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| Identifier | Subject | Date | Office | Classification | Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00HARARE5651 |
GOVERNMENT FLOUTS LAW AND SHUTS DOWN NEW RADIO [...] (C) SUMMARY: DURING THE EVENING OF OCTOBER 4, THE GOVERNMENT OF ZIMBABWE WILLFULLY IGNORED A COURT ORDER AND SHUT DOWN THE RECENTLY LAUNCHED PRIVATE BROADCASTER CAPITAL RADIO. HEAVILY ARMED POLICE (SEVERAL WERE CARRYING AK47 ASSAULT RIFLES) APPEARED AT THE RADIO'S MAKESHIFT STUDIO IN THE 5- [...] |
2000-10-05 15:16:00 | Embassy Harare | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV ECPS ZI |
| 00HARARE5675 |
CAPITAL RADIO CASE CONFOUNDS COURTS [...] (C) THE CAPITAL RADIO CASE HAS GENERATED A FLURRY OF CONFLICTING COURT RULINGS AND ORDERS, PRECIPITATED BY THE SUPREME COURT'S SEPTEMBER 22 RULING THAT DECLARED UNCONSTITUTIONAL THE GOVERNMENT'S BROADCASTING MONOPOLY. AFTER CAPITAL RADIO'S OPERATION WAS SHUT DOWN, THE INFORMATION AND HOME AFF [...] |
2000-10-06 11:21:00 | Embassy Harare | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV ECPS ZI |
| 00THEHAGUE1736 |
ACICIP SPONSORED INTERNET TUTORIAL, SUMMER [...] EMBASSY THE HAGUE APPRECIATES REFTEL OFFER TO ATTEND ACICIP SPONSORED INTERNET TUTORIAL AND NOMINATES SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE NATIONAL JAN RAZOUX SCHULTZ TO PARTICIPATE SUMMER 2000. JAN, SHARING TELECOM RESPONSIBILITY WITH ECON FSO, WILL BE IN WASHINGTON ATTENDING FSI TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY [...] |
2000-06-09 15:17:00 | Embassy The Hague | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD NL |
| 00THEHAGUE1937 |
THE NETHERLANDS: EU DIGITAL SIGNATURE DIRECTIVE [...] Summary. Emboff met with Ministry of Economic Affairs official Martin Buys to discuss Dutch implementation of the directive. The GON is drafting legislation, therefore no public version is available. Buys said that the GON wishes to limit government involvement in electronic signatures, all [...] |
2000-06-27 13:44:00 | Embassy The Hague | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS EINT ETRD EUN |
| 01ABUJA951 |
Satellite Licensing in Nigeria [...] EconOff met with Nigerian Communications Commission Special Assistant to the Chairman C.A. Ojobo on April 26 to discuss Intelsat and market access for satellite operators in Nigeria per reftel. According to Ojobo, the Nigerian government continues to support the privatization of Intelsat sla [...] |
2001-05-03 08:23:00 | Embassy Abuja | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON NI |
| 01HARARE1247 |
ZIMBABWE PARLIAMENT BECOMES RULING PARTY'S [...] (C) SUMMARY: THE RULING ZANU-PF IS TAKING A DIFFERENT TACK IN ITS CAMPAIGN TO CLAMP DOWN ON THE OPPOSITION BY FORCING THROUGH PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION THAT AIMS TO RESTRICT OPPOSITION ACTIVITIES. IN AN EXTRAORDINARY SESSION ON APRIL 3-4, ZANU-PF PARLIAMENTARIANS SUSPENDED THE LEGISLATURE'S OWN [...] |
2001-04-05 17:45:00 | Embassy Harare | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM ECPS KDEM PINR ZI |
| 01VATICAN2022 |
VATICAN - "VIEWS FROM THE HILL" [...] THE APRIL 07 - 12 EDITION OF NEWS AND VIEWS FROM VATICAN CITY. CONTENTS: - POPE RESPONDS TO UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX "DON'T COME" LETTER - VATICAN RADIO CUTS AIRTIME AND ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION - CHANGES IN POPE'S PARTICIPATION IN EASTER EVENTS - POPE DISBURSES MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN AID - [...] |
2001-04-12 09:25:00 | Embassy Vatican | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PHUM EAGR ECPS SENV EAID PINR UP VT VTPREL |
| 02ABUJA1024 |
NIGERIA: NITEL PRIVATIZATION HITS DEAD-END AS IIL [...] Summary: Investors International (London), Ltd. (IIL) was unable to meet the GON deadline for its $1.185 billion payment for NITEL. The GON must now decide what to do with NITEL, IIL, and the privatization process. Of immediate issue is whether the GON will refund IIL,s 10% deposit. Through [...] |
2002-03-28 09:59:00 | Embassy Abuja | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON BEXP ECPS EINV PGOV NI |
| 02ABUJA2567 |
NIGERIA'S PRIVATIZATION PROGRAM: STATUS [...] No summary [...] |
2002-09-03 15:55:00 | Embassy Abuja | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID ECON EINV ECPS ENRG PGOV NI |
| 02ABUJA2686 |
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: USTDA VISIT A SUCCESS STORY [...] Summary. United States Trade and Development Agency (TDA) Special Assistant for Projects Thomas Hardy completed agreements for feasibility studies for fertilizer and housing projects worth $722,000, discussed programs with the Ministers of Solid Minerals and Agriculture, and briefed senior s [...] |
2002-09-17 18:15:00 | Embassy Abuja | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECON EAGR ECPS EAID EAIR EINV EPET EMIN KPAO NI |
| 02ABUJA3345 |
NIGERIA: ECONOMIC ROUNDUP DECEMBER 19 [...] No summary [...] |
2002-12-19 16:03:00 | Embassy Abuja | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN EINV ETRD ECPS NI |
| 02ABUJA461 |
NIGERIAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR INDICATORS [...] Market statistics: By most accounts, Nigeria's telecom sector witnessed significant growth in 2001, but accurate statistics are difficult to obtain. Although information regarding telecom companies and government agencies participating in the sector is current, data on growth trends is availab [...] |
2002-02-08 16:07:00 | Embassy Abuja | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ECPS ETRD NI |
| 02ABUJA787 |
NIGERIA: WEEKLY NEWS REVIEW #2 [...] (U) This is the second edition of what will be a weekly roundup of significant developments in Nigeria. --------------------------------------------- -- BENUE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY FINALLY ESTABLISHED --------------------------------------------- -- Â [...] |
2002-03-12 14:37:00 | Embassy Abuja | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ECON EFIN ECPS KCRM NI |
| 02AMMAN2200 |
JORDAN TELECOM PLANS LINKS TO BAGHDAD [...] (C) According to Jordan Telecom (JTC) CEO Pierre Mattei, JTC is planning to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to construct a fiber-optic telecommunications cable link between Amman and Baghdad within the next month. He said that at present all Iraqi telecom traffic is currently routed via t [...] |
2002-05-06 05:51:00 | Embassy Amman | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS PREL IZ JO |
| 02AMMAN2420 |
NEW JORDANIAN TELECOM REGULATOR FACES CHALLENGES [...] (SBU) The GOJ's recent reform of its telecom regulatory infrastructure thrusts its now fully independent regulator into the role of decision-maker at a time of transition, opportunity, and challenge. As it finds its feet, the regulatory agency must find creative ways to encourage market entr [...] |
2002-05-15 14:11:00 | Embassy Amman | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS BEXP EINV JO |
| 02AMMAN2706 |
MICROSOFT EXPANDS INVESTMENT IN JORDAN [...] (U) Estarta Solutions, the result of a merger between two prominent and well-established Jordanian IT companies, represents a significant expansion of Microsoft's investment and presence in Jordan. The new company bills itself as an international IT solutions company and consultant specializ [...] |
2002-05-28 12:59:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS BEXP EINV JO |
| 02AMMAN4786 |
U.S. FIRM INTERESTED IN CALL CENTERS IN JORDAN [...] (u) Summary. In an initiative that it sees both as a promising business venture and an element of support for regional peace, the U.S. firm Stream International is seriously looking at Jordan as a site for an international call service center that would employ over 300 technically skilled J [...] |
2002-08-25 06:38:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED | BEXP ECPS ECON IS JO OPIC |
| 02AMMAN4945 |
SPREAD THE WORD: JORDAN ICT FORUM [...] (U) This is an action request. See para. 6. 2. (U) SUMMARY: Under the patronage of King Abdullah, the Ministry of Information Communications and Technology (MOICT) and the Information Technology Association of Jordan (INTAJ) are hosting an Information Communications Technology (ICT) Foru [...] |
2002-09-03 05:36:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS BEXP JO |
| 02AMMAN4996 |
JORDANIAN ATTENDEES: ITU PLENIPOTENTIARY CONFERENCE [...] (U) As per instructions REFTEL, we passed along to the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MOICT) our intention to nominate James Carroll for reelection to the Radio Regulations Board. MOICT Adviser Roger Guichard told us that Minister of ICT Fawaz Zu'bi and MOICT Adviser A [...] |
2002-09-04 13:55:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS AORC JO |
| 02AMMAN6060 |
A VIRTUAL SUCCESS: JORDAN'S ICT FORUM [...] (U) SUMMARY: Jordan's second ICT Forum was held Sept. 30-Oct. 1 in Amman. Featuring addresses by King Abdullah, Intel CEO Craig Barrett, John Gage, Chief Researcher and Director of the Science Office for Sun Microsystems, and AOL Strategic Advisor George Vradenburg, the event attracted more [...] |
2002-10-20 08:40:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS BEXP EINV JO |
| 02AMMAN6250 |
ICT PROGRAMS IN JORDAN [...] (U) Per REFTEL request, we are providing information on telecom regulation, internet, and other IT-related questions posed, as well as a description of ICT projects related to education, business skills, business development, and e-government in Jordan. ----------------------------- THE TR [...] |
2002-10-27 07:31:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ECPS EAID JO |
| 02AMMAN6586 |
JORDAN TELECOM DEBUTS ON AMMAN STOCK EXCHANGE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Following a well-subscribed initial public offering (IPO), Jordan Telecom (JTC) stock had its first day of public trading on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) November 3. The listing made JTC the largest company on the ASE in terms of operating capital, and placed the Amman bours [...] |
2002-11-11 06:00:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS BEXP EINV JO |
| 02COLOMBO1610 |
Telecommunication reforms and opportunities in Sri [...] Summary: Sri Lanka plans extensive reforms in the telecommunications sector with the aim of developing a technology-neutral, open and convergent telecommunications market. One of the most significant developments will be the opening of international voice services. Other planned reforms inc [...] |
2002-09-03 09:54:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KTDB BEXP ECPS ECON EINV ETRD CE ECONOMICS |
| 02COLOMBO1891 |
Peace process update: Detainees go on [...] (C) This update of Sri Lanka's peace process reviews the following: -- Demanding immediate release, Tamil detainees go on hunger strike -- Amid strong hints that a resolution may be near, standoff involving captured soldiers continues -- Tigers reportedly attack office of pro-governmen [...] |
2002-10-09 11:05:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINS PHUM ECPS CE LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2337 |
Import of radio equipment for Tamil Tigers sparks controversy for GSL and Norwegian facilitators Ref: Colombo 1891 (U) Classified by Lewis Amselem, Deputy Chief of Mission. Reasons 1.5 (b, d). [...] (C) SUMMARY: The recent import of radio equipment for the LTTE has stirred controversy, with critics asserting that the government and the Norwegian facilitators have gone too far in pleasing the Tigers. In response, the GSL says it assisted in the import of the equipment in exchange for the LTTEÂ [...] |
2002-12-20 06:16:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER ECPS CE NO LTTE |
| 02COLOMBO2355 |
President backs military on Jaffna security [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Kumaratunga has come out strongly in favor of the Sri Lankan military's position on the need to maintain "high security zones" in Jaffna. For its part, the LTTE has announced that it wants to discuss the security zone issue at the next round of political-level talks. [...] |
2002-12-30 10:08:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER MOPS ECPS CE NO LTTE |
| 02HANOI3098 |
VIETNAM: NATIONAL TRADE ESTIMATES REPORT 2003 [...] THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE DRAFT 2003 NATIONAL TRADE ESTIMATE REPORT FOR VIETNAM. 2. BEGIN TEXT OF REPORT: UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 02 HANOI 03098 01 OF 08 301021Z VIETNAM TRADE SUMMARY THE LANDMARK US-VIETNAM BILATERAL TRADE AGREEMENT THAT SEEKS [...] |
2002-12-30 09:34:00 | Embassy Hanoi | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS AORC VM FINREF BTA IPROP |
| 02KATHMANDU1245 |
TIBETAN REFUGEE UPDATE: ASYLUM REQUEST, PUBLIC [...] (C) Summary. A group of Tibetan refugees arrested by Nepalese authorities in transit to Tibet from India seek a royal amnesty on the King's upcoming birthday, July 7. UNHCR, Post and other diplomatic missions are encouraging the GON to grant the requests. At the urging of UNHCR, Nepal releas [...] |
2002-06-25 13:46:00 | Embassy Kathmandu | CONFIDENTIAL | PREF PREL ECPS PROP PHUM NP CH |
| 02KATHMANDU964 |
UPDATE: ATTACKS ON INFRASTRUCTURE [...] (U) Nearly 4,000 people--civilians, military, police and insurgents--have been killed in Nepal's six-year-old Maoist insurgency to date. According to Ministry of Defense figures, more than 10 percent of that number--572--were killed in the first half of May alone. (Note: MOD figures, espec [...] |
2002-05-17 10:53:00 | Embassy Kathmandu | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PTER ECON ECPS ENRG NP |
| 02ROME586 |
AMBASSADOR'S LUNCH WITH MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS [...] (U) DURING HIS INITIAL MEETING WITH THE MINISTER OF UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 02 ROME 00586 01 OF 02 061352Z COMMUNICATIONS, THE AMBASSADOR PROMOTED MOTOROLA'S BID FOR THE TENDER FOR A NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY DIGITAL MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM, SOUGHT FAIR MARKET [...] |
2002-02-06 13:30:00 | Embassy Rome | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ECPS IT |
| 02ROME5989 |
GOI SELLS REMAINING STAKE IN TELECOM ITALIA [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: UNEXPECTEDLY, ON DECEMBER 9, THE GOI SOLD ITS RESIDUAL 3.5 PERCENT SHARE IN FORMERLY STATE- OWNED INCUMBENT OPERATOR TELECOM ITALIA. ECONOMIC AANALYSTS AND EMBASSY CONTACTS AGREE THAT THE SALE WAS DICTATED BY BUDGET NEEDS, RATHER THAN BY NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS POLICY CONSIDERA [...] |
2002-12-16 08:31:00 | Embassy Rome | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EFIN ECON KPRV ETRD IT WTRO USTR EUN KRV |
| 02TEGUCIGALPA2563 |
PRE-QUALIFICATION FOR 25-YEAR HONDURAN CELLULAR [...] (SBU) Summary. Two American cellular companies were among six who applied for pre-qualification to bid on the GOH's 25-year cellular service contract. The winner of the bid will be the only competition for Honduras' current cellular provider, Celtel (majority owned by Motorola). Conatel plan [...] |
2002-09-11 23:10:00 | Embassy Tegucigalpa | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS EINV KPRV HO |
| 02TEGUCIGALPA3151 |
CELLULAR PROVIDERS PRE-QUALIFIED [...] (SBU) Summary. Bellsouth was one of three firms found to prequalify to participate in the upcoming 25-year wireless telephone service concession on November 7, along with the Chilean company ENTEL and a Swiss-Honduran consortium. Digicel Honduras, a company with partial U.S. ownership, was di [...] |
2002-11-19 21:28:00 | Embassy Tegucigalpa | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EINV KPRV HO |
| 03ABUDHABI2631 |
UAEG RESPONDS TO U.S. PROPOSALS FOR THE 2003 [...] (U) Classified by Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Thomas E. Williams for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d). 2. (U) This cable contains an action request; please see paragraph 7. 3. (C) Summary: Econoff delivered ref demarche 6/1 to UAE Ministry of Communications Undersecretary Abdullah Ahmed L [...] |
2003-06-03 10:20:00 | Embassy Abu Dhabi | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS AORC TC |
| 03ABUJA1357 |
