|
@t Ease with E-mail
Part 3: A Sampling of Networks in Developing Countries
Asia/Pacific Region
The information in this directory of network service
providers includes:
- Network Provider s Name, Address and Number
of Users
- Brief Description
- Services Available
- Charges (as of July 1994)
- Key NGO Users of the System
- Additional Information, such as suggestions
for new users, training, etc.
For the most part, the information provided in
this directory has been reproduced as received from the network service
providers. Additional requests for information should be directed to them.
Asia/Pacific Region
BANGLADESH
DAK
UBINIG Pvt. Ltd. 5/3 Ring Road, Shamoly Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh
Tel: +880-2/811465
Fax: +880-2/813065
E-mail: ubinig@dak.gn.apc.org
Contact peson: Monsur-ul-Hakim
Number of registered users: N.A
Number of active users: 5
Brief Description
This host became operational in September 1993. DAK is one of the partners
of AsiaLink, the international initiative/project. They are internationally
connected via GNFIDO Greennet London. UBINIG
hosted the international conference, People s Perspective on Population,
in February 1994. Proceedings of this conference were made available to
users of international networks using this link.
Services Available
This node is available to users from Dhaka only. Key discussion areas
and conference BBSs which can interest NGOs include development, population,
women, environment. APC conferences available
to users of this system include: asia.link, ppp.meet, elaw.public.interest.
Charges (April 1994)
Registration(one-time fee): Tk.5000 or US$125. Monthly subscription: Tk.200
or US$5. To send international messages: Tk.50 or US$1.25/message.
Key NGO Users
UBINIG is trying to bring NGOs and individuals (especially women activists)
into its e-mail network.
Additional Information
Modems are not easily available in Bangladesh. Users must import them,
usually from Singapore. This system responds to any modem, but high-speed
modems (minimum 9600 bps) are suggested. Attempts are being made to provide
training to each new user; the cost is approximately Tk.1000 (US$25) per
participant.
CAMBODIA
Cccnet
Cooperation Committee for Cambodia (CCC) 25, st. 360, Boeung Keng Kang
1 Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Postal address: CCC, PO Box 885, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: +885-23/26009
Fax: +885-23/26009
Contact peson: Rosemary Harbridge
Brief Description
CCC is in the process of setting up an electronic mail network for NGOs
working in Cambodia in collaboration with the Pacific Community Computer
Networking project, Pactok. Cccnet aims specifically to encourage
cost-effective information exchange between NGOs working in Cambodia and
their overseas partners in order to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness.
Services Available
They should be able to receive appropriate conferences from APC once they
are operational.
Charges
Please contact CCC.
Key NGO Users
CCC currently has 58 member agencies working in a variety of sectors.
They expect a large number of these members to use this network once it
is operational.
Additional Information
Problems with telephone and electricity networks are common in Cambodia.
Modems are expensive locally. Users would need to purchase modems which
support error correction protocol. Thailand, Hong Kong or Singapore would
be the best places to purchase a modem. Those intending to use mobile/cellular
phones should ensure that the modem they purchase is compatible with the
type of phone they plan to use for communication. Modems for mobile/cellular
phones tend to be more expensive than modems for connection to ordinary
telephone lines. Buying a power surge protector and other devices which
can protect equipment from electric faults would be good insurance against
frequent power failures.
Apsara
Norbert Klein LWS Office No.14, Street 232 Sangkat
Beng Prolit, Khan 7 Makara Phonm Penh, Cambodia
Postal Address: LWS, PO Box 37 Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: +855-23/015-911191 (Mobile)
Contact peson: Norbert Klein
E-mail: 75114.1373@compuserve.com
Brief Description
This node is yet to be operational. Some time ago they set up an experimental
Waffle Node in their office to receive calls from Oxford. They are part
of the Sustainable Agriculture Network and hope to provide information
resources on this subject.
Services Available
They expect to receive a number of conferences specializing in sustainable
agriculture.
Charges
Yet to be operational.
Key NGO Users
Information not available.
Additional Information
See Point 6 under Cccnet above.
