CTO-CRC-Africa-2010-Report

THE 5TH ANNUAL

CONNECTING RURAL COMMUNITIES
africa A CTO FORUM 2010
EVENT REPORT
17 - 19 AUGUST, 2010
ACCRA, GHANA

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS
MINISTRY OF NATIONAL GHANA INVESTMENT FUND
ORGANISATION
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GHANA AUTHORITY, GHANA COMMUNICATIONS

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CRC AFRICA FORUM 2010
EVENT REPORT
17 - 19 AUGUST, 2010, ACCRA, GHANA

THE 5TH ANNUAL

CONNECTING RURAL COMMUNITIES
africa A CTO FORUM 2010

Connecting rural Africa on a
cost-effective, sustainable
and profitable basis through
Public-Private-Peoples’ Partnerships
This post conference report provides a summary
of the core ideas and concepts that were
discussed, questioned, debated and concluded
at the CRC Africa 2010 Forum. It provides an insight
into the stimulating and productive informative
presentations, and theme panel discussions over a
three that focused on ICT and rural communities.

2 c Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation 2010 August 2010

EVENT REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Overview 4
2 Conference Summary 6

2.1 Day One August 17th 2010 6

2.1.1 Formal Opening 6
2.1.2 Ministerial Panel Discussions 8

2.1.3 Regulatory Panel Discussions 11

2.2. Day Two: August 18th, 2010 15
2.2.1 Infrastructure Development & Funding 15
2.2.2 Panel Discussion – interactive session 18
2.2.3 Operator’s Panel 20
2.3 Day Two - August 18th, 2010 22
(Afternoon Session)
2.3.1 Panel Discussion 22
2.4 Day Three - August 19th, 2010
(Morning Session) 23

2.4.1 Equipment, Technology & Applications 23

2.5 Day Three: August 19th, 2010 25
(Afternoon Session)

2.5.1 Public-Private-Partnerships 25
for Rural Connectivity

2.5.2 Panel Discussion and Summaries 27

3 Conference Closure 28

4 The Conference in photos 29

5 Acronyms 30

c Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation 2010 August 2010 3

EVENT REPORT

1 OVERVIEW

The lack of affordable access to relevant information and These various sessions helped to encourage comparative and
knowledge services among the rural poor has lately creative approaches; collaborative, interdisciplinary and
been a concern to development experts. Even though access improvisatory.
to information is essential, and has the ability to
empower poor communities, enhance capacity, and link The conference was hosted by Ghana’s Ministry of
departments involved in poverty reduction, this access Communications (MOC), its National Communications
has been limited in reality and indeed few empirical studies Authority (NCA) and the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic
exist which assess the impact of investments aimed Communications (GIFEC).
at providing this much needed access to information. Important
constraints fall under the following headings; This post conference report provides a summary of the core
policy and regulatory, ICT infrastructure in the rural areas- ideas and concepts that were discussed, questioned, debated
with the high costs associated with last mile connectivity in and concluded at the event and hopefully, a reflection of the
mind- unreliable or absence of power, trade-offs by stimulating and productive 3 days.
governments, high levels of illiteracy and also, rural poverty
reduction strategy obstacles. There were 35 formal panel presentations, and theme-based
panel discussions which offered opportunities for the audience
In an effort to explore new creative paradigms for thinking to hear well reasoned arguments and discussions about
about minimising these obstacles, the CTO organised its pertinent topics as seen from a variety of viewpoints with the
5th Annual Connecting Rural Communities Africa conference maximum interactive sessions intended to enhance the skills
in Accra, Ghana from Tuesday August 17th - Thursday August and broaden the perspective of the attendees.
19th 2010. The conference theme was based on connecting
rural Africa on a cost-effective, sustainable and profitable An exhibition of ICT products in areas such as mobile
basis through Public-Private-People’s Partnerships. telephony, alternative energy sources, and ICT
The 3-day event included a keynote speech and engaging infrastructure development by both local and foreign companies
and varied discussions by experts in numerous fields were on display during the conference. The conference was
showcasing supported by sponsors who have monumental influence and
issues in relation to Rural Connectivity. Panel discussions of are actively pursuing new opportunities regarding rural
six spotlighted areas covered Policy making and Regulation, connectivity.
Infrastructure Development and Funding; Equipment,
Technology and Applications, and Operations - as well as a
critical panel discussion of Public-Private-Peoples’
Partnerships.


EVENT REPORT

1 OVERVIEW

The following key points emerged from the proceedings;

• Good leadership, active regulatory authorities and self • All are teaming to bring a variety of innovative programs
sustainable home-grown policies have to be encouraged to rural areas that provide services such as telephony,
in order to realize the rural connectivity goal distance education, and access to the internet, however,
power constraints have been the bane of achieving rural
• African countries, it turns out, have similar ICT challenges connectivity in most African countries. Delegates confirmed
of unreliable power and local content, of insufficient that for rural connectivity to be successful, alternative or
funding, ad hoc ICT initiatives resulting in the lack of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and battery
integration (e-governance has not been fully achieved in power are reliable as access solutions for the Wireless
most of these countries) and an absence of reliable market
statistics on ICT deployment which does not give a true
picture of the digital divide • The use of mobile telephony, as an ICT tool to enhance
information sharing, the conference learned, has opened
• Additionally, there are other obstacles such as lack of new doors to rural connectivity and Public-Private-Peoples’
common standards and shared experiences which lead to Partnerships. It was evident from the presentations that
resistance to regional integration surprisingly, not due to the continued success of mobile telephony in rural areas
the number of languages, but to different traditional depends on policymakers and stakeholders- that
methodologies encouraging appropriate legislation and policies should
enable rural enterprises to develop business models that
• On Universal Services & Access Funding (USAF), the exploit mobile telephony tailoring applications specifically
common perception is that funds administered by to address the needs of rural communities
independent regulators and agencies are less likely to be
influenced by • Infrastructure development does not stop at satellites
only, it was intimated. The expansion of cable presents
• Government or political interest. Universal access programs new opportunities in that satellite & submarine cable are
typically promote rural access to information through complementary technologies that could leverage versatility
telecommunications networks and have to be encouraged & viability of satellite services

• Co-location was a passionate topic, and as a solution to • In relation to an enabling environment for broadband
cost effective infrastructure-sharing was well usage, it emerged that Plans executed with International
appreciated by most delegates, even though a few were metrics enable global competitiveness. Broadband
sceptical of the idea since there are solutions for co- spectrum allocation must be also seen to be ‘clear,
existence. It was obvious from majority opinions, that in consistent, comprehensive.’
order to grow the sector, smaller operators will benefit
from this initiative as it would save cost of operation and • Sharing of deployed WAN to the rural areas do not
quicken expansion in terms of network coverage. necessarily require building a new network. Old networks
can be extended to rural areas
Indeed, if properly tailored, infrastructure-sharing will
benefit operators as funds used for building cell sites and • In order to boost the 4 Ps, Public-Private-Peoples’
towers would be channelled towards expansion and Partnerships’, the conference recognised there should
rendering quality services to subscribers. Also, acting in be an enabling policy/regulatory frameworks, offer of
the best interest of rural connectivity, it was generally funding through Universal Service and Access Fund
agreed that if market levels are used to determine Agencies, and an aggregate public sector demand for
infrastructure sharing, connecting to rural areas would commercial rollout.
delay unduly

ICT stakeholders comprising Ministers, regulators, telecom operators and leading ICT global brands representing
more than 20 countries throughout the world took part, so thank you to everyone who came along and made it such
a success.