CODEM ADVOCACY EFFORT STIFLED BY ALLEGED [...] (SBU) Summary. Since spring 2003 Mission Nigeria has heen pursuing advocacy in behalf of CODEM Systems, Inc., a New Hampshire-based telecommunications firm. CODEM has tendered bids on three separate contracts, the aggregate value of which approximates $80 million. Its proposal to Nigeria's Min [...] |
2003-08-08 18:46:00 | Embassy Abuja | CONFIDENTIAL | BEXP ECPS ETRD PGOV NI |
| 03ABUJA1386 |
CODEM PROVIDES FURTHER INDICATIONS OF [...] (C) Summary. On August 12 CODEM's Nigeria-based representative gave us further documentation that suggests that the Ministry of Communications is grossly understating the bid of CODEM's competitor for the $35 million contract mentioned in reftel. From the Ministry's understatement, as well a [...] |
2003-08-14 16:27:00 | Embassy Abuja | CONFIDENTIAL | BEXP ECPS ETRD PGOV NI |
| 03ABUJA1679 |
USAID SUCCESS STORIES SURPRISE NIGERIANS, COUNTER [...] Summary. Nigerians reacting to Mission-sponsored media reports June - September 2003 on U.S.-Nigeria partnership successes on health, HIV/AIDS, agriculture, education, and conflict resolution, say they are amazed at the level of support given to Nigeria by the U.S. Government. They expressed [...] |
2003-09-29 15:54:00 | Embassy Abuja | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS KPAO NI OEXC OIIP OPRC |
| 03ABUJA2207 |
Success Stories Take Media Beyond Visas [...] Summary. Dozens of PAS success story placements over the last six months broadened Nigerians' perception of USG involvement in southern Nigeria. Beyond the routinely negative visas stories, audiences now see, and want more, stories on the positive USG programs in agriculture, health and edu [...] |
2003-12-24 10:56:00 | Embassy Abuja | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS KPAO NI OEXC OIIP OPRC |
| 03ABUJA221 |
NIGERIA: ECONOMIC ROUNDUP JANUARY 31 [...] (U) This periodic economic report from Abuja and Lagos includes: --Dutch Firm Wins BPE Management Contract for NITEL --Think Tank Offers Economic Rebuilding Plan --Nigeria Airways in Trouble Again --Political Conventions Delay 2003 Budget Dutch Firm Wins BPE Management Contract for NITEL [...] |
2003-01-31 14:03:00 | Embassy Abuja | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EAIR ECPS EFIN NI |
| 03ABUJA284 |
NIGERIA: TELECOMMUNICATIONS EXPANSION A SUCCESS [...] Summary: While there is still a long way to go to bridge the telecommunications divide between Nigeria and the developed world -- or even between Nigeria and the rest of Africa -- the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has made a promising start. Quiet support from USAID/Nigeria, the L [...] |
2003-02-10 09:28:00 | Embassy Abuja | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ECPS ECON PGOV NI |
| 03ABUJA682 |
NIGERIA: MOTOROLA'S SUCCESS MARKS MAJOR [...] (C) On March 31, the GON awarded Motorola a $49.9 million contract to expand Nigerian Telecommunications' (NITEL) cellular telephone network. This award is a major advocacy victory for the Mission as well as an important landmark on Nigeria's road to greater transparency. It is the most sign [...] |
2003-04-14 17:31:00 | Embassy Abuja | CONFIDENTIAL | BEXP EINV ECPS ETRD ECON PGOV NI |
| 03AMMAN1544 |
JORDANIAN TELECOMS PREPARED FOR CONFLICT PRESSURES [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: In recent meetings with Jordanian telecom operators, we were assured that fixed-line and wireless telecom networks were prepared for pressures on their systems in the event of a conflict in neighboring Iraq. Plans have been made to protect physical infrastructure, fleets, offi [...] |
2003-03-13 15:12:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EINV BEXP JO |
| 03AMMAN1882 |
TFIZ01: VENTING ON THE WEB: JORDAN INTERNET USE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The two major Internet providers in Jordan report a sharp upsurge in Internet use, particularly email traffic, over the past week. Technical support managers said that sophisticated software is allowing users to access and download inflammatory TV news reports, which are then g [...] |
2003-03-30 07:59:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ECPS PREL KPAO IZ JO |
| 03AMMAN2196 |
TF1Z01: JORDAN TELECOM REGULATOR NIJEM ON THE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Muna Nijem, the head of the Jordanian Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) concluded a week of meetings recently in Washington with FTC, DOS, and World Bank officials in which she emphasized her commitment to make the TRC, with USG assistance, the strong body the sect [...] |
2003-04-10 14:39:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EINV ECON JO |
| 03AMMAN2429 |
Survey of Jordan's Wireless Internet [...] As per instructions REFTEL, we consulted with Jordanian telecom regulatory officials to respond to survey questions regarding Wi-Fi regulations in Jordan. Follow-up questions can be directed to Greg Garramone, Econ Section (GarramoneGG@state.gov). The responses begin para. 2. 2. Jordan [...] |
2003-04-23 05:30:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON ETRD JO |
| 03AMMAN3055 |
JORDAN TELECOM EXPLORING IRAQI MARKET OPTIONS [...] (sbu) Summary: Senior management staff from Jordan Telecom called on ECONOFF May 15 to inquire about commercial opportunities for provision of mobile telecoms service in Iraq and to ask for requirements and procedures for importing telecoms equipment into Iraq on a commercial basis. JTC see [...] |
2003-05-22 12:29:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ETRD EAID JO IZ |
| 03AMMAN3556 |
EMBASSY AMMAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY OFFICER [...] (U) As per instructions REFTEL, Economic Officer Greg Garramone covers telecommunications and information policy for Post. His contact information is as follows: OFFICE:962-6-592-0101, ext. 2557; MOBILE:962-79-522-0808; FAX: 962-6-592-7653; E-Mail: GarramoneGG@state.gov. Effective August 7, [...] |
2003-06-16 13:10:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ECPS ETRD JO |
| 03AMMAN3989 |
ARAB TELECOM REGULATORS INITIATIVE [...] (SBU) Telecommunications Regulatory Commission chief Muna Nijem approached USAID director and Econ Couns on June 30 about U.S. Government support for an effort she is leading to create a network of Arab telecommunications regulators. Nijem said the idea to create a network was developed dur [...] |
2003-07-01 14:23:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS EAID JO XF |
| 03AMMAN4029 |
PALESTINIAN BUSINESS GROUP VENTS FRUSTRATION [...] (U) Summary. Under Secretary of Treasury John Taylor and Under Secretary of Commerce Grant Aldonas met with a group of Palestinian business leaders on the margins of the World Economic Forum on June 21, 2003 (attendees list at end of cable). The business leaders discussed their skepticism [...] |
2003-07-03 07:07:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EINV ECPS JO IS IZ |
| 03AMMAN4212 |
Jordan Takes Major Step in Its Education [...] (U) SUMMARY: The Jordanian Cabinet approved an $80 million project as the first step in the provision of providing broadband connectivity to all learning centers in the country. The centerpiece of the Jordan Education Initiative (JEI), launched by King Abdullah at the World Economic Forum ( [...] |
2003-07-10 13:17:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS EAID JO |
| 03AMMAN4348 |
Creating Gender Sensitive ICT Synergies [...] (U) SUMMARY: UNIFEM (United Nations Development Fund for Women) plans to launch an "E-Village" project that will integrate a number of information and communications technologies (ICT) efforts underway in Jordan with the construction of a computer assembly plant in a village near Madaba. Deem [...] |
2003-07-15 12:03:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS EAID JO |
| 03AMMAN4588 |
IRAQI MOBILE TENDER CONFERENCE SET FOR AMMAN [...] Action recommendation at paragraph 4. 2. (U) The Coalition Provisional Authority of Iraq (CPA) announced July 21 that a bidders' conference for companies with an interest in a recently-issued mobile telecom services tender in Iraq would be held in Amman July 31. The tender, which will be [...] |
2003-07-24 13:20:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS EINV ETRD IZ JO |
| 03AMMAN4931 |
CPA Iraqi Mobile Telecom Tender Conference [...] (U) SUMMARY: CPA telecommunications officials held a conference in Amman July 31 for prospective bidders on licenses to provide mobile telecommunication services in Iraq, attracting over 400 participants. During the conference, attendees expressed frustration over the short bid submission pe [...] |
2003-08-06 08:50:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS JO ENV |
| 03AMMAN5232 |
CPA TELECOM TEAM RECEIVES OFFERS OF HELP FROM GOJ [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The CPA telecommunications team met with the Jordanian Minister of Information and Communications Technologies, Minister of Planning and a representative from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission(TRC) on July 30. Discussion with GOJ officials centered around partnerships [...] |
2003-08-18 14:40:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EAID JO CPA |
| 03AMMAN5798 |
ARAB TELECOM REGULATORS NETWORK: READY FOR PRIME [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Jordanian Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) hosted the first preparatory meeting for the Arab Telecommunications Regulators Network (ATRN) on August 28-29 in Amman, Jordan. Delegates from twelve countries created a permanent Secretariat and produced a series [...] |
2003-09-10 09:59:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID ECPS KMPI JO |
| 03AMMAN7226 |
MINISTER OF ICT AND ADMIN DEVELOPMENT PLEASED WITH [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Reappointed Minister of Information and Communications Technology and Minister of Administrative Development Fawwaz Al-Zou,bi on Nov. 2 provided to the Ambassador an unusually candid insight into the formation of the new Jordanian government and the challenges facing administrat [...] |
2003-11-04 17:09:00 | Embassy Amman | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS EAID PGOV PREL JO |
| 03AMMAN7392 |
THIRD (OR FOURTH?) MOBILE LICENSE TENDER PROVOKES [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Jordan's Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) has announced a tender for what is being billed as a third mobile telephony license in anticipation of the January 1, 2004 end of the current mobile telephony duopoly under its WTO obligations. The tender has provoked unfa [...] |
2003-11-13 10:19:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EINV JO |
| 03AMMAN8254 |
OUTCOME OF SUCCESS STORIES INITIATIVE IN JORDAN [...] SUMMARY: LAST SEPTEMBER (FY03), THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION OF THE U.S. EMBASSY IN AMMAN PARTICIPATED IN A STATE DEPARTMENT PROJECT DESIGNED TO HIGHLIGHT THE IMPACT OF U.S. ASSISTANCE AROUND THE WORLD. IN COOPERATION WITH THE JORDANIAN MEDIA (TELEVISION, RADIO, PRINT, AND INTERNET), 10 U.S.-FUN [...] |
2003-12-17 15:42:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED | OPRC KPAO OIIP ECPS OEXC JO KMDR EAID PREF |
| 03ANKARA6390 |
INVESTMENT DISPUTES: PROGRESS FOR CARGILL/ADM, [...] (SBU) Summary: The GOT announced October 9 that it will will increase the quota for non-sugar sweetener producers to 15 percent of the total sugar quota for the year that began September 1, which means Cargill and ADM can avoid potentially ruinous production cuts. Cargill, however, is still [...] |
2003-10-10 14:39:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV ECPS ETRD PGOV TU |
| 03ANKARA7157 |
DEFENSE AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION AGREEMENT [...] (C) Summary: The annual Defense and Economic Cooperation Agreement (DECA) inspections occurred the week of October 20-24, 2003 in Ankara, Izmir and Incirlik. While talks between the two sides became tense during discussions of a small number of specific issues, the overall mood of the inspec [...] |
2003-11-18 07:03:00 | Embassy Ankara | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR ELAB ECPS ECON TU |
| 03ANKARA7417 |
MEETING WITH WORLD BANK ECONOMIST [...] (C) Summary: Resident World Bank economist James Parks told econoffs that the GOT has yet to meaningfully re-engage with the Bank in several sectors, though in others there is a continuing dialogue. Parks raised the question of how to avoid a sharp fall in the lira, given the likely size of nex [...] |
2003-12-03 15:24:00 | Embassy Ankara | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN ECON EAGR ENRG ECPS TU |
| 03BRASILIA311 |
DEFINING DTV HITS A BUMP; MISSION STRATEGY FOR [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. On January 23, new Minister of Communications Miro Teixeira proposed that the GoB form an inter-ministerial group to study and present findings on the viability of a made-in-Brazil digital television (DTV) standard. The announcement immediately followed Teixeira's review of a [...] |
2003-01-29 16:35:00 | Embassy Brasilia | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD EINT BR |
| 03BRASILIA3405 |
GOB TAKES STEPS TO REDEFINE REGULATORS, STATUS [...] (U) SUMMARY: A GoB draft bill aims to better demarcate the powers and responsibilities of Brazil,s nine federal regulatory agencies. The most material change would shift authority for awarding and monitoring concessions from the agencies to the corresponding GoB Ministries. The bill,s main [...] |
2003-10-22 14:35:00 | Embassy Brasilia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ENRG EINV EFIN PGOV EWWT ECPS ECON BR |
| 03COLOMBO174 |
PLACEMENT OF PRESIDENT'S STATE OF THE UNION [...] As reported in reftel (B), Colombo provided Worldnet coverage of the State of the Union address to three Sri Lankan telecasters for use during prime-time on 1/29. ITN (government-owned, island-wide penetration) and Rupavahini (government-owned, island-wide penetration), took extensive clippi [...] |
2003-01-30 08:28:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | OPRC KPAO KMDR OIIP ECPS OEXC |
| 03COLOMBO183 |
MEDIA REACTION: State of the Union Address; [...] "Flights of fancy? We hope not" Independent English daily, Daily Mirror, commented (1/31): "The key phrase is `where it began'. Yes, it all began in the United States, a country responsible for the mayhem that the world is in today and the coming cataclysm. "It is the United States lopsi [...] |
2003-01-31 06:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OPRC KMDR OIIP ECPS OEXC |
| 03COLOMBO604 |
IMI: SRI LANKA LIBERALIZES INTERNATIONAL [...] Summary: In early March, Sri Lanka opened the international voice telephony market, ending the monopoly held by Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT), a partially state-owned venture. The entry of competitors into the international telecom services market has resulted in significant reductions in call r [...] |
2003-04-09 07:03:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KTDB ECON ECPS ETRD CE WTO ECONOMICS |
| 03COLOMBO742 |
WI-FI SURVEY, SRI LANKA [...] Post response to reftel Wi-Fi survey request follows: A) Has host country allocated unlicensed radio- frequency spectrum for use by Wi-Fi and similar wireless technologies or is it planning to do so? If so are there separate allocations for indoor and outdoor use? Alternatively, is host [...] |
2003-05-05 04:09:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON ETRD CE ECONOMICS |
| 03HANOI340 |
VIETNAM COUNTRY GATEWAY LAUNCHED [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Marking another step in Vietnam's efforts to increase access to the internet, Vietnam and the World Bank launched the Vietnam Country Gateway Project in January. Understanding the importance of information technology to economic and social development, this project plans on p [...] |
2003-02-12 08:22:00 | Embassy Hanoi | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON ETRD EAID VM |
| 03HARARE224 |
PLACEMENT OF PRESIDENT'S STATE OF THE UNION [...] President Bush's State of the Union Address received good placement in both the print and electronic media (radio). All four state-run radio channels - 3FM, SpotFM, FM Zimbabwe, and Radio Zimbabwe - carried excerpts of the Presidents speech starting with the 17 [...] |
2003-01-30 13:53:00 | Embassy Harare | UNCLASSIFIED | OPRC OIIP KPAO ECPS KMDR OEXC ZI |
| 03HARARE261 |
