Single internet gateway will optimise communications

Single internet gateway will optimise communications

The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has been finalising a draft sub-decree on the country’s National Internet Gateway (NIG), expecting to complete by the end of this year, according to the ministry’s spokesman.

The NIG is a single internet gateway system to optimise network management in the country.

Ministry spokesman Im Vutha told Khmer Times yesterday the NIG would create a one-stop system to bring all overseas internet connections through a single point and save costs for Cambodia’s telecom sector.

“Currently we are paying internet traffic connection fees to the upstream providers overseas so when we have a single point, it will help us reduce traffic cost connection,” he said, adding that the minister needs the sub-decree to be implemented as soon as possible, ideally by the end of this year.

“The draft has been finished and is being discussed with relevant ministries and with telecom
operators as well,” he said.

According to Vutha, having the NIG would save the Kingdom’s internet traffic connections up to 30 percent in cash.

Chea Vandeth, the minister of Post and Telecommunications, said during the consultative meeting with the telecom operators last week that the sub-decree is aimed at mobilising national revenue in the sector and enhancing the effectiveness of the country’s internet connections.

Vandeth said that by approving the sub-decree, Cambodia will have a clear legal framework to govern the NIG.

He said the discussion was intended to obtain more input from the telecommunications operators in order to improve the draft sub-decree.

During the discussions, telecom operators questioned the provisions on the quality of service and connection fees that would be prescribed in a separate prakas (directive) after the draft sub-decree became effective.

The minister highlighted that a further discussion with the operators on prakas on quality of service would take place and emphasised that the connection fee would be small in order to avoid placing a further financial burden on the operators.

The minister also allowed the ministry’s technical team to hold an additional discussion with
the operators concerning their inputand opinions.

Vutha said the fee rate of the internet traffic connection via the country’s single point will not be set until the draft is completely finalised.

The preparation of the draft sub-decree NIG was approved by the Council of Ministers earlier
this year, according to Vutha.

The report from the Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia shows that there were 14.8 million mobile internet subscribers – 90 percent of Cambodia’s population – as of May this year. That figure is expected to rise.

Credited: Khmer Times