EVENT REPORT

2 CONFERENCE SUMMARY
2.1 DAY ONE AUGUST 17TH 2010

2.1.1 Formal Opening

Mr. Marcel Belingue, Senior Manager of Programmes at the Therefore, with African countries now taking a more democratic
CTO warmly welcomed delegates, who he encouraged to turn and with an increase in exports, there is a need for these
concentrate on key issues, reiterating the hope that the countries to harness the potential for ICT development in their
organization’s efforts through its theme Connecting Rural development strategies in order to drive forward their economies.
Communities (CRC) which has brought them to Accra, would As a positive step forward, he announced on behalf of the
lead to visionary, thought provoking and thoughtful contributions. CTO, the Commonwealth Telecommunications Investment
He kindly introduced the Chairman for the Opening ceremony Fund which has been set up to raise seed capital to champion
and asked for prayers to be said. The Chief Director of Ghana’s the drive towards increased broadband services to rural
Ministry of Communication, Mr. Ofosu Adarkwa, asked for communities. This is expected to cover the broad agenda in
God’s guidance in all deliberations. connecting rural communities into the knowledge economy.

The Chairman for this occasion was Mr. Gideon Quarcoo, Mr. Thabani Tonny Khupe Director of Intel’s Group Corporate
Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Communication. In his short Affairs, Sub-Saharan Africa, in his general opening remarks
welcoming remarks, he reminded delegates of conference while stressing the importance and appropriateness of the
topics which when well presented and digested should lead conference theme, expressed Intel’s desire to connect all
to good experiences for all. African citizens with internet benefits. This will be possible
if African governments work together to solve pertinent issues
Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, CEO of the CTO gave the leading such as inadequate power and absence of local content,
opening remarks. He appraised the CTO’s role in connecting he pointed out.
rural communities in Africa and capacity strengthening of
African Regulators by focusing on the unserved and underserved Mr. Brett Goschen, CEO of Ghana’s leading Mobile Operator
through the Commonwealth African Connectivity Rural Initiative MTN, explained that MTN Ghana is strong on the ‘partnerships’
or COMARCI. Dr. Spio-Garbrah’s major food for thought for aspect of the conference theme.
delegates had to do with the rural/urban divide which remains
the main challenge to ICT growth in Africa. He pointed out Indeed, the company has formed a working relationship with
that over seventy per cent of the people in Commonwealth the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications
countries did not have access to basic communication Company (GIFEC) in the area of rural connectivity, while also
infrastructure and hence were unconnected despite adopting new business models such as mobile banking for the
advancements within the ICT sector. underserved and unserved.


EVENT REPORT


Dr. Hamadoun Toure, Secretary-General of the ITU gave a very Ambassador Victor Gbeho who is the President of the ECOWAS
thought-provoking key note address. He repeatedly noted his Commission, asked African countries to fully capitalize on ICT
passion to see the ITU drive strategies that shall lead African benefits as India and other Asian countries have done.
countries to acquire right infrastructure, right capacity building, He informed delegates of ECOWAS’s 2007 Vision, founded on
right local content and National Broadband Strategies - not democratic values of human rights and the rule of law becoming
just ICT policies. He emphasised, “I am particularly concerned a reality through rural community empowerment. Barriers against
that the digital divide is not allowed to become a broadband actualisation of the ECOWAS vision are common all over the
divide.” continent (and they came up for mention throughout the
conference). These include infrastructural challenges to
With broadband networks, progress can be accelerated towards connectivity; costly, unreliable or absence of power; lack of
meeting the Millennium Development Goals, he added. If common standards; and low levels of local content programmes-
broadband is to become a ubiquitous resource for all Africans, because of a lack of a sustained development drive towards
Dr. Toure reminded delegates, then African governments building local skills - weak indigenous resource base; and the
would firstly need to raise broadband to the top of the lack of free movement of citizens across borders were highlighted
development agenda, so that rollout is accelerated and the by the President of the ECOWAS Commission. To fight these
benefits are brought to as many people as possible, and barriers, Ambassador Gbeho hoped governments would make
secondly, make it much more affordable. In saying this, innovative business models and partnerships which would consist
Dr. Toure is trying to encourage all countries to have a of effective buy in by local stakeholders.
framework that enshrines broadband as a public service to
which every citizen should have access. Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, Honourable Minister of Communication,
Ghana, performed Grand Opening of the conference on behalf
Reporting to the conference, Dr. Toure said since the ITU of the President of Ghana, His Excellency Professor John Evans
Connect Africa Summit in Kigali in 2007, a reported impressive Atta Mills. His speech threw a challenge to participants to
US$ 21 billion has been spent on ICT infrastructure investment “provide a framework for cooperation of public, private and
in Africa in the two years following that event. The problem in grassroots people; identify clear roles of all stakeholders; establish
providing individual or even household connectivity in rural the symbiosis in the relations of stakeholders; focus on profitable
and underserved areas, or trying to serve disadvantaged and ICT services rather than the display of technology or processes;
vulnerable groups within communities, is often impractical, he place emphasis on the affordability of the ICT services for the
lamented. His suggestion therefore, is to have smart policies rural communities and; support manpower development
and innovative public-private partnerships promoting community and employment.” And also, “In connecting rural communities,
access through schools. These represent attractive, affordable we in Africa, should embrace ICT infrastructure deployment
and scalable alternatives. On mobile telephony, he revealed as part of a unified and comprehensive economic development
that by the beginning of the year 2010, mobile cellular penetration strategy that also addresses issues of education, health,
had reached 44% in Africa as a whole, up from just 15% four governance and commerce.” He commended Ghana’s
years earlier. Even in sub-Saharan Africa, mobile penetration Telecommunications’ Operators and GIFEC for their
had reached 34% by the start of 2010. And in many developing impressive growth in the face of financial downturn and
countries across the continent, more than half of households expressed the wish that African countries pay more attention
in rural areas now have a mobile phone. to infrastructure which promotes continental integration as
witnessed in the Europe Union since such continental
He recognised the need for public-private- partnerships to integration shall unite Africa countries.
balance social and economic development aims because it will
pave the way for investors and industry participants to see While deliberating on these issues, His Excellency was hopeful
sufficient returns. Only then will the model be truly sustainable that delegates make maximum use of shared experiences
in the long term - and able to be widely replicated. and use this conference to serve as a ladder for cooperation
on Public-Private-Peoples’ Partnerships. The conference was
Concluding, he urged African governments to make capacity declared officially opened after this presentation. The formal
building and content building major priorities as far as broadband opening ended with a photo session and distinguishing
connectivity is concerned because this is what will enable Africa members of the opening panel were invited to view the
attain the MDGs by 2015. mounted exhibits.

A short break followed.


