East Africa seeks to cut Internet costs

East African member states are betting on a proposed regional exchange point to lower the cost of the Internet.

Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda on Monday met under the aegis of East Africa Communications Organisation to discuss a legal framework that would enable implementation of the project.

Partner states said this would provide a basis for cyber security, access to affordable connectivity and a vibrant web space.

Speaking at the meeting, Communication Commission of Kenya director-general Francis Wangusi said that when in place, the framework will stipulate standards of Internet protocol networks, security and customer fulfilment.

IN FULL SUPPORT

“Kenya being the chair of this organisation, fully supports the idea of hosting regional websites,” Mr Wangusi said, adding:

“This will help us know and manage those who infiltrate and cause insecurity within our networks,” he added.

Telecommunications Service Providers Association of Kenya (Tespok) chief executive, Ms Fiona Asonga, said that as at the year 2000, Kenya had incurred costs to the tune Sh12.3 million on Internet exchange points annually.

She said that reducing the cost would open up business for the vibrant web space in the region.

“This will be a big achievement not only for the region as a whole, but for Kenya as an individual country, it means less Internet traffic and cheaper cost of Internet per end user,” she said.