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CYBERSCHUULNEWS 170

ATCON PARTNERS WITH BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION TO EASE VISA FOR MEMBERS

There is indication that the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, is taking advantage of the British Deputy High Commission’s Business Express Programme to ease visa processing for employees of its members. Executive Secretary, Godwin Morgan, confirms that indeed the programme is designed to make the Association’s members who travel to the UK for business process their visas without any fuss.

VGC WEARS NEW LOGO

VGC Communications Ltd distinguished for its high grade fixed wired services has announced a change in its corporate Logo. The PTO provides fixed wired services in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. It maintains a corporate presence in CYBERSCHUULNEWS which is also privileged to be flying the new logo in this edition.

ATCON WANTS NITEL UNBUNDLED

PRIOR TO PRIVATISATION

When he had the floor at the recent 3rd NIGERIA TELECOM SUMMIT in Abuja, Engr Charles Joseph, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, repeated his association’s four years old prescription that NITEL be unbundled prior to privatization to make it attractive. The position was actually first mentioned at the dawn of privatization in 2000, but the Bureau for Public Enterprises, BPE had countered then saying that the company [NITEL i.e.] was ‘too small’ to be broken. It argued strangely that ‘..with 400,000 telephone lines, NITEL, if broken into units would be too small, smaller than Multilinks or any of MTN or Econet and hence would not be viable’. Such warped logic held sway and the matter was suspended. The irony was that it was the ‘too small’ company that BPE then wanted to collect $1.36billion dollars on for 51% buy-in before the ILL-wind forced the deal’s flight into turbulent weather.

NITEL’s privatization blues went live again a few weeks ago when it became clear that the company’s fortune had dipped and the attempt to restructure it in preparation for privatization does not seem to have gone well. Pentascope’s executives were in Lagos during the week to address the press and a document they released at the outing catalogues the reasons why they are unable to make a difference in NITEL.

RECYCLED COMPUTERS:

DIGITAL BRIDGE ENABLERS or TOXIC DUMPS ? [3]

There is a burgeoning market for used and refurbished computers in Nigeria and indeed in Africa and many of these computers have found their ways into our educational institutions. The rationale for this has mostly that Africans cannot afford new computers, and that these 'refurbs' give an opportunity to get on the information superhighway and bridge the digital divide.

But are these premises true? What are the benefits of refurbs to Africa and Africans? What are the real issues at stake?

In this third and final installment of our serialisation of an article on recycled computers in Africa, Dorcas Muthoni shows why Africa is an attractive place for the west to dump their used and recycled computers. The companies in the west avoid the cost of compliance with their countries' laws, make money from selling these used computers to organisations who will bring them to Africa, these organisations pay western shipping agents and companies for the freight. When the computers finally arrive in Africa, they are paid for from loans obtained from foreign countries, which they have to pay back with interest. Talk of paying your killer for the poison to kill you!

The objective of publishing the essay is essentially to generate a discussion on the subject. Reactions are therefore welcome.

Computer recycling for Africa’s use [3]

By Dorcas Muthon

New industry:

The problem has created a boom for PC recycling businesses in US and Europe (remarketers) that resell or dispose of these systems. They dispose by: Reuse. The term "reuse" refers to giving (or selling) computers to someone or some other organization to use. Donating computers to charitable organizations and schools provides a company with tax benefits that may exceed the expected realizable value from selling the computers via a secondary market.

Recycle:

Depending on where it is done, recycling computers can be simple or difficult. Computers contain many metals that can be recycled. In Africa for example it could be extremely difficult to recycle.

Trade-in:

Most major computer manufacturers (e.g., Dell, Gateway, HP/Compaq) have trade-in programs. Individuals who donate their used computer to the manufacturer gets a cash refund.

If an old equipment still holds significant value, a remarketer can resell this equipment and share the profits with you. They can also help with employee purchase programs. A remarketer will handle donation of your equipment to a needy charity or developing country, even refurbish your equipment and redeploy it to another site. The remarketers provide these services and more for a fraction of what it would cost to do it yourself.

To verify that disposal was done according to the law, the remarketers present a "Certificate of Disposal" providing evidence of services to the companies.

Receiving old computers:

Organisations are advised to have the recipient of the used computer equipment sign an agreement accepting responsibility for its proper disposal. This is necessary whether it is sold, given to an employee, or donated. In the event of future litigation, this documentation supports the position that the recipient has accepted responsibility for the equipment's disposal. This is where Africa will be trapped.

Africa as an ideal market:

Africa accepting old computers makes it an ideal target for dumping. This can earn the remarketers millions of dollars. The law for example in the US does not cover donated computers abroad but those that are disposed within the country. Safe disposal costs are not incurred since the equipment is leaving the country. But how do the computers get to Africa anyway?

Talk to someone bringing old computers:

A computer unit comes at a cost of about $50

1. Organize and pay for shipment (costs about $40 )

2. Arrange and pay for transport from the port to the refurbishment center costs about $10.

3. Unpack the containers: Contain a lot of junk,some containers have even been found to contain materials not related to computer equipment, lack of compatible hardware components, going to a store the components are no longer being supplied, takes enough time to assemble a complete working unit.

4. Assemble one working computer unit ( this usually involves picking bits and pieces from about 8 assumed computer units)

5. Arrange for delivery to schools

Since most of the organisations carrying out refurbishment are NGOs and Non-profits, they have donor funded budgets for salaries and operations. This takes care of salaries and wages of technical staff and the rest.

Africa is indeed going to save the west billions of dollars. Before you know it, another clause will be in WTO agreements requiring that we a bind by a certain computer equipment disposal law. We shall of course not have the the infrastructure to safely dispose all the WORLD'S COMPUTER WASTE.

THE CRISIS WILL BE HERE WITH US. This will be 10 to 15 years to come. The youth (leaders of tomorrow) will be dealing with this crisis above HIV/AIDS, famine, poverty, wars etc. Heaps and heaps of absolete computer equipment waiting to be safely disposed. Scanty computer hardware industry. We are already quite challanged by our environment. Control over dumping is a big challenge. Environmental degradation is a rampant.