MEDIA REACTION POWELL EVIDENCE AGAINST IRAQ; [...] Secretary of State Colin Powell's February 5 presentation to the UN Security Council was barely visible in the Zimbabwean media. An AFP report published on page 4 of the government-owned "Herald" and a wire service-based report read on the government- owned Zim [...] |
2003-02-06 10:25:00 | Embassy Harare | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR ECPS OIIP OPRC OEXC ZI |
| 03KABUL1022 |
AFGHANISTAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR UPDATE - [...] (C) The Ministry of Communications (MOC) is facing an assortment of challenges as the government of President Karzai enters the Afghan year 1382. The Ministry,s relations with its sole telecom service provider, Afghan Wireless Communications Company (AWCC), continue to deteriorate while a sec [...] |
2003-04-20 04:56:00 | Embassy Kabul | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS EINV ECON ELAB AF |
| 03KUWAIT1499 |
KUWAIT: WIRELESS INTERNET SURVEY RESULTS [...] No summary [...] |
2003-04-19 12:27:00 | Embassy Kuwait | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON ETRD KU |
| 03LAGOS2462 |
SECOND FIDDLE NO LONGER [...] (U) Summary: Two major players, MTN Nigeria Communications Limited and Econet Wireless Nigeria Limited, dominate Nigeria's mobile communications industry. The latter has long played second fiddle to its much larger competitor, but Econet executives insist that with Vodacom Group's purchase of [...] |
2003-12-05 17:41:00 | Consulate Lagos | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON EINV NI |
| 03LAGOS2565 |
A POTENTIAL POWERHOUSE AMONG NIGERIAN PRIVATE [...] (U) Summary. Odua Telecommunicaions, a subsidiary of Nigeria's Odua Investment Group, is one of a handful of private telephone operators. The firm won several 3.5 GHz licenses in June 2002 and hopes to break new ground in Nigeria's southwest by introducing improved fixed wireless services. I [...] |
2003-12-17 15:03:00 | Consulate Lagos | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON SCUL NI |
| 03MONTREAL245 |
QUEBEC TELECOMS STRUGGLE WITH OVERCAPACITY, LACK OF [...] SUMMARY: QUEBEC'S TELECOMMUNICATION INDUSTRY, A SECTOR WHICH AT ITS PEAK IN 1999 SUPPORTED 114,500 JOBS, CUT MORE THAN 21,000 JOBS IN 2002. ANALYSTS ARE PREDICTING ANOTHER ROUGH YEAR WITH LOW INVESTMENT RATES AND A POSSIBLE INCREASE IN BANKRUPTCIES IN SMALLER COMPANIES. END SUMMARY. 2. MON [...] |
2003-02-25 12:19:00 | Consulate Montreal | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ECPS EFIN EINV ETTC CA BEXP |
| 03OTTAWA1079 |
TELECOM POLICY: [...] (U) This message is sensitive, but unclassified. Please treat accordingly. 2. (U) SUMMARY: Canada is clearly shifting its policy on telecommunications competition toward a more pro-competitive model. -- Following extensive public hearings, in late April a key Parliamentary committee [...] |
2003-04-15 14:09:00 | Embassy Ottawa | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ETRD CA |
| 03OTTAWA1114 |
CANADA: WI-FI SURVEY RESULTS [...] No summary [...] |
2003-04-17 20:00:00 | Embassy Ottawa | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON ETRD CA |
| 03OTTAWA1596 |
CANADA SUPPORTS U.S. POSITIONS FOR WORLD [...] Canada will support U.S positions on Agenda items 1.5 and 1.24 at the World Radiocommunication Conference. According to Industry Canada's Director for Terrestrial Engineering Doug Sward, Canada has been on board with these two issues throughout their preparations for the Conference. Sward wil [...] |
2003-06-05 18:19:00 | Embassy Ottawa | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS |
| 03OTTAWA1858 |
TELECOM REGULATION: COMPETITIVE ACCESS TO MULTI-UNIT [...] As reported reftel, Canada is clearly shifting its policy on telecommunications competition toward a more pro- competitive model. A decision announced by the GOC's telecom regulator on June 30 reinforced this trend by clarifying the terms of access of telecom service providers to multi-unit [...] |
2003-06-30 19:45:00 | Embassy Ottawa | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD CA |
| 03OTTAWA800 |
1377 REVIEW: CANADA CONSIDERING RESPONSE TO ISP [...] Econoff contacted CRTC Executive Director for Telecommunications Shirley Soehn to solicit information on how Canada planned to address the issues raised Reftel. Soehn noted that the CRTC received an Application from the Canadian Association of Internet Providers (CAIP) regarding the "anti-comp [...] |
2003-03-20 20:18:00 | Embassy Ottawa | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD |
| 03RANGOON1000 |
FIRST CYBER CAFES IN BURMA: "VIRTUAL" ACCESS [...] (SBU) Summary: With the government's support and prodding, several select private sector computer firms are testing the uncharted waters of public Internet access. GOB support for information technology and the country's nascent IT sector is encouraging, if a bit precocious considering the cou [...] |
2003-08-20 02:42:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS SCUL ECON PGOV BM |
| 03ROME1084 |
U.S./ITALY BILATERAL TALKS ON COMMUNICATIONS POLICY: FROM BROADBAND TO WI-FI TO CYBER SECURITY [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. DURING RECENT BILATERAL MEETINGS ON COMMUNICATIONS POLICY, THE GOI UNDERSCORED ITS EAGERNESS TO WORK WITH THE USG ON ISSUES LEADING UP TO THE WORLD RADIOCOMMUNICATION CONFERENCE IN JUNE AND THE WORLD SUMMIT ON THE INFORMATION SOCIETY IN DECEMBER, WHEN ITALY, AS EU PRESIDENT, WIL [...] |
2003-03-17 12:39:00 | Embassy Rome | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ETRD IT |
| 03ROME1119 |
ANNUAL SECTION 1377 REVIEW OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS [...] THE HIGH COST OF MOBILE TO FIXED TERMINATION RATES, WHICH IS THE FOCUS OF COMPTEL'S FILING UNDER SECTION 1377 OF THE TRADE ACT, WAS A THEME OF THE MARCH 6-7TH U.S./ITALY BILATERAL TALKS ON COMMUNICATIONS POLICY. THE GOI IS COMMITTED TO BRING RATES DOWN, BEGINNING WITH THE FIRST TRANCHE OF RATE [...] |
2003-03-18 17:37:00 | Embassy Rome | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD IT |
| 03ROME1226 |
ITALY: SECTION 1377 REVIEW OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS [...] IN RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS POSED IN REFTEL B, POST RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING WRITTEN COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY (ITALY'S EQUIVALENT OF THE FCC): 2. QUESTION: HOW DOES ITALY DEFINE "SIGNIFICANT MARKET POWER" IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO ITS REGULATORY CO [...] |
2003-03-24 15:36:00 | Embassy Rome | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD IT EUN |
| 03ROME1312 |
AMBASSADOR'S LUNCH WITH TELECOM ITALIA MANAGING [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: AT A MARCH 19 LUNCH WITH TELECOM ITALIA MANAGING DIRECTOR RICCARDO RUGGIERO, THE AMBASSADOR RAISED ADVOCACY CASES INVOLVING U.S. TELECOM FIRMS TERADYNE, LUCENT AND MOTOROLA. HE ALSO STRESSED THAT MANY U.S. TELECOM FIRMS WERE INTERESTED IN SELLING TO AND WORKING WITH TELECOM IT [...] |
2003-03-27 13:28:00 | Embassy Rome | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ETRD BEXP EIND IT |
| 03ROME1528 |
HEAD OF ITALIAN PRIVACY AUTHORITY CRITICAL OF PNR AGREEMENT AND CONCERNED ABOUT SAFE HARBOR APPLICATION [...] (U) THIS CABLE CONTAINS AN ACTION REQUEST - SEE PARAGRAPH 7. 2. (SBU) SUMMARY: DURING A MARCH 26 CONFERENCE HOSTED BY THE ITALIAN PRIVACY AUTHORITY, CHAIRMAN STEFANO RODOTA AND SECRETARY GENERAL GIOVANNI BUTTARELLI EXPRESSED SERIOUS CONCERN REGARDING CONTINUED U.S.-EU DIVERGENCE IN PRIVACY [...] |
2003-04-10 05:40:00 | Embassy Rome | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ETRD IT EUN |
| 03ROME1534 |
ITALY -- WIRELESS INTERNET SURVEY [...] WI-FI HAS BEEN SLOW TO GET OFF THE GROUND IN ITALY, COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY OFFICIALS ACKNOWLEDGED DURING THE MARCH 6-7TH U.S/ITALY BILATERAL DISCUSSIONS ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS. MINISTRY OFFICIALS HAVE PUBLICLY CRITICIZED THE COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY (ITALY'S FCC EQUIVALENT) FOR THE DELAY IN TH [...] |
2003-04-10 10:56:00 | Embassy Rome | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON ETRD IT |
| 03ROME200 |
ITALY MORE RECEPTIVE TO GALILEO M-CODE OVERLAY [...] (C) GALILEO AND THE M-CODE OVERLAY ISSUE CAME UP DURING SEPARATE MEETINGS ON JANUARY 14 AND 15 ON OTHER ISSUES (REPORTED SEPTEL) WITH MINISTER OF PRODUCTIVE ACTIVITIES (I.E. INDUSTRY) MARZANO AND GIOVANNI BRAUZZI, HEAD OF THE ITALIAN MFA NATO AFFAIRS OFFICE. MARZANO DISPLAYED CLEAR INTEREST IN [...] |
2003-01-16 15:16:00 | Embassy Rome | CONFIDENTIAL | TSPA TSPL PREL ECPS ETRD IT EUN NATO AVIATION |
| 03ROME2436 |
PNR, SAFE HARBOR: ITALY PRIVACY DISCUSSIONS [...] (SBU) Summary: Secretary General of the Italian Privacy Authority Buttarelli expressed strong opposition to the interim PNR agreement in a meeting with Econcouns May 27. Buttarelli believes that Commission officials made a mistake in agreeing to PNR as this violates national laws. The princip [...] |
2003-06-04 05:16:00 | Embassy Rome | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ETRD IT EUN |
| 03ROME250 |
SCENE-SETTER U.S-ITALY COMMUNICATIONS BILATERAL [...] THE FOLLOWING REPORT IS INTENDED AS AN OVERVIEW OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ITALYS COMMUNICATIONS SECTOR TO HELP WASHINGTON AGENCIES PREPARE FOR MARCH 6-7, 2003 BILATERAL MEETINGS IN ROME. 2. SUMMARY. ITALY HAS ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST DEVELOPED COMMUNICATIONS MOBILE AND FIXED LINE MARKE [...] |
2003-01-21 15:25:00 | Embassy Rome | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD IT EUN |
| 03ROME2652 |
ITALY PRIVACY DRAFT EXECUTVE ORDER WOULD [...] (U) THIS IS AN ACTION REQUEST, SEE PARAGRAPH FIVE. 2. (SBU) IN A WORRISOME AND UNEXPECTED DEVELOPMENT, THE GOI HAS ISSUED A LEGISLATIVE DECREE WITH A PROVISION THAT, IF ADOPTED IN ITS CURRENT FORM, WOULD REDUCE THE REQUIREMENT FOR TELECOM COMPANIES TO MAINTAIN TELEPHONE DATABASES FROM FIVE [...] |
2003-06-12 09:25:00 | Embassy Rome | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ETRD IT EUN |
| 03ROME3567 |
GALILEO: AMBASSADOR ARAGONA ADVOCATES ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL TALKS TO RESOLVE M-CODE OVERLAY ISSUE [...] (C) Summary: Italian MFA Political Director Gianfranco Aragona informed a U.S. delegation on July 16 that he still believes technical solutions exist to the U.S.-EU dispute over the Galileo Public Regulated Service (PRS) signal overlay of the M-code. Aragona recognized US security concerns [...] |
2003-08-06 15:23:00 | Embassy Rome | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS NATO TSPA |
| 03ROME3916 |
ITALY'S EU PRESIDENCY: SEPTEMBER 4 INFORMAL [...] (U) ACCORDING TO THE GOI'S DRAFT AGENDA FOR THE INFORMAL MINISTERIAL ON TELLECOMMUNICATIONS, THE MINISTERS WILL ASSESS THE STATE OF BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT AT THE EUROPEAN LEVEL, WITH PARTICULAR ATTENTION PAID TO DELAYS IN CERTAIN AREAS. THE MINISTERS WILL ADDRESS THE USE OF EU STRUCTURAL FUNDS F [...] |
2003-08-28 15:03:00 | Embassy Rome | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS IT EUN |
| 03ROME4227 |
ITALY'S EU PRESIDENCY: SEPTEMBER 4 INFORMAL [...] (U) MINISTERS AT THE INFORMAL TELECOM MINISTERIAL, HELD IN VITERBO, ITALY, ON SEPTEMBER 3-5, AGREED TO A SET OF GUIDELINES THAT WOULD MAKE BROADBAND MORE ACCESSIBLE. COMMISSIONER LIIKANEN'S REMARKS 2. (U) EU INFORMATION SOCIETY COMMISSIONER ERKKI LIIKANEN EMPHASIZED THAT THE COMMISSION WAS [...] |
2003-09-17 08:49:00 | Embassy Rome | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS IT EUN |
| 03ROME4495 |
ITALIAN VIEWS ON GALILEO NEXT STEPS [...] No summary [...] |
2003-09-30 16:19:00 | Embassy Rome | CONFIDENTIAL | TSPA ECPS IT NATO EUN |
| 03ROME4746 |
GALILEO/M-CODE: INCREASED HIGH-LEVEL ITALIAN [...] (C) AT THE END OF AN OCTOBER 9 MEETING ON ANOTHER SUBJECT WITH PM BERLUSCONI'S CLOSEST ADVISOR, PRIME MINISTRY UNDERSECRETARY GIANNI LETTA, AMBASSADOR SEMBLER TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS THE USG'S CONTINUED GREAT CONCERN OVER LACK OF PROGRESS ON RESOLVING THE GALILEO/M-CODE OVERLAY DISAGR [...] |
2003-10-17 06:03:00 | Embassy Rome | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS ETRD IT TSPA TSPL PREL EUN |
| 03ROME5344 |
IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION: GOI MAY SWEETEN TELECOM [...] (C) SUMMARY: TELECOM ITALIA OFFICIALS, EAGER FOR ANY PROGRESS ON THEIR PROPOSAL TO CONNECT IRAQ TO THE MEDNAUTILUS FIBER OPTIC NETWORK (SEE REF A), TOLD ECONOFF ON NOVEMBER 21 THAT THE GOI IS SO COMMITTED TO THE $15 MILLION PROJECT THAT IT MAY INCLUDE THE PROPOSAL IN THE 200 MILLION EURO DONATI [...] |
2003-11-25 10:51:00 | Embassy Rome | SECRET | ECIN ECON ECPS IS IT IZ PGOV PREL IRAQI FREEDOM |
| 03ROME5557 |
ITALIAN PARLIAMENT APPROVES CONTROVERSIAL MEDIA [...] (U) ON DECEMBER 2, ITALYS PARLIAMENT, BY A VOTE OF 155 TO 128, APPROVED A HIGHLY CONTROVERSIAL MEDIA- COMMUNICATIONS SECTOR REFORM LAW. KNOWN AS THE GASPARRI BILL (NAMED AFTER THE COMMUNICATIONS MINISTER), THE LAW NOW TREATS THE MEDIA MARKET AS A SINGLE BROAD, INTEGRATED MARKET, WITH NO DISTI [...] |
2003-12-12 12:45:00 | Embassy Rome | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ECON PGOV IT ITALIAN POLITICS |
| 03TEGUCIGALPA2250 |
Big Bang, Motorola Wants Out - Honduras Telecom [...] (U) Summary. Within the next week, President Maduro is expected to make a "Big Bang" announcement on the opening of the telecommunications market to private carriers wishing to enter into joint ventures and begin servicing communities as sub-contractors of Hondutel. Two American companies alr [...] |
2003-09-22 19:37:00 | Embassy Tegucigalpa | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EINV KPRV HO |
| 03TEGUCIGALPA2612 |
Telecom Procurement Practices, Less Than Fair? [...] (U) Summary and action request. In an effort to promote transparency in its procurement practices, the Government of Honduras (GOH) decided to contract the UNDP to manage procurements for major infrastructure projects by the state owned telephone company, Hondutel. Unfortunately, in the firs [...] |
2003-11-05 22:09:00 | Embassy Tegucigalpa | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EINV KPRV HO |
| 03TEGUCIGALPA2942 |
UNDP Responds to Embassy Inquiries on Telecom [...] (SBU) Summary. Post thanks Washington agencies for a rapid response to reports of possible unfair procurement practices by UNDP Honduras. We have been able to discuss the Hondutel telecom tenders involving Harris Communications and Midwest Cable with UNDP General Coordinator for telecom bids [...] |
2003-12-18 21:14:00 | Embassy Tegucigalpa | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EINV KPRV HO |
| 03TEGUCIGALPA980 |
WIRELESS INTERNET SURVEY: HONDURAS [...] In response to reftel request, Post provides the following information regarding the use of Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) technologies in Honduras. 2. According to the National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel), Honduras has not yet allocated any unlicensed radio-frequency spectrum for us [...] |
2003-04-25 20:37:00 | Embassy Tegucigalpa | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON ETRD HO |
| 03THEHAGUE1499 |
TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY OFFICER (TPO) AT POST [...] No summary [...] |
2003-06-12 13:12:00 | Embassy The Hague | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD NL |
| 03ZAGREB1391 |
BROADBAND FIXED WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS [...] No summary [...] |
2003-06-17 14:27:00 | Embassy Zagreb | UNCLASSIFIED | BEXP EINT ECPS HR |
| 04ABUDHABI1179 |
UAEG TO COLLECT ROYALTIES FROM NEW TELECOM [...] (U) Following the April 12 announcement that the UAEG would end Etisalat's monopoly of the telecom sector (ref), the UAEG revealed today that it would hold a 60 percent equity stake in any new telecom service provider that enters the UAE market. The announcement followed the first meeting Ap [...] |
2004-04-18 11:03:00 | Embassy Abu Dhabi | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS AORC TC |
| 04ABUJA1676 |
(U) ACTING ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS [...] (U) Further to reftel, we recommend that EXIM take account of alleged IPR violations of U.S. copyrights when considering whether to lend or guarantee loans to potential Nigerian importers of U.S. goods and services or their Nigerian banks. The illicit proceeds from software piracy possibly ex [...] |
