Local Internet Local
Scene -Laos
Houmphanh Thongvilu
Pan@lao.net
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.
ANSWER ?
Develop a
"Laos Information
Technology Training Centre"