Council approves two 20‑year fiber franchises, each with 5% franchise fee
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Summary
The council granted 20‑year franchises (renewable) to Numerous Fiber of Alabama LLC and Unity Fiber Gulfco LLC allowing use of city rights-of-way for fiber networks; each agreement includes a 5% gross‑revenue franchise fee and mayoral signature authorization.
The Birmingham City Council on Oct. 21 approved two separate franchise agreements allowing private fiber companies to install and operate fiber-optic systems in city rights of way.
The agreements — one with Numerous Fiber of Alabama LLC and another with Unity Fiber Gulfco LLC — each grant a 20‑year term with two five‑year renewal options and require the companies to pay the city a franchise fee equal to 5% of gross revenue. The mayor is authorized to execute both agreements.
Council members voted on final passage for both franchise items during the Oct. 21 meeting; both measures passed unanimously.
The franchises allow the companies to place fiber infrastructure in public rights of way subject to city permitting and utility coordination processes. The city clerk’s agenda materials list both items as permanent operations and stated the administration’s recommendation for passage.
Councilors did not expand on technical terms during floor discussion; staff and franchise agreements will govern permitting, restoration of rights of way and other operational requirements.
The measures passed on final reading and are authorized for the mayor’s signature.