The Internet Service Providers` Association of SA (ISPA) is calling for proposals to host the Johannesburg Internet Exchange (Jinx), a service that allows its members to interconnect their networks and exchange traffic in order to save costs. The hosting period is 2006 - 2009.
The prospective Jinx host must be able to provide 24-hour onsite access for all ISPA members using Jinx, air-conditioning systems, uninterrupted power supply and power reticulation systems, backup generators and fire protection systems.
The site must also provide full access to Telkom`s Martis and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) data line services that members use for obtaining connectivity between their nodes and the exchange. They must also be able to provide for synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH), a technology for delivering redundant connectivity to a site via fibre optic cable.
"There is no price pegged on the contract as none of the companies presenting proposals three years ago chose to apply service fees to their proposals, despite being at liberty to do so," says Greg Massel, co-chairperson of ISPA.
Proposals should be forwarded to proposals@ispa.org.za by 5pm on Tuesday, 28 February.
Scrapped charges
ISPA is scrapping equivalent line charges for connections up to 2Mbps.
Massel says the charges were created to level the playing field between those ISPs located within the Rosebank building where Jinx is based and don`t have to use Telkom to connect to Jinx, and those ISPs not located within the Rosebank building and which have to connect to Jinx via Telkom.
"ISPA hopes the removal of these charges for connections up to 2Mbps will also encourage smaller ISPA members to make use of the exchange."
He says the ISPA management committee has approved an updated schedule of equivalent line charges, which they hope will make Jinx more attractive to smaller Internet service providers. The updated schedule is available on the ISPA Web site.
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