New Delhi: The first internet exchange point (IXP) aimed at faster development of internet services in the country is ready to be operationalised at Noida (Uttar Pradesh), Lok Sabha was informed on July 30.

"It has been decided to set up IXPs at Noida, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata in collaboration with internet service providers association of India", Minister of State for Communications and IT S U Thirunavukkarasar said in a written reply to a question.

This will result in saving cost of international bandwidth, improving the quality of service and in faster access, leading to higher usage of internet and greater penetration levels, he said.

He said Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) task force on Internet had recommended setting up of ixps.

Replying to another query, the Minister said it has been decided to constitute a task force to draft the national electronics/IT hardware manufacturing policy. However, no date has been fixed in this regard.

PTI