We Can Learn From Somaliland

[Jacaylbaro]

Digital revolution is already fuelling Africa’s development in a great way. The immense possibilities offered by information technology could wipe out ignorance and usher in better governance and greater participation.

 

This was the main message at the end of the recent Kigali summit on connecting Africa.

 

While the continent remains the world’s poorest and least connected, there is hope that improved access to information and communications technologies (ICTs) will give Africans a better chance of pulling themselves out of hunger and destitution. For example, modern networking tools supply farmers with market information and entrepreneurs with access to microcredit while linking community groups with disaster relief.

 

Sadly, many African countries still cling to outdated national policy regimes and punitive telecommunication regulations. These hinder cross-border harmonisation of licensing rules, thereby frustrating the economies of scale that are desperately needed to make such large projects affordable.

 

FOR INSTANCE, the much touted African Virtual University that offers satellite-based distance learning, has faced hurdles in obtaining licenses from more than 20 governments.

 

But there is one irony to all this: The unrecognised de facto state of Somaliland hosts the continent’s least expensive and most widely accessible telephone service on the continent!

 

HERE, ICTS rule the roost. This is partly explained by the fact that the small telecommunications sector relies heavily on satellites. Because these sky stations broadcast a wide footprint of low-cost and reliable signals, they offer a good model for linking a continent that suffers from a deficit of terrestrial infrastructure, after all satellites can connect “the last 1000 miles.”

 

If Africa is to be truly be part of this information revolution, there is need for our continent’s policy makers to critically think of the necessity to exploit techno-scientific knowledge in ICTs. After all, as it has been argued before, knowledge is the only source of long-run sustainable competitive advantage given the highly competitive global economy that we are part of.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source The East African

[Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar]

But there is one irony to all this: The unrecognised de facto state of Somaliland hosts the continent’s least expensive and most widely accessible telephone service on the continent!

This fact is not limited to Waqooyi Galbeed. It is the same in the whole Soomaaliya, and it had been so since 2000.

[LANDER]

Originally posted by Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar:

quote:But there is one irony to all this: The unrecognised de facto state of Somaliland hosts the continent’s least expensive and most widely accessible telephone service on the continent!

This fact is not limited to Waqooyi Galbeed. It is the same in the whole Soomaaliya, and it had been so since 2000.

^ what a hater

[RedSea]

Hargeysa based Telesom co. is the leader in Telecommunications in Africa.

 

Without him, Mr. Jacaylbarow here wouldn't be there and here at the same time.

[Jacaylbaro]

 

Waaryaa i don't use Telesom's connection ,,,, actually i hate it

 

 

I prefer Abbinet ......