AFRICA FRONT-LINERS ARE OFTEN TAKING THE FIRST STEP AS A WRONG STEP.

By the way, these remarketers are all over the place. Yesterday, one came to see me.

END OF ARTICLE

TELECOMMUNICATIONS:

BENCHMARKING NIGERIA WITH THE WORLD

by Ernest Ndukwe

We live in a global village where ICTs have a direct impact on a nation's ability to improve the economic well being of her people and compete globally. We must therefore ask ourselves how well we have fared in comparison with other nations of the world in providing access to this vital infrastructure for our people.

The International telecommunications spending is currently estimated at about US &1.5 trillion dollars for the year 2004 and is expected to rise to about US &2.0 trillion dollars by 2007.

While countries like Sweden boast of about 100% access, Nigeria's figure is at a level of less than 6%. Even in the African Continent we are still far behind countries such as Egypt, South Africa, and Botswana Etc in terms of teledensity.

In the UK where penetration of computers is already quite high, the provision of access to broadband connections was important enough to be embodied in their government policy. The British Telecom (BT) recently announced that all households in the UK would be in reach of broadband connection by 2005.

Also according to a new report from the Economist Intelligence unit, Sweden emerged as the world leader in e learning. Korea's government has consistently promoted the development and use of Information and Communication Technology infrastructures since the mid 1980's. Today Korea is one of the worlds most advanced users of information technology and boast of highest broadband penetration density in the world. China has been growing their ICT network at an astonishing rate since the past decade and is currently the world's largest telecommunications marked, both for fixed and wireless networks. China's figures for 2004 indicate 312million fixed line and 323 million mobile lines.

US spending on Telecommunications equipment have continued to grow and are estimated to reach $ 1trillion by 2007, up from $720 billion in 2003. The Malaysian government was one of the first to attempt to replicate the Silicon Valley model in a developing country. In it attempt to Move to the technology sector to attract domestic and foreign private investment, the Malaysian government invested in creating what was expected to be a world class physical and information infrastructure. This US$40 billion initiative, called the Multimedia Super Corridor, serves as the backbone for the country's information superhighway.

From the foregoing it is obvious that while we are celebrating the giant strides that have been made in the sector in the past four years, Nigeria remains a "Lilliputian" in the international development index as far as ICT penetration and use is concerned.

While we are racing to increase access to basic telephone services, the more advanced countries are increasing access to new technologies such as Internet and broadband connections worldwide had reached 111.7m lines. The world's biggest or" G7" economics are now in the broadband "top ten". Broadband is no doubt an accelerator of social and economic development in the modern world with it's applications enabling and facilitating economic and social services such as Public Safety, National Security, Telemedicine, E-government, distance learning, utility applications etc.

There is already a major broadband divide between Africa and the rest of the world. There is therefore an urgent need to initiate national policies aimed at promoting ubiquitous broadband deployment. We must continue to work hard at narrowing the information gap to make sure that Nigeria is a major knowledge center in the information age.

[The above text is taken from a paper on ‘Connecting the Next 10 million people in Nigeria’ which Engr Ernest Ndukwe, Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC, delivered at the recent NIGERIA TELECOM SUMMIT 2004, Abuja]

CYBERSCHUULNEWS 169

NCC GETS TEETH FROM STAKEHOLDERS

NIGERIA TARGETS 18 MILLION PHONES BY 2005

In addition to the empowerment which the Telecommunication Act 2003 gave the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, the Commission desire to take the industry to higher heights was also given a lavish endorsement by delegates at the recent 3rd NIGERIA TELECOM SUMMIT. In a lead Paper which the Commission presented via its execute Vice-Chairman, Ernest Ndukwe, the desire to add 10 million telephone lines to the Nigerian network in the next 12 months or at latest by end of 2005 was enunciated. Delegates which included top executive and CEO’s of telecommunications firms, Innovators, Service providers, consultants and bureaucrats endorsed the ambition and went ahead to prescribe the right environment for its realisation.

Reliable public electricity, reduction in duty rates, elimination of multiple and provocative taxes by various levels of government across the country, Privatization of NITEL, and the enactment of anti-trust and competition laws are some of the major issues which delegates invited government to pay attention to.

The Summit also recommended a pathway to improved capacity building, customer satisfaction and the need to increase the number of Mobile service providers at the expiration of current five years exclusivity period in 2006.

NIGERIA NOW HAS 7 MIILION MOBILE AND 1 MILLION FIXED TELEPHONES

TO EMERGE AS TRULY FASTEST MOBILE MARKET

Going by recent figures released into the Nigerian system by service Providers, mobile lines have climbed up to 7.02million as at the last count. Although figures of operators coverage may be harmless quantities, the fact that they may affect planning data if what is circulating is far from the actual may pose a problem for an economy that is growing and fledging. However, Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC confirmed the figure of 8million telephone lines at a public lecture he delivered recently in Enugu and also in a publication released by the Commission at the just concluded telecom summit in Abuja. The figure puts the Nigeria market as the fastest growing next to China’s at the moment.

VGC WEARS NEW LOGO

VGC Communications Ltd distinguished for it high grade fixed wired services has announced a change in its corporate LOGO. The PTO provides fixed wired services in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. It maintains a corporate presence in CYBERSCHUULNEWS which is also privileged to be flying the new logo in this edition.

CYBERSCHUULNEWS TRANSFORM FOR IMPROVEMENT

CYBERSCHUULNEWS, your companion for telecom/ICT information, education, and entertainment is making slight modification to its look and content, all aiming at doing it better.

The ‘front cover’ which is the only political corner piece of the publication is moving to the ‘sideline’ while a column on NEW TECHNOLOGIES will feature more frequently.

A midweek edition, titled CYBERSCHUULSHOUT, which is actually a technology megaphone, will feature less of news and corporate statements but more of opportunities in telecom investment, training and job vacancies world wide.

Thank you for staying tuned.

