The benefits of maximising local traffic via independent Internet exchange points (IXPs) is well-recognised as essential for facilitating a robust domestic Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. From a public policy perspective, ensuring the presence of local IXPs has become an increasingly important priority in order to make sure that online services are equally accessible to all local users, as well as to enhance competitive opportunities, and generally improve the quality and affordability of Internet services.
So far IXPs have only emerged in about half the countries in the world, and these vary greatly in scale and effectiveness. To help accelerate the development of new and existing IXPs this Toolkit has been created to describe best practices for setting up and supporting the growth and enhancement of these crucial Internet facilities.