The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) of St. Kitts and Nevis, led by CEO Ervin Williams, visited the Department of Technology in July, to gain insights into the ongoing development of the Internet Exchange Point (IXP) project and the broader Digital Services Network (DSN). The visit was also attended by Mr. Zach Newman, the Director of City Wifi, the first Internet Service Provider (ISP) to connect to the SKNIX, underscoring the importance of collaboration in enhancing the nation’s digital infrastructure.
During their visit, the NTRC team was briefed on the core IT infrastructure, including the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that have established peering arrangements with SKNIX. They were also shown the advanced systems in place to safeguard core equipment against natural disasters, along with upcoming plans to further bolster network resiliency.
A key highlight of the visit was a live demonstration of local content hosted on servers donated by ArkiTechs Inc. who is also an active participant on the SKNIX. This demonstration showcased the capability of the DSN to support locally hosted content, a significant step forward in reducing latency and enhancing content delivery within the region.
The NTRC expressed confidence in the project’s progress, particularly in the secure and resilient infrastructure that has been established. They also committed to collaborating on connecting Nevis to the IXP, marking a significant milestone in the project’s expansion.
As the regulatory body overseeing telecommunications in the federation, the NTRC’s involvement is pivotal to the success of these initiatives. Their role as a regulator ensures that the development of the IXP and the DSN adheres to national standards and promotes fair access and competition among service providers. Their commitment to this project underscores the importance of regulatory oversight in fostering a robust and secure digital ecosystem in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The visit marked a crucial step aimed at driving digital transformation and enhancing connectivity across the federation. The team will be visiting the island at the end of September to continue work on the SKNIX.