Current status

Definition: The effort is to establish a public Internet in Laos. There exist private networks with Internet gateways into Laos.

• Laos is only email connected via a UUCP feed from Singapore (ref. www.panasia.org.sg)
• Some 150 users using 15 .la domainames.
• Laos Science Technology and Environment National Organisation (STENO) has the mandate to cordinate, study the introduction and impact of Internet.
  

Laos Email history

• 1992 Fido base UUCP feed from Washington DC USA. 400kbyte/month
• August 1995 IDRC sponsored “Laos Internet Technology seminar”
• July 1996, UUCP feed from Singapore to email hubs (IDRC grant) (current status).

When will Laos have full connectivity?

Factors:

• The need is real and urgent.
• Issues of Internet are well understood.
• Pressured within and without of gov.

Problems:

• Lack of manpower
• Lack of know how
• Lack of funds

Getting Laos connected (a suggestion)

• Train the trainers.
• Train the users.
• Develop local expertise and support industry.
• Assist the gov. in developing well informed policies, with handson experience .
• Provide immediate connectivity to users.