2004-09-30 11:38:00 | Embassy Abuja | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECPS ECON SCUL NI |
| 04ABUJA1679 |
(U) ACTING ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS [...] (U) Further to reftel, we recommend that EXIM take account of alleged IPR violations of U.S. copyrights when considering whether to lend or guarantee loans to potential Nigerian importers of U.S. goods and services or their Nigerian banks. The illicit proceeds from software piracy possibly ex [...] |
2004-10-02 06:46:00 | Embassy Abuja | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECPS ECON SCUL NI |
| 04ABUJA2043 |
DHL EXECUTIVE BRIEFS AMBASSADOR ON NIGERIA [...] Summary. Nigeria is DHL's second largest market in all of Africa. Despite DHL's difficulty and unpredictability in dealing with several government ministries and agencies, DHL makes money in Nigeria. Lagos is DHL's West and Central Africa hub, although it bases its fleet of aircraft elsewh [...] |
2004-12-11 05:30:00 | Embassy Abuja | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS EAIR ELTN ECON AMGT NI |
| 04ACCRA1980 |
WESTEL FILES USD 60 MILLION EXPROPRIATION CLAIM [...] (C) SUMMARAY: Western Wireless International (WWI) told post they filed on September 21 for international arbitration to settle subsidiary Westel's seven-year-old dispute with the GoG. According to Westel's Managing Director Bill Taylor, WWI will not fund any further expansion in Ghana and is [...] |
2004-10-05 12:37:00 | Embassy Accra | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS GH |
| 04ACCRA2303 |
GOVERNMENT OF GHANA'S MIXED RESPONSE TO WESTERN [...] (SBU) Summary. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has responded to Western Wireless International's (WWI) filing for international arbitration under UNCITRAL rules (reftel). The MoJ claims that WWI is restricted by contract to settling disputes with the GoG in Ghanaian courts under Ghanaian law an [...] |
2004-11-23 15:19:00 | Embassy Accra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EINV GH |
| 04AMMAN3429 |
A KALEIDOSCOPE OF ARAB ICT ISSUES: EB/CIP DAS [...] SUMMARY: Earlier this year, Amb. David Gross, U.S. Coordinator for Communications and Information Policy, attended and gave keynote addresses at annual conferences of the Arab Telecommunications Regulatory Network (ATRN) and the Arab Regional IT Association (ARAITA). On the margins of these c [...] |
2004-05-05 16:49:00 | Embassy Amman | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS EAID PGOV JO |
| 04AMMAN388 |
TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE: BURNS STAFFER PROPOSES [...] (C) SUMMARY: Sen. Conrad Burns (R-MT) staffer Myron Nordquist and Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) CEO Muna Nijem discussed a possible training session for Iraqi regulators to be held in Amman soon. The proposed training session could further Nijem's goal of establishing a regio [...] |
2004-01-15 19:11:00 | Embassy Amman | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS EAID KPAO JO |
| 04AMMAN5403 |
MOBILE TELEPHONY COMPETITION EXPANDS [...] (C) SUMMARY: Jordan's Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) has granted a new mobile telephony license, on a preliminary basis, to a consortium of local Jordanian businessmen and Kuwaiti investors. The new entrant should further enhance the competitiveness of Jordan,s telecommunicati [...] |
2004-06-30 15:42:00 | Embassy Amman | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS EAID PGOV KPRV JO |
| 04AMMAN8596 |
ICT EVENTS SPOTLIGHT EMERGENT SECTOR OF JORDAN'S [...] (U) SUMMARY: Three recent and ongoing events have thrust Jordan,s growing information and communications tecnology sector once more into the spotlight. The industry, which has benefited from active royal patronage and substantial USAID and other donor support, has successfully carved out a nic [...] |
2004-10-18 14:00:00 | Embassy Amman | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS EAID EINV BEXP PGOV JO |
| 04ANKARA1929 |
TURK TELEKOM PRIVATIZATION UPDATE [...] (SBU) Summary: According to a Privatization Authority (PA) official, the PA is trying to apply lessons learned from the aborted privatization of Tekel,s tobacco operations (Ref) to the Turk Telekom (TT) privatization: Managing the expectations of potential investors, public officials and o [...] |
2004-04-02 06:09:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ECPS EFIN PGOV TU |
| 04ANKARA4332 |
TURKEY INVESTMENT ISSUES: GOOD NEWS FOR CARGILL, [...] (SBU) In recent months, the Turkish Government has taken several steps to resolve outstanding disputes with U.S. companies and to open its economy to foreign investment. The most notable recent step was the passage of industrial zones legislation that Cargill believes will solve the zoning pr [...] |
2004-08-03 15:15:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV EMIN ECPS BEXP TU |
| 04ANKARA6480 |
TURKEY TELECOM SECTOR: LIBERALIZATION IS HARD TO [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: A combination of poor service and high costs for telecom and information technology users impedes foreign investment and hampers Turkey's global competitiveness. While many Turkish officials express commitment and optimism, telecom sector liberalization is proceeding slowly, [...] |
2004-11-19 14:51:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ECPS EFIN EINV TU |
| 04ANKARA6673 |
TURK TELECOM FINALLY TO BE PRIVATIZED? [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. The long-awaited opening of the tender process for the privatization of Turkey's fixed line telecom monopoly, Turk Telecom (TT), was announced on November 25, with the Privatization Administration (PA) seeking bids through the end of next May for a 55 percent block sale to a "s [...] |
2004-12-01 15:42:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV ECPS PGOV TU |
| 04ANKARA7038 |
DEFENSE AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION AGREEMENT [...] (C) Summary: The annual Defense and Economic Cooperation Agreement (DECA) inspections occurred on November 24 in Ankara and the week of December 6-10 in Izmir and at Incirlik Air Base outside of Adana. Due in part to new leadership and attitude on the Turkish side and a new US strategy, and i [...] |
2004-12-17 15:24:00 | Embassy Ankara | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ECPS ELAB MARR TU |
| 04BRASILIA1207 |
INTERFERENCE WITH DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE [...] No summary [...] |
2004-05-17 18:50:00 | Embassy Brasilia | SECRET | ECPS PREL BR |
| 04BRASILIA181 |
LULA FINALLY MAKES HIS BIG CABINET SHUFFLE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. Thirteen months into his term, Brazilian President Lula da Silva on January 23 announced his long-awaited first cabinet shuffle. The changes affect twelve of 35 cabinet posts and address all three of Lula's goals: bringing the PMDB party officially into the governing coaliti [...] |
2004-01-26 15:54:00 | Embassy Brasilia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ECON ECPS SOCI BR |
| 04BRASILIA226 |
ANATEL COUNTERS SPECULATION ON TELECOM MERGER [...] A barrage of Brazilian press articles have speculated that President Lula dismissed National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL) President Schymura in large part due to the latter's insistence that Brazil's three regional fixed-line local telephone service giants be blocked from buying Embrate [...] |
2004-02-03 09:02:00 | Embassy Brasilia | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD ECON BR |
| 04BRASILIA2905 |
AMBASSADOR AND MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS DISCUSS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY AND INTRODUCTION. ON NOVEMBER 4, AMBASSADOR PAID A COURTESY CALL ON MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS EUNICIO OLIVEIRA. IN RESPONSE TO THE AMBASSADOR'S PITCH FOR THE GOB TO CONSIDER FAVORABLY THE US STANDARD FOR DIGITAL TELEVISION, THE MINISTER REPLIED THAT BRAZIL WAS KEEPING ITS OPTI [...] |
2004-11-24 16:47:00 | Embassy Brasilia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EINV BEXP PGOV ETRD BR |
| 04BRUSSELS3741 |
NEW COMMISSION STEPS ON HOMELAND SECURITY [...] This is an action message, see paragraphs 2 and 19. Introduction, Summary and Action Request ---------------------------------------- 2. (SBU) This message provides a snapshot of the state of play of homeland security initiatives and organizations within the Commission. It is organized [...] |
2004-09-03 14:47:00 | Embassy Brussels | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR ECON ECPS EUN USEU BRUSSELS |
| 04DJIBOUTI487 |
CISCO SYSTEMS INTERESTED IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY [...] (U) Shehab Meshki, Cisco Systems Regional Sales Manager for East Africa, briefly visited Djibouti March 23-25, 2004. The main purpose of the visit was to make initial contact with key government and business persons to evaluate the possibilities for Cisco investment in Djibouti. Meshki also [...] |
2004-04-04 11:52:00 | Embassy Djibouti | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV EINV ECON ECPS EINT DJ |
| 04DJIBOUTI488 |
RECENT TELECOM DEVELOPMENTS IN DJIBOUTI [...] (U) SUMMARY: Djibouti has begun to market itself as a potential hub for trade activity. It is trying hard to bring the country up to speed for the 21st century with significant reform and development in the telecommunications sector. Already home to a hub for the SEA-ME-WE#3 (South East Asia [...] |
2004-04-04 11:59:00 | Embassy Djibouti | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECPS EINT TINT ETRD ECON CH DJ |
| 04DJIBOUTI898 |
THE NEW DJIBOUTI TELECOM [...] (U) SUMMARY: Djibouti Telecom announced the completion of its infrastructure extension on 21 June 2004. The extension is part of the new look that foreign management is bringing to Djibouti Telecom over the course of its two-year transitional period before privatization. This step is part of [...] |
2004-07-01 04:57:00 | Embassy Djibouti | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV ECON ECPS EINV DJ |
| 04HALIFAX190 |
NO END IN SIGHT TO LENGTHY ATLANTIC CANADA TELECOMS STRIKE [...] SUMMARY: How Bell Canada fares in its talks with its unionized workforce could have an impact on a 13-week strike by communication workers in Atlantic Canada, employed by Aliant Communications. Industry watchers believe Bell, the major shareholder in Aliant, is pressuring the Aliant negotiat [...] |
2004-07-22 20:13:00 | Consulate Halifax | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB ECPS EIND CA |
| 04HANOI2758 |
MPT DISCUSSES WTO TELECOM OFFER WITH USTR TEL DIR [...] (SBU) Summary. On September 27 USTR Telecommunications Director Jonathan McHale consulted with the Ministry of Posts and Telematics (MPT) on Vietnam's fourth WTO offer. They also reviewed the current situation of Vietnam's telecom market (see septel) and MPT's progress in meeting their BTA re [...] |
2004-10-07 07:17:00 | Embassy Hanoi | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ETRD EINT EINV VM WTO |
| 04HANOI3098 |
VIETNAM: MPI CONFRONTS MPT ON INDEPENDENT [...] SUMMARY: A seminar to present the results of a telephone user survey became a venue for a government think tank and others including a local law firm to criticize the Ministry of Posts and Telematics (MPT) for its failure to regulate the telecom sector effectively. MPT had declined to partici [...] |
2004-11-17 08:12:00 | Embassy Hanoi | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD EINV VM WTO |
| 04HANOI886 |
ICT REFORM: WILL REALITY MATCH ENCOURAGING WORDS? [...] SUMMARY. Ambassador David Gross, Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy (CIP), came to Hanoi February 27 for discussions on Vietnam's telecom and ICT market. He met a Vice Minister of Posts and Telematics (MPT), a Vice President of Vietnam's state-owned telephone [...] |
2004-03-29 06:08:00 | Embassy Hanoi | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS EINT EINV VM IPROP WTO |
| 04HANOI910 |
MPT Describes Vietnam's Telecom Situation [...] (SBU) SUMMARY and Introduction. On February 17, 2004, the Ministry of Post and Telematics (MPT) addressed a series of questions prepared and submitted in advance by Post on the following topics: services and licenses, interconnection, charges and dispute resolution, spectrum allocation, and [...] |
2004-03-31 10:12:00 | Embassy Hanoi | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS EINT EINV VM SOE |
| 04HARARE8 |
GOZ GOING AFTER COUNTRY'S LARGEST CELLULAR PHONE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Government maneuvers may be underway to withdraw the operating license of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe (EWZ), the nation's largest cellular phone operator, over alleged foreign exchange abuses. The exercise could represent a broadening of GOZ efforts to destroy Strive Misiyiwa, t [...] |
2004-01-05 12:58:00 | Embassy Harare | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM ECON EINV ECPS KPAO ZI |
| 04HARARE80 |
ECONET IN CLEAR FOR NOW [...] (SBU) Econet's local chief executive Douglas Mboweni told poloff on January 12 that the telecommunications firm had yet to hear a word from the GOZ about government media press reports suggesting it was in danger of losing its cellular phone system operating license (reftel). Company represe [...] |
2004-01-14 12:33:00 | Embassy Harare | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ECON PGOV ZI |
| 04KINSHASA1140 |
ECONOMIC REPORT - MARCH THROUGH JUNE 2004 [...] SUMMARY. Prices and the exchange rate remain stable even through political difficulties. The mining sector has been extremely active. Mining company America Mineral Fields (Amfi) wins approval and signature of its USD 300 million contract and then changes its name to Adastra Minerals. The UK g [...] |
2004-06-21 14:24:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID EAIR ECON ECPS EFIN EINV ELTN EMIN EPET ETRD PGOV PREL CG |
| 04KINSHASA1399 |
ECONOMIC REPORT - LATE JUNE THROUGH 23 JULY [...] Summary. Bank of Commerce and Development (BCD) liquidation and conflict in eastern DRC temporarily raise exchange rates. Prices remain relatively stable. The diamond sector continues to see increased activity with CEEC projecting exports of USD 1 billion by 2006 (up from current USD 700-800 [...] |
2004-07-29 06:15:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR EAID EAIR ECON ECPS EFIN EIND EINV ELAB ELTN EMIN ETRD PGOV PREL CG |
| 04KINSHASA1474 |
CIVIL SERVANTS REMAIN AT WORK DESPITE CONTINUING [...] (U) Sensitive but unclassified. Not for internet distribution. 2. (U) Summary. Despite the failure of negotiations between the GDRC and various unions earlier this year, most civil servants have returned to work. Isolated strikes have since occured in several public enterprises and service [...] |
2004-08-04 14:14:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR ECON ECPS ELAB EWWT PGOV CG |
| 04KINSHASA1802 |
ECONOMIC REPORT - SEPT 18 THROUGH SEPT 24 [...] Summary. Prices are stable, with no inflation reported. Exchange rates continued to rise, with parallel markets trading at FC 400-420 per USD. The Australian firm, Anvil Mining, is seeking joint venture opportunities in the DRC. Banro Corporation plans to begin its gold exploration operati [...] |
2004-09-27 12:38:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EAID ECPS EFIN ELAB ELTN EMIN EPET CG |
| 04LAGOS1093 |
NIGERIA ECONOMIC UPDATE, MAY 21 [...] (U) This update includes: -- Econet and Vodacom Sign Five-Year Management Deal -- SAA Accepts Memorandum of Understanding -- New Money Laundering Law Signed --------------------------------------------- ---- Econet and Vodacom Sign Five-Year Management Deal ------------------------------- [...] |
2004-05-21 16:16:00 | Consulate Lagos | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS EAIR EINV EFIN ECON NI |
| 04LAGOS1153 |
NIGERIA ECONOMIC UPDATE, JUNE 1 [...] (U) This update includes: -- New International Routes for Local Airlines -- NITEL Introduces New Tariffs Effective June 1 -- Recharge Cards Import Ban Effective January 2005 --------------------------------------------- ------- New International Routes Approved for Local Airlines -------- [...] |
2004-06-01 13:42:00 | Consulate Lagos | UNCLASSIFIED | EAIR ECPS ETRD ECON NI |
| 04LAGOS1467 |
