ALPSiX: Neutral Internet Exchange Powered By DE-CIX Launches in Southern Austria to Connect the Alps-Adriatic Region

New interconnection hub strengthens digital infrastructure in Austrian State of Carinthia, with innovative edge-container approach and direct connectivity to the global DE-CIX ecosystem

With ALPSiX powered by DE-CIX, southern Austria is gaining a neutral Internet Exchange (IX), and the Austrian state of Carinthia is developing into an interconnection hub for the Alps-Adriatic region. The new IX is being established by BIK Breitbandinitiative Kärnten GmbH, owned by the Carinthian state, together with DE-CIX, the world's leading operator of interconnection platforms. At the Klagenfurt and Villach sites, network operators will be able to exchange data traffic locally at ALPSiX from the end of 2026, allowing data to remain in the region instead of being routed via Vienna or other hubs. The Carinthian state government is investing around EUR 5.7 million to realize this project.

The regional interconnection platform enables more secure and faster dataflows, while at the same time providing connectivity to key international interconnection hubs such as Munich, Vienna, and other Internet Exchanges. This creates additional redundancy, shorter data paths, and greater resilience. DE-CIX is responsible for the technical operation of ALPSiX and will integrate the region into its carrier- and data center-neutral interconnection ecosystem, which includes more than 60 locations worldwide.

Secure, Fast, Sovereign: Local Connectivity Closes an Infrastructure Gap

Companies, public authorities, and research institutions will benefit from shorter data paths, lower latency, and greater reliability. At the same time, ALPSiX strengthens a location that is already among the leading innovation centers for microelectronics, AI, ICT, green tech, and manufacturing. Unlike traditional Internet Exchanges, the new platform is not housed in data centers but operated in compact and highly efficient edge containers – an innovative approach that brings digital infrastructure closer to users and applications. Around 300,000 people and more than 15,000 companies in Klagenfurt and Villach benefit from a regional digital infrastructure that promotes sovereignty, innovation, investment, and economic growth. Orders are now being taken to connect Austrian and international networks to ALPSiX powered by DE-CIX.

Direct Connection to Europe's Digital Data Highways

ALPSiX powered by DE-CIX leverages Carinthia's geographical location – where major European data traffic routes converge – and directly connects the region with Central Europe, northern Italy, and southeastern Europe. Connectivity to Bavaria in Germany creates strategic redundancy to Vienna, while networks from the Balkans will be able to exchange data directly in southern Austria for the first time. This positions Klagenfurt and Villach as the most important digital hub in the southern Alpine region.

Quotes:

Ivo Ivanov, CEO DE-CIX:

“Artificial intelligence and new digital applications are fundamentally changing the requirements placed on our networks. The success of AI applications is determined not only by computing power, but also by the speed at which data flows between users, businesses, and data centers. That is why Internet Exchanges will increasingly be established closer to people and businesses. ALPSiX makes exactly this possible: local data stays local and avoids a detour of more than 600 km via Vienna. In doing so, we are creating ideal conditions for greater digital sovereignty, innovation, and sustainable economic growth in the region.”

Sebastian Schuschnig, Member of the State Government of Carinthia:

“With ALPSiX, we are creating Carinthia's gateway to the international data highways and setting another milestone for the development of our business and industrial location. The launch of our own Internet Exchange strengthens Carinthia's digital sovereignty, enhances the competitiveness of our companies, and makes Carinthia an even more attractive location for technology- and data-intensive businesses. Following the commissioning of the Koralm Railway, ALPSiX is now the next project with international impact that will sustainably strengthen Carinthia's position in the Alps-Adriatic region. The launch of ALPSiX sends a strong signal that we consistently invest in the infrastructure that enables growth, innovation, and high-quality jobs for the future.”

Peter Schark, Managing Director BIK Breitbandinitiative Kärnten GmbH:

“With ALPSiX, BIK combines the expansion of fiber infrastructure across the region with the international world of data. As a neutral and independent Internet Exchange, ALPSiX enables network operators, companies, and institutions to exchange data quickly, securely, and efficiently, rooted in the region and connected globally. In doing so, BIK is making a significant contribution to digital sovereignty and the sustainable development of Carinthia.”

Alexander Windbichler, CEO Anexia Group, technology partner of ALPSiX:

"With ALPSiX, a technology ecosystem is emerging in which digital business models can grow. A key point here: digital sovereignty. The internet exchange creates valuable redundancy and positions the region as a modern, resilient economic hub. As a technology company specialising in cloud technology and digital engineering, the Anexia Group – rooted in Carinthia, operating across Europe and beyond – handles the operational management of the infrastructure on site. It's a contribution that shows how much expertise the region already has. Carinthia brings a rare combination to the table: fibre-optic connections to international data routes, a strong mix of renewable energy, and access to a large pool of qualified professionals due to its location in the Alps-Adriatic region. Overall, the region is well positioned – now we need to consistently leverage this potential."

Jürgen Mandl, President of the Carinthian Economic Chamber: 

“ALPSiX is both a technological and economic boost for AREA Süd. High-speed data connectivity supports data centers, new business models, and the establishment of businesses in the region. At the same time, the Internet hub strengthens modern working environments, helps address the skilled labor shortage, and drives the digitalization of the province and its administration.”