[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...ArticleID=26870

South Shore now has fiber optic line; workshops available
CHESTERTON - The South Shore commuter line doesn't just have trains running along its tracks - it has a fiber optic line that provides an alternate data link that can save businesses costs and provide greater speed of transmission.

South Shore Fiber Link is a business leasing carrier grade, vendor neutral, "dark fiber" circuits to community and corporate consumers along a 75-mile corridor from the South Bend Airport to the Kensington station in Illinois. It also has a spur to Elkhart through an arrangement with Norfolk Southern Rail Road.

Dark fiber refers to the potential capacity of optical fiber and the leasing of fiber optic cables by a service provider.

The availability of high speed communication is believed to be important to the area's economic development.

The provider is ComControl, and its principal, Brian Baker, says, "Communities and companies now have choices. This Fiber Link delivers options to companies and communities that will significantly reduce costs and drastically grow capacity."

And Vince Galbiati, president and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum, said, "Fiber Link's advantages and provider-neutrality coupled with communities' ability to exempt personal property tax on IT equipment, positions the region as an ideal location for tech-based businesses." The Forum is an economic development and business leadership organization in Northwest Indiana.

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, which operates the South Shore, is hosting one-hour programs for information technology professionals and those charged with IT related duties, including a session in Michigan City. The discussion will include broadband availability and capacity, the South Shore Fiber Link and utilizing the Fiber Link for cost savings and phenomenal speed.

Registration is open and there is no cost to attend. Email bbaker@com-controlinc.com to register for one of the following sessions:

Monday, Nov. 9

8 to 9 a.m. - Entech Innovation Center, 880 Eastport Centre Drive, Valparaiso.

3 to 4 p.m. - Michigan City Area Schools Administration Building, 408 S. Carroll Ave., Michigan City.

Thursday, Nov. 12

8 to 9 a.m. (EST) - South Bend Airport, 4477 Progress Drive.

Monday, Nov. 16

8:30 to 9:30 a.m. - Purdue Technology Center, 9800 Connecticut Drive, Merrillville.

3 to 4 p.m. - Hammond Innovation Center, 5209 Hohman Ave., Hammond.