HARRIS CORPORATION DUKING IT OUT FOR A [...] (SBU) Summary: Harris Communications, a U.S. firm, faces Japanese NEC for a multi-million dollar contract with Globacom for microwave telecommunications equipment. Whether the playing field is level is an open question. End summary. 2. (SBU) Harris Communications Systems Nigeria Ltd. (Ha [...] |
2004-07-19 13:05:00 | Consulate Lagos | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON NI |
| 04LAGOS1562 |
SCRATCH CARD FEVER [...] (SBU) Summary: For the past month, between 5 and 10 million MTN mobile phone scratch cards have been held up in Lagos ports over a payment dispute between MTN and the Nigerian Customs Service. In the country's cash economy and largely wireless telephony environment, scratch cards are an impor [...] |
2004-07-30 09:31:00 | Consulate Lagos | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON EINV NI |
| 04LAGOS1611 |
MORE SCRATCH CARD FEVER: THE PLANNED JANUARY [...] (SBU) Summary: As the GON's January 1, 2005 import ban on recharge cards draws near, the Nigerian Communications Commission is beginning to license companies to produce the cards locally. Wary of the reliability of most local card producers, major Nigerian telecom companies are exploring alter [...] |
2004-08-05 13:37:00 | Consulate Lagos | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON EINV NI |
| 04LAGOS1632 |
NIGERIA: MORE OPTIONS FOR NIGERIAN TELECOMS [...] (U) Summary: Two Nigerian telecoms companies (MTS First Wireless and Oduatel) will begin services this month. MTS expects to attract many customers due to its unique area code numbering system and its innovative 24- hour, zero dial-up internet service. Oduatel expects to carve a unique niche b [...] |
2004-08-10 15:05:00 | Consulate Lagos | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON NI |
| 04LAGOS170 |
A NEW PLAYER: VODACOM ENTERS NIGERIAN [...] (U) Summary: South Africa's Vodacom Group recently announced plans to purchase a 51 percent stake in Nigeria's second largest mobile service provider, Econet Wireless Nigeria Limited. The US$250 million deal represents Econet's best chance of overtaking its one major competitor, MTN Nigeria C [...] |
2004-01-23 15:47:00 | Consulate Lagos | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON EINV NI |
| 04LAGOS2104 |
Nigeria: TELECOM COMPANIES FACE NIGERIA MARKET [...] No summary [...] |
2004-10-14 14:20:00 | Consulate Lagos | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON NI |
| 04LAGOS2264 |
AVIATION FUEL SHORTAGES GROUND MANY DOMESTIC [...] (U) An end appears in sight for the Nigerian jet fuel shortage, as a tanker is in the process of delivering 14,800 metric tons to Lagos. Conoil Producing Limited, the downstream firm selected to supply aviation fuel to the country for this quarter, failed to make its October delivery. As a r [...] |
2004-11-09 15:06:00 | Consulate Lagos | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON EINV NI |
| 04LAGOS2329 |
NIGERIA: SECOND ATTEMPT AT NITEL TELECOM [...] (U) Summary: Nearly three years after a failed attempt to privatize state-owned Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) is again seeking investors for the company. Currently under a three-year management contract with Dutch company, Pentascope BV, NI [...] |
2004-11-18 12:14:00 | Consulate Lagos | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON EINV NI |
| 04LAGOS524 |
NITEL: NEW MANAGEMENT, LITTLE CHANGE [...] (U) Summary: One year into its three-year management of Nigeria's national carrier, Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), the Netherlands' Pentascope International has generated surprisingly little change. Executives remain optimistic, but given Pentascope's slow progress in implementi [...] |
2004-03-10 16:30:00 | Consulate Lagos | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON EINV NI |
| 04LAGOS617 |
NIGERIA: TELECOMMUNICATIONS ROUNDUP [...] (U) Summary: Recent conversations suggest the Nigerian telecommunications industry is evolving rapidly. Officials at Nigeria's Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) say they hope to take NITEL public in June; M-Tel executives say they expect to complete the installation of a 1.2 million line mob [...] |
2004-03-22 13:09:00 | Consulate Lagos | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON NI |
| 04LAGOS676 |
NIGERIA: GLOBACOM: SIX MONTHS ON [...] (U) Summary: Late February marked the six-month anniversary of Globacom's introduction of global system for mobile communications (GSM) services. The firm won mobile, fixed, and international gateway licenses in August 2002 (as Nigeria's second national operator) but experienced lengthy delay [...] |
2004-03-26 14:39:00 | Consulate Lagos | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON EINV NI |
| 04MADRID2133 |
SPAIN: TELECOM AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY [...] This cable summarizes selected developments in the Spain's telecommunications and information technology sectors. In this issue: -- New Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce responsible for telecom issues (para 2) -- Spain,s public television under review (para 3) -- New government [...] |
2004-06-07 15:27:00 | Embassy Madrid | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS EINV EINT ETRD SP |
| 04NEWDELHI7026 |
INDO-US CYBERSECURITY FORUM PREPARATORY [...] (SBU) Summary: On October 14-18, 2004, Department Senior Coordinator for International Critical Infrastructure Protection Policy Michele Markoff and DOD Director of International Information Assurance Programs Tim Bloechl participated in preparatory meetings with the GOI for the November 9-10 [...] |
2004-11-04 04:02:00 | Embassy New Delhi | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KCIP TINT PREL ECPS KCRM IN US |
| 04NEWDELHI7755 |
PROPOSED BUS SERVICE STALLED BY DOCUMENT DISPUTE; RAIL LINK MOVING SLOWLY [...] (C) Summary: The December 7-8 talks in New Delhi on beginning a bus service between the two parts of Kashmir made no progress after the governments failed to break the impasse over documentation and modalities for crossing the LOC. Each side offered what they termed compromise solutions, but [...] |
2004-12-08 13:40:00 | Embassy New Delhi | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ECPS IN PK INDO PAK |
| 04OTTAWA2967 |
CANADIAN BROADCAST REGULATION ON THE ROPES? [...] A Quebec court ruled on October 28 that the GOC's measures to prevent Canadians from subscribing directly to U.S.-origin satellite television services are unconstitutional. Industry lawyers are scrambling to interpret the repercussions of this ruling, which could be read as striking down an [...] |
2004-11-04 19:58:00 | Embassy Ottawa | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD CA |
| 04PANAMA861 |
PANAMA'S TELECOM/TECH SECTOR: AN OVERVIEW [...] Summary: Panama's telecommunications and technology sector is growing, and now represents 6% of GDP. The regulatory authority "Ente" has maintained a fairly good record for enforcement over the sector, though the former monopoly, Cable & Wireless Panama (CWP) has been slow in negotiating int [...] |
2004-04-13 20:32:00 | Embassy Panama | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECPS PM ECONOMIC AFFAIRS |
| 04PRETORIA3051 |
U.S. MULTI-NATIONALS CONTINUE ICT CHARTER [...] (C) SUMMARY. Representatives of U.S. multi-national corporations (MNCs) and the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Charter Working Group continue to negotiate proposed equity ownership requirements. The MNCs have presented a list of barriers to transferring equity and suggested [...] |
2004-07-08 04:58:00 | Embassy Pretoria | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS EINV EFIN ETRD ECON SF |
| 04PRETORIA3726 |
LOCAL REPS FOR U.S. ICT COMPANIES ENDORSE NEW [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. Representatives for U.S. information and communication technology (ICT) companies operating in South Africa endorsed new charter language on equity in an August 11 meeting. The new language outlines conditions that must be met before companies may implement alternative equity [...] |
2004-08-17 15:15:00 | Embassy Pretoria | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS EINV EFIN ETRD ECON SF |
| 04PRETORIA4027 |
HUGE TRANSNET LOSSES FORECAST SELL-OFF OF STATE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. Transnet's Annual Report revealed a bloated, inefficient and undisciplined state-owned enterprise (SOE) that suffered a R6.3 billion loss last year. CEO Maria Ramos plans to divest all non-core businesses and focus on providing integrated, seamless transport and logistics ser [...] |
2004-09-07 05:30:00 | Embassy Pretoria | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECPS EINV ECON SF |
| 04PRETORIA4028 |
MINISTER UNLEASHES MASSIVE TELECOMS LIBERALIZATION [...] (U) SUMMARY. In a surprise announcement, Minister of Communications Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri announced sweeping policy decisions to liberalize South Africa's telecommunications sector by February 2005. Her announcement benefits Value-Added Network Service (VANS) providers who will be allowed to [...] |
2004-09-07 05:30:00 | Embassy Pretoria | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD ECON EINT SF |
| 04PRETORIA4193 |
TELECOM LIBERALIZATION GOES RURAL [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. South Africa Minister of Communications Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri has approved four under-serviced area licenses (USALs) three years after the government first announced its strategy to promote telecommunication services in rural areas and include black entrepreneurs in a traditio [...] |
2004-09-16 14:03:00 | Embassy Pretoria | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ETRD EINT ECON SF |
| 04PRETORIA4936 |
SBC TO SELL TELKOM SHARES, EXIT SOUTH AFRICA [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. U.S. telecommunications firm SBC Communications and Telkom Malaysia announced November 8 that they would sell their remaining interest in Telkom SA and exit South Africa. An empowerment consortium led by senior ANC officials and influential empowerment figures (Andile Ngcaba, [...] |
2004-11-12 05:16:00 | Embassy Pretoria | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ETRD ECON EINV SF |
| 04PRETORIA5029 |
SAG PENSION FUND PICKS UP SBC TELKOM SHARES [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. The sale of a 15.1 percent stake in Telkom took a twist when the Public Investment Commissioners (PIC) announced November 16 that they had acquired the stake for R6.6 billion ($1.1 billion). PIC CEO Brian Molefe said the Commissioners purchased the shares on behalf of an empo [...] |
2004-11-18 12:12:00 | Embassy Pretoria | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ETRD ECON EINV SF |
| 04PRETORIA5041 |
NEXUS TO WITHDRAW OBSTACLES TO SNO [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. A telecommunications consultant to Nexus Connexion, the empowerment shareholder in South Africa's second national/network operator (SNO), said that Nexus would remove its legal challenges to the SNO by the end of 2004 and have a license to operate by February 2005. Nexus is w [...] |
2004-11-19 05:24:00 | Embassy Pretoria | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ETRD ECON EINT SF |
| 04PRETORIA5359 |
TRI-PARTITE ALLIANCE INFIGHTING HEATS UP [...] (SBU) Summary: Recent harsh and public disagreements between President Mbeki and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) over Zimbabwe, Black Economic Empowerment, and COSATU's political role have highlighted long-simmering tensions within the ruling alliance. In the near term, [...] |
2004-12-13 13:38:00 | Embassy Pretoria | UNCLASSIFIED | SF ELAB PGOV ECPS ECON |
| 04PRETORIA5555 |
REGULATOR PROPOSES TELECOM REGULATIONS FOR VANS [...] (U) SUMMARY. A series of Ministerial decisions to liberalize South Africa's telecommunications sector by February 2005 led to an industry-wide colloquium to discuss the intent behind the determinations. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) considered feedback from [...] |
2004-12-30 12:39:00 | Embassy Pretoria | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ETRD ECON EINT SF |
| 04QUEBEC128 |
QUEBEC CITY RADIO STATION CLOSURE SPARKS POLITICAL AND [...] Summary: A local radio station ordered to close by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) as stirred up an expected storm of controversy in the Quebec capital, and has also captured extensive national and international press attention since the decision was fi [...] |
2004-08-13 19:06:00 | Consulate Quebec | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV SCUL PHUM ETTC ECPS |
| 04RANGOON1470 |
BURMA STRIVES TO BECOME A (CENSORED) HI-TECH HUB [...] (C) Summary: Burma's generals are pushing to develop an IT and software sector well beyond the country's needs and abilities. Though a side effect of this effort has been improved communications and expanded access of some Burmese to the Internet, too many basic problems remain for this campa [...] |
2004-11-16 10:10:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS TSPL PGOV SCUL ECON BM |
| 04ROME1935 |
ITALY ENACTS CONTROVERSIAL MEDIA SECTOR REFORM BILL [...] Summary. President Ciampi signed the new text of the Berlusconi government's controversial media reform bill - known as the Gasparri Law - on May 4, after having rejected an earlier version on grounds of unconstitutionality (ref b). Critics argue that the law was designed exclusively to all [...] |
2004-05-19 11:30:00 | Embassy Rome | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD PGOV IT EUN |
| 04ROME2993 |
INFORMAL PRIVACY CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON INTRA-EU [...] (SBU) On July 16, Italy,s Privacy authority hosted an informal meeting, in preparation for a formal session in Brussels this fall, to address PNR issues. Participants included EU Privacy Authorities, the European Airline Association and several European airlines. The morning conference, whi [...] |
2004-08-03 09:24:00 | Embassy Rome | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ECPS IT EUN |
| 04SANAA2458 |
ROYG SUPPORTS USG CANDIDACY TO UNIVERSAL POSTAL [...] MFA responded positively to retel demarche by diplomatic note on September 15. Test of MFA note follows in paragraph 2. 2. Begin Text: The Ministry has the pleasure to inform that based on the distinguished friendship and cooperative relations between the two countries, it has decided [...] |
2004-09-17 09:47:00 | Embassy Sanaa | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC ECPS PREL YM |
| 04SANTODOMINGO5153 |
DOMINICAN TAX REFORM AND TELECOMS [...] Embassy Santo Domingo thanks Department for information about meeting on September 7 with Verizon concerning the tax package currently before the Dominican congress, as well as the September 14 message detailing efforts to date by telecoms companies in Santo Domingo. 2. The Ambassador recei [...] |
2004-09-15 18:46:00 | Embassy Santo Domingo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS BEXP EFIN DR |
| 04SANTODOMINGO5480 |
IMF VISIT TO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REVEALS LITTLE [...] (C) Summary: An IMF team led by Steven Phillips (protect) to Santo Domingo this week reported that the Dominican Republic continued to face an acute crisis. The GODR had made only limited progress toward an integrated plan that could serve as the basis for resuming its IMF program. The team [...] |
2004-10-01 22:22:00 | Embassy Santo Domingo | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS BEXP EFIN DR |
| 04SANTODOMINGO5604 |
DOMINICAN INTERNAL REVENUE DIRECTOR GENERAL TO [...] (U) Summary: During a visit by Ambassador Hertell to Director General of Internal Revenue Juan Hernandez, Hernandez indicated that the Dominican Republic continues to experience difficulties with tax collections and stated his intention to clamp down on tax cheats. He responded to the Ambassa [...] |
2004-10-12 11:17:00 | Embassy Santo Domingo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EFIN DR |
| 04SANTODOMINGO596 |
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES UNHAPPY WITH NEW [...] (SBU) Summary: Executives from three Dominican telecommunications companies, all with majority U.S. investment, briefed emboffs January 27 on a recent presidential decree they said effectively imposes a 10 percent tax on telecommunications companies' gross revenues. They asked for USG advoca [...] |
