1547 Announces McAllen Internet Exchange (MCT-IX) Alongside Ecosystem Growth and Data Center Expansions

Early port commitments, growing network activity, and 3 MW expansion signal strong demand for enhanced regional interconnection in McAllen.

MCALLEN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--fifteenfortyseven Critical Systems Realty (1547), a trusted owner, developer, and operator of highly-interconnected, custom-designed data centers in North America, today announced the deployment of the McAllen Internet Exchange (MCT-IX) inside the 1547-owned Chase Tower.

The Chase Tower has long served as a carrier hotel and the primary network aggregation point for cross-border connectivity between the United States and Mexico. By developing the exchange inside the building, MCT-IX is positioned as the most efficient location for traffic exchange in the region. Formally recognized by ARIN under ASN AS402079, MCT-IX is already welcoming its first participants, with multiple networks committing ports as part of the initial rollout.

Interest in MCT-IX is being driven by the continued growth of the ecosystem inside Chase Tower. Throughout 2025, the building has seen new carrier deployments, capacity expansions from long-standing network partners, and increased cross-connect activity. Ownership continues to invest in infrastructure to support this demand and maintain the building’s role as the region’s primary network interconnection hub. These investments include more than $6 million in upgrades to critical systems, including backup power, elevators, fire and life safety, and a comprehensive HVAC overhaul.

Additionally, 1547 has expanded its interconnection infrastructure within Chase Tower, including the development of a new meet-me room and dedicated carrier room designed to support growing cross-connect demand. The space is built to accommodate dozens of carrier cabinets, providing networks with streamlined access to each other, MCT-IX, and the broader ecosystem inside the building.

To further support ongoing growth and the future needs of both data center tenants and MCT-IX participants, 1547 is currently building 500 kilowatts (kW) of additional colocation capacity inside Chase Tower and a 3 megawatt (MW), 13,000-square-foot dedicated data center annex to the building. Completion of both expansions is targeted for Q4 2026.

“Announcing MCT-IX is an important milestone for both 1547 and the McAllen market,” said J. Todd Raymond, CEO and Managing Director of 1547. “With formal ARIN recognition and early port commitments already underway, it is clear there is strong demand for an Internet Exchange that builds on the long-established interconnection ecosystem inside Chase Tower. As owners of the carrier hotel, we are committed to supporting this next phase of growth.”

The introduction of MCT-IX represents a meaningful evolution in how networks will be able to exchange traffic within the region. Today, much of the area’s cross-border connectivity relies on upstream routes that leave McAllen before reaching their destination. MCT-IX will create a more localized option, giving networks greater control over routing efficiency and performance.

“Across Chase Tower, we are seeing measurable increases in interconnection activity, from new deployments to expanded capacity and growing interest in route diversity,” said John Bonczek, Chief Revenue Officer of 1547. “MCT-IX aligns perfectly with the needs of the ecosystem inside the building. As development continues, the exchange will complement our upcoming expansion and further strengthen McAllen as a critical cross-border connectivity hub.”

Key developments:

• Official announcement of the MCT-IX Internet Exchange
• MCT-IX recognized by ARIN under ASN AS402079
• Early port commitments from participating networks
• New deployments and carrier expansions throughout 2025
• Rising cross-connect demand
• Over $6 million in upgrades including backup power, elevators, fire and life safety, and HVAC
• New meet-me room with dedicated carrier room
• Expanding capacity with 500 kW of new colocation space in Chase Tower and a 3 MW, 13,000 sq. ft. dedicated data center annex, targeted for completion in Q4 2026

1547 will continue sharing key milestones as MCT-IX scales participation and moves through its launch phases.

For more information about 1547 Critical Systems Realty and MCT-IX, please visit https://1547realty.com/.

About fifteenfortyseven Critical Systems Realty

fifteenfortyseven Critical Systems Realty (“1547”) is a leading developer, operator, and owner of highly-interconnected, custom-designed data centers with over 1.25 million square feet of data center space under management throughout North America. 1547 selects sites, designs facilities, and manages developments to optimize returns for all stakeholders across new and interconnected properties. With interconnection in the company’s DNA, 1547’s connectivity-focused portfolio of data centers includes carrier hotels and core connectivity hubs designed to deliver customized mission-critical solutions from concept to connection. To learn more about 1547 Critical Systems Realty, please visit: https://1547realty.com or follow us on LinkedIn.