EVENT REPORT


2.1.2 Ministerial Panel Discussions

Updates on Africa’s Rural Connectivity Policy
Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, CEO of the CTO was introduced to As to what extent the Ministry is an implementer and policy
chair the second session of the conference by maker, the answer was that the Ministry is not an
Mr. Belingue. This was a Policy Session with the morning’s implementing one; that responsibility lies in the hands of the
distinguished panel who questioned governments’ Regulator. There is 1 fixed mobile company which has been
responsibilities for effective rural connectivity since few African privatised with government owning minority shares.
countries have Universal Access Policies. No formal
presentations were made. Presenters were expected to review Ambassador Gbeho, President of the ECOWAS Commission
past initiatives, principal policy constraints, and suggest ways upon prompting from the Chairman about crossborder
forward to achieving practical milestones. Other expectations ICT constraints or cooperation within the ECOWAS region and
included country information on the role of legislative whether the regional body has coinvested or shared risk for
instruments which ensure the right environment for ICT ICT growth in rural areas as with the West Africa Gas project,
growth, in-country and across borders, and infrastructure revealed that even though some countries have made an
sharing; all of which enhance Universal Access. attempt at ICT Policy formulation, many others have relegated
ICT to the back burner because of trade-offs in education and
Attention, according to the chairman, was also expected to be health for instance and there has been neither joint- policy(ies)
paid to the question of inclusion of Regulators in implementation. nor an attempt to achieve joint-border rural connectivity so
He mentioned the very comprehensive Botswana Rural far in the region.
Connectivity Policy and Programme and looked forward to
other examples of policy best- practices from the different ECOWAS has to assist governments to modernise ICT policies
countries represented. whose absence is a major constraint to cooperation.

Honourable Christopher Bande, Minister from Malawi, intimated Resistance to integration has come in the form of differences
the gathering that Malawi’s ICT Act is under review to incorporate in methodologies, standards and traditions and not language
funding and licensing issues. There are internet and telephone barriers. Joint-border posts which have adopted common
presence in 10 areas which are typical rural areas - this is a standards, training manuals and methodologies to enable
World Bank pilot while the ITU is also funding telecentres in and improve free border movement was suggested by the
rural areas. President.


EVENT REPORT


Indeed the Commission is currently soliciting participation of Asked by the chairman to share with the conference best
governments in the region on cross-border issues which definitely practices he has had the privilege of knowing about all over the
includes ICT policy development. world and also main policy constraints. He maintained that
development approaches have to be conceived not from Geneva
Mr. G. Quarcoo, the Deputy Minister for Communication, Ghana, but from the grassroots- good and viable ICT projects
gave an overview of the country’s ICT environment. General attract funding, there is no problem with that. Indeed, in
policy constraint in ICT growth in Africa, introduced Mr. Quarcoo, designing one’s own project, resolving issues become
is due to the growing confusion between ‘ awareness,’ with ‘lack easier since they are local and easy to identify. He added that
of strategic awareness,’ and how highly regarded ICT is for a he has seen this work in many countries, especially the Korean
ruling government. Any government that has strategic policy model. He suggested a complementary role between policy
awareness of ICTs such as Ghana would treat the subject matter makers and regulators, also proven to be marks of success in
with a sense of urgency, he affirmed. many countries, he advocated.

A decade ago, the then Government of Ghana passed the Mr. Ashok Kumar, Chairman of the Telecom Export Promotion
comprehensive ICT for Accelerated Development Council (TEPC) of India, gave a flavour of India’s
(ICT4AD) policy - broad stream statement with several components ICT success and admitted that it is a result of enabling policies.
on how to realize this dream- infrastructure needed to be India, with 20 million mobile connections a month, has a huge
developed, for instance. The current government being strategically population of about one billion. India’s 1 million Community
aware of the importance of ICT is making sure the policy is well Centres are therefore, being challenged by the local content
implemented. Infrastructure development is in high gear, and factor. The numbers make local content a major challenge
with fibre deployment, additional landings and last mile because there are so many languages to contend with. Universal
connectivity for the rural areas, the country is on the right track Access is in place and ISPs are heavily subsidised to connect
- this way, the technology can move into rural Ghana. Hopefully rural areas with last mile connectivity through wireless. Mr.
well deployed infrastructure will lead to ICT Parks to house BPO Kumar reminded delegates of India’s successes chalked in ICT
operations in these areas. growth being the result of home grown policies through approaches
conceived from the grassroots.
Some implemented examples include the eGhana Project which
is expected to promote ICT enabled projects such as ICT Parks The Chairman noted that the challenge of local content is a real
to house BPO operations in various parts of the country. The opportunity for translators and software engineers to confront
eGhana Project is Ghana’s flagship project to connect the country. the issue with money making solutions. Mr. Soko was next and
he informed the gathering about Zambia’s attempt to establish
Ghana has also through its ICT enactments, created a good USF agencies.
legal environment for its growth-thus giving strengths to a number
of agencies. Ghana’s institutional framework flows through the In 2007, the National ICT Policy was launched and recently,
Ministry of Communication, as policy maker and not a direct in 2009, came into being. Within the Act there is the Enabling
implementer, working in conjunction with the powerful Regulator, ICT Act and Electronic and Communication Acts. Additionally,
National Communication Authority (NCA) and has implementers there is an intention to develop relevant policy, rules, operational
of its policies such as the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic manual and guidelines to implement Universal Access by
Communications or GIFEC, which implements rural connectivity 2010/2011 with full operationalisation expected in 2010, the
through its set up of Community Information Centres in each representative declared.
constituency, and National IT Agency or NITA, the key
implementing agency. Apart from the common challenges of power, access roads,
schools challenging government, a major constraint
There is the expectation of lower broadband pricing with the for Zambia to serving its rural areas with connectivity, according
proliferation of landings in Ghana which will hopefully, lead not to Mr. Soko, is its absence of joint border connectivity.
only to a glut but more accessibility to information by those
otherwise unserved or underserved. This addressed the chairman’s suggestion of infrastructure
sharing between operators. Zambia, delegates were notified,
Dr. Hamadoun Toure, Secretary-General of the ITU, in an inspiring has 8 countries on it borders. In order to stimulate demand
manner, reminded delegates, that good leadership, active to attract private sector, government is focusing on providing
regulatory authorities and self-sustainable policies have to be eGovernment services as a way of stimulating demand, using
encouraged in order to realize the rural connectivity goal. Ghana’s eGhana Project as best practice to be replicated.


