wireless & voip -...

Vietnam LMI Associated Working Papers

Version: 20

A local farmer in the Lao Cai province makes one of his first-everphone calls from home via a WiMAX and VoIP network installed

through the Vietnam LMI project.

December 2006

Vietnam LMI Comments from the Author

his document represents a series of one-page working papers that have been developed based on recent, and on-going, experiences gained from the implementation of the Vietnam Last Mile Initiative (LMI). These one-pager papers will ultimately be added to a larger collection of working

papers that has already been circulated. Here the focus is a subset of the total collection and is limited t Vietnam LMI experiences to date.

T At this time (late-December 2006) the Vietnam LMI project has put into place the core VoIP services

and has completed the implementation of the initial WiMAX deployment in Lao Cai. A second deployment in the more rural area of Sapa is getting underway with the final site survey planned to take place in November-December and implementation scheduled for January-February of 2007. Support for the Vietnam Telecommunications Fund (VTF) has also been launched through an initial Assessment and development of an agreed-upon MOU, plan of action, and budget. Work on this component will take place through July 2007.

While the orientation in writing these papers is from a USAID-focused, Last Mile Initiative perspective, it is critical to acknowledge that the Vietnam LMI project is in every sense a collaborative-partnership effort between USAID, INTEL, and Vietnam Data Communications (VDC). Further, it is an undertaking that relies heavily on the highest level of political support within Vietnam as well as local support from the provincial and district level People Committees. And finally, it is an undertaking that has relied extensively on technology and technical services from both U.S.-based and Vietnam-based businesses.

It is my intention to continue to update and add new Vietnam LMI-related papers, as well as develop additional papers that will be added to the larger Wireless and VoIP collection. It is also my intention to make these freely available in an effort to seek additional thoughts, comments, and more importantly, action. Those wishing to contact me and provide input, ideas, comments, and suggestions, are encouraged to do so at [email protected].

Darrell E. Owen

Darrell Owen DRAFT Page i

mailto:[email protected]

Darrell Owen DRAFT Page ii

Vietnam LMI Table of Contents

Comments from the Author ........................................................................................................................... i

Table of Contents.......................................................................................................................................... ii

Acronyms and Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................... iii

Part 1 – Project Components......................................................................................................................... 1 Part 2 – Public-Private Partnerships.............................................................................................................. 2 Part 3 – Lao Cai WiMAX Deployment ........................................................................................................ 3 Part 4 – Sapa WiMAX Deployment ............................................................................................................. 4 Part 5 – WiMAX and VoIP Summary Architecture ..................................................................................... 5 Part 6 – Support for the VTF ........................................................................................................................ 6 Part 7 – Critical Success Factors (CSFs) [NEW].......................................................................................... 7 Part 8 – Outside and Beyond the LMI .......................................................................................................... 8

Darrell Owen DRAFT Page iii

Vietnam LMI Acronyms and Abbreviations

DoS U.S. Department of State ICT Information Communication Technology IP Internet Protocol LMI Last Mile Initiative TLP Telecommunications Leadership Program USAID United States Agency for International Development USF/USOF Universal Service Fund/Universal Service Obligations Fund USTTI United States Technical Training Institute VDC Vietnam Data Communications (part of Vietnam Post and Telecom) VSAT Very Small Aperture Terminal VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol VTF Vietnam Public-Utility Telecommunications Fund VoWiFi Voice over Wireless Fidelity (portable hand-held phone) WiFi Wireless Fidelity WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access

Vietnam LMI Part 1 – Project Components

eginning in 2004, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) launched a Last Mile Initiative (LMI)

aimed at expanding telecommunications into rural areas of developing countries. As of mid-2006 country-level LMI projects were underway in approximately 30 countries.

Darrell Owen DRAFT Page 1

The four core elements of the LMI include; 1) reliance on advanced technologies, 2) support for USAID’s development portfolio, 3) support for the policy and legal/regulatory environment, and 4) public and private partnering.

