Tackling peering - Telecom initiative welcome

InternetNZ tackles peering issue - welcomes Telecom's initiative
Media Release
3 April 2007

InternetNZ is undertaking a series of consultations with industry, government and other stakeholders to address issues around peering and local interconnection.

As the telecommunications regulatory environment improves it is timely to look at other ways to improve the internet infrastructure. The issue of peering was firmly put back on the agenda by the Minister of Communications at the New Zealand Foo Camp meeting earlier this year.

InternetNZ is sponsoring a team of external experts headed by independent IT consultant Dr Murray Milner. This team has begun consultation with industry stakeholders including telecommunications firms, ISPs, content providers, and government agencies. The aim is to facilitate discussion and industry approaches and solutions to peering and interconnection issues.

Last week Telecom proposed a form of local interconnection that would provide for local exchange of internet traffic using peered bi-lateral links at 29 geographic locations.

Dr Milner says the peering team welcomes Telecom's input. "We look forward to working with Telecom and other stakeholders in the industry, government and community to determine whether this is a solution, or is one of several solutions to the issues."

Peering is the exchange of data between providers without charging each other for traffic. It is often done at a central internet exchange but can also be done through bi-lateral connections. Peered local interconnection is about connecting at a local or regional level for the free exchange of data within that region.

ENDS

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