A number of foreign jour- nalists also use such services, as was witnessed during last year's elections in the country. Both systems are FidoNet-based and are using FrontDoor software. The telephone system within Lusaka and the cities of the Copperbelt are relatively good by regional standards, with a growing number of digital exchanges now in operation. Phone connections within Lusaka are acceptable for data communications, and although the rainy season brings its problems these are generally of a short-term nature.
International connections vary depending on the destination.
Lines to Harare, Zimbabwe, are also acceptable for data traffic and relatively easily obtained. They can be obtained during the day through the operator, and occasion- ally at night by IDD for computer use. Quality is variable. Determination of other possible routes has yet to take place, but the above mentioned form the most useful links and could in turn be used to route messages elsewhere. Hence lengthy routing.