EUM INTERNET 2 FALL MEETING 2003 The European Initiative for Mediterranean Research Networking - EUMEDCONNECT David West DANTE

EUM INTERNET 2 FALL MEETING 2003 EUMEDCONNECT Partners Coordinating Partner - DANTE MED Partner countries/beneficiaries: –Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, Palestinian Authority, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey EU partners: –GARR, GRNET, RedIRIS, RENATER Funded up to 80% by European Commission – DG EuropeAid EUMEDIS programe Remaining funding from beneficiaries.

EUM INTERNET 2 FALL MEETING 2003 EUMEDCONNECT Objectives Connect MED Partners to GÉANT Increase intra-MED research network connectivity Use by NRENs and users, including other EUMEDIS Pilot application projects (23 initiated) In this way: –Ease the EU-MED digital divide –Globalise research –Strengthen human relationships and stability

EUM INTERNET 2 FALL MEETING 2003 EUMEDCONNECT Phases Planning studies (Phase 1) – Dec 2001 to June 2002 Tendering (Phase 2A) – Nov 2002 to Dec 2003 Service (Phase 2B) Jan 2004 to June 2006 (planned)

EUM INTERNET 2 FALL MEETING 2003 Mediterranean Networking Issues Limited cable infrastructure Monopoly national operators in 11/12 MED countries High prices in commercial market National networks still developing Lack of regional cohesion

EUM INTERNET 2 FALL MEETING 2003 Current Connectivity

EUM INTERNET 2 FALL MEETING 2003 Planned Connectivity EUMEDCONNECT connectivity planned from Jan 2004 (subject to contract approvals) 7 of the 12 MED Partners will then be connected to GÉANT And further EUMEDCONNECT links in negotiation