Jamaican web surfers should experience faster Internet connectivity as the companies integrate into the Jamaica Internet Exchange Point (IXP).

The IXP switch, installed at eGovernment Jamaica Limited last September, allows local service providers to exchange Internet traffic between local networks instead of being routed through the United States. The initiative is expected to significantly boost the service quality of Internet providers and privacy control, while reducing operational cost.

“Digicel understands the importance of fast, reliable connectivity for our customers and connecting to the local IXP was an important step, especially as we continue to help develop Jamaica into a knowledge-based economy,” chief technology officer Krishna Phillipps told the Caribbean Business Report in an e-mailed response.

A release sent by managing director of the combined LIME/Flow operations in Jamaica, Garfield Sinclair, stated that “LIME has once again changed the paradigm for how Internet services are provided to the public”.

The Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Anthony Hylton. reckons that the new system will allow the country to save more than US$2 million annually and will contribute to the development of a more stable, competitive and robust Information Communication Technology (ICT) and broadband ecosystem in Jamaica.

LIME previously told the Jamaica Observer that they anticipate small to no savings in the short term, since local traffic demand is relatively weak. However, the expectation is that any savings to be realised will meterialise over the long term.

Sinclair expressed confidence that the IXP will make a positive contribution towards Jamaica achieving full Internet penetration over the next few months, and noted that plans are underway to deepen rural Internet penetration, opening possibilities for people accessing it’s platforms through wired, mobile or Dekal Super WiFi technology.