Carinthia launches six million euro internet exchange

Carinthia has launched ALPSiX, a new internet exchange point that connects the Austrian state directly to global fibre-optic networks, ORF reports. The state government described the project as a digital milestone, saying the region’s business location should benefit from the six million euro investment.

Until now, fibre-optic connections from Carinthia were routed through Vienna before reaching European data centres in Frankfurt. In global competition, technology experts say even differences of milliseconds can be decisive.

Economic affairs councillor Sebastian Schuschnig of the Austrian People’s Party said Carinthia had previously lacked its own direct access to the main network routes. The new connection, he said, provided the state with its own entry to the digital highways.

Ivo Ivanov, the German operator of the internet exchange, said the investment could quickly pay off through a stronger business location. He added that building a large and healthy local digital ecosystem would take several years, but could deliver benefits for decades or longer.

Alexander Windbichler of Annexia, a technology company in Klagenfurt, will oversee and maintain the connection to Carinthia’s high-speed fibre-optic routes. He said the new infrastructure was necessary to attract further investment and businesses.

The location of the internet exchange will remain secret. It is considered critical infrastructure and must therefore receive special protection.