Wholesale broadband provider SEACOM plans to expand its European connectivity to Amsterdam and will be the latest partner to join the Amsterdam Internet Exchange (AMS-IX) reselling program.

Joining the program gives SEACOM the opportunity to make connectivity to the AMS-IX platform more easily available for African Internet companies, the company has said in a press statement.

Besides the partnership with SEACOM, AMS-IX also has the intention to establish an Internet exchange presence in East Africa to keep regional internet traffic in the area local.

SEACOM officials say AMS-IX is currently in discussions with the Kenya Internet Exchange Point (KIXP), which is operated by the Telecommunication Service Providers Association of Kenya (TESPOK), for close cooperation.

With the intention to build a professional Internet hub in East Africa, AMS-IX wants to contribute to the African Internet ecosystem.

“To have a good interconnection and Internet performance in the region, the setup of an Internet exchange hub is essential,” says Job Witteman, chief executive officer of AMS-IX.

“With our experience and knowledge we can make a valuable contribution.

“At the same time, we want to keep AMS-IX relevant for our members and customers. SEACOM has the services and connectivity to bring new unique networks from the African continent to Amsterdam, making it an important partner for AMS-IX,” adds Witterman.

SEACOM was the first company to build a broadband submarine cable system along the Eastern and Southern African coastlines, connecting to Europe, India and Asia.

Mark Simpson, chief executive officer of SEACOM, says: “By collaborating we can further enhance SEACOM’s value proposition and our goal to achieve a seamless African Internet experience.”

“AMS-IX will improve efficiencies through our infrastructure and will open up a large international Internet community to directly interconnect with our customers,” adds Simpson.