The week-long 20th East African Communications Organization (EACO) Congress and Exhibition addressed issues pertinent to the ICT sector in the East African region. Namely, broadband and how to strengthen regional networks to boost East African economies.

In order to enhance the capacity of ICTs to play a more productive role in our economies, we need to give priority to broadband infrastructure development… I wish to call on EACO members to champion the harmonisation of these strategies as our broadband needs are almost similar in the region.” – Ag. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology, Amb. Bruce Madete

Tweets from Communications Commission of Kenya (the host) provide a glimpse into the action:

Internet subscription has grown to 9.4 million. More and more Kenyans are now using internet for their day to day activities. #EACO2013.

— CCK (@cck_kenya) June 24, 2013

Welcome to Day 2 of the 20th EACO Congress & Exhibition at KICC. #EACO2013 pic.twitter.com/SMj6HnTwdZ

— CCK (@cck_kenya) June 25, 2013

Gemtel Green Network's stand from South Sudan inside the exhibition hall #EACO2013. pic.twitter.com/34zp7DEqUz

— CCK (@cck_kenya) June 26, 2013

'Fibre optics has rapidly improved Tanzania's internet connection helping us efficiently offer domain names to… http://t.co/SWS31pfUjv

— CCK (@cck_kenya) June 26, 2013

"One of the tools Africa should use to stimulate economic development is ICT and especially broadband." Dr. Fred Matiangi. #EACO2013

— CCK (@cck_kenya) June 27, 2013

"Harmonization of policies and frameworks to create a regional ICT market is also key to our development" Dr. Fred Matiangi #EACO2013

— CCK (@cck_kenya) June 27, 2013

"With the improved connectivity in our region, we a are now creating a network society" Mr. David Ochanda, Ericsson #EACO2013

— CCK (@cck_kenya) June 27, 2013

"Sharing of infrastructure among EACO member states is a key pillar in improving broadband penetration" Mr…. http://t.co/R1T9X1XuZR

— CCK (@cck_kenya) June 27, 2013

"A lot of users are still using 2G but the growth of 3G in the East African region is very high." Mr. David Ochanda, Ericsson. #EACO2013

— CCK (@cck_kenya) June 27, 2013

"We need to come up with a clear broadband framework" H.E, William Ruto #EACO2013

— CCK (@cck_kenya) June 28, 2013

"As a government we are banking on ICT to improve our country's GDP by 2% to 3% alone" Deputy President, William Ruto. #EACO2013

— CCK (@cck_kenya) June 28, 2013

One of the biggest hindrances to regional IXPs is the setup costs for equipment for the core of the IXP. An operator will have to part with KSh3.4 million (US$40,000) if they are to set one up properly and those that have managed to do have been successful through foreign donations.