From launch to
statewide fabric.
A phased approach: launch in Little Rock, grow to multiple locations, and build the interconnection fabric that positions Arkansas as a legitimate peering destination.
Three-stage vision
Foundation
The first year is about proving the model. We launch in Little Rock with a 100G backbone, MANRS-compliant operations, and our first member networks. The focus is operational excellence — reliable infrastructure, transparent pricing, and demonstrating the value of local peering to Arkansas ISPs.
Little Rock is the natural starting point: the geographic and infrastructure nexus of the state, sitting at the convergence of major transport routes where I-40 corridor traffic currently passes through without economic benefit to Arkansas.
Growth & Diversity
With a proven foundation, Stage 2 focuses on growing the member base, attracting the first content and cloud providers, and — funding dependent — establishing a second exchange location. This is where NS-CIX transitions from a single exchange point to a regional interconnection fabric.
Transport partnerships with Arkansas-based providers keep dollars in-state while expanding geographic reach. The first NOG event builds community and puts Arkansas on the peering map.
Statewide Fabric
The long-term vision: multiple exchange locations across the state, broad membership across all sectors, 100G/400G adoption, and Arkansas recognized as a legitimate peering destination. Out-of-state networks connect to Arkansas because the content and eyeballs justify it — not the other way around.
Impact goals
Everything NS-CIX builds points toward four measurable outcomes for the state of Arkansas.
Dollars retained
Operational savings from local peering stay in-state. Every dollar not sent to Dallas or Atlanta is a dollar invested in Arkansas infrastructure.
Investment attracted
A functioning exchange makes Arkansas more attractive to content providers, cloud platforms, and technology companies evaluating the state.
Rural expansion
ISP cost reductions from direct peering fund broadband expansion into underserved communities. Lower costs upstream mean better service downstream.
Local control
Critical internet infrastructure owned and operated by Arkansans. Decisions made locally, serving Arkansas interests instead of distant corporate priorities.