I couldn’t help but notice all the missed shots and level of play that seemed to show a dsl or dial-up like speed.

I wondered, If that level of play could be at a NCAA or Korean or European college leagues,

But that’s kind of like comparing how local ISP’s provide such low level of potency online compared to other countries capabilities.

Albeit, I must say the guys played their hearts out, It just wasn’t the speed of 100-point-plus play,

I remember from high school teams I saw in California when I played in CIF in Orange County.

I played football and wrestled and ran track, did a little bit of basketball,

but lets just say my DNA gene pool kept my skills better on the gridiron than the court.

So as to the games in question, perhaps its the rules, perhaps its the officiating, kind of like the way the National Broadband system or backbone or network is playing out in both legal, real, and, media space -

Pettiness instead of world class competition.

While obviously, this broadband program is going to be sidelined.

There is a need for a National Broadband system or backbone.

The private sector will not provide it everywhere.

One need only look at 3g/gprs/wifi broadband systems of private networks to see that its only partial in coverage at best and far from stable.

Perhaps anyone who travels around this country can say plainly.

Government does needs to build it. Perhaps then lease out bandwidth to local providers and ISPs to boost penetration of a better information highway.

The national virtual highways of America, the EU, and, Korea are government owned backbones – which lease out space or bandwidth to private companies.

Remember Al Gore’s broadband initiative in the USA in the mid 1990’s?

It’s what got the web wound to more places than was profitable at the time.

It’s also what started the telecommuting industry which has led to the outsourcing industry and which has led to a global web of work and opportunity for people everywhere to take part in this village we call the virtual humanity that is the world wide web.

That is the sad loss here with the suspension of this deal.

The negative side of all this wheeling and dealing of the ‘tweedle dee’s’ and ‘tweedle dum’s’ will only setback the situation further.

How long will it be, or the country have to wait for the private sector here to provide the real internet access they can but give out, currently in bits in trickles and change one of the highest rates for in the world?

If we wait for the GLOBE, PLDT’s, and BAYANTEL’s and others to provide it that will be some time to come and so with the delays will go the opportunities.

But, look up to the heavens as Thuraya and other regional sat-nets slowly are providing regional broadband coverage via BGAN systems.

These space based broadband systems, will hopefully force the private sector to move beyond their ways and lower prices and more importantly improve service speeds.

Or, if not the country will lose more potential in the race to compete in outsourcing and other web based services.

Actually, there is a national network in place in most homes and offices that can carry near broadband like capability in internet speed.

Using the second carrier bandwidth stream of ‘wires’ already in place.

I’ll put up more information on that soon.

Its actually in use in many places and offers a wired inexpensive alternative to fiber optics.

The sad fact, is, while most people, like I do, think probably the ultimate outcome was both deals were wrongly presented or brokered.

There is a need for National network.

I totally disagree with the UP study on the need for a government backbone.

It is needed because the private sector as observed by Sec. Mendoza will rarely venture into areas that do not offer high levels of profitability.

Sometime’s, I look back to the days of Extelcom, remember that? They were the first in cell phones – they laughed when then Isla-com offered GSM and SMS messaging saying ‘ It would never catch on, ‘

Where is Extelcom now,

- ouch perhaps thats too close to home for some in Da’ Pamilya clan I came from.

The bottom line as a Promdi from Palawan – is that – the government does need to do something to boost the broadband spread and penetration.

Because, the private sector only really cares about Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao and perhaps Bagiuo.

Sadly the need is there, So is the demand, But, they do not proivde the backbone nor the support for it on national level.

Yet, this is most shown at present, in they do not even spread GPRS and EDGE and 3G towers too far outside of Metro Manila.

And even here, in the Metropolis, it does not do a very good job of it, signals are lost and slowly but surely most people shift to the need for wired systems.

I know, big name sponsors Smart and Globe and all the smaller companies all advertise nationwide systems.

But most are at best double dial-up speeds.

Wirelessly, the technology is already in place to provide better coverage levels.

But, sadly, they do not. Like with Oil companies and fuel.

they hope to stem the demand and, keep their profits high.

