Kane County Considers Fiber Optics Deal With NIU
Kane County is considering a win-win agreement with Northern Illinois University that would allow the university to hook up to the county’s fiber-optic cable network.
At 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2015, the county’s Executive Committee will take a first look at a resolution that would authorize the county’s Information Technologies Department to enter into a fiber revenue sharing contract with NIU.
Kane County government has the authority and the ability to provide fiber connectivity to various institutions located within the county. According to an executive summary in the agenda packet, “it is in the best interest of Kane County government, its citizens, and institutions for the county to provide high-speed connection and data transport services to schools, libraries and other public-sector institutions.”
NIU requires fiber optic connectivity from Kane County government to provide a high-speed connections and data transport services for community anchor institutions.
Under the contract, NIU would provide the county with an annual royalty fee equal to 15 percent of any revenue received from “reselling” the data transport services and charging fees for use of such services by Community Anchor connected to the fiber optic cable.
Kane County’s fiber optics network connects county branch offices, public safety information systems, interoperable communications systems, health information systems, municipal, state and federal government offices, schools, colleges and universities. The goals are to improve services and preparedness while reducing costs. Future plans include expansion north and south on Kirk Road, additional connections to NIUnet and the state of Illinois, and partnerships with government, schools and organizations and public-private agencies.
RESOLUTION NO. XX
AUTHORIZING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES DEPARTMENT TO ENTER INTO A FIBER REVENUE SHARING CONTRACT WITH NIU
WHEREAS, the Kane County Information Technologies Department (ITD) is responsible for network infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, Kane County Government has the authority and the ability to provide fiber connectivity to various institutions located within Kane County; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of Kane County Government, its citizens, and institutions to provide high-speed connection and data transport services to schools, libraries, and other public sector institutions; and
WHEREAS, Northern Illinois University requires fiber optic connectivity from Kane County Government to provide high-speed connections and data transport services for Community Anchor Institutions; and
WHEREAS, Northern Illinois University has proposed a contract authorizing a yearly royalty fee equal to fifteen percent (15%) of any revenues received from “reselling” the Data Transport Services and charging fees for use of such services by Community Anchor Institutions connected to the fiber optic cable (the “Fiber Optic Royalty Fee”); and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Kane County Information Technologies Department be authorized to contract with the Board of Trustees Northern Illinois University for revenue sharing services.
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