Frankfort Approves Pavlov Media Fiber Optic Hub Lease in Exchange for Municipal Internet Service

Frankfort Village Board Meeting | April 20, 2026

Article Summary: The Village entered into a 10-year lease agreement allowing Pavlov Media to construct a fiber optic hub on municipal property, securing free high-speed internet for multiple Village facilities in lieu of rent.

Pavlov Media Rental Agreement Key Points:

• Pavlov Media will lease a 100-square-foot portion of Village property at 8847 W. Lincoln Highway.

• The company will construct an 8×8 concrete pad and a utility cabinet to support its regional fiber network.

• In lieu of monetary rent, Pavlov will provide free fiber internet service to critical Village facilities, including the Police Department and Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The Frankfort Village Board on Monday, April 20, 2026, unanimously approved Ordinance No. 3558, authorizing a 10-year rental agreement with Champaign-based Pavlov Media, Inc. for the installation and operation of a fiber optic hub.

Under the agreement, Pavlov Media will lease a 100-square-foot portion of Village-owned property located at 8847 W. Lincoln Highway. The company will install an 8-foot by 8-foot concrete pad and a utility cabinet measuring approximately 6 feet high and 2 feet square to house network equipment supporting their fiber optic expansion within Frankfort and the surrounding area.

Rather than paying traditional monthly rent, Pavlov Media has agreed to compensate the Village by providing fiber optic internet service at no cost to designated Village-owned properties as the network becomes available. The list of facilities slated to receive the redundant, high-speed connection includes the Village Hall, Police Department, Utilities Garage, Public Works Garage, Chamber of Commerce, Wastewater Treatment Plant, and eight Village well facilities.

“This arrangement provides significant operational and economic benefit to the Village by supplying redundant high-speed fiber internet to several current facilities as well as multiple additional facilities without recurring service charges,” Assistant Village Administrator John Burica noted in a memo to the Board.

The agreement requires Pavlov to post a $30,000 performance bond prior to installation to ensure the eventual removal of the equipment and restoration of the premises at the end of the term. Pavlov is also responsible for all utility costs related to powering the cabinet.