Improved and secure internet access with first local Internet Exchange Point

The country’s first ever Internet Exchange Point (IXP) was launched on Friday, promising improved and secure internet access, making inter-connected routing faster.

In the significant and strategic collaboration, local network providers, ENet and One Communications joined the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) to make possible the GYIXP.

The IXP’s infrastructure is at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus. IXPs work by creating a physical location where internet infrastructure from companies connect and allow the network providers to share transit by shortening their path of data coming from other participating networks.

In doing this, the local IXP will make internet calls and other data related traffic flow faster and reduce the cost for businesses and users.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, during remarks, said the IXP in Guyana will greatly impact the development of the country’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure.

“Before now if you’re making an [internet] call across one network to another network, that call, like you’re making a call to One Communication on Digicel or ENet, it had to be routed to Miami and then back to Guyana but now the routing is done inside of Guyana,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said these contributions to the country’s development from the partnership will revolutionise the nation’s digital landscape.

“Your contributions to Guyana’s development are much appreciated. Naturally, an IXP has the potential to revolutionise the national digital landscape and can exponentially increase internet-based entrepreneurship and national development opportunities,” he said.

GYIXP is expected to tangibly improve internet performance, security, cost and service quality. It provides a more independent internet connectivity and allows for efficient, safe and satisfying online experiences for all users.

“We will no longer be solely reliant on expensive international data links during our day-to-day operations and we will also have the ability to preserve access to local services and businesses in the event of a break in the service cables servicing Guyana,” he added.

The Prime Minister noted that his Office is responsible for the development of the Digital Agenda and by making possible the country’s first IXP, Guyana is closer to meeting regional goals.

Notably since 2020, the bandwidth cost has dropped significantly making it possible for broader access to free internet across the country. Schools, hospitals, police stations are among the facilities that benefit from the WiFi-Gy, an ICT initiative.