- Guam Exchange, a data centre company under Citadel Pacific, aims to transform internet accessibility in Pacific island nations by establishing a strategic internet hub in the region.
- The company focuses on leveraging technological innovations like an Internet Exchange Point (IXP) to improve local traffic handling and ensuring compliance with federal regulations while enhancing cybersecurity.
- Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to sustainability, Guam Exchange seeks to foster digital growth and economic development, positioning Guam as a technological hub.
Reliable and fast internet connectivity is essential for the digital age. Positioned as a crucial player in this domain is Guam Exchange, a data centre company under the umbrella of Citadel Pacific. We had the privilege to delve into the intricacies of this company with Jose Dante Santiago, the senior manager of interconnection strategy at Guam Exchange. Our conversation shed light on the company’s operations, strategic goals, and its pivotal role in enhancing internet infrastructure for Pacific island nations.
Build a strategic internet hub in the Pacific
Guam Exchange operates as a data centre aimed at serving the Pacific island nations, primarily supporting the Marianas and extending its services to other Pacific islands. Jose stated, “Our primary goal is to build a strategic internet hub in the Pacific, bringing the internet closer to the region. Historically, accessing internet content required routing through the US mainland, Japan, Australia, or Hong Kong. We aim to level the playing field, making the internet more accessible for the Pacific islands. Additionally, we want to establish Guam as an alternative path for network traffic to address issues like fibre cuts and capacity problems.” Historically, accessing internet content in this region required routing through the US mainland, Japan, Australia, or Hong Kong. Guam Exchange is set on a mission to decentralise this process. By establishing a strategic internet hub within the Pacific, the company aims to bring the internet closer to these island nations, thus levelling the digital playing field.
Minimise the distance data needs to travel
Over the next five years, Guam Exchange has ambitious plans to solidify its role as a central hub in the Pacific. The primary goal is to enhance internet accessibility by minimising the distance data needs to travel. Additionally, the company aims to position Guam as an alternative path for network traffic. This is crucial in addressing issues like fibre cuts and capacity problems that have plagued the region. By providing a robust alternative route, Guam Exchange seeks to ensure uninterrupted connectivity for the Pacific islands.
Guam Exchange is not just a data centre; it is a beacon of innovation in the Pacific. The company is in the process of establishing an Internet Exchange Point (IXP), which will significantly improve local traffic handling. This move will keep local internet traffic within the region, enhancing speed and efficiency. By aggregating connections and leveraging the numerous submarine fibre cables passing through Guam, the company is making global internet resources more accessible and useful to the local population.
Our primary goal is to build a strategic internet hub in the Pacific, bringing the internet closer to the region. Historically, accessing internet content required routing through the US mainland, Japan, Australia, or Hong Kong. We aim to level the playing field, making the internet more accessible for the Pacific islands. Additionally, we want to establish Guam as an alternative path for network traffic to address issues like fibre cuts and capacity problems.
Jose Dante Santiago, the senior manager of interconnection strategy at Guam Exchange
Operating in the Pacific islands presents unique challenges, particularly financial ones. Many of these small island nations rely heavily on imports, with tourism being the major export industry. This economic structure makes it difficult for them to afford high-capacity internet infrastructure. To counter this, Guam Exchange is working on partnerships that can subsidise costs, ensuring affordable and reliable connectivity for these islands.
Given Guam’s status as a US territory, Guam Exchange adheres to federal guidelines and regulations, ensuring compliance with both local and international standards. In terms of cybersecurity, the company plans to implement the MANRS (Mutually Agreed Norms for Routing Security) project. This initiative aims to enforce best practices in routing security, safeguarding the system and client data against potential threats.
Sustainability is at the forefront of Guam Exchange’s operational ethos
Being on an island where resources are largely imported, the company strives to operate efficiently and responsibly. Following a devastating typhoon that recently hit Guam, the company is looking to offset some of its power costs through solar energy. This move not only reduces operational costs but also aligns with global sustainability goals.
The establishment of fibre capacity and the influx of content networks are expected to transform Guam’s digital economy. Guam Exchange foresees a technological boom, creating new jobs and fostering a vibrant digital community. The company envisions Guam evolving from a tourist hotspot to a technological hub, attracting software developers and tech companies. Jose said, “With the increasing fibre capacity and content networks, we foresee a digital economy boom in Guam, creating jobs and attracting tech companies. This transformation will position Guam as a technological hub, not just a tourist destination.”
AI is a tool that can make jobs easier
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another frontier that Guam Exchange is keen to explore. Jose stated, “AI is a tool that can make jobs easier and boost productivity. We see it as an asset to go further in our operations, rather than a threat to jobs.” Contrary to fears that AI might replace jobs, the company views it as a tool to enhance productivity and innovation. By integrating AI into their operations, Guam Exchange aims to streamline processes and boost efficiency, thereby empowering their workforce.
AI is a tool that can make jobs easier and boost productivity. We see it as an asset to go further in our operations, rather than a threat to jobs.
Jose Dante Santiago, the senior manager of interconnection strategy at Guam Exchange
While Guam Exchange does not have direct international partnerships for building its data centre and IXP, it leverages strategic collaborations. One such collaboration is with Google’s Pacific Connect project. By partnering with Google, Guam Exchange is poised to enhance its fibre capacity and expand its connectivity, bringing more people online and fostering digital growth in the region.
Support the local economy and community
Guam Exchange plays a pivotal role in supporting the local economy and community. By keeping local internet traffic within the region, the company ensures better performance and user experience. Additionally, Guam Exchange actively supports local network operator groups and sponsors events like PacNOG to provide training and prepare the community for new technological opportunities.
Guam Exchange is not just a data centre; it is a catalyst for digital transformation in the Pacific. Through strategic initiatives, technological innovations, and a commitment to sustainability, the company is set to revolutionise internet connectivity for Pacific island nations. As Guam Exchange continues to grow, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the digital landscape of the region.
About Guam Exchange
Guam Exchange, a leading data centre company under Citadel Pacific, stands at the forefront of digital transformation in the Pacific. Dedicated to enhancing internet accessibility and reliability, Guam Exchange serves as a critical hub for the Pacific island nations, including the Marianas and other surrounding islands. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships, Guam Exchange aims to revolutionise connectivity in the region, ensuring that local and global internet traffic is seamlessly integrated and efficiently managed. Committed to sustainability and operational excellence, the company is poised to drive significant advancements in the digital economy, positioning Guam as a vital technological hub in the Asia-Pacific landscape.
