Asia Netcom and the Singapore Advanced Research and Education Network (SingAREN) announced that they have jointly established the SingAREN Gigabit Internet Exchange (GIX) in Singapore. The SingAREN GIX acts as a single point of access for local institutes of higher learning (IHLs), such as the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Management University, and research institutes, to interconnect with the International research and education community. These include Internet2, Japan Gigabit Network2 and GEANT networks. The GIX is also the single point of access for SingAREN's partners to link into the Singapore research and education communities. "Singapore is geographically crucial for advanced research networks spanning the East and West. Having a gigabit exchange will fuel quicker access to cutting-edge technologies and learning in research, and enhance the quality of work that is being done," said Bill Barney, Asia Netcom's president and chief executive officer. "ANC is well-positioned, as a provider of international connectivity and collocation, to serve that need." "We are pleased to announce this partnership with Asia Netcom," said Francis Lee, president of SingAREN. "As a service provider, they have done extremely well for us, and we are pleased that they have given their unequivocal support for our expansion into the Gigabits." A research and education network requires a low latency network that boasts speeds of over 100 Mbps. This facilitates the use of advanced applications, such as high-definition tele-surgery and distance learning, between institutions and research communities to boost learning. The SingAREN GIX service was officially announced at the 22nd Asia Pacific Advanced Network (APAN) meeting in July 2006 in Singapore. During the meet, attendees from Singapore, Japan and Korea witnessed a "live" tele-surgery conducted over the network from Taiwan. SingAREN consists of an international link to the United States and a link to Taiwan. In the United States, SingAREN is connected to the Internet2 via the Abilene network. This provides access to other international research and education networks peering at Abilene. Within Singapore, SingAREN connects to the universities, polytechnics and research institutes. Asia Netcom is SingAREN's preferred provider based on its flexible communications options, prior experience in the academic/research environment and industry-leading network, which the company built, owns and manages.