HomeBOREAS - Frequently Asked Questions
Why do this now?
Timetable: The timetable for this project is being driven by the BOREAS project partner institutions who want to have BOREAS operational ASAP. The goal is connectivity to Chicago by spring 2007. By collaborating, we improve the probability that we can successfully acquire dark fiber, as well as provide a cost savings in lighting the fiber. The benefits of this type of collaboration will probably not be available to us in the future.
Reduction in cost: By participating in a larger consortium, each institution should be able to negotiate a volume discount with the selected vendors. We'll also be able to get greater capacity & better survivability at more reasonable expense than we'd be able to get separately.
Anticipated fiber cost increases: Experts project that fiber costs will increase 200-300% in the next 24 months. Purchasing fiber now will help avoid this additional cost.