#USA #AI #Wichita #Broadband #Connected Nation

AI Interconnection Summit: Shaping America's Broadband Future

In a groundbreaking event, the Connected Nation Internet Exchange Points (CNIXP) collaborated with Wichita State University (WSU) to host the inaugural AI Interconnection Summit, aptly named "Network Infrastructure for AI Leadership in Kansas and Beyond," on September 22, 2025. This pioneering summit shed light on the crucial role of interconnection infrastructure in reducing broadband network latency, cutting costs, and fostering smarter connectivity across sectors critical to the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI).

During the event, Romaine Redman, Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer for the Kansas Department of Commerce, posed a compelling question to attendees: “How can we harness the power of AI to deliver the type of prosperity that we want to see in our state and as a nation?” Redman emphasized Kansas' historical commitment to connectivity, referencing the state’s achievements with railroads, highways, and electrical grids to stress that modern broadband interconnection represents the future of growth and innovation.

Set against the backdrop of WSU's Innovation campus, this one-day summit convened national and international experts in internet infrastructure to discuss the role that Kansas—and by extension, the United States—can play in the emerging AI-driven economy.

Tom Ferree, Chairman and CEO of Connected Nation, encapsulated the summit's mission, stating, “This summit was about connecting the dots between AI innovation and the networks that make it possible.” He detailed how the newly established internet exchange point (IXP) at Wichita State University will provide the low-latency, high-capacity connectivity essential for driving local innovation and enhancing economic competitiveness.

Wichita Mayor Lily Wu highlighted the transformative impact of the new IXP, stating, “This new IXP is a game changer. It gives Wichita something most cities our size don't have—a powerful, neutral, digital interconnection hub. This translates to faster, more reliable internet, reduced latency, and an economical means to process significant data volumes, which is precisely what AI development requires.”

The summit also allowed attendees to engage with actionable insights on leveraging the upcoming Wichita internet exchange point, set for completion in spring 2026, to bolster digital opportunities and drive regional innovation.

The discussions highlighted the necessity of IXP infrastructure in reshaping the connectivity landscape not only in Kansas but also in similar communities across the nation seeking to remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven future.

Videos from the summit, including individual speaker presentations, can be accessed online at bit.ly/CNIXPWichitaSummit. This initiative aligns with the National AI Action Plan and underscores the importance of investment in broadband interconnection for future leadership in AI.

About Connected Nation

Connected Nation is a nonprofit organization founded in 2001, dedicated to improving lives through innovative solutions that expand access to high-speed internet and related technologies. Their mission is to ensure all individuals, regardless of location, can participate in a connected society. For more information, visit connectednation.org.

About Wichita State University

Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, hosting over 23,000 students. Known for its student-centered approach and innovative programs, WSU and its Innovation Campus are at the forefront of applied learning and research, fostering opportunities in various STEM fields. Follow WSU on social media for updates on their initiatives and partnerships.

As communities across America strive to thrive in the digital age, events like the AI Interconnection Summit are essential for understanding how to effectively harness cutting-edge technology for economic development and public benefit.