2004-01-30 11:23:00 | Embassy Santo Domingo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EFIN PREL EINV ECON DR |
| 04TAIPEI3093 |
TAIWAN: TIME FOR TIFA [...] (C) SUMMARY: Taiwan's recent change in attitude towards making efforts to resolve long-standing bilateral trade concerns with the U.S. has led to real improvements in the environment for intellectual property protection, agricultural trade, telecommunications liberalization, and pharmaceutica [...] |
2004-10-05 09:07:00 | American Institute Taiwan, Taipei | CONFIDENTIAL | ETRD ECON KIPR EAGR ECPS PGOV IPR |
| 04TAIPEI4005 |
CROSS-STRAIT TELECOMMUNICATIONS - INDUSTRY [...] (SBU) Cross-Strait telecommunications thrive with over 50 million direct dial calls placed across the Strait every month that account for 35 percent of Taiwan's outgoing international calls. Many Taiwan telecom firms have partnered with PRC counterparts to provide special cross-Strait service [...] |
2004-12-17 07:35:00 | American Institute Taiwan, Taipei | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ECON EINV PREL CH TW |
| 04TEGUCIGALPA2267 |
HONDURAS: UNDP PROCUREMENT DEBATE CONTINUES TO [...] (SBU) Summary: On September 27, the Honduran National Association of Industries (ANDI) issued a two-page open letter denouncing the United Nations Development Program,s (UNDP) handling of the ongoing bid process for container inspection systems at Puerto Cortes. Post has already received comp [...] |
2004-10-12 20:02:00 | Embassy Tegucigalpa | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN ECPS EINV PGOV EWWT KJUS KMCA HO UNDP |
| 04TEGUCIGALPA2312 |
ACTION REQUEST: LUCENT SEEKS USG CONCURRENCE TO [...] (U) This is an action cable. Please see para 5. 2. (SBU) On October 7, EconChief met with Carlos Aviles, Senior Manager for Lucent in Latin America, and Juan Carlos Galan, New Business Manager for Lucent, to discuss a pending Lucent proposal to donate CDMA-based switching technology to Hon [...] |
2004-10-15 14:07:00 | Embassy Tegucigalpa | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EINV ECON HO |
| 04TEGUCIGALPA2427 |
HONDURAS TELECOMMS UPDATE OCTOBER 2004 [...] (C) Summary: On October 12, EconChief met with Jose Renan Caballero, Chief Telecommunications Advisor on the President,s Modernization Commission, to discuss recent developments in the telecommunications sector. Caballero was candid regarding Alcatel, Communitel, Megatel, the new telecommuni [...] |
2004-10-29 17:11:00 | Embassy Tegucigalpa | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN ECPS EINV PGOV ELAB KJUS KMCA HO UNDP |
| 04VILNIUS1497 |
SUCCESS STORY: AT&T AND LITHUANIAN TELECOM [...] Summary. AT&T and Lietuvos Telekomas, Lithuania's largest fixed-line telecommunications service provider, concluded a new mobile call termination agreement, settling a dispute over rates in Lithuania. Telekomas had threatened to block all AT&T incoming traffic if the two failed to arrive at [...] |
2004-12-08 13:48:00 | Embassy Vilnius | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD BEXP LH |
| 04WELLINGTON598 |
NEW ZEALAND'S MOBILE TERMINATION RATES UNDER [...] (SBU) Summary: The New Zealand Commerce Commission has launched an investigation into whether a lack of competition has placed the country among nations with the highest rates for terminating mobile phone calls. The commission could recommend regulation of termination charges. Telecom, the f [...] |
2004-07-15 01:07:00 | Embassy Wellington | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON ETRD NZ |
| 04WELLINGTON882 |
NEW ZEALAND WATCHDOG BACKS CURBS ON MOBILE PHONE [...] Summary: A draft decision issued October 18 by the New Zealand Commerce Commission put telecommunications companies on notice that the agency stood ready to intercede to cut the fees charged to complete mobile telephone calls. Fees now charged by the country's mobile-phone service providers t [...] |
2004-10-20 17:30:00 | Embassy Wellington | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON ETRD NZ |
| 04YEREVAN1456 |
ARMENIA SEEKS TO END ARMENTEL MONOPOLY [...] (SBU) In eleventh-hour negotiations to reach an agreement in the Armentel dispute, Minister of Justice David Harutiunian agreed to put off the June 30 deadline for reaching a settlement until September 28, 2004. Despite the extension, the government's threat still stands: If the sides do not [...] |
2004-06-29 11:47:00 | Embassy Yerevan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ECPS KPRV EINV EFIN BEXP AM |
| 05ABUDHABI1315 |
SCENESETTER FOR VISIT OF AMBASSADOR DAVID GROSS TO [...] (SBU) Summary: Embassy and Consulate General welcome the visit of Ambassador David A. Gross, U.S. Coordinator of International Communications and Information Policy. The UAE has both a rapidly growing economy and a rapidly growing population, which makes it an attractive market for U.S. com [...] |
2005-03-23 08:01:00 | Embassy Abu Dhabi | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECON ECPS OTRA TC |
| 05ABUDHABI2067 |
UAE OPENS TELECOM SECTOR FOR COMPETITION [...] (U) The UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced this week it has approved the establishment of a new telecommunications company that will compete with Etisalat, which up until now was the sole telecommunications entity in the UAE. According to a May 7 Gulf News report, TRA [...] |
2005-05-09 13:03:00 | Embassy Abu Dhabi | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS EINT ETRD EFIN PGOV KPRV TC |
| 05ACCRA1110 |
WESTEL UPDATE [...] (SBU) Summary: In an effort to avert the high cost of arbitration, Westel's Managing Director, Bill Taylor, and the GoG are working towards an agreement to end their seven-year-old dispute. According to Taylor, Westel submitted a terms sheet acceptable to the GoG in March, but Westel's Seatt [...] |
2005-06-03 11:09:00 | Embassy Accra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV KMCA GH ECPS |
| 05ACCRA1134 |
GHANA ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS, MAY 2005 [...] (U) This report covers noteworthy economic events and activities in Ghana for May 2005. The issues covered are: -- GoG Moves Forward on MCA Program Development -- Ghana Hosts G8/NEPAD Summit on Agriculture -- GoG/donors discuss new Poverty Reduction Strategy -- Local Poultry Producers Sue G [...] |
2005-06-07 17:28:00 | Embassy Accra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON KMCA EAGR EFIN ECPS ENRG GH |
| 05ACCRA1389 |
WESTEL UPDATE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: After three months of negotiations, Westel has broken off talks with the GoG and is once again pursuing international arbitration. With the June 30 arbitration filing date looming, Westel reached an agreement with the GoG that included the mobile spectrum it has sought since th [...] |
2005-07-14 17:32:00 | Embassy Accra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV ECON KMCA GH ECPS |
| 05ACCRA181 |
WESTEL UPDATE: GOG AGREES TO PARTICIPATE IN [...] (SBU) The GoG has agreed to participate in the arbitration case filed against it by Westel parent Western Wireless International (WWI). This reversal of the GoG's previously stated position was announced in a letter to Westel Director Bill Taylor December 17. This decision followed AF/W Offic [...] |
2005-01-25 18:22:00 | Embassy Accra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ECPS EINV GH |
| 05ACCRA1812 |
GHANA ECON HIGHLIGHTS AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2005 [...] (U) This report covers noteworthy economic events and activities in Ghana for August and September 2005. The issues covered are: -- ExxonMobil Exits Ghana, Thirteen other African Countries -- Visit of US Coast Guard Port Security Liaison Officers -- MCC gives $3 million to Develop GoG Compa [...] |
2005-09-08 12:25:00 | Embassy Accra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID ECON EFIN ENRG ETRD ECPS KMCA GH |
| 05ACCRA1868 |
GOG BUYS WESTEL TO END SEVEN-YEAR-OLD DISPUTE [...] (SBU) Summary: Western Wireless International (WWI), the primary shareholder in Ghana's embattled second national operator Westel, has sold its interest in the company to the parastatel Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC) for USD 10 million. WWI dropped its international arbitration case [...] |
2005-09-15 12:47:00 | Embassy Accra | CONFIDENTIAL | GH ECON KMCA ECPS EINV |
| 05AMMAN3399 |
JORDAN'S STIFLED (BUT EXPANDING) MEDIA SECTOR [...] (C) Jordan,s media sector has seen rapid expansion recently, driven by government measures to open the broadcast sector to private ownership and a booming advertising market. Private radio has begun broadcasting in Jordan for the first time, while plans are underway for Jordan,s first private [...] |
2005-04-28 14:31:00 | Embassy Amman | CONFIDENTIAL | KPAO PHUM ECON ECPS KMPI JO |
| 05AMMAN538 |
FIRST NEW BANK LICENSES IN DECADE PROVOKE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The past two years have seen the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) perform an increasingly difficult, but so far successful, balancing act. On the one hand, CBJ has remained committed to consolidation of the fragmented Jordanian banking sector and resisted pressure from domestic mag [...] |
2005-01-23 12:31:00 | Embassy Amman | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN PREL EINV ECPS KPRV JO |
| 05ANKARA1209 |
TURKEY: LOW INTERNET PENETRATION DUE TO [...] (SBU) Summary: Internet penetration in Turkey remains low, due mainly to high cost of hardware and relatively high subscription fees. Although the state telecom firm, Turk Telekom (TT), has launched higher- speed and more affordable broad-band internet service, Internet Service Providers (ISP [...] |
2005-03-07 15:31:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINT ECPS TU |
| 05ANKARA2072 |
TURKEY'S TELECOM BOARD CHALLENGES - INTEREST IN [...] (SBU) Summary: The Turkish Telecom Regulatory Authority is planning a visit to the FCC as part of its efforts to increase capacity and expertise. While the state company Turk Telekom's privatization and the sector's liberalization slowly proceed, the Telecom Regulatory Authority struggles to [...] |
2005-04-11 11:51:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EINV ECON TU |
| 05ANKARA2812 |
TURK TELEKOM'S PRIVATIZATION: OPTIMISM AND GLOOM [...] (SBU) Summary: Turkey's Privatization Administration has extended to June 24 from May 31 the deadline for bids in the sale of the 55% stake in state telecom company Turk Telekom. While there is lively demand from eight separate bidding groups for the tender, in combination with broad recognit [...] |
2005-05-17 13:32:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS BEXP EFIN TU |
| 05ANKARA395 |
TURKEY'S TELECOM INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONNECTIVITY [...] (SBU) Summary: The severing of a key fiber optic cable link with Europe shows continued weakness in Turkey's telecom infrastructure and connectivity. Turk Telekom's progress in building up alternative links appears to have lessened the impact of this outage, but the system remains vulnerable [...] |
2005-01-25 15:49:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EINV TU |
| 05ANKARA4141 |
TURKEY'S LIBERALIZATION WOES: SMOKE, BUT NO FIRE [...] (SBU) Summary: Despite a modest but tangible political will to privatize, and efforts by the Privatization Administration, Competition Authority, and other sectoral regulatory bodies, Turkey's program of sectoral reform, liberalization, and privatization remains delayed and troubled. Across [...] |
2005-07-18 04:50:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV EFIN ECPS PGOV TU ENGR |
| 05ANKARA5536 |
TURKEY AND TURK TELEKOM: EMBASSY ASSISTS AT&T [...] (SBU) Summary: Embassy helped AT&T obtain GOT regulatory approval for its merger with SBC and with researching timely resolution of problems with downed leased lines in Turkey. The Turk Telekom privatization has been delayed due to some legal attacks launched by labor unions, but all parties ar [...] |
2005-09-23 13:53:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EINV BEXP TU |
| 05ANKARA6550 |
MERMOUD IN ANKARA: INVESTMENT, TELECOM, NUKES [...] (SBU) Summary. In October 21 Ankara meetings, Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs Frank Mermoud found improvements and opportunities in Turkey's telecom, energy, and other investment sectors. Turkey has made significant progress on improving its investment environmen [...] |
2005-11-02 10:56:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | BEXP ECPS EINV EFIN ENRG TU |
| 05ANKARA6701 |
THEY SAID IT COULDN'T BE DONE - TURK TELEKOM [...] (U) Summary: In a major step forward for economic reform in Turkey, the $6.55 billion sale of a 55% share of Telekom (TT) deal was finalized on November 14. In a ceremony attended by the Ministers of Transport and Finance, the Saudi-owned Oger Group and TT signed the final concession contract [...] |
2005-11-14 16:39:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EFIN EINV BEXP TU |
| 05ANKARA7335 |
VODAFONE WINS TURKISH MOBILE OPERATOR TELSIM [...] (SBU) Summary: In another demonstration of Turkey's growing attractiveness to foreign investors and a welcome injection of competition into the mobile phone market, British giant Vodafone won the competition for Turkey's second largest GSM operator Telsim with a $4.55 billion bid. The sale al [...] |
2005-12-14 15:33:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EINV BEXP TU |
| 05ANKARA94 |
TURK TELEKOM: FROM MONOPOLY TO COMPETITION [...] (SBU) Summary. State telecommunications monopoly Turk Telekom (TT) has been taking steps to maintain its dominance in Turkey's newly liberalizing telecom market, including by making significant investment in new technology in order to strengthen its "natural monopoly" position in the market. [...] |
2005-01-06 16:12:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EINV TU |
| 05ATHENS3162 |
2006 INTERNET GOVERNANCE FORUM: AMBASSADOR MEETS [...] (U) Summary: On December 12, Ambassador met with GoG Minister of Transportation and Communication, Michalis Liapis to discuss Greece's offer to host the 2006 UN Internet Governance Forum in Athens. Ambassador stated USG desire for a successful and open forum with a balance of issues and offer [...] |
2005-12-14 08:57:00 | Embassy Athens | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ECPS GR IGF |
| 05ATHENS428 |
MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION ON CIVAIR ISSUES: FAA CATEGORY TWO STATUS AND PRIVATIZATION OF OLYMPIC AIRWAYS [...] (C) Ambassador Ries called on Minister of Transportation and Communication Michalis Liapis on February 7. During the meeting, Liapis told Ambassador that upgrading Greece from Federal Aviation Authority's (FAA) "category two status" for flight safety oversight remains his highest priority. He poi [...] |
2005-02-10 08:17:00 | Embassy Athens | CONFIDENTIAL | EAIR AORC ECPS PTER GR AMB IASA |
| 05ATHENS445 |
TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS MINISTER ON [...] In a February 7 meeting, Transportation and Communications Minister Liapis informed the Ambassador about projects to expand broad band connections to the Greek regions and install optical fiber rings in 50 cities. He said that participation by U.S. firms in these projects would be welcome, a [...] |
2005-02-14 09:25:00 | Embassy Athens | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS EINV GR |
| 05BAGHDAD2393 |
INITIAL CALL ON THE NEW IRAQI MINISTER OF [...] No summary [...] |
2005-06-04 13:19:00 | Embassy Baghdad | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ECON IZ |
| 05BAGHDAD2807 |
NCMC BOARD UNDER QUORUM [...] (C) SUMMARY: Membership of the National Communications and Media Commission (NCMC) Board of Commissioners is below the legally required quorum and, therefore, its decisions are subject to legal challenge. NCMC Director General (who prefers to be known as the CEO) Othman plans on presenting [...] |
2005-07-03 09:06:00 | Embassy Baghdad | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS ECON IZ |
| 05BANGKOK5317 |
EASTERN SEABOARD WATER SHORTAGE HIGHLIGHTS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: A water shortage in the industrial areas along Thailand's Eastern Seaboard raises questions about the management of the nation's water resources with important implications for the further development of Thailand's most important industrial zone. A concurrence of two dry years [...] |