TAP-Cambodia
Partnership for Development in Kampuchea (PADEK)
25 B, Street 214 Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: +855-23-26224
Fax: +855-23-26224
Brief Description
Recently it began getting polls from the Netherlands. No additional information
is available about this network. Contact PADEK for updates and more information.
INDIA
Bangalore
Toolnet Access Point - Bangalore
E-mail: 70600.3232@compuserve.com
Contact peson: Mohandas
Number of users: 30 (mostly NGOs)
Brief Description
Toolnet is based in the Netherlands. It has been setting up what is known
as Toolnet Access Points (TAPs) in various developing countries. The Bangalore
node is one such local TAP. It runs a front door based system.
Services Available
No information is available on key discussion areas or conferences. International
e-mail takes a maximum of 12 hours to reach its destination.
Charges
Annual subscription: Rs3100 or US$100.
Charges to send/receive international messages: Rs5/message. No additional
Charges to send/receive messages within India.
Key NGO Users
A number of NGOs in Bangalore use this service. No details are available.
Additional Information
No specific suggestions are available.
Bombay
Live Wire! BBS
Online Services
C-503, Eden-4, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai Lake Bombay 400076, India
Tel: +91-22/579 0203; Residence: +91-22/578 1132
Fax: +91-22/578 7812
BBS Node1: +91-22/578 7812, 579 2416
BBS Node3: +91-22/579 0203 (Mon-Fri 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
Fidonet: 6:606/1
Internet:sysop%bharat@csah.com or suchit@shakti.ncst.ernet.in or sysop@f1.n606.z6.Fidonet.org
Contact peson: Suchit Nanda/Anish Nanda
Number of registered users: 200+ (includes 15 NGOs)
Number of active users: 150+
Brief Description
This was one of Bombay s first Bulletin Board Systems and began providing
services in 1992. Special training and international communications services
were provided to users from NGOs when it became part of the AsiaLink project
later that year. Live Wire! BBS is internationally connected via GNFIDO
Greennet London and is part of Bharatnet, a network of inter-connected
BBSs operating in various Indian cities.
Services Available
Most users of this system are from Bombay. The system runs 24 hours a
day. It also provides connectivity to users from a few other cities. International
messages for NGOs are exchanged once a day and take less than 24 hours.
Modem setting: N81 (No parity, 8 bits, 1 stop bit); RIP/ANSI/VT100/AVTAR
terminal emulation. Speeds: 300-19.2 bps (V.32B and V.42B).
Charges
Registration (one-time fee): Rs500 (about US$16).
Monthly subscription:Rs150 (about US$5).
Charges to send/receive messages within the country: Rs5 per message.
No Charges to send/receive (only for NGOS) international messages due
to a subsidy from the AsiaLink Project.
Key NGO Users
Maniben Kara Institute (MKI)
Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA)
Ecologist India/Asia
Forum Against Oppression of Women and Forum For Women s Health (FFWH)
Rural Communes (RC)
Additional Information
Suggestions for new users are found under Point 6 for New Delhi below.
Calcutta
Live Wire! BBS-Calcutta
16, Satchidananda Chambers, 7, J.L. Nehru Road Calcutta-13, India
Tel: +91-33-248-0796
BBS: +91-33-248-1356/248-8763
E-mail: skhemka@livewire.uunet.in
Contact peson: Shamit Khemka
Number of registered users: 50+
Number of active users: 35+
Brief Description
Live Wire BBS!, part of Bharatnet, is a small attempt by Pharos Infotech.
It became operational in April 1994 and offers host facilities to organizations
for intra-office connectivity. It is willing to provide special areas
for discussion and information sharing for NGO communities.
Services Available
It provides access to shareware/public domain/freeware programs on various
subjects. It plans to start information services on stocks, travel, train
and air schedules, weather reports and so on. It also plans to offer Usenet
news and Internet mail lists in the near future. New users receive shareware
versions of RIPTERM (a communications program which supports image processing
and a mouse while connecting to BBS) and the off-line readers Dos/Windows
free of charge. It plans to provide faster e-mail facilities in the near
future.
Charges
Registration (one-time fee): Rs200 or US$8.
Monthly subscription: Rs200 or US$8. No connect Charges.
Charges to receive messages: Rs5/message (up to 4 A4 size pages long).
