Conference organised by Africa Next Knowledge Brokerage and Interaction in November 2007. For context see http://www.modernghana.com/newsthread2/147150/1/

1. hardware
• Computer
• GSM Modem
• SIM chip
• Connecting Cables
= $2,000

2. software
• SMS Software / Gateway
– Custom (tradenet)
– Off-the-shelf
• Kannel, NowSMS, Smstool, clickatell.com
• Database
– MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle etc

3. Sms
Mobile
application Phone
Operator
setup
GSM Modem
Database

4. Sms
Mobile
application Phone
Operator
setup
GSM Modem
Database

5. • Content delivery
Other
financial, games, news, health, business, prices
applications • Personal planner
appointments, medical adherence
• Transactions & payments
buy/sell offers, payment system, account linking
• Security monitor
video capture, alerts & notification
• Tracking tool
gsm mapping: vehicles; people; goods

6. The way • Strong interface design
forward • Some killer apps
• Clear operator standards
• Government mandate
• Private sector collaboration

8. POLICY AND REGULATORY
CHALLENGES
•High cost of international connectivity and lack
of adequate quality control
•Lack of robust backbone infrastructure
•Limited policy implementation capacity
•Inadequate regulatory instruments especially in
economic regulations
•Lack of comprehensive polity and legislation to
reduce the risk of investment
•Interconnection and tariffs balancing difficulties
•Inadequate regulatory institutional setup to
address regulations ain a convergence manner

10. MEASURES TO ADDRESS CHALLENGES
•Strengthening NCA Human Resource Capacity to develop:
-plan for reducing the price of wholesale international
connectivity
-policy on access to capacity on SAT-3 and regulation
-policy on access to new international cables in the region
-cost-based regulation of interconnection tariffs to resolve
interconnection disputes
•Development of National IT Infrastructure Backbone via fibre
optic extension nationwide
•Pursue Harmonization of Telecommunication Policies to reduce
regional interconnect charges- Role of WATRA and ECOWAS
Commission
•Streamline, efficient, and effective regulation of the
telecommunications industry

11. TELECOM MARKET
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Fixed Lines 274 302 313 320 350
(000)
Fixed Line 1.4% 1.5% 1.5% 1.5% 1.6
Penetratio %
n (%)
Mobile 392 780 1427 1983 4000
Customers
(000)
Mobile 1.9% 3.8% 6.9% 9.3% 18%
Penetratio
n