Phase II of CNI’s fiber network installation has begun, helping schools, governments, nonprofits, and public safety facilities stay online, all the time.
CNI crews have started installation of Phase II of our fiber network, which will complete the GATEway Public Fiber Network. The nearly $3 million project will facilitate connectivity among local government buildings, schools, nonprofits, and public safety facilities.
The Miami Valley Communications Council (MVCC), recognizing the importance of providing its businesses and residents enhanced access to technology, completed Phase I of the 44-mile public fiber optic network in early 2020. MVCC represents the cities of Centerville, Kettering, Germantown, Miamisburg, Moraine, Oakwood, Springboro, and West Carrollton.
Benefits of the fiber ring
The fiber ring drives economic development, enabling communities to share resources and save money. It is the foundation to facilitate the long-term strategic goals and Smart City initiatives for MVCC cities.
“In the years since COVID, technology has impacted nearly every aspect of our lives. Now, working from home is often the norm rather than the exception. Having access to high-speed, reliable, competitively-priced internet service is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity,” said MVCC Executive Director Jay Weiskircher.
Seven MVCC member cities funded the project’s $1.14 million Phase I. This involved using existing underground, municipally-owned fiber and installing more than 17 miles of new fiber and conduit.
MVCC and CNI recently entered into an agreement where CNI will fully fund the $1.8 million Phase II portion of the project. Phase II involves replacing existing limited-capacity fiber with the same robust new fiber and conduit installed during Phase I. CNI currently owns some of the 10 miles of fiber connecting Springboro and Miamisburg.
Saving taxpayer dollars
“CNI is excited to help complete the GATEway Fiber Network,” said Robert Shema. “We are honored to be a part of one of the first-of-its-kind public-private partnerships that will deliver state-of-the-art technology. This partnership will also provide a revenue share to the municipalities and up to 100 gig internet service to local businesses in participating communities.”
The partnership with CNI has saved member cities hundreds of thousands of dollars on the original project estimate. MVCC is also currently marketing the fiber infrastructure to internet service providers and telecommunication companies interested in serving residents with competitive technology services.
“The unique public-private partnership with CNI made it possible for member communities to complete this project without any additional investment of taxpayer dollars. At the end of the project, MVCC and CNI will equally split the available fiber and conduit assets, which can then be sold or leased to interested technology providers,” MVCC Board Chair and West Carrollton City Council Member Leanne Nash said.
Construction on Phase II of the GATEway Public Fiber Network will be completed by late summer.
About CNI:
Unreliable telecom services cost your business time, money, and productivity. At CNI, we provide essential services combined with a comprehensive support system that elevates the customer experience so your company remains online, all the time.