SERIALISATION

RECYCLED COMPUTERS: TOXIC DUMPS or DIGITAL BRIDGE ENABLERS [2]

But are these premises true? What are the benefits of refurbs to Africa and Africans? What are the real issues at stake? CYBERSCHUULNEWS, is serializing an article written by Dorcas Muthoni, a concerned African on the concept of used and refurbished computers, why the industrialized countries are sending them to Africa, and the long-term effects on Africa, our schools, and our children. The objective of publishing this essay is essentially to generate a healthy debate of the subject and to seek to request that all sides to the matter be exposed. Reactions are therefore welcome.

In this second installment the author examines how much it costs corporations in the west to comply with the regulatory requirements for the disposal of used computers. This may give an insight into the "solutions" they have adopted, donating being one of them. But why Africa? Answers.

Computer recycling for Africa’s use [2]

By Dorcas Muthon

What does it take to comply:

This comes with some astonishing figures: Did you know that implementing an in-house computer disposal program can cost up to $400 per computer?

1. Computer Storage - $360+

Many companies rely simply on storing a few retired computers a month somewhere hoping that they'll discover a viable solution for reuse or disposal. In so doing, the company is paying a rental fee each and every month on assets that are no longer producing any income. These organizations may also be paying support and maintenance fees, software license fees, or even leasing fees on unused equipment. Storing equipment for up to 3 years results in an average cost of $360 per device; and, when eventual disposal occurs, the organization will spend another $200 - or more - in removal fees.

2. Computer Disposal - $320+

Laws and state regulations prohibit placing the plastics and toxic chemicals found in computers and monitors in landfills. Organizations have to manage the hard costs of safe disposal of computer equipment. Alternatively additional payment to a third party for disposal or recycling of outdated equipment is necessary. When all the costs are totaled, an average of $320 is spent getting each computer out of the door.

3. Cascading (handing down/ employee sales) equipment - $275+

Older equipment replaced by newer equipment, and cascaded down the hierarchy, will require upgrades to remain compatible with newer applications or run the risk of creating an incompatible environment for file formats and networking. Resale to employees means that, first systems must be identified, removed from the enterprise network, cleaned, tested, and priced, and the employees must be notified of the sale. Upon completion of the sale, there must be a reconciliation of equipment information with financial systems, a record of all sale transactions, and review of the accounting - all real, hard costs. The average cost for the two options is approximately $275+.

4. Donating equipment - $300+

Donation of equipment to schools or charities requires all of the same hard costs associated with the administration of a sales effort. But, added to that are the issues of selection of the charity, logistical planning for pick up, disk wiping, maintenance of tax records and licence records. Crucially, in a donation scenario, any residual value of the equipment is lost. Thus, what began as a philanthropic effort, turns out to be one of the most time consuming and costly disposal alternatives; about $300 worth

5. Employing a recycler - $150+

The most cost effective disposal option is using a computer recycler with a strong remarketing organization. While the disposal cost remains the same - about $318 - it is offset by an average wholesale price of approximately $200; resulting in a disposal cost of only $150 per device.

California faces a mounting bill for handling toxic waste from obsolete computer monitors that could total U.S. $1 billion by 2006, according to a study released by a coalition of environmental groups.

End of Part 2

GSM, DEBT, AND DRAMA

By Titi Omo-Ettu

On the surface, Glomobile presents as the greatest lover of theatre in the gee-es-em landscape of Nigeria’s telephone revolution. King Sunny Ade, Lagbaja, Madam Kofo et al. Can you beat that?

Solidly on ground, the MTN fellows are the guys to beat if you ask me, especially as they have now turned the heat on with ‘What is beautiful’. Wonder if you saw recent outings. Boy-o boy!

In reality, those who love drama are actually in VMobile. See how they have used newspapers to act boardroom politics on stage. When the Masiyiwa issue first broke, CYBERSCHUULNEWS forecast a long drawn battle which had the potential of going for the jugular of Econet Wlreless Nigeria and we took the aspect which concerned Nigerians to alert Nigerian officials on the need to watch events so Nigerians didn’t get short-changed at the end of it all. Emeka Oparah [a.k.a. ‘equipment’], Image maker of Econet would not hear of it. He fired out to say we got the story wrong. Nothing happened apart from the rising profile of his firm. We published his salvo and he countered with a protest against our publishing his opinion unedited and without getting his consent. Of course we published that too unedited and he rested the drama. The remaining is history…. Econet, Vodacom, Vnetwork, VMobile………V

Recent industry research pointed towards pervasive and uneasy debt relationships among and between telephone providers and we used the information to make a critical forecast of the possibility of a few of them going to court a la impatience for due process which the regulator is wont to employ. But we did not see much of what was coming from the drama perspective.

Eventually VMobile went to court, or so it claimed. But to do what? To ask that NITEL be wound up as a result of its inability to pay N3billion it is owing VMobile. VMobile also took advertorial slot in at least one newspaper to charge NITEL to the court of public opinion briefing the world that it had gone to the law court anyway. Can you beat that? If that is not drama, what is?

My people say ‘Kini mama also nta to yo egba dani, a bi ewure nje lesi ni?

[ What is a clothe merchant doing with the big cane, do goats eat textiles?]

Tayo Ekundayo, NITEL’s image man, has said all there is to say in the circumstance and it is hoped that VMobile’s tacticians are taking a deserved rest. How do you say the court should wind up a firm whose 51% asset was bidded for $3.36billion just because it owes $20million. In any case how much is everybody else including Aso Rock owing NITEL in cash and in kind?

But that is not to say those fellows have no merit to their worries.

Admittedly, NITEL has been a pain in the neck, not only to everybody else but particularly to itself. Its workers have shouted themselves hoarse. Only God knows why they kept thinking someone would listen to them. The latest information is that the Pension Fund into which NITEL should make monthly contribution so that its pensioners’ emoluments could be met had not been credited for about 8 months by the new NITEL. As a corollary, that is saying NITEL pensioners, a more sophisticated liability than those of Railways and Nigeria Airways, may stop receiving their pay if the trend is not reversed. All the tell-tales do not point to anyone being interested let alone having the required tact to deal with the matter. What is certain is that the 'foreign coaches' in charge at NITEL have no clue to these problems. If that is what the VMobile people are reacting to, we may not blame them. But do you go about that by doing theatre?

