Techzim - Latest Comments

Re: Interview with Axis Solutions MD on the VMware Premier Partner appointment

Musorowegudo Chavachinokoro — Thu, 01 May 2014 10:01:40 -0000

That's great.

Re: TelOne launches cheaper Ka-band VSAT option for outlying areas

Robert Ndlovu — Thu, 01 May 2014 06:59:39 -0000

A good move by Telone.This is a game changer because someone was thinking they could own every air wave and ground wave for connectivity.Way to go Telone.I hope you have enough trained peoples to do these installs and a well organized NOC to support remote users.

Re: TelOne launches cheaper Ka-band VSAT option for outlying areas

africhoice — Thu, 01 May 2014 04:20:35 -0000

A good step in breaking down the digital divide in Zimbabwe. Internet connectivity is an essential service and its good if Telone strives to give the service to the people at cheaper and affordable rates. I dream of an era where Telone can really show what it means to be a state-owned company as it protects consumers from being exploited by private enterprises by offering them quality, cheaper and better alternatives.

Re: Interview: We need more animators says Nqobizitha Enqore Mlilo

Key Frame — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 18:42:02 -0000

I'm glad people like Enqore and Solo are using their success and experience to help grow animation in zim. Knowing that there is an actual, viable career path will make a huge difference to those who have a passion for animation but no idea how to go about it (knowing is half the battle! Yo Joe!). For those looking for like minded local people in animation and comics of various skill levels, training and big ambition, visit and maybe join this group https://www.facebook.com/gr... Lets build this industry frame by frame!

Re: POTRAZ $60 million passive infrustructure project uncertain

inferKNOX — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 18:04:03 -0000

I'm surprised by the low quality of this write-up, considering the quality I've come to appreciate from TechZim.
That aside, I can believe the bureaucracy argument, but I think perhaps coupled with a generally poor resolve to get the task accomplished.

Re: ZESA “Juice Cards” a welcome move, but …

inferKNOX — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 17:28:27 -0000

Efficient systems are a seemingly complex thing, but they streamline things in a way that is advantageous in the long term.
To say "they couldn't do this, so they mustn't bother trying to do that" even though it would make things much better is a mindset that stifles innovation and development. If they aren't capable, people should be put in that can, because it is possible & is being done elsewhere. Zimbabweans aren't fools, we are an intelligent, capable people.
Besides, it's necessary for this:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wi...

Re: ZESA “Juice Cards” a welcome move, but …

inferKNOX — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 17:22:52 -0000

Don't get me wrong, I agree that it's convenient enough, however, true (technical) efficiency would be to have direct communication between the meters and ZESA, cutting out cellphones and thus cellular providers who are going to want to profit from the relationship.
Your method would work as an interim solution though, considering the meters already deployed, as you say.

Re: The Microsoft-Nokia deal has officially been wrapped up today

Chenhamo — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 14:25:59 -0000

Your opinion it is......

Re: POTRAZ $60 million passive infrustructure project uncertain

David — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 12:10:06 -0000

These guys always blame someone or something.

And please remind us what POTRAZ are supposed to do with these fees? I lost the plot after the last excuse.......

Re: ZESA “Juice Cards” a welcome move, but …

Milky Way — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 04:59:05 -0000

My proposed solution solves the current problem with tens of thousands of meters that are already installed. The steps are quite simple to follow and can be printed on the back of the recharge card in 1 or 2 short lines. I imagine that it would take a minute or 2 at most to complete the process and topping up your energy meter is not something you do everyday.

Re: Serious flaw found in Internet Explorer that raises cyber security concerns

Black Daniels — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 03:47:50 -0000

more reasons to use Chrome!

Re: ZESA “Juice Cards” a welcome move, but …

Black Daniels — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 03:40:52 -0000

Yu r complicating things! How could they even connect these meters when they cant make electricity (core business) available in the first place!

Re: ZESA “Juice Cards” a welcome move, but …

Black Daniels — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 03:36:58 -0000

Simple solution to real world problem! Great idea, i support this one.

Re: Latest Techzim podcast: Steward Bank, WhatsApp, Nokia-Microsoft Deal & more

L.S.M. Kabweza — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 00:36:02 -0000

Thanks for the suggestions Drogo... we'll definitely be following this through!

