LIRNEasia has been privileged to work with Research ICT Africa over the past six years. We share resources and knowledge with them on the demand-side survey with their senior Researcher serving as our statistical consultant. They have adapted our Telecom Regulatory Environment instrument and we use their Sector Performance Review template. The training course that we used to teach in Singapore was shifted to Cape Town in light of RIA’s ability to offer it with the imprimatur of a world-class university.
So it was with pleasure that I accepted the invitation to brief the South African Minister of Communication along with RIA’s Executive Director. We had a good exchange with Minister Padayachie. At the end, he requested us to meet with the councillors and Chair of the Independent Communication Authority of South Asia, which we did. I had taught at a course Alison Gillwald had organized for the councillors of ICASA back when it was chaired by Mandla Langa in 2001. We had a wide-ranging discussion on topics ranging from broadband quality of service and defining essential facilities.
LIRNEasia will be happy to make whatever contribution we can to help RIA and the South African authorities realize the immense potential of ICTs for growth, poverty alleviation and job creation in South Africa.
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