While providing basic services only for all their claims of full coverage.

While hoping to keep billing rates as high as possible.

Yes, Smart Telecom, by far has really done a lot to boost basic wireless internet penetration over cellphones and using the ‘Canopy wireless’ WI-Max systems, The smart bro network systems,

And Smart deserves to be commended for it’s cell based applications.

It’s basic rate of GPRS and 3g internet at 10 pesos per 30 minutes is a Godsend.

But, demend exceeds their network capabilty.

That us why after all of the nonsense of this current scandal is hopefully worked out- someone will still move to create the infrastructure needed to provide broadband networks on a nationwide scale.

As there is a need for a National backbone and it will sufferer because of the shenanigans of the dealers and brokers of deals like this NBN-ZTE one.

But while everyone bickers and gets hot under the collar, look up to heavens and give praise.

Thank God and the company, Thurya mobile satphones which can be bought in Singapore along with sat-based internet access cables and other wireless broadband or regional BGAN systems that are slowly coming into the region and should be operational in a few months. meaning, direct sat-based coverage.

[]… UAE-based Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Co plans to start services in the Asia Pacific region in late 2007 after it launches its delayed third satellite next month, the company’s CEO said yesterday.”Following the launch of Thuraya-3 satellite, the company expects to… start commercial services in Asia Pacific markets by December 23,” Yousuf Al Sayed said, adding that the launch would be on October 28. The new satellite is part of the company’s plans to expand coverage to countries including China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Australia, doubling the market size under its footprint. (Gulf News) … []

While in the U.S. a year or more ago I remember a Satitlite broadband company, that offered Higher bandwidths and less downtime promised speed of 10MBPS or better.

Albeit at a price in foreign currency. So, even while the national broadband network will still not be, nor will local providers be up to speed and locals who will be able to afford it will in order to be ‘globally competitive’ use the new space based Sat-BGAN systems.

All for the princely sum of I hear of $59.99 a month. Which is like P2,300 more or less depending on the rate of exchange.

Down from the $3,000 offered when this stuff came out in 2003 – 2004.

Thuraya plans Asia-Pacific launch soon -

Thuraya set to launch its third satellite into orbit in October

Thuraya slashes charges to fight mobile operators

Thuraya opens branch office in Singapore

For broadband users. that if it works at even half the speed promised will cut price to just about the cost of basic DSL.

So, with no shared network to compete the local nets will still be at each others throats and the national network will not be around.

Hence, yes, the provider will be there in heavens up above.

Need Even Higher Data Rate Internet Access?
Inmarsat’s Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) will support simultaneous voice and data communications up to 1492 kbps. The Thrane and Thrane Explorer II will support streaming IP (that is, guaranteed quality of service) at 32, 64, 128 kbps. The Explorer II will have LAN, USB, Bluetooth and phone/fax interfaces. The Explorer II’s design is light weight (around 2.9 lb), robust and durable.

And sadly, because of all the strange plays and sways – the end result will be a web service from space.

Not one owned by the people here through a government owned back-bone that could provide more competative rates even since as government it could have provided the Lowest cost even if only to make regions and areas more infra structurally sound in both real terms and virtually.

So, neither broadband proponent will win out. And government wll not have its network soon and the ‘major isp players will control the ISP game for some time to come. on their terms and at their service fee’s and service cost.

Unless you go above it all and subscribe via satphone.

Tags: ate · thuraya in asia · BGAN · Philippine broadband · zte

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September 26th, 2007 · 1 Comment

Reports trickle out of Rangoon on the situation and protests spreading throughout the land its military rulers call Myanmar. Here in Manila there are calls for the Military in Yangoon/Rangoon to follow the will of the people and restore democracy. But the rest of ASEAN is silent as always.

[] Security forces have launched a crackdown against thousands of protesters in Myanmar’s central Yangon city. Early reports suggest two Buddhist monks were killed and between 80 and 200 people arrested. Police launched tear gas and fired above the crowds as up to 10,000 protestors pushed their way through barricades towards key protests points. The continuous protests against the military regime have been triggered by sharp rises in food and fuel prices. – Panos London []

News agencies and other organizations have a difficult time getting information out. But the death toll is rising and so are reports say the number of people being detained.