The Vietnam LMI project got underway in the spring of 2005 with an initial LMI Assessment, and subsequently with a project design/plan in the fall of 2005. Implementation was launched in December 2005 through a joint Workshop supported by INTEL, USAID, and Vietnam’s Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPT)

In summary the Vietnam LMI project consists of two key components:

• Field Deployments—this component consists of two field-deployments of WiMAX. The two field implementations are both being carried out in the Lao Cai province. The first deployment relies on an existing fiber backhaul and existing tower available in Lao Cai city. The second deployment will be more rural and will rely on an IPStar satellite terminal to be located in a commune within the Sapa district. Both deployments are supported by central VoIP services put into place at Vietnam Data Communications (VDC).

• Technical Assistance to Universal Service Fund—the second component consists of providing technical assistance to the Vietnam Telecommunications Fund (VTF). This TA was launched with a Diagnostic Assessment in March 2006 from which targeted interventions have been selected. The key focus here is to open up the access to current and future universal service funds that will support rural expansion of potentially hundreds of commune-level systems across rural Vietnam.

The Vietnam LMI project has deliberately adhered to the LMI’s four complementary elements through the following:

• Advanced Information Technologies—technologies used within the Vietnam LMI include WiMAX, WiFi and VoIP. The project provides a single convergent wireless network that provides broadband Internet access as well as voice services.

• Application within USAID Portfolio— the Vietnam LMI project has worked closely with USAID/Vietnam to link with existing projects/programs. In the first deployment in Lao Cai there are 5 high schools and secondary schools which are targeted to receive local-language ICT-related curriculum developed by Microsoft.

• Policy and Legal/Regulatory Environment—the work with VTF focuses on linking the field deployments with VTF such that these and future similar projects can be funded through accessing Vietnam’s universal service/access funds through established processes/procedures. This will ensure broad scalability across Vietnam in the coming years.

• Public/Private Partnerships— for this project USAID has become engaged with a number of partners. For the deployments this has included INTEL and VTC, but also local suppliers of Alvarion and AirSpan equipment and services, as well as the Lao Cai People Committee. In support of the VTF, this partnering is included the U.S. State Department through coordinated Workshops, as well as the USTTI for training..

The Vietnam LMI project, while still a work-in-progress, is already serving to demonstrate the value of WiMAX and VoIP to serve rural populations. The first of the two deployments is operational as of October 2006, with the second planned to be operational by January 2007. A range of far-reaching lessons-learned are emerging from this project, many of which will be expanded-upon in subsequent parts of this emerging series on one-pagers.

B

Vietnam LMI Part 2 – Public-Private Partnerships

key element of the LMI is public-private partnerships. The rationale not only seeks partnering that leverages

complementary contributions, but also partnerships that enhance sustainability and scalability. The reality is that LMIs are projects which, by definition, have a beginning and an ending. Public-private partnerships are essential if LMI projects are to be sustaining and scalable beyond the life of the project.


In the Vietnam LMI project there are multiple dimensions of public-private partnerships which are largely responsible for the success-to-date. These partnerships will ultimately be responsible for long-term success.

• USAID-INTEL—the partnership in Vietnam brought two key programs together and formed the basis for the Vietnam LMI project, specifically the two WiMAX-VoIP deployments. USAID brought the LMI program and INTEL brought the Asia Broadband Campaign (ABC). (The ABC program has since been replaced by the World Ahead program at INTEL.) The touchstone for this partnership was USAID’s interest in extending telecommunications into more rural areas of Vietnam; INTEL’s concern it was to introduce WiMAX into Vietnam. USAID provided critical funding and on-the-ground management; INTEL primarily provided technology and technical support.

