Although the Zimbabwean phone network is gradually being upgraded, the fact remains that the bandwidth of 9,6 KBits/s does not allow for streaming. Short wave radio broadcasting and telephone coversations, therefore, remain the most practical means of plugging the communication gap during THE LOOP. In this way, the Tonga get connected even though it´s not in a high-tech fashion at the moment. Bert Estl, one of the Austrians involved with the technicalities of Tonga.Online on the Austrian side, explains:-

"The bandwidth of a modem connection is dependent on the modem YOU are using AND the modem the provider is using as well as the quality and distance of the phoneline connection. The standard for modems is 56 KBits/s, but even in Vienna people regulary connect with 44-48 KBits/s.

Connectin at these higher rates is probably also possible in Zimbabwe if you areclose to the provider in a city like Harare or Bulawayo.

In Binga, we have the special problem that we need to call to Harare since no ISP (Internet Service Provider) provides a service in Binga. We therefore have the problem of long distance which is made worse by the low quality

So, in conclusion, it is not Zimbabwe´s copper wires that are the problem, it`s the lack of infrastructure which allows for the setting up of decentralised POPs...

...That´s why we can connect only at 9,6 KBits/s."