Four killed in Myanmar protest crackdown
Witnesses say 3 shot in Myanmar protests Los Angeles Times
Jerusalem Post - NPR - Inquirer.net - Times of India
all 2,964 news articles »

My own report on the crisis has mostly a view that the turmoil could lead to a flood of Yaba and other drugs across the borders into Thailand and Bangladesh:

CRISIS IN BURMA: DRUG FLOOD FEARED:

The US State Department released its yearly International Narcotics report for 2008, which has warned that the political problems in Burma are leaving drug production centers unchecked, and, corruption problems in government mean it has become Asia’s central distribution area for meth pills.

Production point for many criminal trafficking groups. “Burma’s military regime has not made the necessary efforts to curb production and has also been very lackluster in the areas of demand reduction,” Christy McCampbell , Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs told reporters at a briefing.

Worse even prior to the crisis, there seemed to be little effort to stem the trade and the US DEA believes this may indicate large scale participation of security forces in protection of production center, “We think are important, interdiction that’s very important and combating corruption. ” McCampbell added.

CRISIS DEEPENING TENSION RISING:

On the streets of what the Military Junta calls, Yangoon, Myanmar there is fear, Thursday night, reports of arrests and a death has surfaced as a crackdown versus over 100,000 people daily filling the streets in protest.

(more on www.pacificnewscenter.com)

A news report that caught my eye… from a website on Guam.

‘First Convicted RP President’ Estrada: Resthouse Prison Now Restricted
PNC Staff Reporter 14.SEP.07
6:31 p.m. UPDATE Manila: Convicted former Philippine President Joseph Estrada has had his visitors restricted to immediate family. Police have been ordered to limit visitors to lawyers and doctors as he waits for the 15-day period for the verdict to be final.
This is after criticism from anti-graft civic groups that, “Estrada’s ‘confinement’ was ‘flawed’, and showed leniency to the popular and powerful.”

[more]

- mkc

Filipino Brothers Get Green Cards as ‘Extraordinary’ Actors on New Season of Citizen Pinoy!

REDWOOD CITY, CA. —The Munoz brothers – Carlo and Leandro — are Filipino actors who were major television and movie stars in the Philippines from 1999 to 2003. Leandro was part of such hits like “Isusumbong Kita sa Tatay Ko”; “Anak”; “Jologs” and the long-running teleserye “Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan.” Carlo was in the unforgettable “Pangako sa ‘Yo; the highly-acclaimed movie “Dekada ’70″; and was also part of the “Jologs” cast. They were at the peak of their acting careers when America beckoned to them and they ventured out to try their luck in the USA.

Fortunately for the Munoz brothers, attorney to the stars MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL – who also hosts CITIZEN PINOY — was able to help them in obtaining green cards based on their “extraordinary ability” (in this case, acting), and allowed them to continue their craft in the US.  The complete story of the Munoz brothers, together with answers to many viewer questions about U.S. immigration will be featured on the season premiere of CITIZEN PINOY this Sunday, February 18 at 6:00 pm (PST) on ABS-CBN Global’s The Filipino Channel (TFC).

Don’t miss your favorite immigration program: CITIZEN PINOY now has a more vibrant look with brand-new episodes taped before a live studio audience.

Leading immigration attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL and TV personality GEL SANTOS-RELOS host the public service talk show, continuing to provide important U.S. immigration information to viewers.  An added bonus to this new season’s CITIZEN PINOY is that Atty. GURFINKEL and Ms. Santos-Relos interact with the studio audience on the question and answer portion of the show.  CITIZEN PINOY executive producer Eric Pugeda stresses the importance of having viewers in the audience, “We’re really encouraging our ‘kapamilya’ to come and join our studio tapings so they can have a chance to get “instant” answers to their (immigration) questions.”  The Kapamilya Channel further states that “that is really the goal of the program — to be of service to the Filipino community,” while also sharing Atty. Gurfinkel’s mission of “bringing families together.”