While Vmobile is in court, other providers are known to be briefing their lawyers in similar bodytalks.

To put it mildly, these are trying times. A flight in turbulence has its fate in the way the Pilot perceives the issue at hand. If he sees it as a challenge, half of the problem is solved. If he sees it as a danger, then the passengers are better asked to fasten their seatbelts and speak directly to God.

These are challenging days for the Nigerian Communications Commission as it is bound to task everything in the 9 eggheads who constitute that team. We wish them the best of luck especially as we have confidence in their sagacity. I understand many of them have salt and paper hair do’s. Bet you, by the end of the debt issue their heads would have gone completely grey.

[Titi Omo-Ettu is a Lagos based telecommunications engineer]

CYBERSCHUULNEWS 168

NITDA TO RAISE NiRA FOR DOT.NG

The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, will be suggesting the name of Nigeria Internet Registration Authority, NiRA, as the NGO which will manage the country-code .ng Top Level Domain [ccTLD] to the stakeholders meeting 8th November 2004. A 22-member Nigerian ccTLD Working Group selected to represent various internet community interests in the country was raised at the August stakeholders meeting and it has come up with recommendations on the name, structure, and focus of the proposed NGO which will administer the .ng domain. All indications are that NITDA is working towards inaugurating the NGO before the year ends.

VMOBILE GOES TO COURT[S]

VMobile eventually made good its threat to threaten court action so NITEL could pay up its accumulated N3billion interconnect debt. The mobile operator is actually praying the court that NITEL be wounded up so it could pick its cheque. It is novel for the debt of a mere $20million by a company whose 51% asset base was put for sale at $1.36billion to attract a verbose prayer which is made simultaneously to the court of the public, via newspaper advertorials and also to the court of Law

SERIALISATION

RECYCLED COMPUTERS:

TOXIC DUMPS or DIGITAL BRIDGE ENABLERS?

There is a burgeoning market for used and refurbished computers in Nigeria, and indeed in Africa and many of these computers have found their ways into our educational institutions. The rationale for this has mostly that Africans cannot afford new computers, and that these 'refurbs' give an opportunity to get on the information superhighway and bridge the digital divide.

But are these premises true? What are the benefits of refurbs to Africa and Africans? What are the real issues at stake? CYBERSCHUULNEWS, is serializing an article written by Dorcas Muthoni, a concerned African on the concept of used and refurbished computers, why the industrialised countries are sending them to Africa, and the long-term effects on Africa, our schools, and our children. The objective of publishing the essay is essentially to generate the usual healthy debate of the subject and seek that all sides to the matter be exposed. Reactions are therefore welcome.

In this first installment, the article examines the components contained in used computers, and the regulatory requirements for proper disposal.

Computer Recycling for Africa’s Use

by Dorcas Muthon

First things first: Definitions

Old Computers: Computers that have reached the end of their useful lives in an organisation/ A computer that has reached the end of its useful life to the owner. Second-hand/ Refurbs : Old or used computer equipment that has been restored to working condition. Restoration involves replacement of hardware components with similar or newer ones.

Facts:

Most of the environmental concerns with computers lie with the monitor (27% of the weight of a CRT monitor is due to its lead content), specifically its cathode ray tube (CRT). Each color monitor contains, on average, four to five pounds of lead, considered hazardous waste when disposed off. Computers also contain other hazardous materials, including mercury, cadmium (a known carcinogen), and hexavalent chromium (shown to cause high blood pressure, iron-poor blood, liver disease, and nerve and brain damage in animals).

In the US alone more than 315 million computers are expected to become obsolete by the year 2004, containing an estimated 1.2 billion pounds of lead, 2 million pounds of cadmium, 400,000 pounds of mercury and 1.2 million pounds of hexavalent chromium.

Imagine a worst-case scenario: Groundwater, enough Africans draw drinking water directly from rivers, near a landfill becomes contaminated.

Action:

In US and Europe, laws have been passed to address this issue: The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) in US and the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive in Europe address how computer equipment disposal should be carried out. It is important to note that the RCRA rules regarding computer disposal are restricted to landfilling. Disposal usually does not include recycling, donations, or trade-ins. An organization, therefore, comes under the auspices of the RCRA only if it chooses to throw away its old equipment. Failure to comply, attracts high penalties from the authority.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE

by Ernest Ndukwe Executive Vice chairman, NCC

In the biological sciences, the word cell refers to a very small unit of a living matter. All plants and animals are composed of cells or cellular tissues. In the telecommunications world, the word cellular is used to refer to a communications network that is composed of interconnected radio communications cells. So cellular phones refer to wireless terminals which are phones built to work with a cellular network.

The global Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure is in fact composed a network of small networks or cells. A Wide Area Network (WAN) is in fact a connected network of Local Area Networks (LAN) or ICT cells. Just as a national telecommunications infrastructure is in fact a network of cells which can either be local exchanges or radio base stations (or cell sites).

The ICT cell just as in the biological sciences therefore describes a small unit of the ICT infrastructure that supports the networked information society of today.

Telemedicine

The development of mobile communications, teleconferencing facilities, multi-media capabilities of telecommunications and the internet, has been of immense benefit in healthcare delivery. By this revolution, spatial differences between medical specialists, medical centers and patients have been eliminated. ICTs permit valuable professional expertise to be made available to remote areas.

It has now become a common phenomenon for doctors on call duty not to be restricted to their homes waiting for a call or within the coverage distance of a local paging facility. Today the doctor on call can move freely with his/her mobile phone and can easily be reached, in case of emergency, to give initial instructions on how to manage the patient while he is on his way to the hospital if necessary.