• USAID-INTEL and VDC—in Vietnam the telecommunications sector consists of several competing State Owned Enterprises (SOE). The Vietnam Post and Telecom (VNPT) is the dominant carrier, and within VNPT the Internet services are handled by Vietnam Data Communications (VDC). VDC provided the critical local carrier-based partner. VDC is not only responsible for gaining government approval, but also for much of the essential hands-on support required for implementation and operational support. The partnering between USAID, INTEL, and VDC was captured in a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in June 2006 by all three parties.

• Lao Cai Peoples Committee—the government structure in Vietnam is such that substantial power exists at the provincial level, specifically in the Peoples Committees. While informal, this partnership is critical in locating and structuring the two deployments.

• USAID-VTF—here the partnership was USG public-Vietnam public in that the Vietnam Telecommunications Fund (VTF) is a government entity within the Ministry of Post and Telecom (MPT). This partnership was essential in allowing the Vietnam LMI project to move beyond the two demonstrations carried out by USAID, INTEL, and VDC. Here the focus was on working to ensure the future flow of public utility funds managed by VTF for providing sustainability and scalability for future projects. This was captured in an MOU.

• INTEL and Technology Support—a critical component of INTEL’s support came in the form of providing WiMAX equipment (Alvarion and AirSpan) as well as technical support through local in-country firms (Vegastar and VTC). This engaged both international and local on-the-ground companies directly with these engagements having long-term implications.

• USAID and Technology Support—USAID’s technical support is typically carried out through US-based contractors, in this case, SRA. SRA in turn relied heavily on a series of US and local in-country subcontracts for management, VoIP technical support, VoIP hardware/software, PCs, network configuration, installation, and maintenance support.

The Vietnam LMI project has relied extensively on these public-private partnerships, with each considered essential both to the near-term and anticipated long-term success. In particular, this work makes also a substantial contribution to the broadening partnership between INTEL and USAID.

A

Vietnam Last Mile Initiative (LMI) Part 3 – Lao Cai WiMAX Deployment

he deployment of two WiMAX networks is one of two components of the Vietnam LMI project. The provision of technical

assistance to the VTF is the second component. The Lao Cai deployment, the first network implemented, and in many ways serves as the test-bed for the planned rural and satellite-based second deployment in Sapa.


The WiMAX deployment for Lao Cai was carried out in four stages: 1) setting the stage, 2) planning, 3) VoIP & PC implementation, and 4) WiMAX deployment. The following provides an overview of the Vietnam LMI project through October 2006. (The second deployment in Sapa will be captured in a separate one-pager.)

• Setting the Stage—the pre-project activity within USAID consisted of an initial LMI Assessment undertaken in the spring of 2005. This activity gave rough shape to the project and gathered the preliminary support of partnering organizations. This assessment led directly to the approval and allocation of funds. With funding approval, USAID proceeded with the development of a more detailed project design and project plan which was completed in the fall of 2005.

INTEL the pre-project activity targeted Vietnam for inclusion in the Asia Broadband Campaign (ABC) program. Subsequently, during December 2005, in collaboration with USAID and MPT, INTEL led an ABC Trials Workshop to gain in-country support for the joint effort. In this workshop VDC stepped forward and became the in-country telecom carrier partner for the entire project.

• Planning—A Vietnam LMI project plan was developed as part of USAID’s LMI project management. However, for the first deployment, the implementation-level planning was led by INTEL through two Working Sessions, one held in January and the other in April 2006. This planning included site surveys and preliminary configuration for each location to be connected via the WiMAX network.

Respective roles and available resources were negotiated between the partners.

With plans in place, a formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was carried out between USAID, INTEL, and VDC, in June of 2006.

• VoIP & PCs—a key focus of the Vietnam LMI project is not only the use of wireless technologies, but also VoIP. In June a series of procurements were initiated that served to; 1) gain technical support for VoIP, which included placing VoIP server and software (from LignUp) into VDC; provide training, and install VoIP hardware, 2) deploy a number of PCs at various locations (e.g., health clinics, post offices, schools, etc.), and 3) secure on-the-ground technical support to work closely with VDC for networking support required beyond the initial WiMAX implementation.

