GOMIX Brings Faster, Cheaper Internet to Millions in Eastern DRC

In the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), access to the internet has historically been limited and expensive. However, a new initiative called GOMIX is changing this, bringing faster and cheaper internet to millions of people in the region.

GOMIX, which stands for "Goma Internet eXchange," is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2019 by a group of tech entrepreneurs and activists. The organization's goal is to improve internet connectivity in the eastern DRC by building a regional internet exchange point (IXP) in the city of Goma.

An IXP is a physical location where different internet service providers (ISPs) can connect their networks and exchange traffic locally. This reduces the need for long-distance connections and helps to lower the cost of internet access for users. By building an IXP in Goma, GOMIX aims to improve the quality and affordability of internet service in the eastern DRC.

The project has been supported by a number of international organizations, including the Internet Society and the African Union Commission. Funding for the project has also been provided by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the UK government.

Since its launch, GOMIX has made significant progress in improving internet connectivity in the region. The organization has partnered with several local ISPs to connect them to the exchange point, and has also worked to improve the infrastructure that supports the exchange.

One of the key benefits of the GOMIX project is that it has helped to reduce the cost of internet access for users in the region. Previously, the high cost of long-distance connections meant that internet service in the eastern DRC was prohibitively expensive for many people. However, by enabling local ISPs to exchange traffic locally, GOMIX has helped to lower the cost of internet service and make it more accessible to a wider range of users.

In addition to making internet access more affordable, GOMIX has also helped to improve the quality of internet service in the region. By reducing the need for long-distance connections, the exchange has helped to reduce latency and improve the speed of internet connections. This has made it easier for people in the region to access online services and communicate with others around the world.

Another important benefit of the GOMIX project is that it has helped to promote the growth of the local tech industry. By making it easier and more affordable for people in the region to access the internet, GOMIX has created new opportunities for tech entrepreneurs and startups. This has helped to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region.

Overall, the GOMIX project has had a transformative impact on internet connectivity in the eastern DRC. By building a regional internet exchange point in Goma, the organization has helped to make internet access faster, cheaper, and more accessible to millions of people in the region. As the project continues to grow and expand, it has the potential to bring even more benefits to the people of the eastern DRC, including improved education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.