The first industry consortium formed to launch “goIPv6” service
Hong Kong’s first free IPv6 service facilitates Internet’s development

 Hong Kong’s first free IPv6 service facilitates Internet’s development

Hong Kong, 5 April 2013 –– A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been jointly signed by Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC), Internet Society Hong Kong (ISOC HK), New Sky Internet Ltd, NTT Communications and TraxComm to form the goIPv6 Consortium. With the strong support from Cyberport and Juniper, the Consortium plans to launch “goIPv6” service in July to provide free IPv6 tunnelling service. The service aims to encourage the industry and network users to migrate to IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) as IPv4 addresses are running out, and be well prepared for Internet development and opportunities in the future.

With the shortage of IPv4 addresses and the rapid growth of emerging Internet markets, enterprises are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. IPv6 provides so many more addresses that they can be disposed rather than reassigned when a device is no longer in use. As a result, this can enhance quality of network service, improve network performance and support mobility. IPv6 can also stimulate innovations in enterprise solutions such as e-health network solutions, high-speed video conferencing, quality voice-over-IP (VoIP) and a wide array of online entertainment. All these bring convenience to people’s daily lives and help foster economic growth and development of Hong Kong in the long term.

To support the coexistence of IPv4 and IPv6, there are specific requirements for the infrastructure in terms of equipment, operating system, applications, software and security policy. The migration to IPv6 will also lead to additional costs and, to a certain extent, affect daily operations. With its expertise and knowledge, the Consortium will proactively promote IPv6 tunnelling service as a way to provide interconnectivity of IPv4 and IPv6 networks. This will streamline the process of IPv6 migration for enterprises and Internet Service Providers.

The “goIPv6” platform allows users to easily set up their “IPv6 tunnels” by providing basic information such as IPv4 address and contact details. The “goIPv6” program will be launched in phases. At the moment, the Consortium will invite different target groups to run pilot tests of the “goIPv6” service to enhance the platform, while deepening the understanding of IPv6 by the local Internet community.

Members of the Consortium and sponsoring organisations play an important role in the “goIPv6” project. HKIRC is responsible for the project planning, development and operation of “goIPv6” platform and customer support. NTT Communications provides dual stack IPv4/IPv6 international Internet Connectivity. TraxComm provides hosting facility and local connectivity. New Sky Internet Ltd provides technical support, ISOC HK collaborates on community promotion, and Cyberport encourages and facilitates industry participation. Juniper Networks offers the core equipment to support the service.

For more information on the “goIPv6” service, please visit https://www.hkirc.hk/goipv6/index.html

Quotes:

Jonathan Shea, CEO of HKIRC
“The adoption of IPv6 has been slow in Hong Kong, even though there are no more new IPv4 addresses allocated at the regional level. HKIRC realises the importance of IPv6 deployment in ensuring the sustainability of the local Internet, and is honoured to have the opportunity of working together with renowned and experienced organisations and companies to form the ‘goIPv6’ Consortium. The project aims to enable Internet Service Providers, enterprises and Internet users to gain first-hand experience of IPv6 and become more comfortable with the migration to IPv6. At the same time, we expect ‘goIPv6’ to help promote the benefits of IPv6 and the new business opportunities that may arise for the local Internet industry, and support the sustainable growth and long-term development of the Hong Kong Internet community.”

SC Leung, Chairman of ISOC HK
“ISOC HK has been working closely with the Government and various industry stakeholders in promoting IPv6 deployment and has leading the society to the next generation of the Internet. We have established a solid foundation for community-wide adoption of IPv6 in order to keep the Internet growing. ISOC HK is pleased to be part of the ‘goIPv6’ alliance initiative to provide a one-year free IPv6 tunneling service. We hope with the joint effort, the promotion of IPv6 deployment will be continued.”

Dellon Mak, Business Manager of New Sky Internet Ltd
“As an alliance of the ‘goIPv6’ project, New Sky will not only exert expertise on network security and wireless solution, but also apply its rich experience of cooperating with Hong Kong SMEs. In this way, New Sky hopes that business entities will deepen the knowledge of IPv6. Particularly, it helps SMEs to keep pace with the most updated technology, not falling behind with large enterprise.”

Patrick Ng, Executive Vice President, Global Network Business Division, NTT Com Asia Ltd
“As a leading IPv6 pioneer operating one of the largest Tier-1 IPv6 backbones in the world, NTT Communications is delighted to join the ‘goIPv6’ Consortium to promote IPv6 transition in Hong Kong and provide stable and reliable dual stack IPv4/IPv6 international Internet connectivity for trial. It is clear that the world is running out of IPv4 addresses. Without any further delay, enterprises, especially those dedicated to online business, really need to start planning for their IPv6 transition to ensure their business continues to operate smoothly in the future.”

Kenneth Lau, Chief Officer, TraxComm Ltd
“The transition from IPv4 to IPv6 should be the road ahead to future Internet. The collaborations and commitments from industrial players are inevitable for a smooth transition. TraxComm is glad to participate in ‘goIPv6’ and join with the consortium members in promoting the IPv4/v6 transition.”

goIPv6 Consortium

Representatives of Consortium Partners attended MoU Signing Ceremony. (From the left): Ms Ping Wong, General Secretary, ISOCHK; Mr Dellon Mak, Business Manager of New Sky Internet Ltd; Mr Jonathan Shea, CEO, HKIRC; Mr Patrick Ng, Executive Vice President, Global Network Business Division, NTT Com Asia Limited; and Kenneth Lau, Chief Officer, TraxComm Limited.

About HKIRC
Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC) is a non-profit-distributing, non-statutory company limited by guarantee designated by the Government of the HKSAR to undertake the administration of Internet domain names under the .hk and .香港 country code top level domain. HKIRC provides registration services for English domain names ending with .com.hk, .org.hk, .net.hk, .edu.hk, .gov.hk, .idv.hk, .hk and Chinese domain names ending with .公司.香港, .組織.香港, .網絡.香港, .教育.香港, .政府.香港, .個人.香港, .香港, and other domains to be introduced from time to time in Hong Kong.

Media Contacts:

HKIRC
Dorothy Chow
Tel : + 852 2319 3883
Fax : + 852 2319 2626
Email : marketing@hkirc.hk

LEWIS PR
Annie Ho / Belle Pei
Tel : + 852 3944 5016 / 3944 5013
Fax : + 852 3944 5001
Email : annie.ho@lewispr.com / belle.pei@lewispr.com