Further indication that the ad hoc way the Internet runs is being tightened up comes with a formal interconnect deal struck by UK Internet providers. The five suppliers involved – British Telecommunications Plc’s BT Internet Services, Demon Internet Ltd, EUnet, Ukerna and Pipex Ltd – have had an informal interconnect arrangement for some time, but this is now being replaced by the London Internet Neutral Exchange, Linx, which will be set up and paid for via an annual membership fee. The Linx hub will be based in London Docklands, at Maxat Ltd’s Telehouse telecommunications facility, and will be managed initially by the five suppliers. But the companies say that membership will be open to future Internet providers.
