News Summary
Milwaukee is set to improve its internet infrastructure as Data Holdings partners with the Milwaukee Internet Exchange (MKEIX) for hosting services. This collaboration will provide a new internet exchange point, enhancing connectivity, reducing latency, and decreasing reliance on out-of-state transit. The initiative aims to bolster local businesses and the community by offering faster and more reliable internet access. As part of a broader trend, this partnership supports digital equity and positions Milwaukee as a forward-thinking city in the digital age.
Milwaukee is set to experience enhanced internet infrastructure as Data Holdings, a tribal enterprise of the Forest County Potawatomi Community, has teamed up with the Milwaukee Internet Exchange (MKEIX) to introduce internet exchange hosting services. This collaboration will allow MKEIX to host an internet exchange point at Data Holdings’ data center campus, which is a significant step towards improved connectivity for the region.
The new partnership will provide MKEIX with complimentary space, power, and network access at the Data Holdings facility. This arrangement is expected to reduce latency and decrease the reliance on out-of-state transit hubs for internet traffic. The infrastructure planned for Milwaukee has been likened to a “freeway exchange,” which facilitates smooth traffic flow from various networks, ultimately benefiting local internet users.
Internet exchange points, like the one being set up in Milwaukee, enable direct interconnections between different networks. This is particularly important as it can lead to lower latency and reduced bandwidth costs for users across the region. According to the Internet Society, peering through Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) can result in latency reductions of up to 50% and transit cost decreases of 70% or more, highlighting the significance of this new infrastructure.
Ryan Brooks, the chief technology officer and general manager at Data Holdings, noted that this initiative strengthens the region’s overall internet framework. Before this partnership, the MKEIX was located in a deteriorating telecommunications building in central Milwaukee, which affected its reliability. Data Holdings has established a track record for uninterrupted uptime stretching over a decade, reinforcing its suitability as a partner for this venture.
By hosting MKEIX within its facility, Data Holdings stands to create additional business opportunities, as more businesses and users recognize the advantages of enhanced connectivity. Andrew Hoyos, managing partner of MKEIX, stated that the collaboration will not only expand MKEIX’s user base but also improve both connectivity and reliability in the Milwaukee area. Such advancements are essential for the local economy and the broader community, ensuring that residents benefit from faster and more dependable internet access.
This partnership reflects a growing trend among tribal enterprises to invest in digital equity and infrastructure resilience. Similar initiatives have been observed with other tribal entities, such as Mohawk Networks and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, further contributing to the expansion of digital infrastructure across the nation.
As Digital Equity continues to gain importance, Brooks emphasized that the initiative is crucial for building an inclusive internet ecosystem within the region. Enhanced internet infrastructure not only supports local businesses and residents but also contributes to a more interconnected community, positioning Milwaukee as a forward-thinking city in the digital age.
Overall, the strategic collaboration between Data Holdings and MKEIX represents a significant advancement in Milwaukee’s internet infrastructure. This development is poised to provide tangible benefits for local users, improve reliability, and foster new business opportunities, marking an important milestone in the region’s digital transformation journey.
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Additional Resources
- Tribal Business News: Data Center Partnership
- Wikipedia: Internet Exchange
- Tribal Business News: Umatilla Tribes Wildlife Area
- Google Search: Digital Equity
- Tribal Business News: Rappahannock Tribe Land Acquisition

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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.