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  "description": "Carrier-neutral IXP by Connected Nation and Newby Ventures at Wichita State University will boost internet connection times and speeds.  ",
  "path": "/excited-wichita-breaks-ground-on-new-internet-exchange-point/",
  "publishedAt": "2025-05-21T13:47:37.000Z",
  "site": "https://broadbandbreakfast.com",
  "tags": [
    "_groundbreaking event_",
    "_Internet Exchange Point_"
  ],
  "textContent": "May 21, 2025– The city of Wichita, Kansas, is receiving its first carrier-neutral Internet Exchange Point, with a _groundbreaking event_ last Thursday.\n\nAn _Internet Exchange Point_, or IXP, is a physical location where broadband companies are united under one roof to serve a certain area. This creates quicker links for shorter loading times. IXPs are integral to enhancing middle mile connectivity because they facilitate intermediate connections between the internet’s backbone and last-mile user connections.\n\nCarrier-neutral IXPs enable multiple broadband providers to connect in a single facility.\n\nKansas Office of Broadband Development Director **Bill Abston** said, “Quality broadband is the common thread that is central to bringing communities together.”\n\nVideo of the groundbreaking\n\nAbston said he helped link Connected Nation and Newby Ventures to receive the $5 million grant for the IXP. The grant comes from $28.5 million state broadband funders under the state's Lasting Infrastructure and Network Connectivity program.\n\nConnected Nation, a national non-profit, hosted the event to celebrate the IXP near Wichita State University. “The connection to reliable and affordable broadband, and the skills necessary to unleash its full potential, has been a driving force behind our organization,” said **Tom Ferree** , Chairman and CEO of Connected Nation, who opened the event.\n\n“This IXP allows us to move faster, more securely, and more affordably,” Wichita Mayor **Lily Wu** said. “It’s a strategic investment that positions Wichita as a tech-forward, future-ready hub.” The mayor explained how it will help her city’s advanced research for aviation, a known civic strength.\n\nThe collaboration between the city, Connected Nation, and the university will be a “first for many,” said Ferree. **Hunter Newby** , CEO of infrastructure investor Newby Ventures, said: “I have been buying buildings that have the networks in them.”\n\nNewby is a pioneer in the area of “meet me” connection points, or carrier-neutral spaces that enhance broadband connectivity. This IXP is a first for Newby, he said, in that there is not yet a building there.\n\n“This partnership reflects Wichita State’s commitment to innovation, economic development, and serving the needs of our state,” Dr. **Richard Muma** , the president of Wichita State University. The school is ready for a more reliable network that allows students to access faster internet.\n\nThe expansion, happening just across the street from the university’s Eck Stadium, is a “direct reflection of the kind of work we strive to do at Wichita State.” The school gave the project a 40-year ground lease, in addition to helping build the foundation to resist severe weather in the area.\n\nThe IXP is planned to be finished and operational by Spring 2026.",
  "title": "Excited Wichita Breaks Ground on New Internet Exchange Point",
  "updatedAt": "2026-03-11T03:29:04.230Z"
}