Satellites, science and toll roads

MINISTER of Information and Broadcasting, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, announced a number of Cabinet decisions at a press briefing in Windhoek on Thursday: Satellite link-up here soon AFTER the announcement by Telecom Namibia that broadband Internet will be introduced next month, another new technology is set to enter the Namibian market next year.

Cabinet has approved the opening of the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) market for competition. At last week’s Cabinet meeting, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting was authorised to proceed with the signing of licensing and tariffs for VSAT.This type of communication can be used for one-way or interactive communication via satellite and over 500 000 terminals are already established in some 120 countries.VSAT offers improved telecommunications services and broadband accessibility for Internet to especially international business and foreign missions operating in Namibia.According to a Cabinet briefing paper, VSAT will relieve the frustrations experienced by big local and international businesses with slow connectivity, especially those involved in highly technical exploration.VSAT will also allow the education sector in Namibia to roll out information technology like the Internet to educational institutions countrywide.Support for science project THE Polytechnic of Namibia will receive N$1,5 million from the Development Fund of the Social Security Commission (SSC) for the bridging programme it has established for prospective science, engineering and information technology students.Since the SSC Fund is N$5 million strong, Cabinet decided last week to support the Polytechnic’s Science Academic Success Programme.It upgrades the skills of college and university entrants, since school leavers often do not meet the requirements set for their fields of study.The programme offers opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged and unemployed youth, especially women.Cabinet decided that the N$1,5 million must be used exclusively for the intended purpose and that the Ministry of Education should supervise disbursement of the funds.Govt mulls toll system TOLL roads might soon become a reality for Namibia, which will see road users pay for the use of specific roads in the country.The Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication will appoint a consultant for a feasibility study in January 2007, costing some N$500 000, which will be paid by the Roads Authority.Cabinet approved the project.A steering committee led by the Ministry has already completed the terms of reference for the project.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Works will continue to auction off unused vehicles and other items.Cabinet approved the operation for another year.’Operation Clean-Up’ has earned the Ministry N$17,6 million so far and the total operation is expected to bring in N$25 million.At last week’s Cabinet meeting, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting was authorised to proceed with the signing of licensing and tariffs for VSAT.This type of communication can be used for one-way or interactive communication via satellite and over 500 000 terminals are already established in some 120 countries.VSAT offers improved telecommunications services and broadband accessibility for Internet to especially international business and foreign missions operating in Namibia.According to a Cabinet briefing paper, VSAT will relieve the frustrations experienced by big local and international businesses with slow connectivity, especially those involved in highly technical exploration.VSAT will also allow the education sector in Namibia to roll out information technology like the Internet to educational institutions countrywide.Support for science project THE Polytechnic of Namibia will receive N$1,5 million from the Development Fund of the Social Security Commission (SSC) for the bridging programme it has established for prospective science, engineering and information technology students.Since the SSC Fund is N$5 million strong, Cabinet decided last week to support the Polytechnic’s Science Academic Success Programme.It upgrades the skills of college and university entrants, since school leavers often do not meet the requirements set for their fields of study.The programme offers opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged and unemployed youth, especially women.Cabinet decided that the N$1,5 million must be used exclusively for the intended purpose and that the Ministry of Education should supervise disbursement of the funds.Govt mulls toll system TOLL roads might soon become a reality for Namibia, which will see road users pay for the use of specific roads in the country.The Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication will appoint a consultant for a feasibility study in January 2007, costing some N$500 000, which will be paid by the Roads Authority.Cabinet approved the project.A steering committee led by the Ministry has already completed the terms of reference for the project.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Works will continue to auction off unused vehicles and other items.Cabinet approved the operation for another year.’Operation Clean-Up’ has earned the Ministry N$17,6 million so far and the total operation is expected to bring in N$25 million.