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Estimating the effects of Internet exchange points on fixed-broadband speed and latency

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Listed:
  • Siope Vakataki ‘Ofa

    (ICT and Development Section, ICT and Disaster Risk Reduction Division, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok)

Abstract

The present paper provides estimates of the relationship between the number of Internet exchange points (IXPs) and fixed-broadband speed and latency in 74 countries from 2016 to 2019, using a balanced panel data set developed by the Economist Intelligence Unit for its “Inclusive Internet Index”. While in several studies, a positive role of IXPs on Internet speed and latency is established, a majority of the earlier ones are technical studies examining the traffic routes in specific networks. This paper contributes to this literature by triangulating earlier findings using an econometric model. The recent availability of the panel data set on IXPs, speed and latency by the Economist Intelligence Unit has made this exercise possible. The preliminary findings highlighted a statistically significant and positive relationship between the number of IXPs and fixed-broadband speed. For every 1 per cent increase in the number of IXPs per 10 million inhabitants, the fixed-broadband download speed (Kbps) is expected to increase by approximately 0.8 per cent. Despite the benefits of IXPs, challenges remain in establishing them, and collaboration and trust among several stakeholders (national and international) is required. These challenges pose important policy implications for policymakers in ensuring the sustainability of IXPs.

Suggested Citation

  • Siope Vakataki ‘Ofa, 2021. "Estimating the effects of Internet exchange points on fixed-broadband speed and latency," Asia-Pacific Sustainable Development Journal, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), vol. 28(2), pages 39-68, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:unt:japsdj:v:28:y:2021:i:2:p:39-68
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    File URL: https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/d8files/2022-03/APSDJ%20NO.2-2_25%2003%202022_0.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Christine Zhen-Wei Qiang & Alexander Pitt & Seth Ayers, 2004. "Contribution of Information and Communication Technologies to Growth," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 15059.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Internet exchange point; Internet speed and latency; panel data set; Asia and the Pacific;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L96 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Telecommunications

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