REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR HUDDLESTON ON THE INAUGURATION OF
THE LELAND INITIATIVE AT TELECOM MALAGASY, ANALAKELY,
ANTANANARIVO ON FRIDAY, 16 MAY 1997.
1. It was in August last year that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to
begin the Leland Initiative in Madagascar. The purpose of this is to allow a
private Internet Provider industry to develop and to enable their customers to
have affordable, reliable and customer-oriented Internet access.
2. Since that time, much work has been accomplished by Telecom Malagasy and
USAID:
- Firstly, a technical survey was undertaken by an engineer from NASA.
- There was a visit from the AT & T Business School to assist TELMA in the
development of a cost-related tariff structure and business plan.
- There have been two visits from a successful ISP in Morocco. He not only
provided technical and business advice to both TELMA and intending ISPs but
also assisted in their selection process.
- The four persons from TELMA who will run the Network Operating Centre
attended an intensive training course in Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire.
- An engineer assisted TELMA in the installation of the satellite antenna and
established the satellite connection.
- Finally, two technicians are here from Morocco to install the Network
Operating Centre equipment and to provide on-site training in its operation.
3. In total, over $100,000 worth of equipment has been delivered to TELMA.
4. Through a fully open and transparent competitive process, 10 private
Internet providers were given licences to operate by the new telecom regulatory
body or DGERT.
5. A private Internet provider association (MIP) was created. This
professional group will implement, maintain and raise Internet services and
standards in Madagascar and serve as the focal point for improved dialogue with
their clients, the individual and institutional Internet users, and with their
internet provider - Telecom Malagasy.
6. Today, we inaugurate the opening of Madagascar's National Internet Gateway.
The oportunities presented by the Internet will contribute greatly to economic
growth, research, education and development. I salute the people of Madagascar
for embracing this new and much-needed technology. The benefits will be yours,
and I am confident that you are more than ready to exploit these both fully and
wisely.
7. "Ho ela velona ny Internet na tambatserasera eto Madagasikara." (Long live
the Internet in Madagascar).
Speech by Ny Hasina Andriamanjato, Ministre des Postes et Telecommunications (English version)
Photo at the Ground Station Inauguration
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