2005-08-18 07:49:00 | Embassy Bangkok | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECIN ECON ECPS ELAB EINV ENRG EPET KCOR KPRV SENV SOCI TH EPWR |
| 05BANGKOK6901 |
THAI TELECOM SECTOR: NORWAY'S TELENOR BUYS OUT [...] (U) SUMMARY: On October 20, 2005, Norway's Telenor announced an indirect takeover of Thailand's UCOM and its mobile phone subsidiary Total Access Communications (TAC). The complex transaction paves the way for Telenor control of Thailand's second-largest mobile phone operator. The National T [...] |
2005-11-03 08:18:00 | Embassy Bangkok | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECPS EINV ECON TH |
| 05BANGKOK7043 |
THAI TELECOM SECTOR REFORM:PROSPECTS FOR [...] (U) SUMMARY: Royal Thai Government (RTG) plans to privatize the telecom operators TOT PCL (TOT) and CAT Telecom PCL (CAT) are finally moving forward. Several practical problems require resolution, however, before either enterprise will be able to effect an initial public offering (IPO) of s [...] |
2005-11-10 09:52:00 | Embassy Bangkok | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECPS EINV ECON TH |
| 05BOGOTA11901 |
COLOMBIA: SECTION 1377 TELECOM TRADE AGREEMENTS [...] (SBU) Summary. Avantel, a U.S. affiliated telecommunications company in Colombia, continues to assert that Colombia has not been in compliance with its telecommunications trade agreements. According to Avantel, Colombia has not offered complete and fair access to and use of public telecommu [...] |
2005-12-23 15:12:00 | Embassy Bogota | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ECPS ETRD CO |
| 05BOGOTA2001 |
COLOMBIA: SECTION 1377 TELECOM TRADE AGREEMENTS [...] Per reftel, Econoff met with appropriate Colombian government authorities, including the GOC's Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT), and provides the following responses to complaints about excessive mobile to mobile termination rates, excessive fixed to mobile termination rates, an [...] |
2005-03-02 21:18:00 | Embassy Bogota | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECON ECPS CO |
| 05BOGOTA224 |
TELECOMMUNICATIONS, THE FTA, AND THE NEED FOR [...] (C) Summary. While the telecommunications chapter in the Andean Free Trade Agreement (FTA) should conclude at the next round, Colombia will be unable to fully enjoy the benefits of the chapter without either privatization or joint ventures as well as more autonomy for the Colombian Regulator [...] |
2005-01-07 21:29:00 | Embassy Bogota | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ECPS CO FTA |
| 05BOGOTA2367 |
COLOMBIAN TRADE MINISTER DISCUSSES NEXT STEPS IN [...] (C) Summary. During a March 9 meeting with the Ambassador, Trade Minister Botero and FTA chief negotiator Gomez emphasized the GOC's need to close FTA negotiations by June and the commitment of the Colombian negotiating team to do so. Botero and Gomez also expressed their desire to advance [...] |
2005-03-11 19:07:00 | Embassy Bogota | CONFIDENTIAL | ETRD ECON EAGR ECPS EINV KIPR CO FTA |
| 05BOGOTA37 |
COLOMBIA'S REACTION TO SINGLE MEMBER VETO AND ITU [...] Post delivered reftel demarche on December 21, 2004. On January 3, MFA Coordinator for U.S., Canada, and the Summit for Americas, Francisco Gonzalez, agreed with the Ministry of Communications' official reaction to reftel demarche. The Ministry of Communications' official reply states that [...] |
2005-01-04 16:34:00 | Embassy Bogota | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC ECPS ECON CO |
| 05BOGOTA8730 |
BIG RATE DROP FOR FIXED LINE TO MOBILE CALLS [...] Summary. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT) announced a new regulation capping the price of fixed-line to mobile calls on September 13. The regulation requires mobile operators to gradually lower the per minute rate from about 1000 Colombian pesos (COP) (about 44 cents using [...] |
2005-09-15 21:51:00 | Embassy Bogota | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ECPS ETRD CO USTR |
| 05BRASILIA1813 |
BRAZIL - SECOND DEMARCHE ON ITU/WTSA VETO ISSUE [...] (U) In a July 7 meeting, EconOff made Ref A points to Luis Fernando Serra, Joao Carlos Albernaz, Bruno Carvalho Ramos, and Luiz Fernando Ferreira Silva of ANATEL (Brazil's Telecommunications Regulatory Agency and the entity here responsible for ITU issues). The GOB continues to be aligned wit [...] |
2005-07-08 17:56:00 | Embassy Brasilia | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS AORC ECON ITU |
| 05BRASILIA1819 |
BRAZIL: LULA CONTINUES TO SHUFFLE CABINET AMIDST [...] SUMMARY. On July 6, Brazilian President Lula da Silva announced a long-waited cabinet shuffle, his third. Lula's hand was forced by a series of interlocking and expanding corruption scandals that have engulfed the GoB and paralyzed Congress since mid-May. The current shuffle started on June [...] |
2005-07-08 20:14:00 | Embassy Brasilia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KCRM SOCI ENRG ECPS PREL BR |
| 05BRASILIA1894 |
BRAZIL - TELECOMMUNICATIONS LICENSING CONDITIONS [...] Post submits the following in response to the Reftel questions regarding licensing conditions in the telecommunications sector in Brazil. On July 14, EconOff met with the Brazilian Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANATEL) General Manager for Tariffs and Prices and Acting General Manager [...] |
2005-07-15 20:22:00 | Embassy Brasilia | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON |
| 05BRASILIA3278 |
BRAZIL - ATSC DTV ADVOCACY AND SPECIAL [...] (SBU) Summary: The Charge delivered reftel letter from Secretaries Rice and Gutierrez to Communications Minister SIPDIS Costa in a December 13 meeting. Costa stated his principal concern with the ATSC standard was the expense of repeater stations to enhance broadcast coverage. The letter w [...] |
2005-12-16 14:35:00 | Embassy Brasilia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ECON EINV BR |
| 05BRASILIA72 |
BRAZIL - DEMARCHE ON ITU/WTSA VETO ISSUE [...] In a January 5 meeting, EconOffs made reftel points to Luis Fernando Serra and Bruno Carvalho Ramos of ANATEL (Brazil's Telecommunications Regulatory Agency and the entity here responsible for ITU issues). Serra is the Head of the Office of International Affairs and a career diplomat. Ramos, [...] |
2005-01-07 10:47:00 | Embassy Brasilia | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC ECPS ECON PGOV BR ITU |
| 05BRATISLAVA498 |
SLOVAK LICENSING CONDITIONS IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS [...] No summary [...] |
2005-06-29 08:56:00 | Embassy Bratislava | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD EU LO |
| 05BRATISLAVA898 |
SLOVAKIA SUPPORTS CURRENT INTERNET GOVERNANCE [...] No summary [...] |
2005-11-08 13:48:00 | Embassy Bratislava | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD ECON EINT ETTC LO |
| 05BUCHAREST1459 |
ROMANIA: LICENSING CONDITIONS IN TELECOM SECTOR [...] Embassy's Economic Section contacted Alexandrina Hirtan, Vice President of the Romanian National Regulatory Agency for Communications (ANRC), in connection with licensing fees for fixed telephony. Embassy has received the following responses to Reftel questionnaire: 2. Regarding fees char [...] |
2005-06-29 13:05:00 | Embassy Bucharest | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD ECON EU RO |
| 05CAIRO4495 |
GOE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS DETAILS U.S. TRIP [...] (SBU) On June 13, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dr. Tarek Kamel met with the Charge for consulations prior to the Minister's June 18-28 visit to the U.S. Minister Kamel reviewed for the Charge the trip schedule, highlighting technology agreements to be discussed and/ [...] |
2005-06-14 12:42:00 | Embassy Cairo | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ECPS EINT EINV OVIP PREL KGIT EG |
| 05CAIRO6163 |
EGYPT'S TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR FACING MAJOR [...] (SBU) The Egyptian telecommunications sector is poised to undergo two major structural changes in the coming months: liberalization of the fixed-line market and the possible awarding of a third mobile phone operator license. Minister of Communications and Information Technology Tarek Kamel is [...] |
2005-08-10 12:49:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ECPS EINT EINV ETRD PREL KGIT EG |
| 05CAIRO8398 |
EGYPT TO BACK USG ON SINGLE MEMBER STATE VETO [...] No summary [...] |
2005-11-02 09:32:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS EG ITU |
| 05CAIRO8402 |
GOE ON WSIS AND INTERNET FREEDOM [...] (SBU) During a meeting with GOE Minister of Communication and Information Technology Dr. Tarek Kamel October 31, the Ambassador asked Kamel for the GOE's position on the recent European Commission proposal on Internet management (reftel) in the lead up to the Tunis World Summit on the Informati [...] |
2005-11-02 11:20:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ETRD ECON EINT ETTC EG |
| 05CAIRO8661 |
EGYPT: WSIS INTERNET GOVERNANCE DEMARCHE [...] (SBU) Visiting EB/CBA Frank Mermoud and Econoff conveyed reftel demarche on November 14 to Dr. Khaled Ismail, Senior Adviser to the Egyptian Minister of Communications and Information Technology. Dr. Ismail, who departed on November 15 to join the Egyptian delegation in Tunis, indicated that [...] |
2005-11-16 14:26:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EINV ETRD EG |
| 05CAIRO9072 |
INVESTOR INEXPERIENCE FUELS TELECOMS IPO BOOM [...] (U) On November 29, the GOE began its long-awaited divestiture of 20% of Telecom Egypt (TE), with an initial public offering of 10%, or 170 million shares, on the Cairo and Alexandria Stock Exchange (CASE) sold to individuals, and the additional 10% being sold to institutions. After several [...] |
2005-12-06 14:25:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ECPS EINT EINV ETRD KGIT EG |
| 05CAIRO9293 |
EGYPT TELLS EB/CBA MERMOUD IT'S "OPEN FOR BUSINESS" [...] (SBU) During his meetings with a large sampling of Egypt's political and business leaders, EB/CBA Frank Mermoud heard that while Egypt is "open for business" due to positive policy reforms, significant challenges to business development remain. Expanding outreach to Egypt's ICT sector and enc [...] |
2005-12-15 08:23:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ECPS EINV CVIS EG |
| 05CAIRO9379 |
TELECOM EGYPT: STABLE STOCK, GUARANTEED FUTURE? [...] (SBU) Following the privatization of 20% of Telecom Egypt (TE) (reftels), share prices have stabilized, diminishing fears of a quick sell-off. Sherif Karara, Managing Director of EFG Holdings, and TE Chairman Akil Beshir recently told Econoff that TE has taken measures to combat losses from t [...] |
2005-12-20 14:04:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ECPS EINT EINV ETRD KGIT EG |
| 05CANBERRA1471 |
SINGAPORE-AUSTRALIA MINISTERIAL HIGHLIGHTS DEPTH [...] (C) Summary: Australian and Singaporean foreign, defense, and trade ministers exchanged views on security issues, counterterrorism, East Asian regional architecture, defense cooperation, and economic integration during the fifth biennial Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee (SAJMC [...] |
2005-08-31 08:25:00 | Embassy Canberra | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER ETRD EINV EAIR MARR MOPS ECPS AS SN |
| 05CARACAS1298 |
THE TELESUR SAGA: CHAVISTA CNN, THE MANAGER'S [...] (C) President Hugo Chavez has been vigorously pushing for the creation of TELESUR, a hemisphere-wide, multi-national, Latin American satellite television network, to offer a different point of view from CNN. TELESUR would promote GOV interests, and it would promote Chavez,s ambitions for cont [...] |
2005-04-29 18:05:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS KPAO OPRC PGOV PINR XM VE |
| 05CARACAS1807 |
CHINA'S INCREASING COMMERCIAL TIES WITH VENEZUELA [...] (U) Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has identified China as an alternative commercial partner to the "imperialistic" United States and has moved aggressively to cultivate Sino-Venezuelan relations. Recent state visits between the two countries have yielded dozens of agreements; however, mos [...] |
2005-06-14 19:00:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PREL ENRG ECPS CH VE |
| 05CARACAS621 |
UPDATE: VENEZUELAN RADIO INTERFERENCE [...] (U) This cable updates previous reporting regarding USG efforts to eliminate potentially dangerous radio transmissions by the Venezuelan Navy on frequencies reserved for aeronautical stations. 2. (U) Following our demarche to Layla Macc Adan, Director of International Relations of CONATEL, [...] |
2005-02-28 18:08:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ECPS VE |
| 05COLOMBO1183 |
LICENSING CONDITIONS IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS [...] In Sri Lanka, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) charges fees in connection with licensing fixed line services in excess of what is required to cover administrative expenses. The level of fees depends on the type of license to be issued and licensing conditions. [...] |
2005-07-07 17:36:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD CE |
| 05COLOMBO2119 |
Sri Lanka requests assistance to enforce [...] (U) This is an action cable. See action request in para 7 below. 2. (U) SUMMARY: A Computer Crimes bill will soon become law in Sri Lanka, and submission of an electronic transactions bill is anticipated for early 2006. Sri Lanka would appreciate USG technical assistance in developing [...] |
2005-12-20 02:15:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ECPS EFIN EINT ETRD PTER KCRM CE |
| 05DHAKA3074 |
LICENSING CONDITIONS IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS [...] In Bangladesh, landline licenses are granted by division, a geographic unit approximately equivalent to a state or province. Licenses cost the same in all divisions and for all companies, at 20 million Tk (about 312,500 USD). Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) told Eco [...] |
2005-07-01 01:04:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD ECON EU BG |
| 05DHAKA3178 |
CELLPHONE CONNECTION TAX CHOKES SECTOR GROWTH [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The BDG has attempted to squeeze private cellphone providers with a new tax on SIM/RIM cards. The four largest cellphone providers, already in control of the most lucrative portion of the cellphone user market, have balked, leading to a new tax that will be passed along to the [...] |
2005-07-07 09:11:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | KMCA ECON KSCA ECPS EFIN ETRD PGOV TSPL BG |
| 05DUBAI6301 |
SABA TV TO AIR FIRST PROGRAM AS EARLY AS 21 DECEMBER [...] No summary [...] |
2005-12-19 12:26:00 | Consulate Dubai | CONFIDENTIAL | PINR ECPS PGOV SCUL IR TC |
| 05DUBLIN1383 |
GOI EXPECTS NEW EU INTERNET GOVERNANCE PROPOSAL [...] No summary [...] |
2005-11-10 17:22:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS ETRD ECON EINT ETTC EI |
| 05DUBLIN814 |
TELECOMMUNICATIONS LICENSING CONDITIONS: IRELAND [...] No summary [...] |
2005-06-30 09:20:00 | Embassy Dublin | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD |
| 05GENEVA2727 |
WSIS PREPCOM III MEETS IN GENEVA; LEAVES KEY [...] Summary: The third meeting of the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom III) for Phase II of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) took place in Geneva, Switzerland on September 19 ) 30, 2005. Over 1,900 participants attended the PrepCom including 1047 delegates representing 152 states [...] |
2005-11-09 05:44:00 | US Mission Geneva | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS EU IO TS WSIS |
| 05HANOI1046 |
VIETNAM: AMBASSADOR CALLS ON TELECOM MINISTER [...] (SBU) Summary: During an April 28 introductory call on Minister of Posts and Telematics Do Trung Ta, the Ambassador urged the Minister to take a flexible approach on telecommunications in the World Trade Organization (WTO) accession negotiations, to meet Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) commit [...] |
2005-05-05 10:08:00 | Embassy Hanoi | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ETRD VM WTRO WTO BTA IPROP |
| 05ISTANBUL1889 |
