Global Reproductive Health IT Support list

[Mauricio Poodts <Mauricio_Poodts AT abtassoc.com>]

Folks,

 Here are some facts related to Interent connectivity in Ethiopia (from our
 local IT person).

 Regarding the Ethiopian Internet connections, please be notified about the
 following facts:
       There is only one Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Ethiopia and it
       is illegal for any other to be established, and it is the government
       owned Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC).
       The ETC's major problem is its connection to the international
       Internet, i.e, the back bone that supports all the connections in
       the country. It is based on a satellite connection via Intelsat and
       has only a band width that is not more than 50Mbps. Therefore, if an
       organization contracted ETC for the best speed Internet connection,
       it will not get the service it has paid for. But recently ETC get
       another connection via a fiber link in the Red Sea through the Sudan
       (additional 34 Mbps). And also pushing to make this link a 155Mbps
       symmetrical. Also they are trying to get another outlet via
       Djibouti. And also recently floated a bid for the supply of
       additional bandwidth via satellites. And we are hoping that the
       service is getting improved.
       ETC has leased a VSAT, but its subscription is limited to the rural
       areas only. And they do have a policy not to give VSAT services in
       those areas in which the Broadband connections (Wireless, Fiber or
       Copper ) reaches. If you decided to contract a dedicated satellite
       connection by your own from a foreign company, it is totally
       illegal.


Bill mentioned that ETC is blocking ports.  Anyone know which ports are
affected?

Thanks,
Mauricio
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

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


                                                                       
             "William Lester"                                          
             <wlester@engender                                         
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                                                                   Subject
                                       Re: [grhits] Ethiopia Internet  
             10/11/2006 09:07          options                         
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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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