Providers from across South Asia have congregated in the capital of Bhutan

One laptop per child, classroom in Thimphu, Bhutan. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

THIMPHU, Jan 15, 2019, Daily Bhutan. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from across South Asia have congregated in the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu to share their knowledge and information on the latest technologies and other ICT products. The Honourable Minister for Information and Communications of Bhutan, Lyonpo Karma Donnen Wangdi, graced the SANOG 33 opening, reported the Daily Bhutan.

Aims of SANOG

From 9–16 January, over 120 participants from South Asian countries will exchange viewpoints on best practices in ICT at the South Asian Network Operators’ Group (SANOG) event in Thimphu.

The theme of SANOG 33, delivered by Geoff Huston is “Why is securing the Routing System so hard?” During this period, Participants will get to learn how to use various electronic software and internet protocols to enhance their ICT skills.

Bhutan Telecom (BT) is hosting the SANOG conference, with support from the Royal Government of Bhutan.

The SANOG is a bi-annual event hosted to enhance ICT development, in line with global technological advancements.

This marks the fourth time that Bhutan Telecom is hosting SANOG. It has previously hosted SANOG in 2005, 2010 and 2014.

Bhutan Telecom is the incumbent Telecom Service Provide in Bhutan. It provides fixed line telephone, mobile as well as internet services.

This non-commercial networking event is similar to established ones like the NANOG in North America, RIPE Meetings in Europe and APRICOT in Asia.

Background of SANOG

Formed in 2003 with its headquarters in Kathmandu, Nepal, SANOG was started to bring together operators for educational as well as co-operation in ICT.

SANOG provides a regional forum to discuss operational issues and technologies of interest for data operators in the South Asian Region.

The main objective is educational and at the same time it gives vendors a chance to talk to engineers about the latest technology and products. Participants gather to talk about their experiences and ideas that will benefit the entire community.

Implementing skills learnt during SANOG 33

The organiser of the event, Bhutan Telecom is hopeful that participants will implement all the newfound skills learnt at the event.

“We hope that the participants will go back to their respective offices and implement whatever skills they have gained at this congregation. We have the best of the best resource persons sharing the best practices in ICT,” said the General Manager of BT, Jichen Thinley.

SANOG also provides a platform for the participants to discuss operational issues and enhance cooperation among the local and international internet service providers.

“Technology is evolving at a fast pace and not all internet service providers in the region are on the same page when it comes to adopting technology. So this event gives us space to understand the latest technologies,” said one of the participants, Urpan.

His opinion was echoed by other participants.

“5G is the new technology that has been widely discussed at the session. We have gathered ideas on 5G network and its security,” adds another participant, Chimi Om.

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