I will shortly post definite answers to all the questions and issues raised
about the deficulty of telephoning the Gambia. I pretty much know what the
problem is but I want to make sure I post the most accurate reason for all
these problems. I will do so in the next day or so. Thanks all

YN


>From: baba jobe <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Gambia Phones Working?  The Answers.
>Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2000 14:29:01 -0000
>
>Please allow me to contribute to this debate on whether Gamtel is  to blame
>for difficulty in calling the gambia from the us.
>
>Gamtel actually have direct links with the three main long distance
>companies in the us ( AT&T, MCI and Sprint), and most if not all calls from
>the USA, notwithstanding your local company), "should" pass through any one
>of these companies.
>
>These companies actually gather traffic statistics and make projections on
>the traffic volume to the Gambia, and decisions on whether to increase the
>traffic volume or not is made yearly. I was made to understand that the
>international traffic between Gamtel (Gambia) and the three major carriers
>in the US has no technical or volume problem, not yet. If there was these
>companies like AT&T would have requested an increase in traffic volume to
>the Gambia. But they haven't. Are you guys with me?
>
>There is one problem that some of the list members should be aware of
>though. Some of these "local companies" or card companies do not
>necessarily
>have to go through the main long distance carriers in the US.
>
>To keep their call rates low, they have to find the cheapest rate (route)
>to
>the Gambia, even if this involves going through the heavily congested
>routes
>to the Gambia.
>
>Lamin wrote
>
>" I then was put through to the International operator who informed me
>that there will be a charge if he put me through which I agree cos I had no
>choice.
>Amazingly,it was a matter of seconds b4 I heard the phone ringing! I  "
>
>This just backs up my theory. In the first case you were trying to access
>the cheapest route ( unintentionally ) but couldn't because the route was
>too congested. But when you tried the international operator, he/she used
>the direct route to the gambia and, surprise surprise you were home and
>dry.
>
>I think Gamtel will appreciate all your contributions and i want to believe
>that they are aware of the problem which those in the business call
>"refiling".
>
>But please understand that the problem is not with Gamtel. The company is
>well equipped technically with any demand on traffic. The infrastructure
>installed at Gamtel for international traffic is one of the latest.
>Increment on traffic does not require any new hardware but just equipment
>reconfiguration since most of the equipment (international) are used below
>capacity.
>
>This is a problem with the telephone companies one uses to call the Gambia.
>Most of these companies do not have any direct links with the gambia, but
>they are attractive to subscribers because they offer the cheapest price.
>But this comes with a price, long waiting queues to be able to get through"
>
>
>I hope this answers your questions.
>
>
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