Charges to download software: Rs0.15/Kb (i.e. a 100 Kb software program
will cost Rs15 to download).
Key NGO Users
No NGOs were listed as current users.
Additional Information
It supports access using slow modems but recommends faster modems to ensure
reliable connections.
Madras
Masnet FOOD
No. 6, IInd Street, Sowrashtra Nagar, Choolaimedu Madras-94, India
Tel: +91-44/424826
Fax: +91-44 8250226
Contact peson: Loyola Joseph
E-mail: loyola@food.unv.ernet.in or loyola@unv.ernet.in
Number of registered users: 50+
Number of active users: 20+
Brief Description
Masnet functions as the Indialink partner network in Madras. It provides
connectivity and information services to a variety of users including
Madras- based NGOs.
Services Available
Users from various parts of Tamil Nadu access this system. It operates
a few hours every day. Speeds: 300-19.2 bps (V.32B and V.42B)
Charges
Check with the secretary of FOOD at the above address for Charges. NGOs
receive subsidized services.
Key NGO Users
AICUF National Secretariat, Madras
Centre for Social Reconstruction, Madras
FOOD, Madras
Human Settlements and Environment and Youth Centre, Madras
M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Madras
Madras Institute for Development Studies, Madras
Tamil Nadu Institute for Urban Studies, Madras
New Delhi
Indialink-UNV Experimental System (New Delhi)
Indialink BBS and UNV SouthLinks Network, Indian Social Institute, 10
Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi 110 003, India
Tel: +91-11/4611745, 4635096, 4622379
Fax: +91-11/4690660
E-mail: leo@unv.ernet.in
Contact peson: Leo Fernandez
Number of registered users: 15+ (April 1994)
Number of active users: 30+ (April 1994)
Brief Description
Indialink is an informal network of NGOs exploring appropriate uses of
new technologies for information exchange, international solidarity, social
justice and human rights. The system became operational during August-September
1993. Indialink is a partner of AsiaLink. Recently the Indialink system
provided networking facilities to participants of the International Symposium
on Democratizing Communications held in New Delhi.
Services Available
Most users of this system are from New Delhi. Users from other cities
can also connect to this system 24 hours a day. It provides gateway facilities
to two other systems (Madras and Dharmshala). It takes about 8-10 hours
to exchange international messages.
Key discussion areas/conferences/BBS of interest
to NGOs include environment, women, human rights, indigenous populations,
health globalization, World Bank, economy, minorities, and children.
Charges (April 1994 )
Registration (one time fee): Rs1000 or US$31.
Monthly subscription: Rs100 or US$3.
Key NGO Users
CENDIT Centre for the Development of Instructional
Technology
NIAE National Institute for Adult Education
ISI Indian Social Institute
FOOD Madras
WFS Women s Features Services
Manushi Women s Journal
UN Volunteers
OXFAM India
Additional Information
Modems, though available locally, are generally more expensive than in
the US and Hong Kong. Modems with MNP error correction are recommended
for local phone line conditions. Regular training programs are conducted
for groups of new users. A three- to five-day training program costs between
Rs1500 to Rs2000 per participant (US$50-70). Indialink hopes to establish
host sites in a few more Indian cities such as Calcutta, Bangalore and
Hyderabad.
INDONESIA
IndCEE
Jl. Dewi Sartika No.6 Ciputat, Tangerang Indonesia 15411
Tel: +62-21/740 1584
Fax: +62-21/573 2503
E-mail: osari@indcee.or.id
Contact peson: Omar Sari
Number of users: 15-20 (April 1994)
Brief Description
IndCEE (Indonesian Center for Energy and the Environment Networks) is
trying to build bridges between individuals and institutions that share
common interests on energy and environmental issues.
IndCEE is currently the only BBS open to the public,
not just to NGOs, which offers e-mail services to international destinations.
Services Available
This system provides 24-hour e-mail services, and some discussions and
information exchange. It supports both Indonesian and English. Users can
now send faxes through e-mail to the fax server. IndCEE is planning to
publish a newsletter on energy and environmental issues.
Key discussion areas/conferences/BBS of interest
to NGOs to include energy, general environment issues and nuclear issues.
