Chilly morning – warming by the brazier

Our plan this morning was to walk into “town”, find an internet cafe or WiFi hotspot, and post to this blog and catch up on emails. However, Andrew informs us that this may not be possible today. Apparently, the local telecoms provider is planning service and upgrades to it’s system today and there may not be any telephone or internet service, period.

Prior to coming to Africa, we had anticipated having sporadic internet service/availability, especially in the more rural areas. What we didn’t count on was the sheer pervasiveness  of problems with their telecoms infrastructure. Take for example, the theft of telecoms cable from Andrew’s neighbourhood. That was in February; four months ago! Apparently, none of the required material is stockpiled in Zambia and must be ordered and shipped from South Africa. And don’t think for one second that South Africa is immune. During the second day of our stay at the Holiday Inn in Sandton, the telephone service was  simply, “not working” for several hours. Worse yet, their complimentary lobby WiFi was FUBAR for the last two days of our stay.

So, if this is the state of telecoms in the large and medium sized cites of Africa, I’m now resigned to only “occasional access” versus my obviously over-optimistic hopes for “sporadic” internet access.

No internet, might as well get some sun

NOTE: Most residents of Zambia use their wireless telecom provider to access the internet… at “dial-up” throughput speeds. The more affluent may have access to DSL… but only if someone doesn’t make off with the copper cables.