Through the internet, it is possible to set up facilities for intensive patient monitoring service which can enable doctors to watch their patients at a remote site, monitor their vital signs in real time as well as give advice for treatments. ICTs can also be used for exchange of information between different health professionals. For example, they can be used to transfer patient information between different sites thereby improving clinical effectiveness.

With broadband facility and video conferencing, doctors in one part of the country, or in any part of the world for that matter, can consult with other specialists in any part of the world on any medical case of interest.

E-medicine

Medical equipment is becoming increasingly more sophisticated principally as a result of advances in ICTs. However, while these systems offer powerful tools for diagnosis; they require certain economies of scale for their effective usage. Tele-radiology offers an effective means for achieving this by giving wider access to diagnostic equipment.

ICTs also offer a powerful capability for simulation and modelling in the medical sphere. Surgery can be made easier and more effective by giving surgeons the ability to visualize the area of the body that will be the subject of the operation. Using the endoscope, images of tumours or other areas of abnormal growth can be obtained with minimal surgical interventions

There are also a range of information, transaction and technology solutions that help consumers, physicians, providers and health planners navigate the complexity of the healthcare system including software solutions that facilitate medical practice generally. ‘Clinical Chart’ for example, is a full suite of electronic medical records applications that allows healthcare providers to computerize their patient records without disrupting the way they practice medicine, thus providing a seamless transition from the paper chart to the fully electronic medical record. It also embodies a powerful clinical tool that brings a snapshot of the patient's medical record to a single screen and gives the healthcare provider instant access to almost any level of underlying detail. Often used as a main menu, the ‘Chart view’ allows providers to view and modify many different components of a patient's medical record including recent health factors, lab results, medications, and other components of the chart.

[Above text is taken from a Landmark Public Lecture on ‘ICT Science and Medicine’ delivered by Engr Ndukwe at The College of Medicine, University of Nigeria in Enugu last week]

CYBERSCHUULNEWS 167

AFRICAN VoIP ASSOCIATION MAY EMERGE SOON

Courtesy of ITEC, the African VoIP Forum is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, on 14 and 15 December. The forum will provide a space for players to review recent developments in Africa, learn from best practices around the world, and map out future corporate, national and continental strategies for VoIP applications.

While South Africa and Kenya have become latest liberalizers of VoIP new initiatives are expected to blossom across the continent. In particular, Nigeria which has a dynamic telecom industry is being forecast to come up with one of the most radical game plans in the subject.

Several countries which are still debating the pros and cons of VoIP and trying to protect the vested interests of incumbent operators may end up seeing themselves left behind as more progressive markets reduce costs and multiply connections through the rapid deployment of IP-based solutions.

DEBT, DEBT, DEBT EVERYWHERE IN NIGERIA

New minds in economics may be required by the Nigerian telecom Regulator if the pervasive interconnect debt which is troubling Nigerian telcos is to be prevented from destablising the market. Chances are that some mobile providers may want to push for court intervention so debtor telcos do not go under while debt settlement discussions are going on.

At the centre of high-digit debts is NITEL which is virtually comatose just as a few PTOs are already into receivership. Chances are that not less than two firms may go under before the year comes to an end. Recently, MTN yanked off Intercellular subscribers but NCC stepped in to caution the big mobile operator on the need to follow due process.

CYBERSCHUUL GRADUATES LINUX INSTALLERS

8 of the 10 trainees who registered for the weekend LINUX training leading to a preparation for international certifications came out successful in the 10 weeks long program. The training which held 2.00pm – 6.00pm every Saturday was designed to prepare professionals who are otherwise engaged all weeklong but could spare their Saturday evening to take the hands-on tutorials. The Next batch of trainees will commence classes on October 30, 2004 for 10 weeks of repackaged and improved program. The training costs N35,000.00 only.

Payment can be made into any Branch of First Bank Plc [ credit account No 2412010004800 THE EXECUTIVE CYBERSCHUUL] and forward payment details to tec@cyberschuul.com

For more information tec@cyberschuul.com

RECYCLED COMPUTERS:

TOXIC DUMPS or DIGITAL BRIDGE ENABLERS?

There is a burgeoning market for used and refurbished computers in Nigeria, indeed in Africa and many of these computers have found their ways into our educational institutions. The rationale for this has mostly that Africans cannot afford new computers, and that these 'refurbs' give an opportunity to get on the information superhighway and bridge the digital divide.

But are these premises true? What are the benefits of refurbs to Africa and Africans? What are the real issues at stake? CYBERSCHUULNEWS, will serialise an article written by Dorcas Muthoni, a concerned African on the concept of used and refurbished computers, why the industrialised countries are sending them to Africa, and the long-term effects on Africa, our schools, and our children.

The first part will come up in the next edition and all opinion on the subject will be published as they come. Please watch out as it is explosive.

UTILISING INDIGENOUS TALENTS IN THE INTEREST OF THE NATION

By Adigun Ade ABIODUN

[Chairman, United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space]

Annually, on 15 August, when India celebrates the anniversary of its political independence from Britain, it does so by recalling its Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958 that proclaimed and declared inter alia:

...... It is only through the scientific approach and method and the use of scientific knowledge that reasonable material and cultural amenities and services can be provided for every member of the community........ The Government of India has decided to pursue and accomplish these aims by offering good conditions of service to scientists and according them an honoured position, and by associating indigenous scientists with the formulation of (national) policies.

By steadfastly following the terms of their respective national S&T policies and by enriching a science and technology culture nationally, China and India are now space powers, with the ability to build their own rockets, as well as build and launch a majority of their own satellites, space technology being only one of their many S&T achievements. The success story of Singapore is also hinged on the commitment of its government in promoting the development of science and technology, with a significant emphasis on research and development (R&D) activities whose results were transferred to the industry for subsequent translation into marketable products and technologies.