CITIZEN PINOY is now supported by new friends who are also dedicated in giving back to the Filipino community:  Asian Journal, with circulation in Southern and Northern California and Nevada; Seafood City Supermarket, which provided gift certificates to select CP audience members; and Chow King, the number one Chinese fast food chain in the Philippines, which catered food for the in-studio audience during CP tapings.  Indeed, the added support of the show’s new sponsors demonstrates the growing popularity and the success of CITIZEN PINOY within the Filipino-American community.

CITIZEN PINOY is also backed by the support of ABS-CBN Global’s key product offerings: Star Kargo, Starry Starry Store, ABS-CBNnow, Sarimanok One and TFCDirect.

Informative.  Entertaining.  Inspiring.  It is an all-new CITIZEN PINOY when Season 4 premieres on Sunday, February 18, 2007 at 6:00 pm, with replays every Tuesday at 10:40 pm (PST) on ABS-CBN Global’s The Filipino Channel (TFC). (PRESS RELEASE)

What it fails to mention is how many people he has inspired and helped over the years to also get to their dreams and make something of themselves. I know a lot of Guams development is owed this man. I also know a lot of others who have become successful in Guam and Micronesia and beyond are what they are because of him. We know him as Tito Al …  Congratulations for a award well deserved. Proof that if you dream and work hard and set goals in life – one can be a success but also by helping others one in truly blessed and rewarded.

Ysrael named 2006 Executive of the Year
Pacific Daily News

Alfred C. Ysrael, founder and chairman of Tanota Partners, on Saturday was named the Guam Business 2006 Executive of the Year, according to a press release from the publication.

“Believe it or not for once in my life I was speechless __ I couldn’t even remember how many years I was married to my wife, luckily (daughter) Donna (Baker) was there to bail me out,” Ysrael told the Pacific Daily News of the announcement of his win at the Executive of the Year gala at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa.

“I didn’t expect it at all. I had a chance to win it before but it didn’t happen and I said this is going to be another repeat again __ I didn’t go there expecting anything. This is something I’m going to treasure for a long, long time.”

Ysrael, 76, is the eldest of seven children born and raised in the Philippines to Arab Syrian immigrants, according to the release. His first job was selling women’s lingerie at Divisoria, an outdoor marketplace.

In May 1951, after graduating from college, he left for the island of Guam as an H_2 worker for Andersen Air Force Base, obtaining a three_year stint as an accountant for the bowling alley on base. In 1955, he bought six surplus bowling alley lanes from the Navy and built the first civilian bowling establishment on Guam, which soon became a hot recreation spot. Later, he was instrumental in the organization and construction of the Royal Lanes Bowling Alley in Tamuning.

Ysrael, a former two_term senator, is well known in the island’s hotel and real estate industry. He established the Fujita hotel in 1968, helped develop what is now the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, and built the Sunroute Hotel, the Guam Regency Hotel and the Outrigger Guam Resort. His wife of 46 years is Diana Zeien and they have five children.Ysrael is the 25th Guam Business Executive of the Year.

Those who have been covering this story closely know just how strange a development this is – after-all – in most societies who is more guilty is often seen as the actual perpetrators of a crime.

Bashir cleared over first Bali bombing
ABC Online, Australia - Indonesia’s Supreme Court has cleared Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Bashir of involvement in the first Bali bombing in 2002 and the bombing of the Marriott Hotel. …
Bali bombing conviction overturned Ireland Online
Indonesian cleric cleared of involvement in Bali attacks Radio Australia

But in this case – perhaps – the conspiracy charge was the wrong one to have been put forward by prosecutors in the first place. Hence the SC of Indonesia’s actions – ‘inciting’ to terrorism or rebellion does not appear as crime on their books – since after-all it is the person who does the act that faces the legal challenge for their laws.

Indonesian Supreme Court overturns Bashir’s terror conviction

It is much for this reason that there are complications authorities have across the world – anyone – in a free society can express an opinion – and some border on the terms for inciting or encouraging acts contrary to law. But in pure legal terms – it is not the fault of those giving the idea’s or doctrines – but those who carry out the actions of their own free will.

