What's Happening?
The London Internet Exchange (LINX) has announced a cooperative agreement with Asteroid, an internet exchange incubator, to take over its interconnection operations in Kenya. This transition will occur by the end of the year, with customer networks in Mombasa and Nairobi being moved to LINX's internet exchange points. The agreement allows Asteroid's customers to expand their networks locally and globally, with access to LINX locations in the UK, US, and soon Ghana. Additional services such as LINX Private VLAN and Microsoft Azure Peering Service will be available. Asteroid's CEO, Remco van Mook, noted the significant impact of their interconnection points established in 2020, while LINX CEO Jennifer Holmes expressed commitment to continuing Asteroid's work in Kenya.
Why It's Important?
This development is significant for the telecommunications industry in Kenya, as it enhances the country's interconnectivity infrastructure. LINX's involvement is expected to provide more robust and scalable network solutions, benefiting local businesses and internet users. The transition could lead to increased competition and innovation in the region, potentially lowering costs and improving service quality. Additionally, LINX's global reach offers Kenyan networks new opportunities for international connectivity, which could foster economic growth and technological advancement.
What's Next?
The transition process will involve collaboration between technical stakeholders from both LINX and Asteroid to ensure a seamless changeover. As LINX expands its operations in Kenya, stakeholders such as local businesses and internet service providers may need to adapt to new interconnection standards and services. The partnership with Digital Realty to establish a presence in Ghana indicates LINX's broader strategy to expand its footprint in Africa, which could lead to further developments in regional connectivity.
