In a move poised to strengthen global internet connectivity, DE-CIX, a leading Internet Exchange (IX) operator, has announced a strategic partnership with Global Cloud Xchange (GCX), a prominent submarine cable provider. This collaboration will enable GCX to resell DE-CIX India’s Internet Exchange services to international customers, leveraging GCX’s extensive subsea cable network to meet the rising demand for high-performance interconnection services.
Expanding DE-CIX’s Reach Through GCX’s Subsea Network
DE-CIX, known for operating some of the world’s most interconnected IXs, including the largest in Frankfurt, has a strong presence in India with exchanges in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai. The partnership with GCX will allow DE-CIX India to capitalize on GCX’s expansive subsea infrastructure, which spans major routes connecting Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
This integration is expected to enhance the efficiency of DE-CIX India’s services, particularly in meeting the connectivity needs of global enterprises, content delivery networks (CDNs), and cloud service providers. By leveraging GCX’s cable network, DE-CIX aims to provide faster, more reliable connections to international markets.
Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX International, remarked on the partnership:
“Our collaboration with GCX marks a significant milestone in expanding our global interconnection ecosystem. Combining DE-CIX’s expertise in operating world-class Internet Exchanges with GCX’s robust subsea cable infrastructure, we can better serve international customers seeking low-latency, high-performance connectivity in India and beyond.”
Meeting Rising Global Demand for Interconnection
The partnership comes as demand for interconnection services is surging, driven by the rapid growth of cloud computing, streaming services, and global data traffic. According to a report by TeleGeography, global internet bandwidth increased by 35% in 2023, highlighting the critical role of submarine cables and IXs in supporting the digital economy.
GCX, which operates one of the most comprehensive global subsea networks, views the partnership as an opportunity to expand its service portfolio. The company’s CEO, Carl Grivner, emphasized the value of this collaboration:
“By partnering with DE-CIX, we are enhancing our ability to deliver premium interconnection services and supporting the digital transformation of businesses worldwide. This strategic alignment allows us to offer seamless, scalable solutions to meet the growing demands of our global customer base.”
Benefits for International Customers
Through this partnership, international customers will access DE-CIX India’s extensive interconnection services, which include peering, cloud connectivity, and private network interconnection. The collaboration is particularly advantageous for enterprises looking to establish a strong digital presence in the fast-growing Indian market, projected to become the second-largest internet user base globally by 2025.
Integrating GCX’s subsea infrastructure will also improve latency and reliability for international data transfers, enhancing the overall user experience for applications such as video conferencing, online gaming, and real-time data analytics.
Strategic Implications for the Industry
This partnership underscores the importance of strategic alliances in the telecommunications and interconnection sectors. As data consumption grows exponentially, the need for robust, low-latency interconnection solutions has become more critical. Submarine cable systems, which form the backbone of the global internet, are increasingly being integrated with IX services to provide end-to-end connectivity solutions.
Analysts suggest that such collaborations will become more common as companies seek to optimize their networks and deliver superior performance. A report by MarketsandMarkets forecasts that the global interconnection market will grow from $5.1 billion in 2023 to $11.4 billion by 2028, driven by increasing data traffic and demand for cloud services.
DE-CIX and GCX have indicated that this partnership is the beginning of a broader strategic alignment. Both companies plan to explore additional opportunities for collaboration, including expanding interconnection services to new markets and enhancing network capabilities through joint investments in infrastructure.
As the digital economy continues to evolve, partnerships like this will play a crucial role in shaping the future of global connectivity. By combining their strengths, DE-CIX and GCX are well-positioned to meet the needs of an increasingly interconnected world.
