Fourth Annual African Peering and Interconnection Forum to Focus on Policy Aspects of IXPs, Content, and Cross-Border Interconnections in Africa

GENEVA, Switzerland, April 4, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ --

- Internet Society to host AfPIF 2013 in Casablanca, Morocco, 3 – 5 September

- AfPIF 2013 accorded High Patronage by the Minister of Industry, Trade, and New Technologies

The fourth annual African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF), organized by the Internet Society (http://www.internetsociety.org), will be held 3-5 September 2013 in Casablanca, Morocco. A unique regional forum, AfPIF facilitates discussions on African Internet infrastructure challenges, including terrestrial capacity issues, national and regional Internet Exchange Point (IXP) development, local content development, measures to lower connectivity costs, and international peering. The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and New Technologies of Morocco has accorded his High Patronage on this event.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/internet_society.jpg

The three-day program brings together key stakeholders, including Internet service and content providers, IXP operators, research and education networks, government network managers, regulators and policymakers to share experiences and advance peering and interconnection arrangements. The theme of AfPIF 2013 is “Policy Implementation and the Regional Content Factor,” and the forum will address region-to-region policy, tapping into terrestrial cable potential and traffic management needs, as well as content issues that are critical components of transit deficits.

“Nearly all peering and interconnection agreements are forged at regional and global peering forums such as AfPIF. We are pleased to offer this important event for the fourth consecutive year and provide an opportunity for the business and operational community to work together to augment Internet infrastructure and services in Africa,” said Dawit Bekele, Internet Society Regional Bureau Director for Africa. “AfPIF offers the ideal venue for discussions and ideas on how to implement more efficient and cost effective local, regional, and international interconnection and peering strategies.”

For more information on sponsorships and program details, visit http://www.internetsociety.org/events/afpif-2013-3-5-september-2013.

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of the Internet Society.

About the Internet Society

The Internet Society (http://www.internetsociety.org) is the trusted independent source for Internet information and thought leadership from around the world. With its principled vision and substantial technological foundation, the Internet Society promotes open dialogue on Internet policy, technology, and future development among users, companies, governments, and other organizations. Working with its members and Chapters around the world, the Internet Society enables the continued evolution and growth of the Internet for everyone. For more information, visit http://www.internetsociety.org.

Media contact: Wende Cover, [email protected], +1-703-439-2773.