SEACOM to expand European connection

TELECOMS

SEACOM plans to expand its European connectivity to Amsterdam and will be the latest partner to join the AMS-IX reselling programme. SEACOM says joining the programme gives it the opportunity to make connectivity to the AMS-IX platform more easily available for African Internet companies. It says peering and IP interconnection between African and European networks will be greatly enhanced as a result.

SEACOM notes that it was the first to build a broadband submarine cable system along the Eastern and Southern African coastlines, connecting to Europe, India and Asia and has since then expanded its network of terrestrial and submarine infrastructure with connectivity to and from Europe.

Mark Simpson, CEO of SEACOM, says: “We are very pleased about our partnership with AMS-IX. By collaborating we can further enhance SEACOM’s value proposition and our goal to achieve a seamless African Internet experience. AMS-IX will improve efficiencies through our infrastructure and will open up a large international Internet community to directly interconnect with our customers.”

“To have a good interconnection and Internet performance in the region, the setup of an Internet exchange hub is essential. With our experience and knowledge we can make a valuable contribution.” explains Job Witteman, CEO of AMS-IX.

“At the same time, we want to keep AMS-IX relevant for our members and customers. SEACOM has the services and connectivity to bring new unique networks from the African continent to Amsterdam, making it an important partner for AMS-IX.

Besides the partnership with SEACOM, AMS-IX also intends to establish an internet exchange presence in East Africa to keep regional Internet traffic in the area local. Therefore AMS-IX says it is currently in discussions with the Kenya Internet Exchange Point (KIXP), which is operated by the Telecommunication Service Providers Association of Kenya (TESPOK), for close cooperation.