• WiMAX Deployment—INTEL’s ABC program addressed the acquisition, installation, and operations of the WiMAX network in Lao Cai. This included a central antenna with approximately 20 CPEs scattered throughout the city of Lao Cai. INTEL, in partnership with VDC, specified Alvarion WiMAX equipment for this deployment, and procured implementation-integration services through Vegastar, a local Vietnamese firm.

At the end of September 2006, the first WiMAX deployment at Lao Cai was placed into full operations. This included providing WiMAX connectivity to the selected sites, VoIP services to each of these sites, broadband Internet access, and (in several locations) deploying PCs and implementing network support. A joint USAID, INTEL, and VDC team traveled to Lao Cai during the last week of September to survey/evaluate the network. A formal Launching Ceremony is planned to take place in Lao Cai on 27 October 2006, which will commence a 6-8 month demonstration period.

T

Vietnam LMI Part 4 – Sapa WiMAX Deployment

he deployment of the WiMAX network in the Sapa district of the Lao Cai province is the second of two WiMAX

deployments being implemented as part of the Vietnam LMI project. The first deployment was placed into operation in and around the city of Lao Cai operations in late September 2006.


This second deployment builds on the earlier stage-setting, planning, and even some of the implementation within the first WiMAX deployment. The formal partnership between USAID, INTEL, and VDC remains in place for this second deployment, as does the informal relationship with the Lao Cai provincial Peoples Committee. Further, the VoIP server/software placed with VDC as part of the first deployment will also provide VoIP services for this second deployment.

The two key dynamics associated with this second deployment in the Sapa district are: 1) it incorporates an IPStar satellite link, and 2) by relying on this satellite for the backhaul the deployment serves as a model for small rural communes across all of Vietnam. Since the IPStar satellite network was implemented by VNPT/VTI, this second deployment is leveraged by substantial investments already made by the Government of Vietnam. Further, the Sapa commune was highly appropriate because it is eligible for applying and receiving universal service funds administered through the VTF. This eligibility links directly to Vietnam LMI’s support of the VTF (see separate paper).

The WiMAX deployment for Sapa is being carried out in four stages: 1) planning, 2) IPStar satellite implementation, 3) WiMAX deployment, and 4) VoIP & Laptop deployment. The following provides an overview of this second deployment as of mid-October 2006.

• Planning—In late September 2006, after the successful roll-out of the first deployment, preliminary plans were made for undertaking the Sapa deployment. Although a preliminary site survey was undertaken in April, a more detailed site survey is being scheduled for late October. This will be

undertaken by VDC, the IT Center in Lao Cai, and DTS, the local firm responsible for supporting VDC with the implementation.

• IPStar—the IPStar satellite system has been put into place through VNPT/VTI. For northern Vietnam the services are made available through VTI’s ITC-1. Meetings were held with ITC-1 in October 2006, along with VDC and DTS. Preliminary arrangements were made whereby DTS will acquire through ITC-1 an IPStar terminal, installation, and connectivity for 6-8 months. The IPStar terminal should be installed in the November-December 2006 timeframe.

• WiMAX Deployment—for the second WiMAX deployment, INTEL has selected AirSpan equipment. This is being supported through DTS, a local company with offices in Hanoi, HCM City, and Da Nang. Preliminary plans include a central antenna with approximately 10 CPEs scattered throughout the commune within the Sapa district. Again, this work was carried out by DTS in close partnership with VDC.

• VoIP & Laptops—this second deployment also focuses on VoIP, with switching services being made available by the LignUp switch which was installed as part of the first deployment. Here the VoIP work will consist of a second NATPass border controller and a series of VoIP phones (wireless and wired). In addition, a small number of laptops will be deployed along with two INTEL Community PCs. These laptops and PCs were specified because they are well-suited to unstable power inputs often extant in rural locations.

