Federal Way Council considers Hyper Fiber Washington's franchise for citywide fiber installation

During the recent Land Use/Transportation Committee meeting in Federal Way, Washington, discussions centered on a proposed franchise ordinance for Hyper Fiber Washington, aimed at expanding fiber optic communications throughout the city. Leonard Spadoni from the development services department presented the ordinance, which seeks to grant Hyper Fiber Washington the right to install fiber optic cables and related equipment in city-owned rights of way.

The proposal comes in response to the growing demand for high-speed internet access, a critical infrastructure component in today’s digital age. Hyper Fiber Washington has already submitted a $5,000 deposit to cover administrative costs associated with the franchise application. If approved, the franchise would last for a standard period of ten years, aligning with similar agreements previously established in the area.

The committee discussed two primary options: to recommend the adoption of the franchise ordinance to the city council for a first reading or to reject the proposal and provide further direction to staff. Mayor's recommendation was to move forward with the ordinance, which is scheduled for discussion at the city council meeting on April 15.

Council member Honda raised a pertinent question regarding the scope of the installation, inquiring whether Hyper Fiber would have the flexibility to place fiber infrastructure anywhere within the city. Spadoni confirmed that the ordinance would indeed allow for such latitude, potentially facilitating widespread improvements in connectivity across Federal Way.

This initiative reflects a broader trend in urban development, where municipalities are increasingly recognizing the importance of robust telecommunications infrastructure to support economic growth and enhance quality of life for residents. As the city prepares for the upcoming council meeting, the implications of this franchise ordinance could significantly impact Federal Way's digital landscape and accessibility in the years to come.