What is an IXP and How Does it Impact Internet in Pakistan?

An Internet Exchange Point (IXP) is a physical infrastructure where Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) interconnect to exchange Internet traffic. This direct interconnection improves data routing efficiency, reduces latency, and can lower operational costs by keeping local traffic within national boundaries.

Till now, three major IXPs have been established in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) actively promoting their utilization. Despite these efforts, key players like the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) and COMSATS have yet to join these IXPs. Additionally, some existing participants continue to route locally hosted content via international pathways, leading to increased latency and unnecessary foreign exchange expenditure.

The reluctance of certain ISPs to fully engage with local IXPs means that data, even when destined for local users, often takes a circuitous international route. This slows down internet speeds and places additional strain on international bandwidth. In addition, the dependence on external routing can expose data to international vulnerabilities and surveillance, raising concerns about data privacy.

Therefore, increasing local IXP participation is important for improving Pakistan’s internet infrastructure. ISPs can provide faster and more reliable services to consumers by ensuring that domestic internet traffic remains within the country, Furthermore, increased local routing can lead to cost savings and strengthen national digital resilience.

Our Opinion

The current underutilization of IXPs in Pakistan impedes the nation’s digital progress. The PTA should intensify its efforts to encourage full participation from all ISPs, including NTC and COMSATS. It can do that by implementing policies that incentivize local routing and penalize unnecessary international data pathways. A collaborative approach involving government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and international experts is essential to optimize the performance of IXPs. By addressing these challenges, Pakistan can enhance internet speeds, reduce costs, and strengthen its digital sovereignty.

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