In a bid to bridge the digital divide by giving Samoans better and more reliable web access, the possibility of an Internet Exchange Point (I.X.P) is being looked at.
According to a Concept Paper written by Regulator, Donnie De Freitas, the I.X.P. will be the first of kind here in the country.
He says noting recent developments in the improvement of connectivity of Samoa such as the launch of the National Broadband Highway, the work towards the establishment of a second marine cable and the possibilities of new technological innovation that would all contribute to improved international access and connectivity, the time is now right to consider the issues and bottlenecks that are hindering achieving universal access.
According to the Internet Society, the primary role of an I.X.P. is to keep local Internet traffic within local infrastructure and to the reduce costs associated with traffic exchange between Internet Service Providers (I.S.P.s).
“In many developing countries, poor connectivity between I.S.P.s often results in the routing of local traffic over expensive international links simply to reach destinations within the country of origin.”
“I.X.P.s can also improve the quality of Internet services in a country by reducing the delays.”
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“I.X.P.s also can be a convenient hub for hosting critical infrastructure within countries.”
In light of the benefits that an I.X.P. will bring to Samoa, the Regulator says that focus should now be on achieving social and economic development while ensuring universal access to Information and Communications Technologies (I.C.Ts) at affordable prices.
“International and domestic connectivity is a critical part of the Samoan strategy for social and economic development,” says Mr De Freitas.
“The revised I.C.T. Sector Plan has as its goal the achievement of accessible and affordable communications for all while improving economic growth and sustainable development through the use of I.C.T.”
“The Sector Plan also notes in its goals the need to utilise I.C.T. for good governance.”
According to Mr de Freitas, the plan strategically identifies the encouragement of investments in I.C.T. infrastructure including a clearly defined least cost role for the government in this regard.
“A significant infrastructure element that is needed to combine with the other recent connectivity advances would be the establishment of an I.X.P. in Samoa,” he says.
“The introduction of I.X.P.’s in Samoa would be expected, to enhance connectivity, improve network efficiencies, reduce operational costs and to spur new internet-based growth and opportunities.
“The Regulator considers that the establishment of I.X.P. is a critical infrastructure element and now moves to ensure that its implementation is done in the most efficient manner.”
“The objective is that the governance of the I.X.P.s fair and transparent.”
As such Mr Freitas seeks the involvement of stakeholders to ensure that the I.X.P. when implemented is done in a manner that benefits all in Samoa.
“The Office of the Regulator (O.O.T.R) will be coordinating a Workshop on the implementation of an Internet Exchange Point for Samoa, November 26 and 27,” Mr De Freitas says.
“The workshop would involve all of the Internet stakeholders and several international organisations involved in the governance of the internet.”
“The workshop will cover a full (day) on November 26 providing an introduction of the issues, the international context and the case for a Samoan I.X.P.”
“The second day would be a half-day session focusing on the follow up issues and formalising how to develop a strategic approach for an Implementation Strategy and Plan.”
Mr De Freitas said the objective is the sensitisation of stakeholders and an increase in the understanding of issues surrounding I.X.P. establishment.
“Hopefully we can as a conclusion confirm support for the establishment of a Samoan I.X.P. and form a local I.X.P. working group,” he says.
“This workshop should serve a prelude for follow up activity surrounding Internet Governance and will also identify ways of developing local digital content.”
The Regulator extends an invitation to your organisation to send two representatives to participate in this workshop, we are sure you would find the workshop both informative and would assist you in enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the sector.
“The central objective of the ‘I.X.P. for Samoa Workshop’ is the provision of information and an implementation framework to enable stakeholders to move toward the implementation of a local I.X.P,” says Mr De Freitas.
“An informed society makes for informed decisions. A proper framework ensures orderly development.”
“The workshop will be organized in four sessions - welcome and introductions, the international context, the Samoan case and follow-up.”
According to the Regulator, the workshop will provide the international context within which an IXP would exist, explain the principles, role and functions of I.X.P.s, present the I.X.P. economic value proposition, provide the requirements and practical steps for an I.X.P., address I.X.P. start-up issues, discuss what happens after an I.X.P. is established, how content may be generated for the I.X.P. present strategies for I.X.P. operations and support outlining an implementation plan and strategy for an I.X.P. for Samoa.
“The workshop will be open to all users of the internet and representative organisations will be invited,” says the Regulator.
“Participants will include international organisations involved in the governance of the internet, content creators, internet user groups, academic institutions, government bodies and O.O.T.R.”
For further details feel free to contact Ms. Unutoa Fonoti at 30282 or uf@regulator.gov.ws
Workshop Outcomes
Immediate
Increase in the understanding of issues surrounding IXP establishment
Confirm support for the establishment of a Samoan IXP
Formation of a local IXP working group
Identify post IXP local digital content development next steps
Short term
Ratification of the IXP Implementation Plan
Identification of Potential local IXP Sites
Development of IXP Governance Framework
First Draft of IXP Participants MoUs’
Medium Term
Finalization of the Governance Framework, IXP site and IXP Participant Agreement
Establishment of an IXP
Launch of local Digital Content Development Initiatives
Increased local internet traffic on IXP route
Long term
Emergence of bandwidth intensive applications and services
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