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Central Asia Peering and Interconnection Forum (CAPIF 3) to Be Held in Bishkek

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 24-25 September 2024 – The third Central Asia Peering and Interconnection Forum (CAPIF 3) will take place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on 24-25 September 2024. The event, organised by the RIPE Network Coordination Centre (RIPE NCC) in collaboration with Kyrgyztelecom and the Association of Telecom Operators of Kyrgyzstan, will bring together experts from across Central Asia, Iran, and neighbouring regions to strengthen regional Internet connectivity and promote digital growth.

A Platform for Internet Development in Central Asia

Central Asia is undergoing rapid digitalisation, but Internet connectivity and affordability remain challenges in some areas. CAPIF 3 is designed to address these issues by fostering collaboration between key stakeholders, including Internet service providers, telecom operators, regulators, and industry leaders. Over 200 participants are expected to attend, representing countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Iran.

Key Topics on the Agenda:

  • Regional Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): One of the highlights of CAPIF 3 will be a special session dedicated to the development of IXPs in the region. This will include presentations from recently established IXPs and discussions on how to overcome challenges in building effective interconnection infrastructure.
  • Peering and Best Practices: Network operators will share their experiences with peering, providing insights into how local Internet traffic can be exchanged more efficiently to reduce costs and improve speeds.
  • Opportunities for Enhanced Connectivity: The forum will explore opportunities to improve both regional and international Internet connectivity, a critical factor for digital transformation across Central Asia.
  • Legislative and Regulatory Discussions: Sessions on regulatory frameworks will delve into how governments can support the development of a more robust Internet infrastructure by creating enabling policies.

Why CAPIF 3 is Important for Central Asia

The event comes at a crucial time as Central Asia pushes for greater digitalisation and economic growth. By improving local Internet connectivity through peering agreements, the region can reduce its dependence on costly international Internet routes, which will result in faster and more affordable Internet access for businesses and individuals. This, in turn, will attract major global content providers and boost the local digital economy.

The event will also be a platform for building relationships, sharing knowledge, and learning from other regions about best practices in Internet development.

The event participants will also have the opportunity to take the Certified Professionals exam onsite.

Ahead of the meeting, the RIPE NCC has published an analysis of the security of Internet infrastructure in Central Asia as well as IPv6 deployment.

For more information on CAPIF 3 and to register, please visit this page.