Plans are to have this second WiMAX deployment undertaken in November-December 2006, and fully operational in January 2007. The Vietnam LMI project will support the operations of this demonstration project for six months. Future support will be either be provided by the Peoples Committee and/or by funding made available through the VTF.

T

Vietnam LMI Part 5 – WiMAX & VoIP Summary Architecture

he deployment of the two WiMAX networks in Lao Cai and Sapa are the field components of the Vietnam LMI

project. These deployments are supported by central VoIP services installed at VDC’s operations center in Hanoi. The high-level architecture put into place through the partnership efforts of USAID, INTEL, and VDC is comprised of:


• VoIP Services—the primary application provided through the LMI project is voice. The core of this service is a VoIP server/software provided by LignUp. This soft switch is augmented by two PSTN gateways from Mediatrix, one in Lao Cai and a back-up in Hanoi. Two NATPass servers, one in Lao Cai and one is Sapa address the double-natting issues. Several types of VoIP phone instruments were deployed, including wired VoIP phones, analog phones with ATAs, and Wireless VoIP phones.

• Lao Cai Deployment—this deployment relies on Alvarion WiMAX equipment and distributed access from a central antenna to

20 locations. Each location has a combination of VoIP phones and PCs. Locations included post offices, community centers, schools, health clinics, businesses, cyber café, and a farmer’s house.

• Sapa Deployment—this second deployment includes the reliance on an IPStar satellite service from VTI/ITC-1, and incorporates AirSpan WiMAX equipment. The deployment is smaller than the first, incorporating 10 locations. Each location is equipped with VoWiFi phones and laptops to address the less stable power in rural areas. Here again a post office, a school, a health clinic, businesses, and households are included.

The diagram below reflects a high-level schematic of the major components implemented in this joint project. The Lao Cai deployment is in the city however the WiMAX network reaches well outside the city into rural settings. The Sapa deployment is very rural and represents a commune-level model for meeting rural telecom demands across rural Vietnam.

T

PSTN

ThaiSat IVIPStar

Service

WiMAXOmni-Directional

Antenna

WiMAXOmni-Directional

Antenna

WiMAXCPE

VoWiFiPhones

Laptopw/WiFi

WiMAXWiFi

AccessPoint

SAPA:IPStar-WiMAX-WiFi

Deployment

Lao Cai:Fiber-WiMAX-WiFi

Deployment

Hanoi:VoIP Services

PC

SwitchVoIP

Phone

PSTNGateway

VDC’s Fiber Backbone

NATPassServer

LignUpVoIP

Server

Internet

Hanoi: IPStarHub

IPStarTerminal

Vietnam LMI Part 6 – Support for the VTF

he Vietnam LMI project consists not only of deploying two WiMAX networks, but perhaps even primarily, the project

includes the provision of technical assistance (TA) to the Vietnam Public-Utility Telecommunications Service Fund (VTF). The VTF was established not long before the Vietnam LMI project got underway. The VTF is staffed and collecting funds from some of the carriers, but at this time no disbursement of these funds are being made to expand telecom into rural areas of Vietnam.


The VTF has been actively engaged in identifying rural locations throughout Vietnam that are eligible for receipt of universal service funding. This process has led to the development of a list of 200 rural districts where all communes are eligible for VTF support. This list includes specific rural communes within other districts that are also eligible.

The Vietnam LMI project’s support of the VTF got underway in March of 2006 with an initial Diagnostic Assessment and a Work Plan. This work was undertaken by David Townsend and Associates. The final report was delivered in April and subsequently used by MPT/VTF as the basis for targeting specific areas for TA.

In July 2006 the Prime Minister approved the initiative to move forward. In early October 2006 a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and budget was prepared by VTF, reviewed by USAID, and will be signed in late October. From this MOU a VTF Support Plan was developed. The MOU and Plan reflect that the Vietnam LMI project will contribute $100K for supporting the changes within VTF. In October a TOR was developed with a contract targeted to be put into place in late-October/early-November. Performance on this contract will take place between December 2006 and July 2007. The work to be performed under this contract consists of the following:

• Hardware—The LMI project will provide limited acquisition of selected hardware that will be used to support the VTF for training and workshops.