MOTOROLA DISPUTE SETTLED [...] (SBU) Protracted negotiations between Motorola and the Turkish Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (SDIF) came to a successful conclusion on October 28 with the signing of an agreement by which Motorola renounced its legal claims against both the SDIF and Telsim in exchange for a cash payment of US [...] |
2005-10-31 15:59:00 | Consulate Istanbul | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV ECPS BEXP TU |
| 05KINGSTON1598 |
LICENSING CONDITIONS IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS [...] On June 23, Econoff spoke with Maurice Charvis, Director of Research and Analysis at the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR). He provided the following answers to the questions posed in reftel. 2. Jamaica does not assess any fees in connection with licensing fixed line services in excess [...] |
2005-06-27 20:20:00 | Embassy Kingston | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD JM |
| 05LAGOS1063 |
THE ONGOING NITEL - PENTASCOPE SCANDAL [...] (U) Summary: Privatization of the Nigerian Telecommunications Ltd. (NITEL) has faltered for the second time. Amid great controversy, the GON fired the Dutch management company, Pentascope, appointed to shepherd the process. Though the GON terminated the Pentascope contract in March 2005, the [...] |
2005-07-07 16:59:00 | Consulate Lagos | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON EINV NI |
| 05LAGOS1100 |
NIGERIA: STATE OF THE ECONOMY FOR JUNE/JULY [...] Summary: Nigerian economists indicate that the country can expect continued inflationary pressure, increased interest rates, and modest naira depreciation. This economic environment will cause Nigerian investors to continue to look outward for investment opportunities, as evidenced by a 30% [...] |
2005-07-12 10:02:00 | Consulate Lagos | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN EPET ETRD ECPS NI |
| 05LAGOS1531 |
TELECOM SECTOR GROWS, CHINESE FIRMS EXPAND [...] (C) Summary. Telecom operators believe the Nigerian Communications Commission's (NCC) unified licensing policy allowing existing fixed wireless and mobile licensees to provide both services for voice, data and multimedia will reinforce the current dominance enjoyed by the key players already [...] |
2005-09-30 14:17:00 | Consulate Lagos | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS ECON EINV EIND PGOV NI CH |
| 05LAGOS537 |
NIGERIA ECONOMIC UPDATE, MARCH 2005 [...] (SBU) Summary: The GON's privatization program may accelerate as a result of the power sector reform bill signed into law March 11, and the new Maersk operating concession of the Apapa (Lagos) port container terminal. The GON has also contracted the Italian firm, Grimaldi Group, to build a USD [...] |
2005-04-08 13:19:00 | Consulate Lagos | CONFIDENTIAL | ENRG ECON ECPS EWWT EINV PINR NI |
| 05LAGOS924 |
NIGERIA: TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR ROUNDUP [...] (U) Summary. Since digital mobile licenses were awarded in 2001, Nigeria has improved from 400,000 telephone lines -- the world's third lowest telephony per capita rate -- to 10 million lines. This expansion has moved the country from a telecom emerging market to a quickly maturing market. T [...] |
2005-06-15 12:35:00 | Consulate Lagos | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS ECON NI |
| 05LILONGWE1043 |
MALAWI TELECOMMUNICATIONS PRIVATIZED AT LAST [...] (SBU) After a delay that started last August, Malawi's telecom provider has been sold to a consortium of local companies for $29 million. President Bingu wa Mutharika had stopped the deal out of concern that the privatized company might disconnect the two state-owned television broadcasters. [...] |
2005-12-15 08:07:00 | Embassy Lilongwe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV ECON ECPS KCOR MI |
| 05LILONGWE1058 |
MALAWI TELECOM BOARD HOLDS UP PRIVATIZATION [...] (SBU) At what should have been a largely pro-forma meeting on 15 December, the board of Malawi Telecommunications Ltd. (MTL) voted down a proposal to privatize itself. The GOM, its sole shareholder, signed the deal on 14 December, together with all the other interested parties. Although MTL' [...] |
2005-12-19 07:25:00 | Embassy Lilongwe | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN KCOR ECPS ECON MI |
| 05LILONGWE709 |
MALAWI TELECOM PRIVATIZATION ON HOLD [...] (C) The GOM has suspended the privatization of Malawi's parastatal telecommunications monopoly at the last moment. The privatization is a condition of two large World Bank programs in Malawi. The President apparently made the decision out of fear that the privatized company might sabotage sta [...] |
2005-08-18 10:31:00 | Embassy Lilongwe | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EINV ECPS KPRV PGOV PREL MI |
| 05LIMA2025 |
CAN PERU IMPROVE COMPETITION IN TELECOMS INDUSTRY? [...] (SBU) Summary. Two recent developments in the telecommunications industry have GOP officials pointing to improved competition in the market. America Movil, a Mexican company owned by Carlos Slim, acquired the fourth mobile band on March 30 and should begin operations by early 2006. The Mi [...] |
2005-05-03 16:47:00 | Embassy Lima | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ECON ETRD EINV PE |
| 05LIMA2027 |
USTR DISCUSSES MOBILE TERMINATION RATES WITH [...] (SBU) Summary. During the ninth round of U.S.-Andean Free Trade negotiations, USTR lead telecommunications negotiator Ken Shagrin met with both the Ministry of Communications (MTC) and Osiptel (Peru's telecommunications regulator) to discuss the lack of competition in the telecommunications [...] |
2005-05-03 17:46:00 | Embassy Lima | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ECON ETRD EINV PE |
| 05LIMA2509 |
TELECOMS REGULATOR ISSUES TEMPORARY MOBILE [...] (SBU) Summary. On May 26, Peruvian telecommunications regulator OSIPTEL issued a temporary mobile termination rate of $0.2053 for all carriers. According to OSIPTEL President Edwin San Roman, OSIPTEL is still working to establish a cost-based mobile termination rate, which should be publish [...] |
2005-06-06 18:58:00 | Embassy Lima | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ECON ETRD EINV PE |
| 05LIMA3534 |
AMERICA MOVIL BUYS PERU'S SECOND LARGEST MOBILE [...] (SBU) Summary. America Movil, one of the largest mobile telecommunications providers in South America, expanded its infant operations in Peru on August 11 with the $503 million purchase of TIM Peru. Although TIM, Peru's second largest mobile provider with 31 percent of the market, recently [...] |
2005-08-16 18:04:00 | Embassy Lima | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ECON ETRD EINV PE |
| 05LIMA4108 |
GOP TO HEAR PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MOBILE TERMINATION [...] (SBU) Summary. On July 20, Osiptel, Peru's telecommunications regulator, published its model for the reduction of mobile termination rates. After a 40-day public comment period, Osiptel will hold a public hearing, scheduled for September 26, where companies will have the opportunity to reac [...] |
2005-09-21 15:56:00 | Embassy Lima | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ETRD EINV ECON PE |
| 05LIMA4226 |
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON PERU'S MOBILE TERMINATION [...] (SBU) Summary. On September 26, Osiptel, Peru's telecommunications regulator, hosted a public audience to hear comments on its model for the reduction of mobile termination rates. Osiptel officials began the conference by explaining how the model was derived and justified the need for a thr [...] |
2005-09-28 20:12:00 | Embassy Lima | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ETRD EINV ECON PE |
| 05LIMA4335 |
DEMARCHE ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS CIRCUIT BLOCKAGE [...] No summary [...] |
2005-10-06 18:21:00 | Embassy Lima | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON ETRD PE |
| 05LIMA4848 |
LAUNCHING PHASE II OF THE DIGITAL FREEDOM [...] (SBU) Summary. The Ambassador and Peruvian Minister of Production David Lemor signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on November 8 to launch Phase II of the Digital Freedom Initiative (DFI) as well as underscore the GOP's renewed interest in the program. Both the Minister and the Ambass [...] |
2005-11-15 18:04:00 | Embassy Lima | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ETRD EINV ECON PE |
| 05LIMA5073 |
TELECOMS REGULATOR PUBLISHES IMPROVED MOBILE [...] (SBU) Summary. The Peruvian telecommunications regulator, OSIPTEL, published its new mobile termination rate on November 24. The new rate is based on cost factors including the value of a company's network investment and the spectrum value. Under the new plan, OSIPTEL will lower the mobile [...] |
2005-11-29 21:37:00 | Embassy Lima | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ETRD EINV ECON PE |
| 05LIMA5343 |
PERU: 1377 TELECOM TRADE AGREEMENTS REVIEW [...] (SBU) Summary. After several years of anticipation and prolonged prodding by Post, Peru's telecommunications regulator Osiptel issued resolution No. 70 on November 21, 2005, which establishes a new mobile termination rate for calls made from pay phones and mobile phones. Under the new regul [...] |
2005-12-19 17:45:00 | Embassy Lima | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ECON ETRD EINV PE |
| 05LJUBLJANA458 |
SLOVENIA - LICENSING CONDITIONS IN THE [...] (U) On 27 June Econ Specialist discussed licensing conditions in Slovenia's telecommunications sector with Mira Zupancic, the Head of the Telecommunications Department at the Slovenian Agency for Post and Electronic Communications (APEC). Zupancic explained that there is no fee in connection [...] |
2005-07-07 04:54:00 | Embassy Ljubljana | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD EU SI |
| 05MADRID71 |
SPAIN RESPONSE TO SINGLE MEMBER VETO AND ITU [...] No summary [...] |
2005-01-11 14:55:00 | Embassy Madrid | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC ECPS ITU |
| 05MANAMA182 |
BATELCO CHAIRMAN ON FINANCIAL SECTOR, [...] (C) Summary. Long-time senior banker in Bahrain, Hassan Juma, told the Ambassador that Bahrain will face challenges and regional competition in its efforts to maintain its position as a regional financial hub, but that it has an important advantage in its strong financial regulatory system. [...] |
2005-02-08 05:30:00 | Embassy Manama | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN ECPS PGOV BA |
| 05MANAMA227 |
INFORMATION MINISTER SEEKS U.S. ASSISTANCE [...] This is an action cable. Please see paragraph 4. 2. Newly appointed Minister of Information and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar, requested USG assistance to professionalize Bahrain Satellite Television during a February 10 meeting with the Ambassador. Dr. [...] |
2005-02-16 14:40:00 | Embassy Manama | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL KMPI ECPS OIIP BA |
| 05MANAMA237 |
BMA GOVERNOR ON FINANCE AND TELECOMS [...] (C) In an introductory call February 9, the Ambassador congratulated former Batelco chairman Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj on his appointment as governor of the Bahrain Monetary Agency, Bahrain's central bank. In response to the Ambassador's comment on Bahrain's leading role in the Middle East [...] |
2005-02-22 14:33:00 | Embassy Manama | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN ECPS ETTC BA |
| 05MANAMA747 |
ISLAMIC BANKING, SHARIAH BOARDS, AND INVESTMENTS [...] (U) Islamic banking is a growth industry worldwide and represents a sector for which Bahrain holds a comparative advantage and would like to expand and solidify as a regional center in the Middle East. Bahrain has a strong reputation for transparency and regulation of its financial sector in [...] |
2005-05-25 11:56:00 | Embassy Manama | SECRET | EINV ECPS EFIN ECON ETRD PREL BEXP BA |
| 05MANAMA835 |
ARCAPITA ENDORSES SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS WITH USG [...] (C) Arcapita Director for Legal Affairs Henry Thompson told the Ambassador June 8 that his company is willing to enter into security arrangements with the USG to gain approval for its proposed acquisition of Atlanta-based Cypress Communications. He said that Arcapita would keep all of Cypres [...] |
2005-06-12 11:44:00 | Embassy Manama | CONFIDENTIAL | EINV ECPS EFIN ECON ETRD PREL BEXP PTER BA |
| 05MANILA5983 |
TELECOM UPDATE: GRP ENCOURAGES INTERNET TELEPHONY [...] The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued recent rulings lowering entry barriers to encourage the development of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. The decisions should reduce international rates but will have less impact on lucrative cellular services, which have ecl [...] |
2005-12-28 08:18:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS EINV ETRD ECIN RP APEC |
| 05MUSCAT1139 |
INVESTORS POUR $1.2B INTO TELECOMS IPO [...] (SBU) More than 163,000 citizens contributed more than $1.2 billion to the oversubscribed and long-anticipated initial public offering of the state-owned Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel). The most popular IPO in Oman's history opened at $3.10 a share; prices are expected to surge whe [...] |
2005-07-19 08:36:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS KPRV ETRD ECON EINV EFIN MU |
| 05MUSCAT1500 |
OMANTEL PRESIDENT TALKS BUSINESS, BOYCOTT [...] (U) Summary: A meeting between Omantel's Executive President, Embassy and U.S. Department of Commerce officials produced positive results in removing boycott language from company documents. The company's president also stressed the importance of streamlining procurement decisions to Omantel's [...] |
2005-10-05 13:26:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | BEXP ECON ECPS KBCT MU |
| 05MUSCAT1564 |
MAKING WAVES IN OMAN [...] (U) Summary: In a move that surprised many observers, the Ministry of Information has granted television and radio broadcasting licenses to two private Omani companies. While this will effectively end the government's broadcasting monopoly, the licensees anticipate having to work closely wit [...] |
2005-10-18 12:45:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ECPS EINT PHUM PGOV MU |
| 05MUSCAT243 |
OMAN OFFICIAL ON PRIVATIZATION, FTA HOPES [...] (SBU) In a meeting on February 1, National Economy Under Secretary Abdul Malik al-Hinai outlined the Omani SIPDIS government's privatization strategy for a visiting USG official in the power, water, telecommunications and transport sectors. He predicted the sale of 30 percent of state-owne [...] |
2005-02-13 13:12:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON KPRV EIND ETRD ECPS KTEX PREL MU |
| 05MUSCAT306 |
TELECOMS MOVEMENT IN OMAN [...] In the ref B digital video conference between USTR and Omani government telecommunications officials, Oman's Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (TRA) pledged that the award of an operating license to a competing mobile phone operator was "imminent." On February 19, Sultan Qaboos promulgated [...] |
2005-02-23 03:20:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS KPRV ETRD MU |
| 05MUSCAT674 |
OMAN: TELECOMS UPDATE [...] (U) Summary: A series of local press reports in mid- April outlined three noteworthy developments in Oman's telecommunications sector. The launching of the Falcon submarine cable project will transform Oman into a regional hub for broadband and advanced telecom services. The project will co [...] |
2005-04-25 05:09:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ETRD MU |
| 05NAIROBI1488 |
Kenya Telecom Reform: A Good Story Gone Bad? [...] (SBU) Summary: After years of stagnation under a government-mandated monopoly, Kenya's telecom and ICT sectors looked set to grow rapidly in 2005 following the adoption late in 2004 of bold reforms aimed at opening the market to all comers. These prospects are now in doubt, however, followi [...] |
2005-04-10 21:51:00 | Embassy Nairobi | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON KCOR KE |
| 05NEWDELHI6837 |
CRICKET CONCERNS: GOI'S PROPOSED SATELLITE TV [...] (SBU) Summary: Minister of Information and Broadcasting Jaipal Reddy told A/DCM on September 2 that US broadcasters' concern on proposed new GOI restrictions on satellite uplink policies (reftel) was misplaced, as New Delhi's only interest was in ensuring that India's rural poor would have acc [...] |
2005-09-06 12:14:00 | Embassy New Delhi | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EINV PREL |