Myanmar’s Policies and Frameworks for Internet Exchange

The ‘Policies and Frameworks for Internet Exchange’ is a structured initiative developed by the Posts and Telecommunications Department (PTD) under the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) of Myanmar. This policy aims to establish a robust, neutral, and scalable internet infrastructure within the country, focusing on creating efficient and localised internet exchanges. The framework sets guidelines for the formation and management of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), emphasising their role in enhancing internet accessibility, reducing costs, and improving user experience for Myanmar’s citizens and businesses. Its scope extends to all stakeholders in the internet ecosystem, including ISPs, content providers, universities, research networks, and regulatory bodies.

The policy seeks to address critical issues in internet traffic management, such as ensuring that local traffic remains localised, improving routing efficiency, and supporting local content development. By establishing IXPs as non-profit, industry-owned entities, the policy ensures neutrality, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with global best practices. It also empowers local internet players to collaborate efficiently while adhering to regulatory guidelines to strengthen Myanmar’s digital infrastructure.

Goals and focus areas

• Reducing international connectivity costs by localising traffic and improving routing efficiency.
• Supporting the development of local content providers and hosting services.
• Ensuring a better and faster online experience for all users in Myanmar.
• Promoting a neutral and cooperative environment for internet stakeholders.

Objectives

The framework outlines specific objectives to align with its goals. IXPs are designed to make internet services more socially and economically beneficial by reducing international bandwidth dependency. Local traffic is kept within Myanmar to prevent inefficient routing through international paths. By fostering in-country content hosting and development, the framework enhances service quality for end-users and promotes the growth of local internet-related businesses.

The policy mandates that the National Internet Exchange (NIX) be developed as a non-profit organisation, managed by industry members with active support from MOTC. To further promote the localisation of internet services, the framework discourages the use of traffic caps and throttling for local data.

Policies for IX

The policy establishes the model for Internet Exchanges as non-profit associations formed by network operators, content providers, and other relevant entities. Their purpose is to facilitate efficient traffic routing within Myanmar by adhering to global standards for reliability and scalability.

IXPs are designed to offer peering infrastructure services to their members, which include ISPs, Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), and other entities involved in internet traffic exchange. The Executive Committee can authorise additional services if they benefit the members and enhance the internet experience for end-users.

Operational costs, such as setup fees and recurring expenses, are shared among members. Pricing structures, including one-time charges and annual fees, are clearly defined to ensure transparency and sustainability. The policy emphasises the importance of provider-neutral management and operations, ensuring fair treatment for all members without competing directly with ISPs.

Membership and regulation

The framework specifies that peering members must have significant local traffic and, in the case of principal members, hold a telecom license issued by Myanmar authorities. The PTD serves in an advisory role in defining and implementing policies and guidelines for the NIX.

IXPs must operate neutrally, with their locations and management decided by mutual agreement among members. The infrastructure must align with global best practices to support local internet ecosystem development.

Policies for peering members

The policy mandates that nationwide mobile network operators and International Gateway (IGW) license holders must connect to the IX to ensure effective traffic localisation. Other operators have the option to connect but are encouraged to do so to benefit from improved efficiency.

Peering members are required to design their networks based on global standards, ensuring that local traffic passes through the IX or direct peer links instead of transit links. The framework explicitly prohibits any manipulation of traffic to degrade service quality or monetise routing through unconventional means.