Africa Online, a Kenyan Internet service provider (ISP), has launched a trial phase of Internet caf'es through a joint venture with CNA. The concept is branded as AfricaOnline@CNA.
The joint venture between the ISP and stationery retailer CNA saw the first pilot AfricaOnline@CNA cyberzone opening in Umhlanga`s new Gateway shopping centre last week, with two more to open in Alberton City and the East Rand Mall soon.
Ian Groves, CNA's project manager, says the success of the projects will be evaluated early next year, after which a decision will be made on rolling out the project to more of CNA`s 374 stores.
Africa Online has long identified SA as one of its target markets for further expansion on the continent. Representatives say the company was not interested in "taking part in the bloodbath of dialup ISPs" in the country and rather opted for the Internet caf'e approach.
AfricaOnline@CNA promises high-speed Internet connections on high specification PCs. The public PCs will also have office software, games and training content pre-loaded for free use by customers, tying it in with MyOffice@CNA being launched at the same time.
Groves describes the project as a revolutionary new model in line with CNA`s new "Education, Leisure and Office" focus. Each cyberzone is to be equipped with between 12 and 14 Pentium 4 computers, linked to a network and boasting access speeds of between 128K and 512K. In addition, each store will have two MyOffice@CNA computers, which give users access to office functionality. MyOffice will also provide printing, lamination and binding services.
"What differentiates this from your average Internet caf'e is its potential nationwide footprint, and the fact that we have partnered with our software suppliers to install the newest and best gaming and training software on our computers," says Groves. Over 50 training courses, 100 games, and other programs are loaded on the computers, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to "try before you buy".
A case in point is the fact that Windows XP is the operating platform at the Gateway store. New games such as the upcoming game based on the Harry Potter books will be added as they are released and in response to public demand. The computers all feature video and sound cards.
Usage on the 16 public machines available in Durban at the moment is charged at R30 per hour, R18 per half-hour and R12 for 15 minutes. Specials are available over the holiday period. The rates will vary at different centres, but CNA describes it as very competitive in comparison with other Internet caf'es.
Groves also envisages customer loyalty programmes and clubs for various interest groups - including gamers or groups of people wanting to undergo the same e-learning training.
The access points are modelled on Africa Online`s e-touch centres on the rest of the continent; the company has operations in Kenya, Namibia, Uganda, Tanzania, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Cote d`Ivoire, and earlier this year bought the second largest ISP in Egypt.
The e-touch centres are community-based access points. The number of centres has recently been scaled down from in the region of 600 to 385 in three countries as the company says it is aiming for higher utilisation of centres and a higher yield per computer, and is closing down "less impressive" centres as part of the programme.
Bandwidth for the CNA project will be supplied by UUNet SA, which has a 10-year agreement with Africa Online for the supply of infrastructure. The two companies also share joint venture UUNet Africa, which took over Africa Online`s corporate clients in eight countries late last year.
Africa Online is owned by The African Lakes Corporation, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
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