The City of Kenosha's Common Council approved Monday a development agreement with a New Jersey telecommunications company to build a fiber optic cable networking for high-speed internet.
Under an agreement with Morristown, New Jersey-based SiFi Networks, the company will fully fund the development of the network, which is projected to be valued between $90 million and $100 million, according to an announcement from the city.
With the 30-year agreement with the city, SiFi will build three facilities to operate the network and will design the network to be used by multiple telecom providers, according to city documents. There is not yet an agreed design or configuration of the actual location of the fiber cable system either on, over, under, across, or along public ways in Kenosha. SiFi will submit those plans and specifications to the city for approval "when ready," documents show.
Mapping has already begun and construction could roll out over the winter and into spring of 2021, the city stated.
“Kenosha is committed to its growth and evolution,” said Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian in a statement. “This initiative will elevate our city to new heights and anchor our existing plans to develop Kenosha into an efficient smart city. Additionally, our standing as a FiberCity will ensure that high-speed internet service is available across the entire city, so that all Kenosha residents have affordable access to it.”
The city will invoice SiFi monthly and in advance for the fixed amount of $7,000 starting on the first business day of the month following the first permit application submitted by SiFi. According to city documents, the monthly amount will be "all inclusive of and will cover all of city's costs and expenses incurred in providing city services and fulfilling city’s obligations to SiFi under this Agreement." It will also cover traditional city fees, including plan check fees, encroachment permit fees, inspection fees and any other applicable fees.
The development deal also includes an exclusivity agreement that states the city won't solicit, accept offers from or enter into an agreement with any third party regarding any competing fiber optic cable system within the city limits.
“As Kenosha begins the process of reinventing itself again, this new technology will help the city use the fiber to drive smart city solutions that benefit both citizens and business, while allowing an additional economic development incentive through open access broadband competition,” said Common Council president David Bogdala.