EVENT REPORT


The implementation of ICT policy is through the Regulatory Dr. H. Toure said there is no universal solution. Different
Authority which collaborates with the operator. The operator countries addressed this issue differently- but common
is very committed and involved, Mr. Soko added. principles are observed. All is dependent on the country and
its needs.
This Policy Session engaged participants in an interactive
discussion and audience reaction consisted of a On rural licensing, Mr. Joshua Peprah Director of Licensing
number of important contributions. From Dorothy Gordon, at NCA informed the conference of Ghana’s previous attempt
Director-General of the Ghana –India Kofi Annan ICT to do so with Capital Telecom, a private operator which proved
Centre of Excellence to Ambassador Gbeho, she wanted to unsuccessful in its bid to connect the rural communities. As
know whether the Commission has a blueprint for a lesson from the past, Ghana government now has a new
rural connectivity giving Senegal’s online ICT laws as an policy which requires an operator to have a heavy emphasis
example, otherwise, is it possible to have one which on roll-out schedule and is therefore capable of sending
could be adapted to fit each country? She was mindful of broadband access to the district level. This is an option that
the act that costs involved in getting equipment to the can guarantee rural connectivity.
rural areas have not featured in the morning’s presentations.
When we talk about rural connectivity, are referring to mobile ECOWAS will have a challenge to develop blueprint, contributed
handsets or computers? If computers and not mobile handsets Mr. G. Quarcoo. He would rather wish to see a clear set of
will be used, are we using FOSS or buying software? Also, principles set forth. As far as he is concerned, the ICT struggle
will an energy policy pose an additional burden on budgets seems like a new liberation struggle. He likened the ICT
or policy templates? From Mr. Kumar, Ms. Gordon wanted a struggle as the latest struggle which should allow Africa
clarification of what an Indian village size is. access to commanding heights of knowledge in real time;
some countries are closer to bringing this struggle to the end,
According to Ambassador Gbeho, the Commission has started for others they must ensure, foster, and promote strategically
to address the problem of rural connectivity. Until recently, aware ICT policies.
ECOWAS was targeting individual countries to democratise
ICT awareness among their population, it was not specifically Concluding, he commended the CTO for its efforts in being
rural oriented, largely because ICT is mostly in private sector part of the fight to bring ICT to Africa’s unserved and
hands. That sector would rather stay in the urban areas. The underserved.
time has come to lay emphasis on rural areas. Having an
energy policy, he continued, is an important dimension in In his closing remarks, the chairman appreciated everyone’s
formulating an ICT policy in African countries and the ECOWAS participation in the session and acknowledged the distinguished
has begun an exercise especially with countries with ICT panel of speakers including Ghana’s Communications Minister
policies, to democratise ICT awareness. who spoke on behalf of the President.

The question on the size of an Indian village was answered Lunch was served after this session sponsored by Intel
by Mr. Kumar who said it goes from clusters to towns to
districts, depending on the revenue model adopted.

A representative from South Africa in his contribution intimated
that that country during the World Cup, earlier
this year, was able, in a short space of time to make ICT work
in most areas. He wanted to know if it cannot be replicated
in other places. He noted that the frameworks are available,
but we need definitions that will help us with measurements
and indicators so that we are all on the same page.

Is there any country looking to issue rural area licensing, he
asked? The Chairman admitted the importance of the question
since not all operators can assess rural areas. In US, he
added, there are rural area national telecoms cooperative
which serve those areas which the big companies are not
willing to penetrate.


EVENT REPORT


2.1.3 Regulatory Panel Discussions

Achieving successful Rural Connectivity through Effective
Regulation
Mr. John Roman Senior Intel Manager was introduced as The country has made notable strides in terms of access and
chairman for this segment of the day’s activities by penetration (mobile). Penetration stood at 0.28% in 2000 and
Mr. Belingue who hoped for a productive session. In his opening 18% by 2008, and was ranked 14th out of 24 in the West and
remarks, Mr. Roman, an engaging chairman, reminded delegates Central Africa region. Today it stands at 27%.
that the objective of the session was to help plan African ICT
Regulatory acceleration towards rural connectivity and to help Its Policy and Regulatory Development comes under the
create enabling environments for connecting the “last mile.” Telecommunications Act 2006 and its drivers of
Broad headlines for this session therefore were ‘broadband’ and Universal Access come under this same Act with the Universal
‘regulation.’ Access Development Fund (UNADF) Commission expected to
‘ensure universal availability of efficient, reliable and cost
Mr. Roman also took the opportunity to advice regulators to pay effective telecommunication services throughout Sierra Leone.’
more attention when planning rural connectivity, to investment The Commission embraces the process of continued review of
and not charity or donation- governments must be encouraged its licensing regime to embrace technological innovations and
to plan sustainable programmes and create new markets for best practices in the region and beyond. Training of regulatory
people to make money. Capacity, growth, speed devices, content personal is also of grave importance. The commission is fully
and digital training also have to be addressed. He reflected that committed to building the capacity of not only its staff but
rural connectivity has to be addressed from the supply side. For parliamentarians and public sector personnel tasked with ICT
effective regulation environments, Regulators and Operators, related functions to drive national development objectives.
he warned, have to be seen to be working together, bearing in
mind that the market dynamics should be understood by all She intimated of the Commission’s eagerness to make
stakeholders, this allows for true competitiveness. interventions and initiatives using data collected from stakeholders
in order to increase the likelihood of success by making evidence
Ms. Michala Mackay, on behalf of Mr. Siray Timbo, Chairman - based decisions. Some recent initiatives have included the
and Commissioner National Telecommunications March 2010 CTO, NATCOM and Ministry of Information and
Commission (NATCOM), gave a very detailed ICT overview of Communication multistakeholder COMARCI in- country capacity
Sierra Leone. building workshop in the provincial town of Makeni.


EVENT REPORT


Since the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine cable It is instructive to note that the ITU has been a pillar of assistance
consortium would be the first time ever the fibre optic cable in Gambia’s endeavours to improve accessibility.
will land in Sierra Leone, the government, supported financially
by the World Bank, and the Commission would work very closely Under its Universal Access Strategy, learning from the experiences
with a legal and regulatory consulting firm to be prepared for of other African Universal Service Funds (i.e. low disbursement
the grant and issuance of the requisite license to SALCAB the ratios and project implementation challenges); a gradualist
100% government owned company established to manage the approach in implementation considering, market efficiency and
fibre system. Mr. Paarock Asuman VanPercy, Director-General real access gaps has been adopted. So also has a holistic
of the National Communication Authority (NCA) informed the approach been adopted to address both connectivity and uptake
delegates that Authority Act 769 legally enables the Regulatory and avoid overlap between regulator, ministries and donors;
authority in Ghana. “Pay or Play” to facilitate connectivity and uptake and a
3-5 year Strategic Plan with clear mandate, objectives,
There has been an exponential growth in ICT all over the world deliverables and timetable.
and mobile telephony has the most pervasive access to ICTs.
Ghana’s August 2010 figures showed 73% mobile telephony It is instructive to note that the key problem of funds not been
and up 5% for broadband, but rural areas still underserved well utilised has been well addressed in Gambia’s strategy.
because of the remoteness of the locations, who wants to deploy
in these areas. Aggregate demand to make it economically Mr. Patrick Mwesigwa, Ag. Executive Director, UCC of Uganda,
meaningful to deploy in these areas due to low incomes. The in a presentation delivered on his behalf, enlightened delegates
usual challenge of unreliable power also makes infrastructural on Uganda’s broad ICT policy and strategic actions, which give
development unattractive. Mobile phones appear to be the most evidence of an enabling ICT environment in Uganda. The use
appropriate tool immediately, in bridging the rural urban divide. of the licensing instrument to facilitate rural connectivity in
According to the country’s regulatory interventions, to accelerate Uganda by the Regulator is enhanced with tax breaks. Allocation
rural connectivity, WIMAX deployment is expected to be introduced of USF is important to make sure the rural areas receive their
when an operator has 60% penetration by the end of its 5th due. Intervention through the funds is through the Ugandan
year of operation. regulator using the 4Ps. Internet cafes in small towns, in schools
and internet connectivity in hospitals are examples of what has
GIFEC deploys infrastructure to these rural areas by putting up been achieved.
masts thus encouraging co-location. This is all in the hope of
attracting operators. Deploying rural connectivity, the Director- The country however, has common continental challenges which
General confirmed, is not a static situation and various and interfere with sustainability of its ICT projects. There are also
more aggressive targets are being used e.g. tax concessions. challenges of unreliable power and local content. Mr. Mwesigwa
stressed measuring uptake by users and sustainability as very
Mr. Alagi Gaye, Director-General of Gambia’s Public Utilities important issues to take seriously; not forgetting Research and
Regulatory Authority- PURA, gave a bird’s eye view Development with Research institutions. Allocation and
of Gambia’s ICT environment with particular attention to its management of scarce resources such as spectrum management
Regulatory and Universal Access environments. The should be borne in mind in order to achieve the rural
ICT environment is supported by a Policy Framework which connectivity aim. Since sustainability of projects is a major
embraces the National Information and Communication challenge, schools are being connected because they are
Infrastructure Policy and Plans; and an Information and easier to regulate.
Communications Act enacted in 2009, which is forward looking
& based on ECOWAS Supplementary Acts as its legal framework. Two key points with the Ugandan experience; sustainability-
(governments must design programmes to ensure
There are 1 Fixed operator; 4 Mobile Wireless Operators, 1 investment is ongoing) and also the measurement of uptake,
operating a 3G licence and 6 operating ISPs. Gambia’s Regulatory not forgetting the importance of R&D.
interventions have been meaningful with reduction in its
interconnection rates after a study, these have led to fixed- Gertrude Mwangala Akapelwa-Ehueni, Board Chairperson of
mobile & mobile-fixed interconnection rates reduced by 50% Zambia Information & Communications Technology Authority
in October 2008 to 5 US Cents with a further 50% reduction (ZICTA) shared the Zambian experience with participants with
in April 2009 to 2.5 US Cents and improvements in the quality a presentation on the country’s Universal Access and Services
of service and service standards for minimum quality of service. (UAS): Experience, Challenges & Future.


