- APNIC highlights major projects, including Myanmar’s second IXP and Malaysia’s LUCI project.
- Initiatives promote collaboration and technological growth across the region’s remote areas.
What happened: APNIC internet development projects in 2024
APNIC‘s role in internet connectivity across the Asia-Pacific region in 2024 came under scrutiny this week, as it attempted to put the spotlight on three significant projects.
One initiative was the establishment of Myanmar’s second Internet Exchange Point (IXP) by MMIX. Thein Myint Khine navigated complex logistical and technical challenges to ensure the expansion of network infrastructure, but some pundits have said this could have happened years earlier.
Another effort was the LUCI project in Malaysia, where Nor Fadzilah Abdullah and her team connected the remote Chini Lake community by deploying a LoRaWAN gateway mounted on a balloon, overcoming harsh terrain to deliver reliable connectivity.
In addition to infrastructure advancements, APNIC fostered collaboration within the South Asian Network Operator Group (NOG). Subhashini Kadurugasyaya led discussions on enhancing cooperation between internet service providers and technology stakeholders to promote knowledge-sharing and resilience through the Multi-Vendor Network Operator Group (MVNOG) model.
These projects may be a showcase of APNIC’s attempts to bridge the digital divide and build a more inclusive internet ecosystem for remote and underserved regions, but this should have happened much earlier, say pundits.
Also read: APNIC participates in APIGA Australia 2024
Also read: APNIC shares insights at the 2024 Internet Conference
Why it’s important
APNIC’s projects underscore the critical importance of improving digital connectivity in Asia-Pacific’s underserved regions. By expanding IXPs, initiatives like Myanmar’s second IXP enhance local internet traffic routing, reducing latency and improving service reliability for millions of users.
The LUCI project highlights innovative approaches to overcoming geographical challenges, setting a benchmark for how LoRaWAN technology can facilitate low-cost, large-scale connectivity.
Furthermore, collaborative initiatives such as the MVNOG model in South Asia reflect APNIC’s strategic emphasis on fostering cross-border partnerships to strengthen internet resilience. These projects not only enable economic growth and education through better internet access but also demonstrate how regional collaboration can address technological gaps.
