Viettel helps connect Cambodia

HA NOI — Local telecom giant Viettel said it has provided a data transmission line connecting the Trans-Eurasia Information Network (TEIN3), the pan Asian Research and Education Network and the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC).

The network, to which Cambodia is the latest connection, brought the number of Asian countries benefiting from the high speed network to 17, the telecom provider said.

The new link initially connects the ITC in Phnom Penh as well as potentially connecting Cambodia's 35,000 researchers with scientists around the world.

The move would improve the quality and quantity of research conducted in Cambodia's higher education institutes and research centres, Viettel said.

The development of Cambodia's national research and education network (CamREN) would be boosted by its link to TEIN3, as it works to strengthen national and international research collaboration.

To achieve the l connection, CamREN worked closely with VinaREN, the national research and education network organisation of neighbouring Viet Nam, VinaREN helping arrange a dedicated link from its network in Ha Noi to ITC and providing access to its existing TEIN3 connection.

"When the TEIN2 programme began in 2004, VinaREN was similarly starting from scratch and appreciated the support," said Ta Ba Hung, director general of VinaREN

"VinaREN has quickly established research connectivity across Viet Nam and we are very pleased to help Cambodia start out along this road."

The successful connection to TEIN3 was driven by the Network Startup Resource Centre (NSRC) based at the University of Oregon, which worked with CamREN technicians to provide the equipment and technical assistance at the ITC campus to complete the connection. — VNS