Considering the significant changes in the realm of Information Technology and Communications, countries are reconfiguring their governance models to align with the demands of the digital age. One crucial aspect in this regard is the control of data flow and information, making data transit and its placement in the path of data transfer of utmost importance. Data transit involves the collection, storage, and transfer of data at local, national, and international levels.
Iran, due to its position in transit corridors, has the opportunity to serve as a regional hub for data transmission. Data transfer between the Western and Eastern worlds through Iran holds special advantages for neighboring countries, the most significant being a 20 to 30 millisecond reduction in ping time due to shorter distances to data centers in Europe. Additionally, the capability for faster repair and recovery of fiber route damages compared to maritime routes such as the Oman Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Suez Canal is another advantage of data transit through Iran.
Among the country’s prospective opportunities in this field, some include:
Economic growth and development, especially in digital economies. Becoming a hub for regional data transit and providing services in this field in the shortest possible time. Enhancing the state of e-governance and smart governance in the country Increasing efficiency, reducing ping time, and data transfer costs.
Despite the commendable efforts made in infrastructure development in recent years, there still exists a considerable gap between the current situation and the desired state of the country. More attention has been given to mobile internet, resulting in neglect of fiber optic and fixed internet infrastructure development. Consequently, despite primary infrastructures and global internet highways being in proximity to the country (from the Persian Gulf in the south to Tbilisi, Georgia, in the north), Iran’s contribution to connecting to these vital infrastructures is very minimal. Aside from the importance of connecting to global internet highways, there’s a need for increased focus on establishing data centers within the country to offer services to neighboring and international countries.
Among the forthcoming challenges for the country in this domain, some include:
A limited number of data centers are in the country. Very low international bandwidth in the country. Limited development of fiber optic infrastructure. Lack of active presence on global platforms. Implementation of filtering policies Existence of unilateral and international sanctions.
Some suggested solutions to propel the country’s development and transform it into a regional data transit hub include:
Signing agreements with neighboring countries and collaborating with the International Telecommunication Union to develop the necessary internet infrastructure in line with international standards. Connecting to the internet network, highways and major international streams Expanding and developing fiber optic infrastructures. Increasing the number of data centers