EVENT REPORT


Zambia, she noted, has a legal framework under which the ICT She informed delegates that barely 8 months in existence,
Act reforming ICT regulation and creating Universal Access ZICTA reports to the policymaker and higher authority with
Fund regulate the provision of electronic communication services projections for Universal Access targets expected to be realised
and revised Postal Services Act operate. Under infrastructure between 2010 and 2015. Some of the key points captured at
development, the broadband FibreCom Network links the country this Regulatory Session include; the fact that the importance
through Namibia to Cape Town and provides backbone services of broadband and ICT is accepted by all however, there must
to 90% of ISPs by ZESCO. ZAMTEL has been responsible for be consistent consultation with the public on unique issues
80kms of fibre cable for Lusaka metropolitan network, and also, where different stakeholders are involved; we must learn to
36 communication towers are being constructed in some of the address aggressive targets and renew them as we achieve these
remotest parts of the country to extend mobile coverage to targets; setting targets therefore must be on-going; that incentives
previously unserved areas. ZICTA is currently negotiating the are necessary for successful rural connectivity; the private sector
infrastructure sharing MOUs with operators. On UAS affordability, must not be left out of consultations; that it is extremely important
all three mobile telephony operators have been given access to to have sustainable programmes; be mindful of the fact that
the international Gateway; with a reduction in the International competition drives growth. We could all learn from each other.
Gateway license from $12 million to $350,000, resulting in It will be interesting to know if liberalisation of gateways lowers
reduction of 70% on international calls rates. Other broadband prices - this will be interesting to know.
communication reduction costs have been operator annual fees
from 5% to 3% of their revenues.
Connecting and Powering Rural Communities in Africa
On another note, national cost of service and ICT demand
baseline studies are underway and will provide input Mr. John Roman called on Dr. Ann Louise Johansson, VP
in the regulation of communication costs. In an attempt to Business Development and Marketing, Flexenclosure to make
resolve the country’s ICT forward march issue, ZICTA hopes to her presentation on renewable energy solutions to connect rural
drive collaboration with various stakeholders such as NGOs, communities. Case study results and advice on regulations were
Government Ministries, and the private sector in order to address also expected from the presenter.
common concerns and accelerate attainment of UA objectives.
Dr. Johansson, introduced the Swedish company Flexenclosure
On policy matters, there is a suggestion to refining legislation as a 20 year-old Telecommunications company which offers
to address gaps and challenges in the sector, and an sustainable site solution using alternative sources of energy with
implementation of the UAS Strategy through adoption of suitable prime sources such as wind, solar and generator as back-up to
models for targeted objectives. connect to its intelligent solution – ‘Diriflex.’


EVENT REPORT


It also has a battery bank. With regards to Case Studies, the Mobile Money makes opportunities available to all on the macro
company has paid its dues in connecting rural communities level, (government and society), meso level (business and
through turn-key site solutions based on pre-fabricated, modular industry) and finally to citizens on the micro level. Value is
constructions in Ghana and Kenya. The E-Site in Kenya, having therefore added on all levels in society. Indeed, CGAP in its
run for a year, has been able to make 95% savings on fuel. survey has found that the incomes of rural recipients increased
up to 30% since they started using Mobile Money. Through
As a cost effective solution to the numerous power problems “financial inclusion of masses” and thereby “velocity to money”
which are impediments to Africa’s ICT march forward, this Mobile Money increases incomes of rural areas, he assured
solution is most appropriate for rural communities since renewable participants.
energy sources can reduce the fuel consumption of off-grid
telecom sites by 90-95%. In his closing remarks, the Chairman went over what has
been achieved by way of presentations by like minded
Since it is possible to radically cut and control OPEX spent on individuals, confirming that difficult as the rural connectivity
remote sites, excess power can be channelled to the local issue is, it does not appear to be insurmountable because
communities in a controlled way, she advised. the conference has shown that we have the tools, mindsets,
human capital, and the will to unlock the problems.
Mr. Rohit Bhatia CEO of SEAMLESS, a Mobile Telephony
company with customers spread across Africa, spoke under the A drinks reception was supported through sponsorship after
broad headline of ‘Mobile Wallets for everyone, generating the afternoon’s session. Later in the evening of this first day
opportunities within Mobile Money,’ Mr. Bhatia’s impressive of the conference, a Gala Dinner was held at Ghana’s high
empowering presentation clarified the benefits of including rural profile La Palm Beach Hotel sponsored by MTN Ghana.
communities when deploying Mobile Money; made an
identification of Mobile Money jobs in Africa and having a full
Mobile Money eco system as the target in order to receive
benefits.

Some benefits of mobile money which he named include the
enhancement of economic activities, especially, in ‘banking the
unbanked.’ The idea of money flowing from informal channels
to formal channels leads to a reduction of cash in the system
and facilitates remittances.


