Global Reproductive Health IT Support list

["William Lester" <wlester AT engenderhealth.org>]

Hi Stan,

 

It was good seeing you yesterday.

 

Along with the connectivity issue in Ethiopia, I'm assuming everyone is also experiencing the blocked port issue? The Ethiopia telecom routinely blocks ports used by our email system and several of our applications. I don't understand the rationale, since we're using a dedicated leased line with our own router and firewall.

 

Are others facing the same problem? Stan, when you're in Ethiopia, can you verify if that's the case. This will be extremely helpful to us.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

 

--------------------------

 

William A. Lester
Chief Information Officer
EngenderHealth
440 Ninth Avenue
New York, NY 10001
(Office) 212.561.8002
(e-Mail) walester AT engenderhealth.org
(URL) www.engenderhealth.org
"If you torture data long enough, it will confess to anything."


>>> smullen AT pathfind.org 10/11/2006 7:48 AM >>>

Dear All,

I will be in Addis from Oct 20 - 27 and will get a fresh read on this topic. Pathfinder currently operates a leased line from Ethiopia Telecom. At this point, they are the only game in town but they do offer different types of connections - shared vs. dedicated and different levels of bandwidth depending on what your needs are. Actually, two years ago we were using dial up through an ics box - but with only 800 simultaneous access points for the entire country, we always got a busy signal. It was extremely frustrating. Then we switched to a leased line (expensive ~ 1,000 USD/mth. for dedicated service - 256K down / 128K up) but certainly worth it. I chose this solution after meeting with the IT head at the Sheraton Addis hotel, getting his perspective and exploring different options.

We have also noticed degrading connectivity as late (we believe during peak times when access levels are high). After I return, I will update everyone.

Thanks

Stan

______________

Stan Mullen

Director, Technology Services

Pathfinder International

Nine Galen Street Suite 217

Watertown, MA 02472

 Voice (617) 924.7200.ex300

Fax   (617) 924.3833

Email smullen AT pathfind.org

Web  www.pathfind.org

 

---

From: grhits-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:grhits-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Jojo Almario
Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 9:37 PM
To: Global Reproductive Health IT Support list; Mauricio_Poodts AT abtassoc.com; grhits AT lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: Re: [grhits] Ethiopia Internet options

 

We have been using the state run ISP also for the very same reason.  Our newly installed Cheif of party, has complained about the bandwidth recently stating that he had heard other organizations in the area are using a faster connection.

 

I dont know if this is true or not as he is an ex-pat and he is used to to nothing less than T-1.  BUt it did get me wondering if anyting concerning the bandwidth in Ethiopia has changed.  There are many resorces we would like to implement within our Ethiopia office if only they had the optimum internet connection.

 

---

From: grhits-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org on behalf of William Lester
Sent: Tue 10/10/2006 7:43 PM
To: Mauricio_Poodts AT abtassoc.com; grhits AT lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: Re: [grhits] Ethiopia Internet options

Mauricio,

 

We're in Ethiopia, as are several other people on this list. As of now, I know of no change in the local telecom laws - they specifically forbid using connectivity from anyone but the state-run ISP. They require a license to operate.

 

In several countries, we are challenged with solutions used by others that are illegal. Often the government turns their head and ignores the infraction. But as funded organizations working as in-country guests, I think we have an obligation to abide by local laws.

 

I look forward to hearing from others on this issue. Has something changed in Ethiopia?

 

Bill Lester

 

--------------------------

 

William A. Lester
Chief Information Officer
EngenderHealth
440 Ninth Avenue
New York, NY 10001
(Office) 212.561.8002
(e-Mail) walester AT engenderhealth.org
(URL) www.engenderhealth.org
"If you torture data long enough, it will confess to anything."


>>> Mauricio_Poodts AT abtassoc.com 10/10/2006 2:55 PM >>>

Hello,

I am looking for connectivity options for a new project office in Addis
Ababa and would like to consider satellite.  I've read posting from 2003
from this list discussing the matter.  At that time, satellite was not an
option, but  I'm wondering if anyone uses it now.  There are a few
satellite companies offering coverage, but there may be local telecom laws
restricting access.

Thanks,
Mauricio

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mauricio Poodts  |  International IT Manager  |  Abt Associates Inc.  |
office (617) 349 2536  |  mobile (617) 309 6307  |  skype mpoodts
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