• Study Tour—the LMI project includes a study tour of MPT/VTF personnel to learn how other countries have managed and operate their universal service funds. The project will pay for the leader of the study tour. MPT/VTF will cover their own travel costs.

• USTTI—USAID will support the funding of 3-4 VTF employees to attend selected courses applicable to MPT/VTF and their efforts to make improvements in the operations of the VTF.

• DoS Workshop—The LMI project will coordinate with the Department of State in conducting a regional Wireless and Universal Service workshop in Hanoi, currently scheduled for January 2007.

• Technical Assistance—The core of the LMI project’s support to the VTF focuses on establishing processes and procedures associated with processing of funding requests. This will include establishing formal and transparent procedures whereby submissions for funding requests are made, to record and track such requests, to assess and process the funding requests based on established criteria/routine and methodology, and oversee the disbursement of funds once approved.

• Sapa Funding Request/Processing—The LMI project support to the VTF will conclude with the processing of a formal funding request for continued funding of the Sapa IPStar-WiMAX-VoIP network. The Sapa deployment will provide both VDC and VTF with a commune-level technical model for extending telecom to the most remote areas of Vietnam. The two prongs of this LMI project are convergent: the implementation of technology provides the service and VTF provides sustainability.

The TA support to the VTF will establish procedures for funding potentially hundreds of similar deployments in the future, with the Sapa deployment being the first live example The target result is both sustainability and scalability, the twin core values of a model LMI project.

T

Vietnam LMI Part 7 – Critical Success Factors

he Vietnam LMI, though still a work-in-progress, is being considered to have achieved a level of success on several

fronts. One is that the project is viewed as a model for a public private partnership (PPP) between USAID, INTEL, and VDC. Another aspect is the demonstration of an IP-based wireless network and VoIP is a viable solution set for rural connectivity, with both Internet and voice services over a single convergent network.


The following captures several critical success factors (CSFs) for this joint project relating specifically to the partnership:

• Intersection of Common Interests—the Vietnam LMI consisted of three partners; USAID, INTEL, and VDC. USAID through its LMI was seeking to expand connectivity into rural areas. INTEL was seeking to introduce WiMAX into Vietnam. VDC was seeking to expand a provisional WiMAX license to a permanent country-wide license. The LMI project component for technical assistance to the Vietnam Telecom Fund (VTF) provided future scaling.

• Solid Local Partners—the Vietnam LMI project teamed with VDC as the local carrier. VDC provided the core on-the-ground operational support structure for the project, with USAID and INTEL providing the necessary financial, technology, and technical assistance to support the implementation. Other local partners included local high tech companies.

• Local Political Support—the LMI project relied heavily on gaining in-country political support. This included national level support through the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPT), and Lao Cai Provincial level support through the Peoples Committee. Both proved essential.

• Focused Resources—the LMI project relied on resources from USAID, INTEL, and VDC. There were not shared, but undertaken in a collaborative-supportive approach based on an agreed-upon plan.

• Local Project Management—the LMI project was structured such that it had a

U.S.-based project manager as well as a Vietnam project manager. The local in-country project manager provided the local cultural connection and on-the-ground full-time engagement. This provided USAID, INTEL, and VDC with a shared resource to keep the project moving forward.

• Continual Dialog-Communications—throughout the LMI project efforts ensured close and continued communications between the parties. Monthly status reports kept key sponsors informed of the progress. These were augmented periodically with more thorough reviews of the status and plans for the next six months. The team itself relied heavily on e-mail, SKYPE, and VoIP for continual dialog on key issues between the team members residing in Singapore, Hanoi, and Sunriver (Oregon).

• Flexibility-Patience—while having a common interest was a CSF, so also was flexibility with regards to the details of how the LMI project was implemented. A strict-rigid-uncompromising project management approach had to give way to substantial implementation flexibility throughout the life of the project. The compromises never overrode the core interests of any party.

