Stories by Gideon F. For-Mukwai

Botswana ISPs Form Group, Call Telco Unfair

The electronic cold war between Botswana's ISPs (Internet service providers) and the country's main telecommunications carrier -- and sole Internet access provider -- has escalated, with the ISPs now forming an association to press their case against Botswana Telecommunication Corp. (BTC).

Iridium Quits South Africa

Persistent problems in acquiring a license have pushed Iridium Africa Corp. to pack its bags and leave the South African satellite-based telephone services market, the company announced recently.

Botswana IT Boosted by Financial Services Push

Botswana's technology infrastructure is currently benefiting from a growth boom brought on by a high profile government project to create an International Financial Services Center, according to an executive at a local IT services firm.

Botswana Site to Launch E-Commerce Service

A Botswana government project designed to attract foreign investors and multinational firms has brought with it increased demand for electronic commerce services, and local online directory Business Advertiser (Bizad) aims to fill that need.

Africa Online Owner Plans Growth with New Funding

Africa Lakes Corp. PLC has recently raised US$29 million in new capital to finance new projects that will enable it maintain its lead in the continent's ISP (Internet service provider) market through its majority-owned Africa Online business, according to company executives.

Digital Audio Broadcast System Launches in Africa

Following the launch in October of its digital audio broadcasting system in Africa, Washington-based WorldSpace Corp. last week debuted its WorldScape multimedia service, which it said will be offered to audiences in Africa within a few months.

Electronic Clearing Comes to Zambian Banks

The Bankers Association of Zambia and the Bank of Zambia have recently joined forces in forming a new entity known as Zambia Electronic Clearing House Ltd. (ZECH), charged with automating the process of clearing inter-bank checks.

Isolated Y2K Glitches Hit Botswana

Although the rollover to the new millennium was generally successful, some minor Y2K glitches continue to be reported to the National Year 2000 Secretariat here.

Win2000 Rollout Plans Draw Yawns in Botswana

While Microsoft Corp. recently announced its plan to officially launch Windows 2000 here next month, the local IT community doesn't appear to be in a state of eager anticipation.

Philips Signs Pact With Local Telco

Phillips Business Communications last month signed a pact with Botswana Telecommunication Corp. (BTC) that the carrier says will enable it to roll out new telecommunication services such as ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network).

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