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

History The development of Internet in Tunisia has gone through several stages over the last decade. Among the most important dates are the following: In 1989, an EARN/BITNET node was installed, using an X.25 link. In 1991, Tunisia was the first Arab and African country to get connected to the Internet. The Tunis-based Regional Institute for Computer Sciences and Telecommunications (IRSIT) set up an IP connection on X.25 leased line with the French Institute for Research in Computer Science and Control (INRIA). In 1993, a National Research and Technology Network (RNRT) was set up to offer Internet access to research centers at Tunisian universities. Until 1995, Internet remained within the academic environment. A few research centers and universities had an IP connection. In March 1996, the Tunisian Internet Agency (ATI) was established to boost Internet services and the use of network technology in Tunisia. Tunisian institutions started publishing content in websites dedicated to general information about the country. Two newspapers launched Internet version of their daily publications. On 30 December 1996, The Tunisian National Radio started broadcasting live on the Internet 24 hours a day. The National Radio was among the first few radio stations in the world to broadcast live on the web. In March 1997, the Ministry of Communications published texts that classified value added telecommunications services including Internet services. This allowed for the creation of Internet Service Providers (ISP) to offer Internet access to public and private sectors. Until September of 1997, ATI was the only ISP handling most of the accounts, and by 1998, the number of ISPs in Tunisia grew to 9 companies and centers. In November 1997, an electronic commerce taskforce was established to study the implementation of e-commerce in Tunisia. Made up of both government and private-sector bodies, the National Commission for Electronic Commerce and EDI (CNCE) was entrusted with studying the logistical and legal issues of online trade and report back to the government with its recommendations. On 20 March 1998, the Tunisian National Television joins the National Radio by broadcasting live on the Internet. Improvements in telecommunications infrastructure allowed for the use of streaming video. In March 1999, CNCE presents its report on the implementation of electronic commerce in Tunisia. Two months later, a government cabinet meeting discusses the report and announces major decisions aiming at preparing the grounds for e-commerce. Six fully working pilot projects were launched online to showcase various Tunisian-made products and services. In June 1999, candidates to the Baccalaureate (Secondary education diploma) were able to check the results of their examination on a secure website called BacWeb, later during the summer, diploma holders were able to use another dedicated website to check on the results of their university orientation. December 1999, an Electronic Exchange and Electronic Commerce Bill was submitted to the Parliament. A parliamentary commission is studying the Bill before it is put to vote during the current year.