EAST CHICAGO — The city has completed construction of a 17-mile, high-speed fiber optic broadband network that will benefit the city and residents.
"We're the first ones in Northwest Indiana to complete this," said Steve Segura, director of the city's multimedia department.
The 72-strand single-mode fiber optic loop that includes the business areas of Chicago Avenue, Indianapolis Boulevard and Columbus Drive was completed in July at a cost of $1.7 million, and an agreement has been reached with Northwestern Indiana Telephone Co., or NITCO, to manage the network.
"The city's benefit is communication," Segura said. "We can network our entire city."
He said the city will save money by being its own service provider as opposed to having to purchase separate data lines from companies.
Segura said the city now can network its nearly 700 high-resolution cameras that provide security and assist the Police Department.
Kevin Klocek, East Chicago's director of information technology, said the city relied on copper connections prior to the the high-speed fiber network.
He said Chesterton and Valparaiso are nearby municipalities that are in the process of completing municipal-owned fiber networks.
The city's network will allow it to install free Wi-Fi hotspots in public areas throughout the city, such as at the marina and parks.
Klocek said that is expected to begin this spring.
Eventually, residents will be able to purchase services including internet, TV and phone service through the city-owned network.
"It's not immediately available in the neighborhoods, Klocek said. "Unless you're a resident along those corridors that have fiber in the ground already."
Business districts also will be able to benefit from the high-speed communications available through the new system for which NITCO will handle service agreements.
© Copyright 2024, nwitimes.com, Munster, IN