Introduction History Role of the Tunisian Internet Agency (ATI) Internet Access in Tunisia Internet Community in Tunisia Boosting Internet in Tunisia National Networks The Publinet Project Electronic Commerce in Tunisia Future Prospects

Internet Access in Tunisia Infrastructure The national link has grown from 19.2 Kbps in 1991 with Eunet to 512 Kbps in 1996 with Sprint Link and in 1999 this link was 13 Mbps. Before the end of 2000, the link should reach 34 Mbps. For dial-up PPP access, ISPs customers use reduced-rate telephone numbers. The rates are the same in all parts of the country regardless of the point of call. Moreover, a national Backbone network offers 7 points of presence (POP) and provides connectivity via ATM, Frame Relay, PPP, leased lines, X.25, and ISDN and guarantees good quality Internet services throughout the country. Connection speeds start at 28.8 Kbps and, depending on the chosen method of connectivity, can go up to 128.8 Kbps. Internet Service Providers There are 7 ISP for the public sector, i.e. public administration, government offices and agencies and 2 for the private sector, i.e. business, associations, residential, etc. Public Sector ISPs: The Tunisian Internet Agency (ATI) provides Internet services for government offices and institutions (ministries, government agencies...) Regional Institute for Computer Sciences and Telecommunications (IRSIT) provides Internet services to research centers. The Khawarizmi Computing Center (CCK) provides Internet connectivity to universities and institutes of higher learning. The National Institute for Office and Computer Technology (INBMI) provides Internet services to primary and high schools. The Computer Center at the Ministry of Public Health (CIMSP) provides connectivity to hospitals, medical institutions and offices of the Ministry of Health Higher Agricultural Institute for Research and Education (IRESA) provides Internet services to institutions coming under the Ministry of Agriculture Tunisie Telecom provides Internet services to institutions coming under the Ministry of Communications (post offices, the telephone company, telecom research centers, etc.) Private Sector ISPs: PlanetTunisie corporate and residential services ISP 3S Global Net corporate and residential services ISP All ISPs in Tunisia offer dial-up Internet connectivity through regular, leased and X.25 lines as well as ISDN. Both PlaNet and 3S offer "Family Plans" that include reduced-rate connection fees and lower subscription charges.