The National Information and Communication Technology Authority launched the PNG Neutral Internet Exchange Point on Wednesday.
Its primary function is to keep local internet traffic within local infrastructure to reduce the cost between ISP’s.
PNG still has a long way to go in reducing internet rates, but NICTA Internal Affairs Manager, Jackson Kariko, says this move is the first step to achieve that.
NICTA says this infrastructure will act as a clearing house for a vetting process for all ISP’s in the country.
The Internet Exchange Point (IXP) is a shared platform at the NICTA headquarters through which Internet Service Providers exchange local traffic via a network switch. Without the IXP, domestic internet traffic is forced to use long distance international links, resulting in high cost for end users.
This is partly the reason why internet costs in PNG have been higher than other areas in the region.
According to NICTA, this is a critical link for the ICT Industry in the country.
NICTA is calling on ISPs to come on board with the system able to cater for more than 10 registered communications companies.