It also provides access to discussion forums (energy.policy, energy.mdbs)
available on the international APC network. International messages are
exchanged within 6 hours.
Charges (June 1994)
Registration (one-time fee): Rp50,000 (about US$25).
Monthly subscription: Rp20,000 (about US$10).
No connect Charges. No Charges to send/receive messages within the country.
To receive international messages: Rp250/Kb plus Rp100/message (the Rp.100/message
charge is scheduled to be dropped).
Key NGO Users
Detailed information about NGO users is not available.
Additional Information
Modems can be purchased locally. Users can access this system at 2400
BPS only. There is no high-speed to access to this system.
Nusanet also provides networking services to NGO
users in Indonesia.
Nusanet
Jl. Penjernihan I Komp. Keuangan No.10 Pejompongan,
Indonesia, 15411
Tel: +62-21/573 7760
Fax: +62-21/573 7760
E-mail: nela@nusa.or.id or osari@nusa.or.id
Contact peson: Nela Samosir, Omar Sari
Number of users: 20 (approx. April 1994)
Brief Description
Nusanet became operational in 1993. It is a semi-closed system that only
accepts users from the NGO community. A coalition of NGOs is the network
s main promoter.
Services Available
Current subscribers are from all over the country. They are encouraged
to host their own conferences. Services are available between 1700 and
0800 hours. The network supports Indonesian and English. International
e-mail is exchanged within 6-7 hours.
Key discussion areas/conferences/BBS of interest
to NGOs include human rights, land, and labour.
Charges(April 1994)
Registration (one-time fee): Rp20,000 (about US$10).
Monthly subscription: Rp5,000 (about US$2.50). No Charges to send/receive
messages within the country.
To receive international messages: Rp1.49/byte plus Rp149/message.
To send international messages: Rp0.39/byte plus Rp39/message.
Key NGO Users
Additional Information
Modems can be purchased locally. It is suggested that users obtain high-speed
modems or at least modems with error correction. Training facilities are
available on how to use the system and on how to set up a similar system
locally to poll the system to receive and send messages rather than logging
in. It provides the networking software Waffle for users.
NEPAL
RONAST (Royal Nepal Academy of Science and Technology)
PO Box 3323, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977-1/227586
E-mail: deurali@ronast.ernet.in
Contact peson: Dr. Kedar L. Shrestha, Jesbin Baidya
Number of registered users: 20 (plus several nodes)
Number of active users: 20 (plus several nodes)
Brief Description
This network is very young and still experimental. It uses Ernet-New Delhi
to exchange international e-mail traffic twice a day (for a total of four
connections). The system is up 24 hours a day and supports English only.
Services Available
It provides national and international e-mail links. Current users range
from research institutes and colleges to international projects. At present
the network goes to the user and gives him/her hands-on training for a
few days absolutely free of charge.
Charges
Free of charge.
Key NGO Users
No NGOs currently use this network.
Additional Information
Its modem will respond to any Hayes compatible modem which is readily
accessible in Nepal. For better transfer rates, a Telebit World Blazer
modem is recommended.
PAKISTAN
SDNPK
22 Bazar Road, G-6/4, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51/212640, 210613
Fax: +92-51/216909
E-mail: rizvi%sdnpk@sdnhq.undp.org
Contact peson: Hasan Rizvi
Number of registered users: 60 client nodes (200-250 end users)
Number of active users: 45 client nodes
Brief Description
This node is part of UNDP s Sustainable Development Network (SDN). The SDN
s initiative combines face-to-face meetings, electronic and other means
of communication to link sources and users of information on sustainable
development. In future it hopes to set up similar nodes in other cities
in Pakistan.
Services Available
This system provides 24-hour service and supports English and local languages
written in Latin script.
Key discussion areas include: mailing list to discuss
environmental issues Usenet-like newsgroup alt.talk.isb for local nodes
fed by the same mailing list.
Charges
No charge for registration, monthly subscription or connect Charges.
Charges to send/receive for international messages: Rs5 or US$0.16/Kb
(about US$0.35 for one page).
