Cullman approves franchise agreement to allow Uniti Fiber to run fiber through city rights‑of‑way

The Cullman City Council on Sept. 29 suspended the usual rules and adopted a franchise ordinance permitting Uniti Fiber to run fiber infrastructure through city rights‑of‑way.

Council members said the ordinance is similar to existing franchise arrangements with other telecommunications providers and that Uniti will pay a franchise fee to the city. The council agreed to act quickly at the company’s request; a council member said Uniti had a business deal contingent on the city’s approval before Oct. 1.

The ordinance was approved after a roll‑call suspension of rules and a subsequent affirmative roll‑call vote. Council discussion recorded in the meeting did not include modifications to the proposed franchise agreement; staff will finalize administrative details with the company and coordinate permitting and inspection as work proceeds.