JEA Begins Dark Fiber Leasing Program

2015-09-15

Jacksonville, FL -  JEA has embarked on a new service using existing infrastructure in providing dark fiber services.

Dark fiber refers to unused fiber-optic cable, which can be used for telecommunication transport services including voice, video, data, and internet by communication carriers or business enterprises. The dark fiber can also be used as backhaul infrastructure by wireless carriers. Optical fiber conveys information in the form of light pulses so the "dark" means no light pulses are being sent.

JEA is seeking to lease its dark fiber to interested parties in need of this asset. The dark fiber will be leased at market-based rates. Rates will be negotiated according to number of fibers; distance/miles; and length of contract term.

“We have 500 miles of extensive fiber routes throughout the Jacksonville metropolitan area,” said Gary Vondrasek, program manager for JEA’s dark fiber leasing program. “Many of those routes run in close proximity to critical commercial and industrial locations.”
JEA’s fiber network runs both underground and overhead throughout Duval County, as well as in parts of St. Johns and Nassau Counties. 

Dark fiber leasing provides several benefits to Jacksonville: increased telecommunication options; status as a “wired city;” and a reduced need for additional construction. JEA will provide day-to-day maintenance of the fiber grid.

JEA is the eighth-largest community-owned electric utility in the United States and one of the largest water and sewer utilities in the nation providing electric, water and sewer service to residents and businesses in northeast Florida.

Category:

• corporate