Asteroid and iColo Further Strengthen Ties in Kenya

Specialized in deploying and managing cost-effective, local, reliable internet exchange points, Asteroid expands its services to roll out an internet exchange point in Nairobi, scheduled to be operational early Q3 2021.

An internet exchange point is a local access point where networks, including internet services providers and content providers, interconnect in order to exchange their traffic at better costs and in a more resilient and rapid way. Exchanging Internet traffic locally not only decreases the need for and dependency on IP transit, but it also trickles down on improving the Internet experience of the local businesses and end-users.

“iColo is currently the only carrier-neutral facility provider present in both Mombasa and Nairobi. We’re pleased to reinforce our collaboration by launching our new IXP in their data centre in Nairobi (NBO1) which will add up to the diversity of peers spanning from service providers to financial services institutions to enterprises.”

Remco van Mook, Chief Executive Officer, Asteroid

Launched in August 2017, iColo NBO1 houses a total capacity of 280 racks while accommodating 825 KW of IT power. Any NBO1 tenant owning their own autonomous system number (ASN) will be able to exchange traffic via the Asteroid Nairobi IXP by requesting and using 1Gbps, 10Gbps, or 100Gbps ports.

“Internet exchange points are a key brick in the wall of flourishing communities. The improved interconnectivity they bring enables businesses to provide their own services in a more efficient and performing manner. We have seen first-hand the positive impact that the Asteroid IXP has made in consolidating a community and building local traffic in Mombasa and we look forward to the same effects in Nairobi.”

Ranjith Cherickel, Chief Executive Officer, iColo