[UgaBYTES] WEEKLY NEWS ROUND UP- AFRICA (WEEK 10)

[Mwathi Francis]

EaSSy unlikely to affect cost of connectivity
9th March 2010
Although the arrival of EaSSy will provide much needed competition and
improved connectivity to South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, the high
connectivity costs remain the main concern among users in the region.
Telecom executives interviewed on the above issue confirmed that no
price reduction would be effected soon. Executive Head of Corporate
Communications for Vodacom Group, Nicolene Visser, said: “The entering
into service of the EASSy cable system in the third quarter 2010 will
therefore not necessarily result in cost reductions of retail
services.
http://www.itnewsafrica.com/?p=5868&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+itnewsafrica+(ITNewsAfrica.com)&utm_content=Gmails

ICT Unavoidable in West Africa's Development - Ecowas Parliament
10th March 2010
As the world continues to develop at a faster pace in the 21st
century, access information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) has
become a critical tool in human advancement. Knowing this potential
very well, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
Parliament said the use of ICT is unavoidable in the developmental
agenda of the West African sub-region, especially, in the area of
education. "Recourse of ICT is unavoidable in the development of West
Africa. The 21st century is characterized by the development of ICT
which are essential tools to access to knowledge," noted Mahama Usman,
Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and Dr. Adrienne Yande Diop, ECOWAS
Commissioner for Human Development and Gender, in joint opening
remarks at the ongoing five-day workshop, which began in Accra
yesterday.
http://www.ghanaian-chronicle.com/thestory.asp?id=16581&title=ICT%20unavoidable%20in%20West%20Africa%92s%20development%20%3Ci%3E-ECOWAS%20Parliament%3C/i%3E

Ericsson and MTN Ghana Test First UMTS 900 MHz Roll-Out in Africa
8th March 2010
Ericsson says that it has successfully trialed a 3G network at 900 MHz
for the first time on the African continent with operator MTN Ghana.
Under the terms of the agreement, Ericsson will be responsible for the
access, transport and transmission of 3G UMTS 900 MHz, where roll-out
will begin in Q2 2010. Additionally, Ericsson developed advanced
special features and assisted with the spectrum optimisation of GSM to
free up just 3.8MHz required for UMTS 900 MHz.
http://www.cellular-news.com/story/42293.php?s=h

Uganda’s mobile companies to get global exposure
11th March 2010
New mobile communication businesses now have a platform to globally
show case their innovative products, following the launch of Mobile
Monday Kampala (MoMoKla) in Uganda. MoMo, a global network of mobile
industry professionals and startups has a presence in 100 cities
globally. The Kampala chapter was officially unveiled by Mr Igeme
Nabeta, the chairman of Parliament’s ICT Committee on Monday in
Munyonyo. It is now the second African chapter after Mobile Monday
South Africa.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Jari Tammisto, the chief executive officer
and president Mobile Monday Global said, the chapter will act as a
platform to promote the growth and development of the mobile industry
in Uganda. He said it will be the medium through which local mobile
communication start ups, will relay their innovations to international
audiences and investors. “Whatever you want to do, we will help you to
promote it globally,” Mr Tammisto told the over 100 participants.
http://www.monitor.co.ug/Business/Technology/-/688612/876894/-/tyv13c/-/index.html

Limpopo (South Africa) farmers get ICT boost
11th March 2010
Limpopo's Department of Agriculture has budgeted R6 million in this
financial year to install technology-based information systems that
will enable extension officers to provide relevant and accurate
information to farmers instantly. The systems, which will fall under
the department's e-Agriculture project, aim to improve emerging
farmers' access to information and markets through the use of
information communication technologies such as the Internet and SMS
messages.
http://www.buanews.gov.za/news/10/10031113551001

Kenyan suggests ban on second-hand computers
8th March 2010
The government of Kenya is proposing a ban on second-hand computers to
curb dumping and encourage local assembling. A study on electronic
waste conducted in Kenya in 2008 indicated that the country generated
3,000 tonnes of e-waste from computers, monitors and printers in 2007.
Information and Communications PS, Dr Bitange Ndemo, says his ministry
is proposing to Treasury to include in the next year’s Budget a ban on
used computers. The government zero-rated duty on imported computers
in 2006, a development that led to rise in imports.
http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Company%20Industry/-/539550/874490/-/t2rl4pz/-/index.html




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