• Leveraging the Project—all partners associated with this LMI project sought to leverage the success. USAID and the U.S. State Department issued press releases associated with the MOU signing and inauguration of the first deployment. A number of internal documents communicated key elements of the project as it unfolded. INTEL issued press releases and developed a case study. The project was instrumental in shaping a global partnership between USAID and INTEL. VDC also used the project to gain position within the Vietnam marketplace.

The Vietnam LMI project contained a number of valuable lessons-learned for which others can benefit. The above are core to these lessons learned relating to a successful public private partnership.

T

Vietnam LMI Part 8 – Outside and Beyond the LMI Project

hile the Vietnam LMI project has a discrete start and stop, it was not initiated in a vacuum. There was

critical work precedent to LMI Vietnam that provided essential context to its design. It should be noted as well that the LMI Vietnam dynamics will provide the same context for future projects. Several projects merit mention:


• Rural Telco in a Box—during the months leading up to the launch of the first WiMAX trial, USAID engaged in a research and development activity for a Wireless & VoIP solution set. This was captured in a small portable system with the technology solution set being critical in shaping the design and ultimate implementation of the Vietnam LMI network design.

• USAID-INTEL—the Vietnam LMI project is being undertaken as a joint initiative between INTEL, VDC, and USAID. This partnering in Vietnam has been instrumental in creating an expanded global-wide partnership between USAID and INTEL. A formal signing ceremony is currently scheduled for mid-November 2006. Endeavors have already begun to identify other suitable co-ventures.

• USAID-LignUp—in the course of implementing the VoIP services for the Vietnam LMI project, an informal arrangement was reached with LignUp whereby they would provide an extended evaluation copy of their premier soft-switch along with technical support. This provided rich functionality to the project as well as a potential market-entry opportunity for LignUp. Partnering opportunities in Sri Lanka and Nicaragua are being explored.

• Spin Off GDA—the original Vietnam LMI project included a small subproject that included partnering between USAID, EVN, and QUALCOMM. The goal of this subproject was to place Internet and PC laboratories into three secondary schools. This dialog expanded to include Microsoft through their Unlimited Potential program. This effort has since led to the establishment of a separate Global Development Alliance

(GDA) between Microsoft, EVN, USAID, CRC at the Hanoi University of Technology, and Hewlett Packard. The total value of this partnership is over $1.5 million.

• AusAID—during the first ABC WiMAX Trials workshop held in December 2005, Allen Hammond of WRI attended/ participated. Al has since returned twice to Vietnam to work with AusAID in gaining their support for undertaking a similar project in the Quang Ngai province. This effort is a direct consequence of the the LMI project. The AusAID project includes collaboration with a joint donor-funded initiative referred to as Program 135. This work could result in a massive roll-out throughout Central Vietnam.

• VTF—with the Vietnam LMI project’s support to the VTF, they will be in a position of funding hundreds if not thousands of similar commune-based networks. The work in the Sapa district of Lao Cai and the Quang Ngai province provides the model for this expansion. The VTF potentially will collect universal service of up to $100 million/year each year. This funding guarantees the impact – providing future scalability on a large scale. for decades into the future.

• TSP Workshop—LMI project personnel are is working closely with the State Department on a planned sub-regional Wireless and Universal Service workshop for January 2007. Through this workshop the experiences gained through the LMI project will be disseminated. This “on-the-ground, in-the-trenches” knowledge will influence regional countries far beyond the boundaries of Vietnam.

• IPStar: The WiMAX deployment in Sapa interconnects with an IPStar satellite terminal to provide backhaul. The IPStar satellite system is a regional service which reaches a number of neighboring SE Asia countries. Again, the successful deployment of a commune-level IPStar-WiMAX-VoIP model has the potential for much broader adoption in rural areas across the region.

W

wireless & voip -...

Documents