Diploma or BsC engineering degree.
Previous Implementation Management experience in the deployment of Core
projects and 3G deployment.
Hands on knowledge on NSN flexi WCDMA BTS's, RNC 2600 and Release 4
products.
English Language.

Responsibilities:
Manage all the project level telecom implementation activities in a NSN
customer project.
Provide Management and support of the TI subcontractors.
Ensure site implementation quality.
Plan and order subcontractor work.
Support PM to prepare / update roll-out schedule.
Follow up the time schedules and checking if the work is executed according
to plan and escalations to project management as needed
Technical and site solution content support.
For further information or to apply click on the following link
<http://lists.balancingact-africa.com/t/6310/241592/905/0/>


Master of Management in ICT Policy & Regulation
The Graduate School of Public & Development and the LINK Centre at the
University of the Witwatersrand invites applications for the January 2010
intake into its CHE-accredited Master of Management in ICT Policy and
Regulation degree programme.

The MM(ICTPR) aims to provide a formal post-graduate academic qualification
for senior staff engaged in policy formulation, policy analysis and
regulation of information communications technologies (ICTs), a sector which
is currently undergoing rapid change and experiencing continued expansion.

The degree comprises 10 week-long course-work modules and a substantial
(50%) applied research report.  It can be completed over 3 years part-time
or 1 year full-time.  Information on courses, scheduling, fees and more can
be found at the following
link<http://lists.balancingact-africa.com/t/6310/241592/832/0/>

For a copy of the course brochure, go to
http://link.wits.ac.za/training/MM-ICTPR-brochure.pdf<http://lists.balancingact-africa.com/t/6310/241592/833/0/>
    Contracts

Zain and Nokia Siemens Networks – Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda
Zain is streamlining its mobile network operations to improve the quality of
service and increase efficiency. As part of this process, Nokia Siemens
Networks has been awarded a strategic five-year contract to optimize,
modernize and manage Zain’s over 3,000 multi-vendor mobile networks sites in
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Zain currently serves over 9 million customers
across these three countries.
  TO CONTACT US:

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We are always happy to follow up on readers concerns.

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-- 
Executive Director
UgaBYTES Initiative
Tel: +256414370163
Mob: +256712314969
Skype: sulah.ndaula
Yahoo: ndaulasula
Email: ndaulasula@
(ugabytes.org,yahoo.co.uk or gmail)