This is an update on the setting up of the Exchange Point.

* Procured and setup the most essential equipment for the Exchange Point to start operations i.e 10/100 MB/sec Switch (donated from the Network Startup Resource Centre of the US), 43U RACK, back-up power supply and batteries.

* Installed the exchange point backbone and office LAN on CAT6 Gigabyte LUCENT/AVAYA cable, patch panels & patch cords.

* Recruited interim staff and set up the office with some furniture and 2 computers.

* Enacted a short term business plan and agreed on a flat tariff of US$ 200 for every member who connects to the Exchange Point.

* All known operators of IP links have been invited to connect to the Exchange.

* Acquired IP address space from RIPE.

* Request for Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) is being prepared.

* BGP training, for technical staff of members is being organised and will be conducted as soon as the first links are setup.

* Negotiations for high speed connectivity in the form of ISDN, fibre optic (from MTN) and frame relay (from UTL) are in the pipeline.