open access

The case for “open access” in Africa: Mauritius case study

LisaC — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:36:46 +0100

LONDON (Russell Southwood for APC) -

As other African countries along the SAT-3 submarine internet cable struggle with the high costs of monopolised international bandwidth, Mauritius has encouraged a lowering of prices through price-setting. But Mauritius Telecom had lowered its rates even before the government scale came into effect. The Cyber Island has seen a significant increase in its call centre and outsourcing sectors. Can Mauritius provide lessons to countries that are looking to boost their economies? This study written by Russell Southwood for APC in May, and now available for the first time in French and Portuguese, examines the relationship between international bandwidth prices in Mauritius and the impact of its Cyber Island strategy.

Why African governments need to listen to the case for "open access" to international communications infrastructure

LisaC — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 21:22:28 +0100

SAXONWOLD (Lisa Thornton for APCNews) -

Africa faces two serious challenges regarding internet connectivity – high prices and unreliable connections. The SAT-3/WASC cable, a submarine cable that runs from Portugal to South Africa, has the potential to help alleviate some of the connectivity challenges however, a study released by the APC in May 2008 and now in French and Portuguese written by Abiodun Jagun, reveals that the cable remains largely under-utilised. APCNews talks to Abi Jagun about her findings.

6th International Conference on Open Access

vanessa — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:02:11 +0100

Open Access in the context of Communication (Open Communication) means that anyone, on equal conditions with a transparent relation between cost and pricing, can get access to and share communication

Statement presented by APC's Anriette Esterhuysen at the closing of OECD ministerial in Seoul, June 2008

anriette — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:39:42 +0100

APC statement - ICASA hearings on draft essential facilities regulations

webmaster — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 03:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (APCNews) -

The APC stated its whole-hearted support of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) for the drafting of regulations prescribing a list of essential facilities for electronic communications which will create conditions of open access on a non-discriminatory basis to undersea-based submarine cables. APC also called on ICASA to take immediate action to counter anti-competitive behaviour of Telkom, the dominant fixed line operator. Read the full statement.