Village-Wide Broadband Service Coming as New Lenox Approves Clearwave Fiber Agreement

Article Summary: New Lenox residents will soon have a new choice for internet service after the Village Board approved a right-of-way use agreement with Clearwave Fiber, which plans to build a fiber-optic network throughout the entire village.

Clearwave Fiber Agreement Key Points:

• The board approved a 10-year agreement allowing Clearwave Fiber to install its broadband infrastructure in village right-of-ways.

• The company plans to offer service to the entire community, providing competition to existing providers like AT&T and Comcast.

• The agreement includes provisions for property restoration, a performance bond, and free service to some municipal buildings.

NEW LENOX — A new competitor is set to enter the local internet market after the Village Board on Monday approved a right-of-way use agreement with Delta Communications, which does business as Clearwave Fiber.

The 10-year agreement, with options for four five-year renewals, grants Clearwave access to village right-of-ways to install a village-wide fiber optic network for broadband internet service. The move is expected to increase competition for residents.

Village Administrator Kurt Carol noted that state law prevents municipalities from charging franchise or permit fees for such services but said the village negotiated a good deal that includes free service to several municipal sites.

Trustees raised questions about the impact on residents. Trustee Jim Wilson expressed concern about potential signal interference if new fiber lines are laid too close to existing ones. Carol and a company representative assured him that plans would be engineered to prevent interference and that the contract holds the company liable for any disruptions.

The agreement also stipulates that Clearwave must restore any disturbed property, including lawns and sprinkler systems, within 30 days and must post a bond to cover any damages.

Charles Lawrence, a representative for Clearwave Fiber, told the board the design process would take 60 to 90 days, with construction beginning shortly after. He estimated the full village build-out would take approximately 18 months. Lawrence detailed a multi-step notification process involving mailers, door tags, and yard signs to inform residents before work begins in their neighborhoods.