What is apparent from the Singapore example is that while the geographical size of a nation may endow it with a given amount of natural resources and thus a manifestation of its potential power, however, the real power of a country is measured in terms of its economic progress, i.e. the proven capacity and capability of that society to judiciously and determinedly exploit technologies and translate scientific knowledge into economic productivity. In the New World order of today and in the foreseeable future, we in Africa must realise that the mode of wealth creation is knowledge-based, technology driven and not commodity dependent. Such knowledge is also always at the disposal of those countries that have made the investments that would enable them to participate in and contribute to S&T inter-governmental deliberations and to negotiate for positions that are compatible with their national interests. The common denominator in all the examples cited above is the establishment, in each country, of long-term national goals, backed by the commitment of each nation's political leadership and succeeding governments, its private industries, the academic and research communities, and the general citizenry. For Africa and the African countries, NEPAD offers us a similar unique opportunity to do the same for Africa.

Above all, both the Association of African Universities and the African Academy of Sciences, in cooperation with their affiliates around the continent, would need to steadfastly address a number of key pressing issues in each African country:

" Continuous political and public education on the roles of S&T in development;

" Harmonisation of education curricula as well as enhancement of standards;

" Improvement in the quality of S&T education and research; and

" Knowledge creation/development as opposed to technology transfer/acquisition.

The fulfillment of the above steps by any African country signifies its maturity and readiness to participate in the joint key S&T activities of NEPAD.

[Above text is excerpted from the paper 'AFRICA, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY- STAKES AND PROSPECTS ' which was presented at the UN recently by Dr Adigun Ade ABIODUN, Chairman, United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space]

CYBERSCHUULNEWS 166

PENTASCOPE UNDER PROBE

AS PARENT KPN IS SET TO CUT JOBS IN THE NETHERLANDS

With news coming out of the Netherlands that Dutch incumbent Royal KPN is to cut 750 jobs at its wireline division to combat the continuing effects of poor sales and downward pressure on prices, Nigerian parliamentarian may have got more reason to nail Pentascope on the matter of incompetence. KPN'S sack of its workers is an extension of previous restructuring plans - the telco has already revealed plans to cut 800 fixed line staff - and will affect the group's KPN Entercom Solutions unit, which commissions switches and alarm centres for its corporate clients. As a result of the decision, KPN will cut 140 jobs immediately, with the remainder to go next year.

KPN's story is making meaning in Nigeria only to the extent of its relationship with the failed and on going second attempt to privatize NITEL, Nigeria's ailing incumbent and First National Operator. KPN was mentioned as technical advisors to IILL which failed in its 2001 bid to buy 51% of NITEL and it was also recently mentioned in controversial circumstances as being farther-figure to Pentascope. On KPN's website http://www.kpn-corporate.com/eng/kpn/?id=1&taal=eng however, a search for Pentascope, returned the statement "Sorry, no pages found with pentascope."

Facts on ground do not show that the consultants have a clue to NITEL's problems and politicians are looking into the books in apparent bid to ease them out. Several apologists of the consultants have threatened the dangers of breach of contract while the politicians seem bent on sacking the group for poor performance.

M-tel, the Mobile subsidiary of NITEL which is also enjoying the management support of Pentascope has been clearly lackluster.

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS for REGULATION

by Ernest Ndukwe

Typically the role of the regulator is to encourage commercial enterprises and competition, prevent development of cartels and uncompetitive practices, remove barriers to market entry by new operators and oversee interconnection of new entrants with incumbent and dominant operators. The regulator will also be required to monitor ensure that rates are financially and economically reasonable, make sure that the service quality is of an acceptable standard, that customers are treated fairly and that operators extend their services to remote and rural areas.

Perhaps one key role of the regulatory body is to see to the optimal use and equitable allocation of scarce resources such as the frequency spectrum, numbers and rights of ways.

Enabling Laws:

The foundation for a successful regulatory environment is the enabling laws, which must be such that the regulatory body has the statutory powers to function effectively. Good regulation is essential to ensure the success of sector reforms.

Government Support:

The second important factor is the divestment of government from ownership of telecommunications operating entities. Governments will be more inclined to introduce significant competition in the market and strengthen the regulatory institution if they do not also double as owners of telecommunications operators.

Independence:

Experience has shown that the independence of the regulatory body is essential to the successful performance of its role in the sector. Regulators need to be isolated from political or administrative pressures to be able to regulate the market fairly and earn confidence of investors, consumers and stakeholders.

Manpower:

it is also important that the body is endowed with requisite professional personnel in the legal, technical, financial, economic and general management areas. The personnel should adequately remunerated and be granted terms of employment which guarantee them minimum of independence.

Funding:

Without adequate funding a regulatory body will not be effective. Some regulators are funded out of general government budget appropriations while others are funded by revenues from licences and spectrum fees. The latter is generally preferred to guarantee the independence of the regulator and ensure that the regulatory function is not cash strapped, and therefore unable to offer professional services. Some NRA's in Africa are starved of basic funds essential for training, manpower development and operational effectiveness. The NRA must be financially independent to be effective in an environment characterized by operators with deep pockets. NRA's must be operationally and financially independent of network operators and service providers and must never depend on such entities for favours or handouts.

Consultations:

The sector regulation process must reflect the devised sector strategy. It is also important that all interested parties are given the opportunity to comment or male their case before a major decision that affects them is taken.

This strategy was adopted during the auction for 2G Digital mobile licenses in Nigeria. We started by publishing a Consultation document both on the NCC Website and in the print media. The comments received were taken into consideration in preparing the final bid documents.

Generally, it is true to say that unless perspectives of all interested parties are taken into consideration, regulators risk making decision that ignore important factors to their detriment.

Regulators must also realize that the bigger knowledge base is with the operators and other stakeholders in the field. Open consultation therefore are a major source of useful information for regulators. Regular consultations must therefore be integral part of the regulatory process for rule making decision making.

Regulatory Decisions

Rules of the game and procedures must be positive in character. Regulatory decision-making can be difficult and once made ultimately creates winners and losers in some cases.

