Changes to Newnet IRC Network Infrastructure

February 2, 2025

As of February 2025, Newnet IRC Network will be making changes to its server infrastructure in response to recent economic and political developments. Specifically, we will be discontinuing our two U.S.-based servers: one located in Vint Hill, Virginia, and another in Oregon.

Why the Change?

The decision to decommission these servers was not made lightly. The recent imposition of a 25% tariff by the United States government on Canadian imports—and the broader implications of these policies—has led us to reconsider how and where we invest our resources. As a Canadian, I can no longer, in good conscience, continue to financially support U.S.-based services while such aggressive trade measures are in place.

While Newnet IRC Network remains dedicated to providing a stable and reliable platform for our users, we believe in making principled decisions about where we allocate our funds. Until further notice, we will be focusing our infrastructure efforts on data centers located in Canada and other international locations that align with our values.

What This Means for Users

The removal of the Vint Hill and Oregon servers may result in some routing adjustments for users who connected primarily through those locations. However, we are actively working to ensure a smooth transition, and alternative servers are available to keep the network running efficiently. Users should see minimal disruption in service, but we encourage everyone to check our updated server list for the best connection options.

We appreciate the continued support from our community as we navigate these changes. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out via our IRC channels or visit our website for updates.

Server address: irc.newnet.net

Ports: SSL: +6697 | Non-SSL: 6667