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Salina approves purchase of core switches to support a dark-fiber strategy
Summary
The commission authorized purchase of networking equipment (C and C Group $283,980.87; CDW $4,207.87) to enable a leased dark-fiber approach that avoids a full in-ground fiber replacement, with staff to issue a request for services for dark-fiber leasing/maintenance.
The Salina City Commission on Dec. 8 approved a purchase of core switching and rack equipment to support a dark-fiber strategy for city communications.
Scott Gardner (director of computer technology) and CTO Corey Scheck explained the city's aging fiber closets and the high cost of replacing fiber infrastructure in the ground. Staff recommended purchasing hardware that will let the city own the in-building switching equipment while leasing and contracting dark-fiber maintenance from providers that already have ducts in the ground. The requested hardware purchase totals $288,187.87 (C and C Group $283,980.00; CDW $4,207.87). The commission voted 5-0 to authorize the purchase and the city manager to sign the agreements.
Staff said the equipment purchase is a prerequisite to issuing a formal Request for Service for leased dark-fiber because the city needs compatible, next-generation equipment in its facilities before signing dark-fiber leases and awarding a long-term service contract. Preliminary lease cost estimates range from about $13,000 to $35,000 per month depending on vendor footprint; staff said those operational costs will be weighed against current monthly costs paid to external providers for connectivity in various locations.
