[kictanet] [isoc_ke] LTE/4G and the state of broadband and Universal Access in Kenya

[Ali Hussein]

Mwendwa

Thanks for reviving this issue of Universal Access. This is an issue that has been raised time and again on this forum. We have it on good authority that the Policy Makers read this list avidly. So the fact that they remain silent on this issue is a serious indictment on them on whether they take us seriously. 

As Walu put it aptly the other day:-

'if you are not addressing this forum of stakeholders then who are they addressing?'


Ali Hussein

+254 770 906375 / 0713 601113

Twitter: @AliHKassim
Skype: abu-jomo
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Blog: www.alyhussein.com

"I fear the day technology will surpass human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots".  ~ Albert Einstein

Sent from my iPad

> On Dec 9, 2014, at 9:44 AM, Mwendwa Kivuva via isoc <isoc at lists.my.co.ke> wrote:
> 
> (Apologies for cross-posting)
> 
> Nothing is as great as high internet speed. That is the mantra on
> Safaricom's 4G page (1). Safaricom's 4G/LTE service is the first of
> its kind in the region and promises a browsing experience like never
> before. Long Term Evolution  (LTE) is a standard for wireless
> communication of high-speed data for mobile phones and data
> terminals.(2)
> 
> To use LTE you need a 4G capable Device (phone/tablet/modem), Change
> to a 4G enabled SIM card  and be in an area covered by the 4G service
> i.e. Some parts of Nairobi and Mombasa.
> 
> With the rollout of 4G in some parts of Nairobi and Mombasa, we are
> exploring the state of "real" broadband in Kenya, the cost to the
> common citizen, and coverage. As we continue to privilege those of us
> in urban areas, how are we catering for the interests and needs of the
> marginalized?
> 
> TESPOK in August issued a statement (3) advising it's members not to
> pay Universal Service Fund (4) until they meet with the Communications
> Authority Director General and ICT cabinet Secretary to clearly define
> the procedures and processes of administering the 0.5% of operators'
> annual revenues. What is the current state of USF in Kenya? Is it
> operational? Is the 0.5% sufficient to have any impact in society?
> 
> Are the USF Council members (5) representative of the Internet
> community in Kenya? Are all stakeholders interests taken into
> consideration in forming the council? Would these distinguished
> citizens know the troubles the user in Kitui goes through when he has
> to climb a flag-post to get network signal, or the parcel that arrives
> in Lokitang after a month?
> 
> Internet Society Kenya Chapter and Kictanet seeks to engage in a
> series of online discussions covering various trending issues which
> will culminate in a public consultative forum with industry and
> policymakers to share the feedback from the community and see how best
> we can influence and shape the Internet landscape in Kenya.
> 
> Your valuable contribution is always appreciated.
> 
> Sincerely,
> ______________________
> Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya
> Secretary, Internet Society Kenya.
> 
> NOTES
> (1). http://www.safaricom.co.ke/personal/internet/safaricom-4g-lte
> (2). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LTE_%28telecommunication%29
> (3). http://www.tespok.co.ke/?p=310
> (4). http://ca.go.ke/index.php/purpose-of-the-fund
> (5). http://ca.go.ke/index.php/universal-service-advisory-council
> 
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