State of Kansas awards $5 million grant to Connected Nation to build the state's first Internet Exchange Point at Wichita State University
WICHITA, Kan., Nov. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced today that her administration has awarded a $5 million grant to construct the state's first carrier-neutral Internet Exchange Point (IXP)1 adjacent to Wichita State University's Innovation Campus. Connected Nation Internet Exchange Points (CNIXP), LLC — a joint venture between Kentucky-based nonprofit Connected Nation and carrier hotel pioneer Hunter Newby — will build, own and operate the facility at the northwest corner of East 21st Street North and Fountain Avenue, directly across from WSU's Eck Stadium.
- Laura Kelly announced today that her administration has awarded a $5 million grant to construct the state's first carrier-neutral Internet Exchange Point (IXP)1 adjacent to Wichita State University's Innovation Campus.
- The IXP has great potential to attract more companies and bring economic growth to the local region and state.
- WSU will provide a 40-year ground lease for the facility as an in-kind matching contribution to the grant, subject to final approval by the Kansas Board of Regents.
- DE-CIX, the world's premier Internet Exchange ecosystem, will serve as the IX platform operator within the facility.