Government Launches Guyana’s First Internet Exchange Point to Boost Connectivity and Digital Independence
Georgetown, Guyana – The Government of Guyana, through the Office of the Prime Minister and the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), has launched Guyana’s first Internet Exchange Point (IXP): GYIXP. This is a major step towards improving national internet performance, security, and self-sufficiency. The IXP is hosted at the University of Guyana and was officially launched today at the Office of the Prime Minister.
An Internet Exchange Point (IXP) is a physical location where different internet service providers (ISPs), content providers, and networks connect directly to exchange data. In simple terms, it functions like a local marketplace for internet traffic, keeping local data within Guyana instead of routing it overseas and back. This reduces delays, improves service quality, and lowers costs.
Previously, internet traffic, even for locally hosted services such as government websites or university platforms was often routed through international locations like the United States, Barbados, or Suriname before returning to users in Guyana. This inefficient process caused slower speeds, higher bandwidth costs, and a dependence on international infrastructure.
During his Keynote Address, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips explained that with the IXP now operational, internet traffic between Guyanese users and local services will be routed domestically, creating a faster, more secure, and cost-effective digital experience.
Key Benefits of the Local IXP:
• Increased internet speed and performance for local content
• Lower operational and bandwidth costs for internet service providers
• Greater data security through local traffic routing under national laws
• Improved network resilience in the event of international disruptions
• Enhanced support for services such as video conferencing, online learning, and VoIP
• New opportunities for local content development and digital entrepreneurship
Guyana joins more than 15 Caribbean countries and territories that have established IXPs, including Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Maarten, and Trinidad and Tobago.
This development aligns with regional and international digital priorities, including the CARICOM Single ICT Space, which supports the creation of robust national and regional broadband infrastructure, and Sustainable Development Goal 9, which promotes building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.
At the IXP launch event, National ICT Advisor, Darryl Akeung thanked the local partners (NDMA) National Data Management Authority, One Communications, ENet, and the University of Guyana for their unwavering support in undertaking this monumental task.
GYIXP marks a significant advancement in Guyana’s efforts to build a modern, secure, and inclusive digital future for all citizens.
Further details can be found at: https://ixp.gy/
