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IXLeeds aims to bring faster broadband to Yorkshire
The IXLeeds internet exchange point will be officially launched on February 16th.
Known as IXLeeds, the IXP will be officially unveiled next Thursday (February 16th 2012) in a bid to make Yorkshire less dependent on London's internet infrastructure - an issue that will be particularly important during the Olympics, which is expected to place a significant strain on the capital's resources.
Members are set to enjoy reduced backhaul costs toward London and increased network resilience, while it is also thought the initiative will support the rollout of super-fast broadband and urban internet services.
Regional internet exchanges such as this play a key role in handling data on a more local level, which is becoming increasingly crucial given the rising download rates offered by mobile services. ISPs also need to exchange traffic with streaming media and social networks if internet services are to become more competitive and offer faster speeds.
The development of IXLeeds, the first exchange of its kind in Yorkshire, began after a working group was established in 2008 to encourage greater collaboration between network operators in the region.
To launch the IXP, a special event will be held at The Carriage Works in Leeds, featuring guest speakers such as Robert Ling of Broadband Delivery UK and Dr Adam Beaumont of Leeds-based telecoms firm aql.
Communications Minister Ed Vaizey commented: "We must ensure the UK has the digital infrastructure necessary to drive sustainable growth.
"Projects like IXLeeds will provide cities and regions with better internet services, which they can use to develop new products, reach new markets and create new jobs."
Although it is being officially launched next week, the IXP actually entered service in September 2010, when the first members were connected to the internet exchange.