For Immediate Release
February 17, 2006

Residential and business customers in Rochelle will soon have expanded broadband options based on an announcement from the City of Rochelle through RMU.  According to RMU Director Ken Alberts, local telecommunication customers have expressed a strong interest in a residential and small business broadband solution from their local utility to supplement the existing RMU service options.  “The RMU staff has evaluated several different technology solutions, and have concluded that a Wi-Fi broadband network that allows customers to connect to the Internet without wires, best meets our customer’s present broadband needs”, stated Alberts.

Wi-Fi installations sometimes referred to as “hotspots” turns broadband-speed Internet into radio signals that can then be accessed by personal computers, laptops and PDAs to allow quick and easy Internet access.  The Wi-Fi equipment will be installed on existing street light poles where possible.  The installation of all the equipment will occur over the next several months so that this product can be made available early this summer.  While no firm price has yet been established, it is anticipated that the monthly charge will be approximately $24.95.

City Manager Tony Graff is pleased that local residents will have another Internet option.  “We want our citizens to have the best possible telecommunication service available,” stated Graff.  “Customers have come to expect reliable service at a reasonable cost from RMU, and the new Wi-Fi service will continue that tradition.”

Rochelle has a rich tradition of municipal telecommunication services provided through state-of-the-art equipment and a trained technology staff.  RMU currently provides broadband and IP Telephone services to nearly 200 customers over approximately 20 miles of fiber optic cable.  It also provides Internet access to a large number of residential customers, but the Wi Fi network will be the first broadband service it has offered to residential customers.

Mayor Chet Olson has been a strong proponent of local telecommunication services for many years.  “This is just another exciting step in keeping Rochelle at the forefront of technology in the Northern Illinois region”, stated Olson.  “Quality jobs dictate advanced telecommunication services, and we are fortunate the RMU staff has the ability to maintain our leadership position.”