FD-IX announces community ports to strengthen local traffic exchange and interconnection

Today, FD-IX announces the launch of the Community Ports initiative, a groundbreaking program designed to provide non-profits, K-12 school systems, and community broadband networks with enhanced access to internet infrastructure through dedicated interconnection and peering services at low to zero cost.

Community Ports aim to level the digital playing field by allowing eligible organizations to directly interconnect with content providers, cloud platforms, and other networks at local or regional Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) — all without the high costs and complexity that often hinder participation for smaller entities.

Key Benefits of Community Ports Include:

  • Zero cost: Community ports are minimal to no cost for non-profits, k-12 institutions, and community networks.
  • Improved Performance: Local interconnection minimizes latency, making services like video conferencing, digital learning tools, and cloud applications more responsive.
  • Digital Equity: Enables community networks and underserved school districts to access the same backbone-grade infrastructure as large commercial ISPs.
  • Scalable Access: Community Ports are designed to grow with participants’ needs, from small local projects to statewide education networks.

The initiative builds on a growing movement toward open-access infrastructure and digital inclusion. By simplifying access to IXPs and peering opportunities, Community Ports help ensure that local content, services, and users don’t have to traverse thousands of miles — or pay thousands of dollars — to connect.

These 1G ports are available at the following Data Center locations:

  • Amarillo TX – 203 SW 8th Ave (Petroleum Building)
  • Austin TX – 4100 Smith School Road (Texas1)
  • Bryan TX -110 North Main St. (FiberTown)
  • Cleveland – 1525 Rockwell Ave (H5)
  • Chicago IL – 717 Wells (Netrality)
  • Houston TX – 12031 North Fwy (FiberTown)
  • Houston TX – 1301 Fannin (Netrality)
  • Indianapolis IN – 401 North Shadeland (LifeLine)
  • Indianapolis IN – 733 West Henry St. (Netrality)
  • Indianapolis IN – 701 West Henry St. (Netrality)
  • St. Louis – 210 Tucker (Netrality)
  • St. Louis – 900 Walnut (Netrality)
  • San Antonio, TX – 100 Taylor St. (H5)

The program is now accepting applications from qualifying organizations. To learn more or apply for a Community Port, contact sales@fd-ix.com

FD-IX makes the process easy and pain-free.  Schedule a call today to see how we can help you. sales@fd-ix.com.