By George Bukenya
Ugandans especially Internet users have a case to smile as the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) introduce a local Neutral and open Internet Exchange infrastructure network dubbed as National IP Peering Exchange (NIPX).
The network according to the Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance Godfrey Kabyanga the NIPX will enhance in the protection of data from being accessed anyhow and at no cost.
Speaking to reporters at Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, Kabyanga said that NIPX will be launched on Friday, 17th April at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala during an awareness and engagement workshop.
” By keeping local traffic local, the platform is expected to significantly reduce latency, lower the cost of Internet services as well as enhancing network resilience and strengthening Uganda’s digital sovereignty.” Kabyanga explained.
He further said, “The platform is aligned with the country’s Vision 2040 and is geared towards addressing the long-standing inefficiencies where even domestic Internet traffic was routed through international pathways before returning to Uganda, a situation that hike costs and reduce performance”.
The Executive Director of NITA-U Eng. Richard Obita said that the new platform is a world class infrastructure built at standard level that will be accessed across the globe but fetching income to the country.
According to Eng. Obita, the new infrastructure is a 400 GB Internet that will open, enhanced business of Internet services to the private sector and will also improve user experience due to better connectivity.
“We are now constructing the road with which we will unit local users and connect to global network this will help us enhance the speed.’’ Obita explained.
Godfrey Sserwamukoko, Chairman of the Internet Service Providers Association of Uganda (ISPAU) applauded the development and commended the Ministry of ICT and NITA-U for the initiative.
“We need a federated model and interconnection between the private sector, government and NITA-U for a collective objective to build a resilient collaboration.” Sserwamukoko said.
Since the inception of Internet technology in Uganda, the cost has significantly reduce at1000 per mega byte to 35 per mega byte currently, but the minister emphasized with this new platform, the costs will lower down significantly.