In light of the growing popularity of internet services in the Kingdom, and in order to achieve CITC vision of "Universally available, high quality and affordable communications and information technology services," CITC is conducting an assessment on whether to establish international internet exchange points (IIXPs) within the Kingdom. The IIXPs study addresses the following three goals: promoting internet services in the Kingdom, promoting the Kingdom as an international hub thus capitalizing on its geographical location and strong economic position, and retaining domestic traffic within the Kingdom. Several phases of the study have already been completed, including collecting and analyzing internet market data; benchmarking best international practice and conducting a gap analysis; and conducting a public consultation on a document titled "Assessment of the Establishment of International Internet Exchange Points (IIXPs) in the Kingdom".
The document explores the best regulatory options to enable the Kingdom to achieve its goals. CITC is currently analyzing responses to the public consultation in order to recommend the best regulatory option for the Kingdom. CITC expects to complete this study by the end of 2011.