EVENT REPORT


2.2. DAY TWO, AUGUST 18TH, 2010

Mr. Marcel welcomed delegates to the second day of With $56Bn already invested in the mobile sector by the
deliberations, introduced and handed over Mr. Phillip private sector and subscriber base passing from 2m to 400m
Sowah, Country Manager of Bharti Airtel, Ghana (formerly mobile voice within a space of 10 years, i.e. 1998 to 2008
ZAIN) as Chairman for the day’s Session on Infrastructure and an expectation that between 2008 and 2018 mobile
Development and Funding. Expected as presenters are voice coverage can reach 95% of the population with basic
Operators and Donor Agency representative. Internet coverage possibly reaching 89% of the population;
the environment is ripe enough for the private sector to drive
growth.
2.2.1 Infrastructure Development & Funding
Rural areas not covered and so discussions on rural connectivity
Mr. Sowah introduced Bharti Airtel to the delegates especially very pertinent. Using the experience with USFs she addressed
because it is virtually new in Africa. The company purchased the coverage gaps in Universal Service Funding with examples
ZAIN a few months ago. He admitted that the day’s of countries like Uganda, Nigeria and Mozambique where
topic is important and dear to heart as operators go the World Bank has supported the USF for underserved areas
to the next level. with funding via subsidies on a competitive basis.

Higher penetration in Africa, he said, lends itself to cost This intervention has been necessary because Private
cutting and how to save money - infrastructure sharing a partnerships are not always successful. A mixed track record
move in the right direction and of great interest to tele- of telecentres, have shown problems with USF, and there
communication companies in particular. have also been no performance indicators. These issues
increasingly lead to the conclusion that USF may not be the
Ms. Mavis Ampah is the World Bank’s Senior ICT Policy best enabling environment.
Specialist and she held brief for the role of development
banks, investment banks and fund management entities, A way out of this has been the World Bank’s interventions
concentrating on the World Bank’s specific role. which include continuation of reform agenda for more private
sector investment; fostering public-private partnerships;
She quietly observed the almost 50% female participation targeting use of catalytic sector financing for: international,
at this conference as compared to many years ago, when very regional, and cross-border Infrastructure for Central African
few African females were interested in ICT. She proceeded Backbone, West Africa and RCIP (East/Southern). It is
to tell the Africa ICT story which has been incredible, and expected that there will be National Backbones and Rural
full of challenges. Connectivity where there’s market inefficiency.


EVENT REPORT


Country examples were given of Connectivity Programs supported Imbuing confidence, Intelsat’s view of the future of satellite
by the WB in partnership with African Development Bank and operators are based on the following:
other partners.
• Market researches show continued growth in demand for
These important examples include: satellite capacity (over 8% CAGR over 5 years according
to Frost & Sullivan)
a East and Southern Africa Regional Communication
Infrastructure Program (RCIP) ($424m) supports terrestrial • Most terrains in Africa are favourable to Satellites
connectivity infrastructure in Burundi, Kenya, Madagascar,
Rwanda, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania and is open to • Technology improvements bringing the $/Mbps on satellite
18 other countries; significantly down

b Central African Backbone Program ($215m) supports • Satellite systems are more reliable than cable systems
regional connectivity for Cameroon, Chad, CAR and is and,
open to 8 other countries
• Regions with multiple submarine cable systems continue
c EASSy submarine cable is one of three cables connecting to be heavy users of satellite services
East and Southern Africa to international communications
systems. Mr. John Roman, Senior Manager of Intel shared some insights
in his topic, Enabling Broadband.
d West Africa Regional Communications Infrastructure
($300m) at national level: eGhana, eRwanda, eBenin. Below is his adoption of ITU information on the current state
of broadband in both mature and emerging markets.

Focusing on skills’ development in ICT is a real source of growth
and on its transformation agenda, the World Bank has shown
how to use ICT to improve productivity (performance) in various Mature Markets Emerging Markets
areas – education, health. It is also trying to leverage the mobile
platform. ‘If you create it will come’ – is how to look at creating Internet 64% 18%
Penetration
an enabling environment, this is key- and must include PPPs.
These partnerships are critical to the World Bank, because Broadband 23% 4%
they give full competition in the sector, she added. Penetration

% Income 1.5% 17.5%
Mr. Flavien Bachabi is the Regional Vice-President for Africa spent on ICT
of Intelsat which is headquartered in Washington DC. The
company is the first commercial satellite company on the
Table 1: Measuring the Information Society
continent. His topic on Role of Satellites in connecting Rural Adoption: Availability, High Cost, Relevance/Value (experience)
Communities addressed questions on the kind of future satellite
operators would have, given the dramatic rise in bandwidth
availability from undersea cable systems over the next few years
and also what the business case is for establishing synergies Important distinction – Internet versus Broadband penetration.
between satellite and fibre. SOURCE: ITU –‘Measuring the information society 2010’

As an industry leader in satellite, it was impressed on delegates; Mr. Roman, in a generally advisory manner, noted that
Intelsat’s terrestrial network is integrated with Multiple Teleports broadband connectivity was broadly beneficial since it improves
and robust ground infrastructure. Infrastructure development national economies through creation of jobs, Increased access
does not stop at satellites only he noted; it also has 28,000 and improves delivery of essential social services which
miles of fibre. Intelsat suggests that the expansion of cable increases national competitiveness.
presents new opportunities in that satellite & submarine cable
are complementary technologies that could leverage versatility Last but by no means least, it also enables all citizens to
& viability of satellite services and that the future of communicate faster and in more ways; all of which help to
communications is mobility. bridge the digital divide.


EVENT REPORT


Essentially, he pointed out, nations recognizing the benefits An example is a Microscope fixed to mobile phone which
of broadband and ICT have comprehensive national plans. transmits magnified images to a health centre from a rural
He named his examples from Europe, North and South area and the ever popular One-Lap-Top-A-Child which all go
America and Asia. towards knowledge sharing across communities. She went
over the challenges of pricing, where affordability is concerned.
He informed delegates that best practices have led to formation Her question is how to start targeting the underserved 70%
of public/private partnerships, which undoubtedly, encourage in cost scenarios that are affordable.
competition. Indeed, plans executed with international metrics
enable global competitiveness. She lamented that the cost of mobile cellular is over 2 times
the world average in Africa. Discouragingly enough she
He did not mince words when he expressed the need, and continued, there are very few subsidies, few starter packs-
extreme importance attached to the release spectrum. users have multiple sim cards- result of affordability. Certain
Countries should look at USF as investments when they are entities are trying to break the price entry barrier.
used for sustainable programmes to promote broadband and
ICT. On the relevance of content he expressed the need for On increasing infrastructure coverage she wants to see more
content to be developed in order to grow rural connectivity. service innovation, e.g. mobile banking. She felt that
understanding the customer helps with innovation and builds
A proper ICT IA or Impact Assessment according to Mr. constructive partnerships She believed that companies should
Roman should see countries evaluate ICT penetration and look at operational efficiencies. R&D is becoming increasingly
economic status, examine the regulatory environment, assess important. Government’s role should constitute regulation
the country infrastructure, and conduct a user vs. needs and reduction of taxes.
analysis. Feedback from service providers is extremely
important to track, evaluate ICT to and report on indicators This will assist telecommunication companies to manage
–everyone should be on the same page. their costs. Ms. Kumahor concluded that Rural Connectivity
is a challenge but with a road map, this will become a reality.
Betty Enyonam Kumahor, Executive Director of Advisory
Services Ghana, Ernst & Young, reflected on how to price Ms. Funke Opeke is the CEO of Main One Cable Company
broadband services for uptake in the rural areas. and she presented on Pricing broadband. Focus on affordability.
70% of Africa is in the rural areas we have been told and we Getting the penetration imperative. The fully African owned
are learning that Mobile broadband is key to economic growth cable company representative insisted that benchmarking
in rural areas. She illustrated latest mobile phone gadgetry. should be Africa-specific.