Key NGO Users
Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI)
Strengthening Participatory Organizations (SPO)
National Network for Communication and Dialogue (NNCD)
Green Press Association
IUCN, Islamabad
Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Islamabad Office
Additional Information
Modems are available locally and the system supports most standard brands.
Basic training to users is free of cost.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
PNG Pactok
Host
ICRAF Box 49 PO University NCD Papua New Guinea
Tel: +675/260332
Fax: +675/260273
E-mail: chiko@pactok.peg.apc.org
Contact person: Richard Brunton
Number of registered users: 16 (approx.)
Brief Description
The Pactok project started in 1990 as a joint project of Pegasus
Networks, The Ideas Centre, Sydney, the Centre for Asia Pacific Studies
of the University of New South Wales and the Foundations for the Peoples
of the South Pacific.
Pactok aims to use the most appropriate technology
available to provide computer networking, particularly to grassroots organizations
involved in community development, informal education and environmental
activities.
The hub of the Pactok network is located at the
Ideas Centre in Sydney. The network currently supports a number of local
hubs in various parts of the Pacific and some countries
in Southeast Asia. PNG Pactok node is one such hub set up using Fidonet
technology.
Services Available
Electronic mail exchange is possible with other Pactok users in Papua
New Guinea and abroad with anybody who has an Internet address. The host
is available for continuous mail operation and polls its gateway hub at
least once a day. International e-mail takes a maximum of one day to reach
its destination. It supports English and Tok Pisin.
Selected APC
conferences are available. This list will vary according to the requirements
of members. At present, the following conferences are carried: elaw.public.interest,
rainfor.general, hr.asiapacific, reg.bougainville, hr.child, reg.easttimor,
hr.indigenous, reg.newguinea, interdoc.kl93, reg.pacific, png.campaign
and unhr.ngoneeds.
Charges
Pactok membership is approximately US$200 a year plus a local host charge
(price on application). There are no volume or time charges for normal
use. Membership includes an Internet address, software, documentation,
installation, and a reasonable amount of training and user support.
PHILIPPINES
E-mail Centre 18 V. Luna Road
Extension, Sikatuna Village Quezon City 1101, Philippines
Tel: +632/921 5165
E-mail: sysop@phil.gn.apc.org
Contact person : Roberto Verzola
Number of registered users: 100 + (April 1994)
Number of active users: 70 + (April 1994)
Brief Description
This node has been active for some time. It provides NGOs with a forum
for discussion and receives a few conferences from APC. Key areas for
discussion on this node are environment and toxics.
Services Available
It provides services 24 hours a day and users from any part of the Philippines
(who can call Manila) connect to this system. International messages take
8 hours during weekdays but longer on weekends.
Charges (April 1994)
Registration (one-time fee): P3000 (including installation and training).
Monthly subscription: P300 or US$11.
No charges to receive messages within the country.
To receive international messages: P0.005/character.
To send messages within the country (excluding Manila): P0.001/character.
To send international messages: P0.01/character.
Key NGO Users
Additional Information
New users are advised to buy modems from the US or Hong Kong. Any modem
should be all right. E-mail Centre provides training to users; costs are
included in their one-time registration charges.
PSDN is another network providing networking services
in Philippines.
PSDN BBS (Philippine
Sustainable Development Network)
#106 Amorsolo Street, Room 210 NEDA sa Makati Bldg. Legazpi Village ,
Makati Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel: +632/892 0611 local 241
Data: +632/893 7213 (BBS)
Fex: +632/816 4061 attention Amy Lecciones SDN Room 210
E-mail: 6:751/501 or victor.reyes@f501.n751.z6.Fidonet.org
Contact persons : Amy Lecciones, Victor Reyes, Vilma Encomienda
Number of registered users: 500
Number of active users: 100
Brief Description
PSDN is part of UNDP s SDN
activities.
Services Available
This node provides local, national and international e-mail and conferencing
facilities on a 24-hour basis. International e-mail is channelled via
Fidonet-Internet gateway and can take 3-7 days to reach its destination.
It supports English and local dialects. PSDN is preparing for a direct
Internet link via Philnet and is also exploring the possibility of connecting
to APC networks.
