NEIU is currently negotiating a contract with Verizon Wireless regarding the construction of a cell antenna on top of the library building. This was confirmed by Assistant Director of IT Strategic Planning, Sergey Chernov, who has declared that NEIU is negotiating the terms of the contract. There are plans of submitting it for approval at the upcoming Board of Trustees Meeting on Feb. 7, 2008.
The contract will clarify the proposed type and size of the antenna, exact location, issues concerning construction and most importantly how much money Verizon will be paying NEIU for rental fees and utility reimbursement. There is no word yet as to how much money is in question, or what the rental fee money is going to be used for, but in any case students will benefit from the university’s increased budget. Verizon internal specialists are studying how many of their customers work or live in the area, and are going to benefit from the construction. The size of the antenna and amount of rent money they are willing to pay for the location will depend on the analyst results.
Verizon customers will be happy to hear that their signal strength will increase tremendously on campus and in the surrounding community. There are no anticipated building closings, however there are likely to be restricted access zones around some parts of the library. According to Chernov, Verizon has indicated that the antenna should be up and running approximately ninety days after beginning construction. The entire construction will be funded by Verizon and pending board approval a start of construction day will be scheduled.
Carolyn Schamberger,PR representative for the Midwest region from Verizon Wireless has stated, “We are currently looking into it, but it’s very preliminary at this point.” She was unable to provide any more specific details pertinent to the contract.