RECENT EVENTS
September 29, 2009 Business Roundtable
Fiber Optics & Telecommunications Technology: What's Next?
Three experts gave us the inside scoop on what's going on in DeKalb
County regarding cutting edge technology for the transmission
of data, graphics, voicemail and video.
Herb Kuryliw, Chief Network Architect for NIU,
was the first presenter and reviewed broadband usage and demand.
He then gave an overview of six proposed Illinois initiatives.
If these plans materialize they will represent an extensive fiber
optic network cooperative for public and private use. Grants have
been written to finance the programs and stimulus money would
represent a portion of the funding. The overall objectives of
these initiatives are to increase broadband technology, reduce
the cost of connectivity and stimulate new economic development.
Dan Halverson, Vice President, DeKalb Fiber Optic,
LLC, then took the stage to talk specifically about what's going
on in DeKalb County. In four short years almost 35 miles of fiber
has been installed in DeKalb and Sycamore by DFO. Fiber is a real
plus for the area as it saves money through reduced down time,
quicker repairs and increased employee productivity. There is
flexibility in the system as one can upgrade as needed in terms
of services and speed. By the end of October 2009 a redundancy
ring for DeKalb will be completed for the DFO Data Network.
Ahmed Kamel, Chairman and CEO, DNA Communications,
was the wrap-up speaker. He began his remarks with an overview
of the history of telecommunications. Then he discussed available
communication services today as well as what we can anticipate
in the future. He noted that fiber is pushing intelligence closer
to residences and small businesses allowing for significant service
improvements. Upgrades are available with short roll out times
and major cost savings can be realized. He compared options in
the marketplace noting the pros/cons of each alternative.
Power Points that offer much more detail in the language of the
presenters are available in the Members Only
section of the DCEDC website.
Paul Borek with presenters prior to the
program.
|
 The crowd files into the auditorium.
|
The audience readies for the presentation |
 The speakers field questions from the audience after the presentations. |