Re: ZESA “Juice Cards” a welcome move, but …

inferKNOX — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 15:08:37 -0000

To use a secondary copper connection when one is already present isn't necessary. All that's needed is a PLC system between the meters and ZETDC, or whatever.
EDIT: In fact, Powertel could potentially offer internet connections in addition to the meter's PLC communications over the power lines if they looked into the technology. That being said though, I strongly feel that a distributed power-generation infrastructure needs to be built on top of the current grid, rather than investing too much into trying to rehabilitate it. If a programme can be rolled out to simultaneously move to decentralised (solar-based) generation and PLC was to be deployed, 3 birds can be killed with 1... or 2 stones, depending on how you look at it.
Just to give you guys some background: Decentralised generation involves consumers having power generation infrastructure on their premises, such as solar panels, which generates power for them, as well as sends the extra generation into the grid in exchange for credit which involves PLC-based communication between the consumer's meters and the grid's core systems.This lessens the load and is scalable, but it's very expensive to transform a grid in this manner.

Re: ZESA “Juice Cards” a welcome move, but …

inferKNOX — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 15:08:34 -0000

Sorry, but IMHO that system seems grossly inefficient to me. PLC-capable metres are all that's needed.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wi...

Re: Kenya has 67% smartphone penetration, way above the continent’s figures

Papa Legba — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 14:54:49 -0000

That's wonderful for an African country exploit/utilize technology but battery life remains one of the most frustrating things about modern smartphones.

Re: Yahoo eyes emerging markets with content on USSD

Papa Legba — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 14:31:50 -0000

To access Facebook, Yahoo News, using simple text via USSD and no data is phenomenal.

Re: Africa’s Netflix, iROKOtv, kills ads to focus on subscription VOD exclusively

Papa Legba — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 14:18:35 -0000

On ... funny Nonsense MOvies.. Duh!

Re: Latest Techzim podcast: Steward Bank, WhatsApp, Nokia-Microsoft Deal & more

Papa Legba — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 12:43:32 -0000

Thank you for making your podcast informative and interesting @L.S.M Kabweza, @Nigel Gambanga , @Tendai Mupaso. Please ask @Tawanda Kembo next time for curated comments of what's happening with Bitcoin and @Garikai Dzomba to give us info on Ubuntu's much-anticipated mobile OS and the Ubuntu Touch e.t.c

Re: Africa’s Netflix, iROKOtv, kills ads to focus on subscription VOD exclusively

dibo dibo — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 12:11:04 -0000

these vod offerings are targeted mostly at the diaspora, at least for now.

Re: An OS at the height of its powers: Ubuntu 14.04 review

mziyabo — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 10:54:08 -0000

What is the real power of Ubuntu and can you really compare it with say windows 7 or 8.1 at that. These features here, not power!

Re: ZESA “Juice Cards” a welcome move, but …

Milky Way — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 10:38:30 -0000

Here is how they could make the "juice" cards saleable by airtime vendors: ZESA distributes preprinted cards of various denominations through the airtime vendors. A consumer buys the card and scratches it to reveal the recharge code then from his mobile dials a short code affixing his meter number and the scratch card number. The USSD session is handled by a ZESA back end system that separates the meter and scratch card numbers. If the scratch card is valid the ZESA system then generates the actual recharge number which is specific to the given meter number and gives it back to the consumer.
On the ZESA backend, every scratch card number represents a unique record ID in the system with 3 important fields: amount, meter_number and recharge_number. Processing of each transaction involves reading this record. If the record doesn't exist an error is given. If the meter_number and recharge_number fields are blank, they are populated with meter_number given in the USSD string and recharge_number generated by the system. If the meter_number and recharge_number are already populated AND the meter_number matches the one on the USSD string, the system simply gives backs the same recharge_number else it generates an error. This will allow the consumer to retrieve the recharge_number any number of times in case he loses the recharge number before entering it on the meter.
This simple but effective system can be implemented using USSD, SMS, Web App, Mobile App, Interactive Voice Response, etc.

Re: Huawei Ascend Y220 is a great deal at $70

prudy — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 06:36:13 -0000

its a good phone i need a battery urgrntley for HUAWEI Y200 DESPERATE.IM BORED WITH OUT IT IN FRONT OF MEwhere can i get one

Re: ZESA “Juice Cards” a welcome move, but …

Chanyane — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 04:33:00 -0000

Problem with this article is that it is too logical for ZESA to understand. Seriously. The technical issues about being online or not are solvable. They could work with TelOne to ensure that their codes are also online.