EVENT REPORT


MAINONE’s enabling environment, she said, without mincing The challenge of relevant content which lure people into
words about the difficulty in doing business in Africa include; using the internet is what MTN faces now. Affordability is
a country with a liberalised telecommunications policy which important to him and he mentioned translating affordability
allows licensing of private submarine cables systems; stronger to the end user as very important. Other challenges, due to
governance which reduces risk profile and enables financing time management issues, have not been tackled.
for high cost and regional infrastructure projects, but all this
said and done, MainOne’s capacity utilization is still less The challenges from the operator point of view which is
than 3% of cable total. deploying broadband however, requires extensive optical fibre
link covering major towns in Ghana. This infrastructural
One of the main inhibitors of Broadband Growth, she alerted, development gets interrupted extremely frequently thereby
apart from limited backbone infrastructure, is Policy limitations leading to serious service interruption- construction works
that favour aid and direct foreign investment over sustainable, for instance are a cause of major disturbance to operators in
home grown development. Access to private African investment Ghana. Does one deploy the infrastructure for the operator,
funds is able to provide longer term funding for Infrastructure regulator or market forces?
projects, she preferred.
Audience reaction centred on issues of cost. Rather than
In order to deploy services to rural areas, there should be duplicate in different directions, infrastructure sharing lowers
stricter guidelines and/or incentives to unbundle existing and costs. However, how do prices translate to the end user? It
emergent backbone infrastructure; policy initiatives to facilitate was realised that affordability is not defined, but determined
local content development with a focus on public educational by market factors.
institutions.
Mr. Flavien Bachabi pointed out that the internet is not
Systematic implementation of e-government and private necessarily broadband but broadband, is some internet. Do
sector programs that leverage broadband applications in rural we want ownership or access? He related that the general
areas- could facilitate broadband delivery to rural areas. perception of infrastructure sharing is that it cuts costs.
Pricing is very complicated, and does this mean infrastructure
The cooperation of international institutions, regional bodies sharing should be mandated?
and neighbouring states in highlighting need and supporting
necessary approvals required to install cable system is urgently Audience reaction suggested that Infrastructure sharing
needed. The well delivered presentation emphasised that should be allowed by market forces, but the other side of the
sharing of deployed WAN to the rural areas do not necessarily coin is that market behaviour could lead to implementation
require building a new network. Old networks can be extended taking too long. What business model would Intel suggest?
to rural areas. Mr. F. Bachabi reiterated that satellite is certainly more
expensive than fibre.
A short break for light refreshments followed this presentation
before Q&A. In his opinion, Dr. E. Spio-Garbrah wondered if encouragement
through incentives and penalties where necessary should not
be introduced for Operators to compete on service level rather
2.2.2 Panel Discussion – interactive session than on infrastructural level. He shared the co-location
sentiment. He agreed that market levels used to determine
Serving as the same Chairman for discussions on how Africa’s infrastructure sharing would delay connection to the rural
undersea cable will help accelerate connectivity and provide areas; however, an incentive shared would assist with breaking
affordable broadband, Mr. Phillip Sowah asked the panel down the barrier. Risk sharing, he added, would help
consisting of 3 - 5 people (including the chair), to present infrastructure sharing not only for mobile but many other
their views on the theme and then to discuss them with the ICTs.
audience. This presented a very exhilarating Question and
Answer Session. A representative from Sierra Leone maintained that, co-
location of masts in that country is mandatory. However,
Mr. Eben Albertyn, CTO of MTN, Ghana started the ball rolling foreign companies are not allowed to own land. This poses
by letting delegates know that with all the connectivity problems for operators. The answer is to co-ordinate all
landings of SAT 3, TEAMS and EEASY, MTN has been able agencies down the ladder to work as a team – land owners,
to cover all 4 areas of Africa. public departments and other stakeholders.


EVENT REPORT


A Nigerian delegate asked, ‘How does one make co-location Access network is indeed a point of contention. It is believed
mandatory’? He did not think it is necessary to hold the big that different standards and technology of operators could
stick but rather to encourage co-location and infrastructure push co-location to the burner. Encouraging and providing
sharing. This brought Dr. Spio-Garbrah back on his feet to incentives; technological and competitive issues between
assert that first comers, traditional thinking allows, would operators must be encouraged, thereby reducing distrust
normally protect their sites fiercely from other operators who among competitors.
come in later. Rational roll out allowing for competition should
lead to rural connectivity and better quality of service. After this very interesting Q&A Session, Mr. Andrew Doyle,
Regulators should draw up rules in consultation with Head of Information, Communications & Media (Africa), Mott
stakeholders – joint ownership. There is merit in co-location MacDonald South Africa, provided a crisp and detailed paper
now; it has become a new experience. on telecommunication investment in Africa; this is from Mott
Macdonald’s perspective, based on its recent experience on
A reaction from NCA, Ghana informed that when there were the continent.
complaints in Ghana about danger from siting masts near
residential areas, an industry forum was held to discuss the For the purposes of this presentation, he dwelt on investors
way forward. The forum encouraged co-location. Indeed the in the telecom sector who are provided a range of transactional
NCA is coming out with a document on co-location. GIFEC, advisory services by Mott MacDonald. Key questions that
Ghana’s UA Company encourages co-location, he added. investors should ask in the African telecom environment, he
For India, the scenario is different. Since the country is made suggested, are:
up of different environments there cannot be a single solution.
Infrastructure sharing is not allowed. It is government subsidy • What the regulatory environment is like - is it stable, is
that is shared. it invasive, is there a coherent plan?

The Licensing framework is such that Operators must have • What are the ‘hot’ markets and sectors that are active?
enough traffic to be able to build cable network.
A similar reaction from a Nigerian delegate said mandatory • What’s the market risk?
co-location is not always the best way to go.
• Is the business plan sound?
The Tanzanian delegate wanted to know why there was no
infrastructure sharing earlier? At what levels can operators The retail space across Africa is competitive but there is a
share broadband, for instance? clamour for alternative infrastructure.


