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Prescott adopts microtrenching standard and OKs two private fiber projects; city signs contracts with WeCom and MetroNet
Summary
City council adopted an ordinance adding microtrench details to engineering standards and approved license agreements with WeCom and MetroNet, approving private fiber builds that commit roughly $56 million of private investment across Prescott.
The Prescott City Council on Tuesday adopted a new engineering standard for fiber installations and approved license agreements for two private fiber‑to‑the‑home providers, moving the city closer to expanded high‑speed Internet service.
Why it matters: Council chose to create clearer technical standards and permitting rules for a new installation method called microtrenching and to allow two private operators to build fiber in Prescott. Officials said competition will expand consumer choice, spur local hiring and improve broadband access in under‑served neighborhoods.
The council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑1900, which amends the city’s general engineering standards to add a new microtrench detail (QCSD‑213q) and a section on fiber‑optic network installation. Randy Perham, deputy director of public works and city engineer, told council the city studied microtrenching practices in other Arizona communities and worked with vendors to incorporate protections for pavement, water and sewer infrastructure.
The council then approved two license agreements permitting private providers to use city right‑of‑way: a contract with WeCom Fiber Inc. (city contract No. 2026‑063) and a license agreement with Vexus Fiber LLC doing business as MetroNet (city contract No. 2026‑061). Both approvals passed on 7‑0 votes.
What the companies proposed: WeCom told the council it plans a citywide build that it values at about $38 million and said it will offer symmetrical service tiers from 500 megabits to multi‑gigabit service while hiring local staff and creating a training program with Yavapai Community College. MetroNet said it will invest about $18 million initially and pass roughly 15,000 locations; MetroNet outlined a customer communications plan and local staffing to handle construction and service.
Council and staff emphasized process safeguards. Engineering staff convened a technical committee (inspectors, pavement specialists and project managers) to define restoration standards, inspection practices and permit conditions. City attorney and staff explained that under current Arizona law a city’s ability to charge ongoing right‑of‑way fees for telecommunications services is limited; the contracts include permit and inspection fees but do not impose a separate right‑of‑way user fee for telecom services under the existing statute.
Council members said they favor increased competition and local jobs while asking for detailed restoration standards, stronger public‑facing construction schedules and clear complaint channels. MetroNet and WeCom each said they will run community outreach, door notices and a construction helpline and that they will prioritize local hires.
Next steps: Companies will move to permitting and then construction. Both firms estimated an 18‑month build horizon for their initial phases and told the council they will activate fiber rapidly as neighborhood segments are completed.
