SatSig topic:

iDirect in the Sudan

(Read 3647 times)

Apr 18^th, 2007 at 4:17pm

Some ISP are stating that the USA embargo has been lifted, so an iDirect service can be established in Sudan, does anybody know if thats true or not?

Apr 19^th, 2007 at 4:19pm

I searched the https://www.export.gov/index.asp website and cannot find anything to indicate that sanctions have been lifted.

Apr 20^th, 2007 at 10:03am

Thanks, i actually contacted the department and got a definate NO,

Apr 21^st, 2007 at 11:36am

Hi,

Are you asking to get iDirect service in Sudan, or you want to operate iDirect Hub in Sudan???

If you ask about service, I can help with that.

Regtards,

SudanKing

Apr 21^st, 2007 at 2:33pm

You cannot import iDirect modems, or operate an iDirect-enabled service in Sudan.

If you are a network operator with an iDirect contract and you are found to be providing services and/or hardware in Sudan or other proscribed countries, your contract will be canceled. It doesn't matter where the hub is located.

Don't do it. It's not worth the short term gain to lose your business in the long run.

Apr 22^nd, 2007 at 9:53pm

do you think that it will be allowed in the next time....

and what about linkstar and hughes???

Apr 24^th, 2007 at 10:38pm

Viasat Linkstar and Hughes are both US based technologies. I'm pretty sure the sanctions apply to them as well. You will need to use Shiron or Gilat or some other technology that does not come from the US.

As to when the sanctions will be lifted - that depends on the government of Sudan. They were lifted in Iraq following the overthrow of Saddam, and they were lifted in Libya following a change in policy by the government there. According to multiple reports, Sudan is still sponsoring terrorism and practicing genocide on their own people. When appropriate pressure is brought to bear on the Sudan government, and changes are made, the sanctions will be lifted. American policy as I understand it is designed to pull marginalized "lesser included" countries into the "core" world economy where "connectedness" and "rule of law" prevail.

Sorry, I know this isn't a political forum, but surely there are those who wonder why these sanctions exist.
Pat

May 1^st, 2007 at 8:03pm

Does this embargo apply to the southern part of Sudan? It is my understanding that there was a waiver for installing VSATs in Southern Sudan - fyi, Southern Sudan is forming its own separate governance from the north (read, khartoum) government of Sudan. I am "told" the waiver was in favor of humanitarian organisations that are installing VSATs for purposes of humanitarian aid. Does anyone have info on this waiver? Better still, who are those NGOs/International organisations that are listed on this list?

May 1^st, 2007 at 10:40pm

You can always apply for a license and see what happens. I know a company that specializes in helping obtain these licenses, but when I asked them to help a customer with a Sudan license they told me they would be happy to take the customer's money, but the chances of obtaining a license were next to zero.

I spent some more time searching for updates, and the latest info I can find dated March 30, 2007: https://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/regulations/t11facbk.pdf

It says: Except for information or informational materials and donated articles intended to relieve human suffering, such as food, clothing and medicine, and the licensed export of agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices, no goods, technology, or services may be exported from the United States to Sudan, either directly or through third countries, without a license. Exportation of goods or technology from the United States to third countries is prohibited if the exporter knows, or has reason to know, that the goods or technology are intended for transshipment to Sudan. The exportation of goods or technology intended specifically for incorporation or substantial transformation into a third-country product is also prohibited if the particular product is to be used in Sudan, is being specifically manufactured to fill a Sudanese order, or if the manufacturer’s sales of the particular product are predominantly to Sudan.
wxw