Made possible in part by a state grant, Wichita might soon get its own internet exchange point, or IXP, allowing networks to exchange data traffic.
The hub, which will be the first IXP in Kansas, is expected to be built at Wichita State University to improve internet performance, including reliability, speed and affordability, for the campus and surrounding community.
If the Kansas Board of Regents approves the location, the IXP will be built on WSU property on a vacant lot at the northwest corner of East 21st Street North and Fountain Avenue, directly across from Eck Stadium, according to a news release from WSU.
Gov. Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that $28.5 million in grants were awarded to 12 organizations throughout the state for internet connectivity, including a $5-million grant to fund the construction of the IXP at WSU.
Connected Nation Internet Exchange Points, a joint venture between the Kentucky-based nonprofit Connected Nation and Hunter Newby, will own the venue.
Connected Nation plans to provide space and services for WSU to establish a free network in the facility for 40 years, the university said.
"A connected community is a stronger community," said WSU President Rick Muma in a release. "A carrier-neutral IXP located in the heart of Kansas at Wichita State will build bridges of connectivity and access to meet the ever-evolving demands of education and commerce to all Kansans.”
IXP hub contributes to economic development in Wichita and the state
Along with servicing WSU, the IXP is designed to improve connectivity in the region.
“It will also support economic development by improving the entire regional broadband landscape — preparing Wichita, and Kansas more broadly, for the future evolution of the Internet and all that it will enable,” Tom Ferree, chairman and CEO of Connected Nation, said in a release. “The facility will also put Kansas ‘on the map’ for new long-haul fiber optic cable builds and will directly support the state’s new open-access fiber optic conduit system that is being built under a separate $42.5 million federal grant that was awarded to the Kansas Department of Commerce back in June.”
WSU says the new digital infrastructure — increased abilities, low latency and high bandwidth at reasonable cost — could attract more companies to Wichita, and also help nearby schools and nonprofits.
Gov. Kelly gives $28.5 million in grants to increase broadband connectivity in Kansas
The $28.5 million in grant funding stems from the state's Lasting Infrastructure and Network Connectivity program, which supports middle-mile infrastructure to lower the cost and connectivity issues in internet service throughout the state.
Three other Wichita-area locations will also receive grant money from the program, including IdeaTek in Buhler ($3.8 million), Kanokla Networks in Caldwell ($1.8 million), and Haviland Broadband in Haviland ($2.5 million).
With matching funds from service providers, the total broadband investment in LINC is expected to surpass $33.9 million, according to a news release from the governor's office.
“LINC is another step forward in our promise to connect all Kansans, including in rural areas, to high-speed internet,” Kelly said in the release. “We are empowering communities with high-speed broadband infrastructure, unlocking greater economic growth, increased access to telemedicine, and expanded educational opportunities."
