Doubt Cast On Western Springs Fiber Network

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — Western Springs officials expressed reservations this week about the village building a fiber optic network to benefit residents and businesses. According to a recent study conducted by the village, such a project would cost $9.1 million to $16.7 million.

"Where would we get the money for that?" Village President Alice Gallagher asked at Monday's Village Board meeting. "Then we have to be in the business of providing internet service to residents and potentially, residents don't want to buy their service through Western Springs."

She also said the village may want to devote its resources to stormwater projects, with greater precipitation becoming normal.

Village Trustee James John said he, too, had concerns with such a project from a financial perspective. He said some residents have suggested a fiber optic network would serve as a deterrent for the deployment of 5G antennas, which have been controversial in Western Springs.

"I don't know the benefit of fiber deployment. We are not a private company," John said. "We shouldn't be out there competing with AT&T and Comcast."

Village officials said they would need to hire a consultant to get detailed costs of a fiber optic network if trustees decided to go forward.

No decision was made at Monday's meeting.

The village already has a fiber optic network that connects its municipal buildings, the park district, local schools and the library. The most recent portion was added in 2010.