On February 25, CMC Telecom and BBIX, Inc., a subsidiary of SoftBank Group (Japan), officially announced their collaboration to deploy the first international Internet Exchange (IX) system in Vietnam.
This IX system will be deployed at two CMC Telecom data centers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, marking a significant step forward in improving Internet connectivity and promoting the digital economy in Vietnam.
Pioneering the Development of a Neutral Internet Connectivity Platform
Previously, Vietnam’s Internet traffic exchange system mainly relied on the Vietnam National Internet Exchange (VNIX), operated by the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC). Through this partnership, CMC Telecom and BBIX will, for the first time, operate a neutral IX system jointly managed by a Vietnamese Internet service provider and an international IX provider.
The international neutral IX system is expected to attract participation from leading global technology corporations, content providers, and Internet connectivity services. The combination of CMC Telecom and BBIX will help enhance user experience for both businesses and households by reducing latency, improving network stability, and optimizing connectivity costs—especially in the context of frequent incidents affecting international submarine cable routes. The deployment of this system not only creates a solid connectivity foundation for domestic users but also expands the capability for Vietnamese enterprises to connect with the global internet ecosystem.
Optimizing Internet Connectivity and Enhancing National Competitiveness
The neutral IX system will be deployed at two of CMC Telecom’s leading data centers: CMC DC Duy Tan (Hanoi) and CMC DC Tan Thuan (Ho Chi Minh City).
CMC Telecom’s data centers are the first in Vietnam to meet all three Uptime Tier III standards—Design, Construction, and Operational Sustainability—and Level 4 Information Security Standards. These certifications ensure reliability, security, and flexible scalability for Internet infrastructure. Supporting high-speed 10G LR Ethernet and 100G LR-4 Ethernet ports, the system maximizes data transmission performance and supports enterprises in operating more efficiently amid the booming digital economy.
According to Mr. Dang Tung Son – Senior Vice President of CMC Corporation, Deputy General Director of CMC Telecom, and Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Internet Association (VIA):
“The cooperation with BBIX/SoftBank to deploy an international IX system helps optimize connection costs, reduce latency, and improve Internet access quality. This is a strategic move that enables CMC Telecom to accompany the growth of Vietnam’s digital economy and contribute to positioning the country as a regional Digital Hub.”
Mr. Hideyuki Sasaki – President & CEO of BBIX – also expressed his delight in collaborating with a comprehensive service provider that operates the most modern and secure data centers in Vietnam like CMC Telecom. “This partnership will be an important step in improving Internet quality in Vietnam and expanding regional connectivity,” he said.
International IX – A Strategic Move Aligned with Resolution 57
The partnership between CMC Telecom and BBIX not only establishes an international IX system and improves Internet experiences for users and businesses in Vietnam—it also represents a practical action in implementing Resolution 57 on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.
Building the international IX system contributes to strengthening digital sovereignty and reducing dependence on international telecommunications infrastructure. At the same time, it optimizes Internet connectivity, supports business efficiency in the digital environment, enhances Internet service quality, promotes online services, expands the digital ecosystem, and creates a foundation for the development of AI and advanced technology services.