I am sure much will b debated on this verdict and decision to overturn the conviction. But considering most Indonesians rejection of violent action in the mainstream most of Indonesia is very much the actions of groups seeking to use terror and bombs and killings to effect change,

Perhaps however the greatest irony here is the timing – coming days ahead of one the worst terror spree’s of bombings carried out by followers of people like this cleric – it does raise issues over what else people cn expect from the worlds largest Muslim nation in terms of justice for victims of ideological extremism.

Looking back at history one learns many lessons that those who came before. One can see solutions staring people in the face and read and find example for people willing look back and see situations in the world of fifty years ago that  are not dis-similar.

One classic example is the current issues involving counter insurgency. Nearly fifty years ago a former US Army Colonel who acted as a advisor to the Philippine Government then dealing with a insurgent problem observed the problems posed by the mixture of political issues and perception in countering rebel gains in the field.

Also how Terrorism and labels often caused problems with the realities and images most people saw for themselves from Rebel groups who for the most part worked hard to build ties and help communities they influenced.

The classic story from 1957 told before the US Defense college was this:

[] “… If the people fear and hate the army, they will fear and hate the government . . Col. Lansdale cited communist military occupation policy to emphasize communist understanding of the above point. When a communist army or guerrilla unit initially enters a village . . . individual soldiers . . . lay aside their arms and offer their help ill chopping wood plowing, etc. They scrupulously respect property . . . and take nothing by force…. This is in marked contrast with the normal performance of governmental soldiery…. [In] the Philippines before 1950, government troopers probably killed more civilians unnecessarily than the Huk[balahap] did, despite the accusation that Huks obtained civilian support only through coercion and terrorism…” []  Then Col. Edward Landsdale USA, JUSMAG 1957

While later in his career he was often blamed for many things that went worng in the exesses of US Policies of direct military and indirect advisory excesses in South & Central America and Vietnam. His words as seen from comments he made then prove a point now almost elemental in several areas where the global war on terror is present.

Ideologies of the 1950’s and 1960’s may of course be seen from many perspectives as very different to todays current discord over a clash of civilizations and middle eastern and western views but the bottom line is still the same. War of a non-conventional nature are never won by force of arms alone. In particular when ideological issues are at forefront of the battles fought.

Iraq’s current situation is well for-told in many another conflict ranging back to the era of another ‘Adventurer’ of Imperialism – in this case  of the British kind – who described the fighting in then Mesopotamia in terms that do not differ much from todays conflict in Iraq.

[] … ” The people of England have been led in Mesopotamia (Iraq) into a trap from which it will be hard to escape with dignity and honour. They have been tricked into it by a steady withholding of information. …. Things have been far worse than we have been told, our administration more bloody and inefficient than the public knows. It is a disgrace… and may soon be too inflamed for any ordinary cure. We are to-day not far from a disaster. …’”[]  Thomas Edward (T.E.) Lawrence, a.k.a. “Lawrence of Arabia” (1888-1935), British soldier and author, 1920 Sunday Time UK

The old lesson many do not remember and too often forget are those who fail to study history and lessons it teaches often are condemned to repeat the same. The fighting style of the insurgents then does not much differ from today’s and the infighting between groups also are not unfamiliar.

However there are external forces driving the situation – as in many other political and ideological conflicts of warfare. Overall there are parallels and conflicting issues from both periods. Then as now – the reasons for the warfare were both driven by a need to dominate and region and resources – but overall actions and failure to take action in many areas led to a major failure to secure the end of large scale conflict and victory that presented.

Are there solutions to what is happening now? Will this be just a repeat of history – that is Doubtful – But it will be long time coming for that region to rebuild government and peace.

The danger now present is of a post insurgency rise and return to a ’strongman’ control concept anew – instead of democratic institutions and choice. Only people there however will have the final say – one thing is certain – no-solution proposed by Washington or London or anywhere else will matter. What is needed is for Baghdad and Iraq to decide when and what Government they will end up with…. whatever the outcome of the present conflict – a conflict not just rooted fighting – but a War fueled by Political theory and power flowing out of barrel of a gun where bullets are ballots and voting is currently held by IED.

December 10th, 2006