Key discussion areas/conferences/BBS of interest
to NGOs include: local SDN message areas, DOST Science and Technology
Forum, Stacnet and soc.culture.filipino Fidonet RP-Issues, Biodiversity
Conservation, Sustainable Development, Environment and Ecology Appropriate/
Sustainable/ Environment Friendly Technologies.
PSDN-BBS also contains relevant information sources
or directories, such as Directories of NGOs (local and international),
Directory of PCSD Committee Members, and simple environment and development
facts and figures.
Charges
No registration charges.
Charges to send/receive international messages (for Fidonet Echoes): US$22/year.
Key NGO Users
These include various NGOs, GOs, professionals, students, etc. PSDN is
currently preparing for the Prototype Phase of the Biodiversity Conservation
Information System, and simultaneously strengthening SDN network links
with critical information providers such as
PAWB (Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau)
ICLARM (International Centre for Living Aquatic Resources Management)
IESAM (Institute of Environmental Science and Management)
EMB (Environmental Management Bureau Department of Natural Resources)
PURC (Philippine Uplands Resource Center)
After the Prototype Phase the network plans to
share its experience and techniques with other NGOs in the Asian region,
update the SDN Kit and come up with a BCIS starter kit which will include
a resource map of biodiversity information sources in the Philippines,
a cybermap of electronic hosts and nodes in the country, shareware software
needed for installation of a BBS system for Host/Hub/Node/Point configurations,
training manuals, and a list of resource persons.
Additional Information
Modems can be bought cheaply in Cebu City as well as in computer stores
in Metro Manila. Rates are even lower if bought abroad.
SOLOMON ISLANDS
Solomons Pactok
Host Solomon Islands College of Higher Education Kukum Campus Honiara,
Solomon Islands
Tel: +677/30111
E-mail: phillipps@pactok.peg.apc.org
Contact person: Matthew Phillipps
Number of registered users: 6 (approx.)
Brief Description
See description for Pactok under Papua New Guinea above.
Services Available
Electronic mail exchange is possible with other Pactok users in the Solomon
Islands and abroad with anybody who has an Internet address. The host
is available for continuous mail operation and polls its gateway hub at
least once a day. International e-mail takes a maximum of one day to reach
its destination. It supports English and Tok Pisin.
Selected APC
conferences are available. This list will vary according to the requirements
of members.
At present, the following conferences are carried:
dh.mujer
reg.bougainville
gp.news
reg.newguinea
hr.asiapacific
reg.pacific
hr.child
tech.fido
rainfor.general
Charges
Pactok membership is approximately US$200 per year plus a local host charge
(price on application). There are no volume or time charges for normal
use. Membership includes an Internet address, software, documentation,
installation, and a reasonable amount of training and user support.
SRI LANKA
Slnet
1 De Silva Rd Kalubowela Dehiwela, Sri Lanka
Tel: +94-1/811183
Fex: +94-1/811183 (after 1730 SLtime)
E-mail: support@lanka.gn.apc.org and Fido 6:605/1
Contact person: Peter Gordon (peterg@lanka.gn.apc.org or 6:605/1.3)
Number of users: Used primarily by members of group hosting this system.
Brief Description
This host became operational in February 1994. It is a partner in the
international initiative/project AsiaLink, and is internationally connected
via GNFIDO Greennet London. This
system is being run on an experimental basis.
Services Available
This network is currently used for testing purposes by members of the
group hosting the system. Research has shown a need for an e-mail link
in Sri Lanka, which has a potential user base of 20-40 NGOs. The system
will be fully tested before being opened to outside subscribers.
The existing set-up supports English. Arrangements
are being worked out locally to translate documents into Sinhala and Tamil.
The possibility of using information available on international networks
for local users is being explored.
Charges
Not available to outside subscribers as of April 1994.
Additional Information
Modems are available in Sri Lanka but they are expensive, at US$300-2400.
A way is being sought to import modems and sell them at cost but failing
that, they should be bought in the US or in Singapore. Any Hayes compatible
modem should allow users to connect to this system.
Future plans include initial training and certain
support facilities free or at cost (travel and time). Efforts are also
being made to provide translated documents (English, Sinhala, Tamil) to
assist in training.
