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Lake Zurich board approves right-of-way agreement for EZ Fiber to build villagewide network
Summary
The Village of Lake Zurich approved a licensing agreement allowing EZ Fiber Texas LLC to build, operate and maintain a 100% fiber-optic network across village rights-of-way; the company pledged a ‘price-for-life’ model and three speed tiers, and trustees asked about coverage, timelines and competition.
The Village of Lake Zurich voted to approve a right-of-way licensing agreement that clears the way for EZ Fiber Texas LLC to build a villagewide, 100% fiber-optic broadband network.
Alan Roth, director of government affairs for EZ Fiber, told the board the company plans a phased build beginning on the village’s west side and moving east. “Our goal with this project is to give the community a new option for Internet service,” Roth said, and he described three consumer tiers and a “price-for-life” guarantee: the customer’s initial rate, Roth said, would remain the same for the life of their subscription.
Trustees questioned coverage and timing. Roth said the company will request village GIS and engineering information, complete low-level designs, obtain permits and then begin construction; residents in the first areas should be eligible for service 60 to 90 days after the first permited construction is completed. The company said it offers 2-Gbps, 5-Gbps and 9-Gbps tiers and that the cost shown at signup includes equipment and installation.
Board members also asked how many fiber providers the village can sustain. A village staff member said two competing fiber providers is typical for business cases; other providers such as Comcast and AT&T may transition some neighborhoods to fiber over time depending on their own business plans.
After discussion the board moved, seconded and approved the right-of-way agreement by roll call. Clerk Johnson recorded each trustee as voting aye. The agreement allows EZ Fiber to use village rights-of-way subject to permitting, required notices to nearby residents and insurance and restoration requirements.
The board did not set service rates or enrollment timelines beyond the company’s stated build and permitting process; EZ Fiber said it will coordinate directly with village public-works and engineering staff as designs and permits proceed.
The village will now execute the licensing agreement and begin coordination with EZ Fiber’s engineering team and the village’s public-works department.