However the principle of good regulatory decision making must always be adopted and these include: transparency, objectivity, professionalism, efficiency and fairness. Once these principles are applied regulators must be bold to make timely decisions. Some regulators, in attempt to avoid offending anyone, delay decisions or create unworkable compromises. This can lead to retarding the development of the sector. Delays in telecommunications investment can be very costly.

Licensing

Licensing criteria must be well articulated and publicly available. Terms and conditions of individual licenses must be investor friendly and also ensure consumer rights. Licensing processes must be transparent and timely. Exclusivity, where considered necessary, must be for a determined optimum number of operators and must ensure adequate competition and availability of choice. Prevention of anti- competitive conduct by dominant operators is crucial.

Interconnection

The regulatory environment should be such that new entrants are guaranteed seamless interconnection with the incumbents and dominant operators. The NRA must be strong enough to be able to enforce interconnection. Interconnection must be on non-discriminatory basis with respect to technical standard and specifications, rates and quality. Interconnection must be assured on a timely, transparent and reasonable manner. Interconnecting parties must have access to quick and independent dispute resolution process.

Consumer Protection

The consumer necessarily must be protected from any form of exploitative tendency and must be given a prime place in any consideration that involves the formulation of policies for the industry.

It is not acceptable for consumers to be treated as though the services provider/operator is doing them a favour as was the case during the era of monopoly. We are challenged every day to ensure that there is a good interface with the consumers of telecommunication services.

Operators are required to publish consumer codes of practice, which clearly state the rights of the consumer the services being offered, the channels for lodging complaints etc. They are also required to provide telephone numbers through which consumer complaints can be lodged. Operators are also to establish consumer care centers where complaints can be addressed quickly, effectively and efficiently.

The Nigerian Communications Commission is committed to ensuring that consumers have loud enough voices that will ensure that their interests are adequately protected.

In furtherance to this, we have initiated the consumer outreach program at various parts of the country, where operators meet with the consumers face to face to deal with complaints.

Recently we also launched the consumer parliament, which is widely televised nationally, to ensure that consumers are well educated and that their concerns are promptly dealt with.

CONCLUSION

The wave of liberalization of the telecommunications industry around the world has led to the emergence of over 124 new regulatory bodies within the last decade. The transition from the telecommunications environment dominated by a single government owned operator to a competitive, market-based environment has made regulatory intervention necessary. The role of the regulatory should not be seen as that of management of the sector but to initiate appropriate conditions to attract serious long term local and foreign investment; make and enforce rules that encourage service providers to complete effectively and deliver quality and affordable services to the consumers of their services.

To win confidence of the stakeholders, the regulatory must be independently and well funded. The regulatory body must also be staffed by professional, competent and well-remunerated personnel.

[The above text is excerpted from a recent paper presented by Engr Ernest Ndukwe, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, at the Annual Conference of The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Electrical Division]

VOIP ISSUES

AFRICA CAN ONLY GAIN FROM LEGALISING VOIP

RODNEY WEIDEMANN

Africa only stands to gain through the legalisation of voice over IP (VoIP) technology, as it can allow developing nations to 'leapfrog' to the forefront of the telecommunications market.

This is the view of Dan Powdermaker, senior VP for worldwide sales at iBasis, a VOIP provider, addressing delegates at the ITU Telecom Africa 2004 conference in Cairo. He said there are numerous myths surrounding the concept of VOIP, such as that it is an idea that does not work, it is a technology that can be blocked and it is designed to aid new entrants into the telecoms market, while hurting incumbent operators.

"The reality is actually very different. Countries that enable this technology can only benefit from it, as can incumbents, because it does work well if it is done right," he said. "VOIP offers Africa the opportunity to increase traffic volumes and foster economic growth, reduce prices for consumers, accelerate time to market and facilitate new value-added services development."

Powdermaker said that in terms of global trends, the regulatory environment is being relaxed and more regulators are enabling the technology. "This move reflects the fact that VOIP is here to stay, it is a technology that works and it is growing."

According to Dr Yaw Osei-Amoako, sales director for Africa at telecoms services provider ITXC, VOIP is an essential component for the ICT roadmap for the continent. "It is something that will benefit both incumbents and new operators, since it offers different opportunities for growth."

He said incumbents can use VOIP to meet their regulatory obligations in terms of network roll-out, improve on network efficiency, maintain their competitiveness and complement or augment existing carrier agreements. At the same time, it offers new operators instant access to the global market, it is efficient and scalable, therefore a good starting point for new players, and it can be used to differentiate them from their competitors.

"If the question is: should African providers adopt VOIP? I would reply that it is a well known and well established technology, so why are we even asking the question?" said John Stowe, MD for Africa at Net2Phone. He said VOIP fosters competition, as it is the easiest and cheapest way to enter the market. It also prevents inflated retail pricing, as it keeps termination costs down, while competition of any kind also sparks further innovation.

"Packet-based technology is the only way to ensure affordable telecommunications for all Africans and is the best way to spark economic growth," concludes Stowe.

[Rodney Weidemann, Telecoms Editor for ITWEB. wrote the above on May 6, 2004]

CYBERSCHUULNEWS 165

PRICE WAR IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

MOBILE PHONES IN NIGERIA, VOIP IN USA

Cable companies and VoIP specialists such as Vonage and established telephone service providers such as AT&T are all attempting to attract Internet phone customers. The quality of voice transmissions varies, and it often falls short of that available for cellular plans.

Drops in pricing for two major Internet phone services signal the start of a price war as providers struggle to attract consumer attention. The rate cuts raise the question of whether anyone will ever make any money selling Internet-phone service. But AT&T and Vonage, the two providers who slashed monthly fees by US$5 recently, have differing takes on whether further cuts will be necessary.

In Nigeria, MTN, VMOBILE and GLOBACOM are slashing activation charges as a piece of attraction to woo mobile phone users into their networks. Activation fees are however a one-off part of mobile phone bill in Nigeria. A few years back, MTN announced an Average Revenue Per User, ARPU of $53.00 [or N7,500.00 at the going rate] which was highest in Africa. That must have been hotly challenged by the coming of Globacom, a startup SNO which may just be the provider to watch. Government-owned M-tel, the fourth Mobile Service Provider is occupied attending to other pressing problems as it recently lost seven topmost executives including the CEO to a sweeping sack by Government, so its not part of all these.

