The Draft Resolution proposes to determine OJSC “Kyrgyztelecom” as a single national telecommunications operator to carry out data transmission activities on international transit of Internet channels on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic. This draft law was initiated due to the fact that telecommunication infrastructure is one of the most important strategic state resources, in connection with which telecommunication networks play a key role in ensuring national security, taking into account these circumstances, the state should maintain constant control over this type of activity in the interests of the country.
It should be noted that it is only about the transit of traffic, and will not apply to the services of telecommunications operators that carry out their activities in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic, the final recipients of services that are entities located in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic.
International transit and domestic Internet infrastructure are two separate segments and are not related to the activities of domestic Internet providers:
- International transit covers interstate highways that carry international traffic
- Domestic Internet is the infrastructure within a country, including local hubs, ISPs, and data networks
Since the cost of international backhaul only affects external connections, domestic backhaul and pricing remain unchanged. Thus, the conditions of competition between ISPs providing domestic connectivity services will not change either.
The provision of international transit of Internet traffic is a service that provides data transmission between countries via backbone networks and interstate connections. It is provided by major telecommunications operators and is aimed at ensuring global connectivity.
Thus, provision of international transit of Internet traffic performs a separate function, which does not have a direct impact on the activities and tariffs of domestic providers.
When determining OJSC “Kyrgyztelecom” as a national telecommunications operator to carry out the activity of data transmission on international transit of traffic through communication channels on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic will allow:
- Strengthen the national communications infrastructure
- Develop partnership with neighboring countries to create independent transit routes
- Ensure control over transit channels and increase revenue and deductions to the state budget
- In the event of external and internal threats, and upon instruction and agreement of security bodies, promptly react and manage transit communication channels
These measures will help to reduce risks and increase the level of national security in the transit of Internet traffic, which will favorably affect the state as a whole.
