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#Connected2016: Achieving one billion connections in the region
The panel comprising of PS’s Victor Kyalo and Sam Itemere, PS of Youth and ICT from Rwanda, Rose Mbambazi and…
The panel comprising of PS’s Victor Kyalo and Sam Itemere, PS of Youth and ICT from Rwanda, Rose Mbambazi and Director Genral Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) came up with key highlights and steps they are looking at to drive the first a billion people in the region online.
First the leaders said that they were looking into ways of maximizing the un-used spectrum so that they can increase internet penetration and narrow access gaps in the region.
“I think this is achievable, If we provide infrastructure and connectivity, this will drive demand and push penetration. We look at supporting start-ups in the tech space and ensure there are available devices to maximize on the use of the available broadband,” said PS Itemere.
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The leaders also called tier one operators to adopt Infrastructure sharing so as to ensure infrastructure is spread and coverage of their network reaches a wider region. They also said that they were looking into ways of ensuring that the devices are affordable.
“We have come with five regulations that we will present to stakeholders in May and one of them will be on infrastructure. This will touch as well on the mushrooming masts all over,” said DG Wangusi.
The aspect of digital literacy among the rural parts of the region and need to look at areas with coverage and why people are still not connected. Look at the consumer end. One thing that will accelerate this, is demand coming from services innovated to address peoples need.
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“We need to build capacity especially among the youths particularly in software applications. Maybe one of the apps will be able to make it to the billionaires list. Need to look at areas with coverage and why people are still not connected. Look at the consumer end,” said Eng. Wangusi.
Other issues brought up to drive another one billion people online were to drive Interoperability as well as looking into the Quality of Services offered by the various key players in the ICT service to benefit the end user.
The issue of dominance was also brought up where the Director General of CA echoed his words that he has used previously that the issue of dominance simply meant that those who are found abusing their dominance will face penalties and no penalties will be given for simply being dominant as this may stifle innovations.