A CITIZEN'S CLUE TO ARRESTING INCESSANT FUEL PRICE HIKE

Dear Friends and Families,

I hear we are going to hit close to N60.00 a gallon by the end of this month. Want petrol prices to come down? We need to take some intelligent, united action. I, offered this good idea: This makes MUCH MORE SENSE than the ‘don’t buy gas on a certain day’ campaign that was going around during the telecomms siege! The oil companies just laughed at that because they knew we wouldn't continue to hurt ourselves by refusing to buy petrol. It was more of an inconvenience to us than it was a problem for them.

BUT, whoever thought of this idea, has come up with a plan that can really work. Please read it and join with us! By now you're probably thinking petrol priced at about N53.00 is criminal. Me too! And it's only going to get worse. We all know that we're being screwed by the oil companies. Does everyone remember how they drove up the prices way past an affordable price. Remember how, many people can't afford cooking gas now? Remember how people use coal to cook now? Kerosene is way past what most people can afford now!! All these in a petroleum producing country!! It is terrible, criminal and very upsetting.

What we need to do now is take an aggressive action to teach them that BUYERS control the marketplace....not sellers. With the price of petrol going up more each day, we consumers need to take action. The only way we are going to see the price of petrol come down is if we hit someone in the pocketbook by not purchasing from them! And we can do that WITHOUT hurting ourselves. How?

Since we all rely on our cars, we can't just stop buying petrol. But we CAN have an impact on petrol prices if we all act together to force a price war.

Here's the idea: For the rest of this year, DON'T purchase petrol from the two biggest companies (which now are one), MOBIL and TOTAL. If they are not selling, they will be inclined to reduce their prices. If they reduce their prices, the other companies will have to follow suit. But to have an impact, we need to reach literally millions of Mobil and Total petrol buyers. It's really simple to do!! Now, don't wimp out on me at this point...keep reading and I'll explain how simple it is to reach millions of people!! I am sending this note to at least thirty people. If each of you send it to at least ten more (30 x 10 = 300) .. and those 300 send it to at least ten more (300 x 10 = 3,000)...and so on, by the time the message reaches the sixth generation of people, we will have reached over THREE MILLION consumers! If those three million get excited and pass this on to ten friends each, then 30 million people will have been contacted! If it goes one level further, you guessed it..... THREE HUNDRED MILLION PEOPLE!!! Again, all You have to do is send this to 10 people. That's all (If you don't understand how we can reach 300 million and all you have to do is send this to 10 people... Well, let's face it, you just aren't a mathematician.

But I am . so trust me on this one.) How long would all that take? If each of us sends this email out to ten more people within one day of receipt, all 300 MILLION people could conceivably be contacted within the next 8 days!!! I'll bet you I didn't think you and I had that much potential, did you! Acting together we can make a difference. If this makes sense to you, please pass this message on.

PLEASE HOLD OUT UNTIL THEY LOWER THEIR PRICES AND KEEP THEM DOWN. THIS CAN REALLY WORK!!!!!!!

PLEASE take a few minutes and pass this on to everyone you know!! If you can't e-mail it to at least ten people, please print out a bunch of copies and hand it out to your family and friends!!

NO MORE MOBIL AND TOTAL FOR ME!!!!

[This letter , unedited, is flying around on the Internet]

CYBERSCHUULNEWS 164

INDIA LAUNCHES EDUSAT-1

Edusat-1, India’s educational communications satellite was launched September 20, 2004 at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, India. It carries six extended C band and six Ku band transponders. The six C band and one of the Ku band transponders provide coverage of the whole of India. The remaining five Ku transponders feed spot beams which provide coverage of the northern, north-eastern, eastern, southern and western areas of India.

Edusat-1 will be co-located with Insat-3C and Kalpana-1 at 74° E.

… but RISKS SACK FROM GLOBAL 3G

The Indian telecommunications regulator, TRAI, is currently considering a proposal to release spectrum at 1900 MHz that not only favours specific technologies, but also directly overlaps and clashes with the ITU band, reserved globally for 3G services. The 1900 MHz band is often referred to as the “US PCS” band. If India does that , the country may be removed from the international 3G family.

Analysts do not think India is unaware of the implications of such a move and the decision may be a lesson in self actualization, a lesson indeed to upcoming networks of developing economies.

CALIXTHUS MOVES ON

It is old news that Mr. Calixthus Okoruwa erstwhile image maker for MTN Nigeria has moved out of the big GSM firm. What is news is that his new outfit is called XLR8 pronounced as ‘excelerate’. Nice guy, if you ask me. Wish him all the best

MTN is Building Three Networks

Adrian Wood (CEO, MTN Nigeria)

One of the largely unknown difficulties facing our 350+ NWG team [MTN's Network Group] is that they are building not one network, but three networks simultaneously.

All GSM operators worldwide design, construct and maintain the GSM network, made up of the base stations system and the core GSM voice and data switching infrastructure. That is normal.

However in Nigeria, NWG has two other massive engineering projects under its purview: constructing a nation-wide backbone transmission infrastructure, as well as a national electric power system.

The enormity of these two additional projects is difficult to imagine. But here are some facts to consider:

When the original "Y'elloBahn" backbone was commissioned on 20th January 2003, it comprised of 3,400 kilometres of STM-I capacity digital transmission microwave. STM-I is approximately 1,900 equivalent long-haul telephone trunk circuits.

Within weeks it became apparent that four trouble spots would necessitate re-engineering and upgrade. Then from July 2003, Y'elloBahn Phase 2 was commenced, which consists of quadrupling the most heavily congested links (such as Lagos-Ibadan, Port Harcourt-Onitsha) to 4 x STM-I (7,600 equivalent trunks).

Where the quad-size Y'elloBahn has been installed, the original microwave radio