Superior fiber optic network costs under budget

Shelley Nelson, Superior Telegram, Wis.
·2 min read
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Jul. 11—SUPERIOR — The first round of agreements for the ConnectSuperior broadband pilot project will cost less than expected, according to Broadband Manager Stephanie Becken.

The Communications and Information Technology Committee recommends awarding two agreements that will get the fiber-to-the-premises optic network into the ground in the project area before the end of the year.

Hanco Utilities Inc., based in Lake Nebagamon, submitted a low bid of $1.47 million for the construction of the network. The project includes running conduit and fiber lines underground, as well as necessary technical materials west of University of Wisconsin-Superior to Tower Avenue between Belknap and North 21st streets by Nov. 30.

There were eight bidders, with the highest coming in at $3.1 million.

"This stops just shy of getting it to folk's homes," Becken said. "But the line will be prepped for it. They're called putting in flowerpots that makes the easy connection for future fiber drops."

Becken said those agreements for the work to get the fiber network to people's homes and bringing the network online are expected later this summer.

Councilor Tylor Elm, committee chairman, suggested that city officials notify residents in the project area of the work being done.

The committee also recommended awarding the contract for construction management and engineering support for the project to EN Engineering LLC, known as Entrust Solutions Group, for nearly $403,000.

Entrust acquired Magellan Advisors, the firm working with the city since 2022 to lay the foundation for ConnectSuperior. Becken said city officials are still working with the same people they have been working with since Magellan started the project.

In addition to construction management and inspection, Becken said Entrust would be responsible for inputting information into the fiber management system.

"When we're all done with this, we'll have a whole system that will show us exactly where everything is, exactly how it's spliced, all the details that will let us take really good care of our network," Becken said.

The total cost of the project so far is $1.87 million — less than the $2.2 million projected for this phase of the project, Becken said.

"With a lot of these prices, the first phase will be more expensive because you're kind of kick-starting the engine," Elm said. "Doing these future phases, once these processes are precision, these are all part of the proforma."

Becken said future phases of the project are expected to cost less than the initial phase, which will connect up to 865 homes and businesses to the city-owned network for high-speed, lower-cost internet service.

The Superior City Council will consider awarding the contracts for the pilot project on Tuesday, July 16.