SA SMME\'s offered free Internet access, and other brief reports ...
Publish date: 15 December 2004
Issue Number: 1060
Diary: Legalbrief eLaw
Category: Corruption
* Fledging SA businesses are being offered free access to the Internet, e-mail and Website hosting services through 128 telecentres across the country. Companies that join the newly-formed body for small, medium and mircroenterprises - will be offered the free service, with the listed internet service provider DataPro footing part of the bill. The scheme is being backed by the Universal Services Agency, which will waive the usual R20 an hour Internet access fee charged at its telecentres. Full report in Business Day
* A German television development company is planning to launch free viewing on the Internet using a revolutionary Web service, Cybersky, that aims to make television broadcasts available via a peer-to-peer type network. However, the company is bracing itself for legal battle with Germany\'s main TV networks. Full report in The Independent * China has banned Soccer Manager 2005, a computer sports game that classifies Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and Tibet as countries. The Government has threatened to fine Web sites that supply the game and cybercafes that let patrons download it. Full ITWeb report * IBM has confirmed that it is selling its PC division to China\'s Lenovo Group. The transaction is worth an estimated $1.74bn in cash and stock and debt. Lenovo\'s shareholders and securities regulators in China and the United States must still approve the deal. Full InternetNews report * Deputy Minister of Communications, Radhakrishna Padayachie, is attending a China-Africa summit for ministers of communications in Beijing from 9-19 December. The ministry says the summit aims to enhance relationships and further cooperation with China. Full ITWeb report