THAILAND
CCAN
Computer Communication Access for NGOs (CCAN), Pactok Hub, Bangkok 208/26 Pracha Uthil Rd.
Rat Burana Bangkok-10140, Thailand
Tel/Fex: +66-2/428-5615
BBS: +66-2/428-5615 (1900 to 0700)
E-mail: technolife@wov.com
Brief Description
This was one of the first BBSs to provide electronic communications services
to NGO communities in the late 1980s. Due to the high cost of existing
e-mail services, a group of NGOs formed a cooperative to share an e-mail
box on an international network. They also began using bulletin board
systems supporting Thai and English for their communication needs within
Thailand. Due to human resource problems it was decided that CCAN would
provide BBS services for local and national communications only. It hopes
to resume international e-mail facilities.
Services Available
It receives some conferences from APC
networks and support conferences for discussions on local issues. CCAN
BBS can be accessed from several cities in Thailand. It provides communications
in Thai and English.
Charges
CCAN membership for NGOs: 1500 baht/year plus charges to send international
messages.
Key NGO Users
Members of this cooperative arrangement include:
Advance Media for Education and Development (AMED)
Asian Cultural Forum on Development (ACFOD)
Computer and Information Services (CIS)
Duang Prateep Foundation Organization involved with rural development
Foundation for Women (FFW)
Petroleum and Chemical Workers Federation of Thailand (PCFT)
Project for Ecological Recovery (PER) also per@peg.apc.org
Santi Pracha Dhamma Institute (SPDI)
Terre des Hommes (TdH)
Union for Civil Liberty (UCL)
WOV-Net also provides networking services in
Thailand.
WOV-Net
PO Box 5-121 Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: +66-2/255 5982
E-mail: bsa@wov.com
Contact person: Alan Dawson
Number of registered users: confidential
Number of active users: 400
Brief Description
Though WOV-Net has been on-line since 1990, some NGOs have begun using
this system only recently. It is owned and operated by the computer security
company BSA.
Services Available
It provides 24-hour service and international mail takes a maximum of
four hours to reach its destination. Its software is 8-bit compatible
and can support any language.
Key discussion areas/conferences/BBS of interest
to NGOs include Usenet and U NI-net environment, political conferences,
and many local and international sources. General discussions are welcome
on ALL subjects, with no restrictions on topic or content. Free speech
is encouraged in accordance with Thai law.
They have starter software kits and modems available
for users with no experience. Within reasonable limits they will work
with all new callers during their start-up phase by voice, fax or on-line
to ensure they are connected and understand the system.
Charges
Registration (one-time fee): 1000-5000 baht.
Monthly subscription: US$40-200.
No connect charges.
Charges to send/receive international messages: 12.50-25 baht or US$0.50-US$1/message.
Key NGO Users
Additional Information
All required items are available locally, at prices only slightly above
US prices. Only special items, such as a specific modem brand, should
be imported.
VIETNAM
Netnam
Institute of Information Technology Nghiado, Tuliem Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: +84-4/346907
Fex: +84-4/345217
E-mail: thai@hanoi.ac.vn
Contact person: Tran Ba Thai, Head of Networking Department
Brief Description
The Institute of Information Technology of Vietnam recently inaugurated
an academic network permitting e-mail to and from the Internet.
IIOT plans to establish a micro-telematic network
specifically serving the Vietnamese and international NGO community. Similarly
to tens of other hosts now well established all over the world, a dedicated
NGO server in Vietnam would have much to offer in addressing the specific
communications and information needs of the NGO community.
Services Available
It would primarily provide rapid and low-cost e-mail and information exchange
in fora and databases with both Vietnamese and foreign sources.
Charges
The NGO server is yet to be operational. Contact Mr. Tran Ba Thai for
more details on expected charges or for other information.
Key NGO Users
Initially the service hopes to attract a large section of the NGO community,
at least from the Hanoi area. The existing network is available to the
NGO community. The World Food Program (WFP) of the UN and others are using
this service.
Additional Information
Vietnam phone lines work well. Modems are expensive locally and can be
cheaper in Bangkok, Hong Kong or Singapore. Modems supporting error correction
standards are likely to provide efficient links.
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