EVENT REPORT


There is much more market risk associated with telecom Charlotte Mokoena, CEO, TMS, Telkom Group in South Africa,
investment than other forms of strategic infrastructure and shared with participants, lessons learnt in rural connectivity
so focus should lie on the addressable market; Public Private in that country. Telkom SA Limited is one of Africa’s largest
Partnerships (PPPs) for instance, have roles to play. Indeed, integrated communication companies. As a premier pan-
he continued, Africa is a hotbed of ideas and capital is African partner in building and transforming
available for the right projects. Wholesale competition is a telecommunications enterprises, its challenges are worth
key driver for lowering the costs of service provision and noting.
reducing retail barriers to entry. Funding, he concluded, flows
towards revenue generating infrastructure and governments She enumerated these as; terrestrial solutions which would
and regulators need to encourage it and participate. not work, expensive copper wire, remote locations of customers
and absence of power in many targeted customer locations.
It is worthy of note that the issue of infrastructure sharing She also briefed participants on some areas which when
has been of concern in the telecom industry and a very pursued, would lead to benefits in e-Governance, Education,
important realisation reached at this conference, was the and Communication for rural areas. These are as follows:
fact that successful rural connectivity depends on how the
telecom operators can share infrastructure. • Business models that must be supported by a clear funding
model or low-interest loans
Lunch was sponsored by MTN Ghana
• Wireless technologies to demonstrate value in low-cost
rural communities
2.2.3 Operator’s Panel
• Nurture local ownership in ICT initiatives to keep
Mrs. Mawuena Trebarh, Corporate Services Executive, MTN communities engaged
Ghana presented MTN Foundation’s commitment to
partnership to support rural development in the communities • Ensure affordability and availability of services
where it operates.
• Provide reliable, high-quality services with the most cost
In partnering for rural development, MTN in 2007 set up the effective technology available
MTN Foundation which intervenes from the social perspective.
• Cooperation among carriers to share passive, active and
The MTN Foundation, a separate legal entity from the Telecom backhaul infrastructure
Company, involved district level officials and social groups
nationwide in workshops that identified health and education • Prioritise provision of service to public access points such
interventions as keys to partnering for rural development. as local government, educational institutions, health
Being keen on corporate sustainability, MTN is also partnering facilities, emergency services and public phones.
with GIFEC to provide internet access points in the rural
areas. These demonstrate that the relevance of connectivity to rural
areas depend on broader rural development priorities.
MTN’s distinct employee volunteerism approach according
to Mrs. Trebarh, has led its workers to identify community Mr. Theo Agbeko, Commercial Product Manager, Bharti Airtel
related projects and these have led to the MTN Foundation’s aired his views on Ghana’s Broadband infrastructure
social interventions which have supported the MDGs and also development for rural areas.
demonstrated its responsibility as leaders in the industry-
leadership, they say, according to Mawuena, comes with He lamented that rural communities have limited or no
social responsibilities - responsibilities that are relevant to broadband access even though the arrival of basic telephony
assisting with government’s agenda. USD$ 3 million has so and broadband internet constitutes a critical take off point
far been invested by the Foundation in its 3 years’ of its in a community’s path to economic and social development.
existence.
The challenges are expected to be overcome with cooperation
The future for market leaders MTN said Mrs. Trebarh, is very between all stake holders – both public and private. For the
bright. A well thought out and impactive plan is what private sector to invest in these areas one has to look at long
participants were urged to look out for. term benefits.


EVENT REPORT


Mr. Agbeko admitted that since a robust, affordable broadband It seems, the current roll out situation of rural areas in Ghana
infrastructure is important today, and will be vital in the for Bharti Airtel has been tough. However, it has overcome
future for the continued growth and prosperity of advanced incipient challenges through co-sharing with MTN and TiGO.
technology businesses and lifestyles, there is need not only Rebranding will tell what Bharti Airtel or ZAIN, has by way
for development of broadband infrastructures across rural of venture funding.
communities, but also, access to basic education for all, a
waiver for right of way restrictions and fees, abolition of In Nigeria, delegates were informed, there is difficulty in co-
multiple taxes for service providers, creation of enabling locating because of its proverbial power situation. An answer
environment by government and local authorities, right policy suggested that the power problem could be addressed through
formulation and lastly, support & input from NGOs role which renewable energies –solar, wind and battery are alternatives
is expected to be impactive. that are tried and tested.

A Q&A session addressed various issues after a short break. Ghana, delegates were informed, is now experiencing co-
location because the stage of distrust is a past issue. It is
thus obvious that challenges are being managed in the country
A pertinent question to MTN was whether its Foundation, a Ghana. When it comes to renewable energy, MTN owns a
different legal entity from the Telecommunications company, robust sustainable initiative.
is not doing the work of Ghana’s UA&F agency, GIFEC?
South Africa the conference was informed, has a balance in
The answer is that the two are distinct with distinct initiatives regulation and diversity of infrastructure.
who find themselves inevitably in the same social intervention
pot.

There was the fear that there is no pool of ICT skilled
employees for rural connectivity by SA Telekom- no pooling
of knowledge by operators. This content issue was not
developed in presentations of the day and it may be because
the issue has not been fully resolved yet.

Another troubling question was whether any venture fund
should be different from GIFEC’s investment Fund?


EVENT REPORT


2.3. DAY TWO, AUGUST 18TH, 2010 (AFTERNOON SESSION)

2.3.1 Panel Discussion

Mr. Olusola Teniola, COO OF Phase3 Telecom was introduced Indeed, students have also learnt to use conference calls as
as chairman for the interactive session. He quickly went over discussion forum, to enhance what have been taught in school.
the topic of value-added services to rural areas and asked the
first speaker to give a few minutes’ observation of the topic. Indeed this led to yet another question- cum-contribution on
the kind of value rural areas get from operators. It seems it is
Rohit Bhatia, CEO Seamless, gave an overview of mobile growth all about technology, it seems value is reduced to engineering.
and its complementary technologies & penetration in Africa. He Emphasis should be made that ICT is not only engineering-It
shared the perspective that local content could be the move should be realised that the reason for less use of internet service
towards value-added services. From the MTN perspective, Mazen in these unserved areas is because the internet is seen as
Mroue, CIO, MTN Ghana, declared that the major driver of technology. How do we correct this perception? The problem is
growth is investment in people. Next after infrastructure is voice about application and not technology only. The frustrated
and the use of the next generation, Evolved EDGE or EEDGE, contributor preferred that people in the rural areas are able to
a 3G platform, will lead mobile users to browse. He maintained get the cure of malaria on the internet in their local languages.
that the journey to use EEDGE should allow us to stay connected,
especially in the rural areas. To answer the question of local content one could easily focus
on telecom infrastructure, but there has been too much focus
Dr. Ann Louise Johansen of Flexenclosure insisted that connectivity on that sector of connectivity because there are other infrastructure
is king. Alternative energy resources are cost intensive, the available . Why not look at the banking infrastructure where the
questioner therefore asked what is expected of operators, by ICT infrastructure does not exist? Well, how many rural folks
way of cost. The initial cost comes in with the first operator who have bank accounts? The use of mobile telephony increasing
has to educate users therefore working cheaper for other operators penetration in the rural areas is no news now and mobile money
whose path would have been cleared already, it was observed. should make a difference in this case. These services are the
An interesting question was asked of the agricultural sector from kind of value-added services that ICTs are able to offer the rural
which rural Africa receives its revenue. In the light of rural areas. The chairman thanked panelists with a trace of the journey
connectivity, what business models or requirement do operators from infrastructure – the base level of telecommunication, then
have in this specific area, and this is not exclusive to mobile applications, to great value-added services. He was grateful to
operators. A contributor from Kenya shared that country’s the ECOWAS Commission for being quite supportive in giving
agricultural experience – in that country, the ‘flash’ is used to out guidelines for interlocking countries, not forgetting the
send farmers relevant industry information. exciting session on co-location, connectivity and applications.


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