Why?

MerieX was created out of the love for the SovEx peering exchage and the way it is operated.

Some networks in Meridian Gate joined SovEx (and are still members) but realised that it was not possible for everyone to do this, and so taking the model of SovEx have created the same thing in a different building; Meridian Gate.

As MerieX is a free peering exchange, it opens up the possibility of joining to smaller networks that can not justify port charges on other exchanges and is open to any company or individual who meets the requirements.