MyIX reports 20% surge in internet bandwidth demand

• Findings indicate a significant increase in online activities across Malaysia
• Recorded highest internet bandwidth usage since MyIX’s formation in 2006

Malaysia Internet Exchange (MyIX) has announced a surge in demand for internet bandwidth, reaching a record high of 2.311 TeraBits (Tbps) per second in 2023, marking a 20% increase from the previous year and the highest level recorded since its establishment in 2006.

Chairman Chiew Kok Hin stated, "Our findings indicate a significant rise in online activities throughout the country." 

MyIX, the largest internet exchange in Malaysia, operates under the Malaysian Communications Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to optimize network performance and keep internet traffic local.

To address the growing demand, the MyIX Committee has decided to reduce port pricing, effective April 1, 2024, offering discounts of 10% to 20% off current rates. For instance, the cost for a 1Gbps port will decrease to US$84 (RM400) per month, (down from US$105 (RM500)), a 10Gbps port to US$337 (RM1,600) per month, (previously US$421 (RM2,000)), and a 100Gbps port to US$1,500 (RM7,200) monthly (previously US$1685 (RM8,000)).

Chiew highlighted, "The pricing revision positions MyIX as one of the most affordable internet exchanges in the region." 

The announcement came after the conclusion of MyIX's Annual General Meeting, attended by MCMC's Mohamed Hakim Othman.

"Active peering members bring value to the IX community, which in turn supports Malaysia’s goal of improving internet speed, affordability, and access, contributing to a digitally inclusive society," Chiew added.

Meanwhile, MyIX is reinforcing its commitment to nurturing local talent. As part of its various CSR initiatives, the exchange recently hosted a free training program to empower selected individuals with the knowledge and expertise needed in today’s digital economy, particularly regarding network infrastructure. 

Furthermore, its effort to build a skilled workforce extends through the MyIX Fellowship Programme, offering fellowships to member organization staff for attending workshops at the annual Asia Pacific Regional Internet Conference on Operational Technologies (APRICOT) 2024 conference.

This initiative, which commenced this month with the APRICOT in Bangkok, Thailand, focused on critical areas like IPv6 Deployment and Internet Routing/RPKI. These initiatives reflect MyIX’s strategic approach to enhancing industry-related skills, ensuring the Malaysian internet sector remains at the forefront of technological advancements.