Setback for Africa broadband

[Sneeky]

he project has been held back by squabbles mainly between Kenya and South Africa over financing, ownership and about how much access to the fibre optic cable would cost.

Kenya had accused South Africa of trying to dominate the project and for pushing the idea of governments managing the 9 900km cable that will link the port cities of Durban and Port Sudan. South Africa denies the claims.

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"There could have been certain areas within the protocol that were not pleasing to some members," Ivy Matsepe Casaburri, South Africa's minister for communication, told Reuters.

"However, we will move ahead with this initiative as we convince our brothers to come aboard," she added.

Only Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda signed the protocol in Kigali.

http://www.fin24.co.za/articles/default/display_article.aspx?Nav=ns&ArticleID=1518-25_1990550


Would love to know what the fuss is about.
Is this a public document perhaps?

 

[BTTB]

squabbles mainly between Kenya and South Africa over financing, ownership and about how much access to the fibre optic cable would cost

Why am I not surprised?

What puzzles me is that there is no consensus between the countries as to the cost?
Surely this document would be before the delegates?
All the facts and figures laid out at the meeting?
Is the issue about the cost (as in too much), or are the delegates not aware of the costs yet?
As if it is the latter, then I give up as then many of these delegates are not on the same page it seems?

Working African Time perhaps?

 

[onlyme]

Basically, Her Royal Highness Ivy has decided the cable should be controled by the governments of the individual countries, and I'm guessing she is probably referring to governments as being her department, Kenya is refusing to sign the agreement saying that the control should not be a government controlled resource.

BTW. anyone know when the countries name will officially become "The Peoples Republic of South Africa"?

 

[jontyB]

BTW. anyone know when the countries name will officially become "The Peoples Republic of South Africa"?

You mean "People's Republic of Azania"?