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Council approves nonexclusive franchise with EZ Fiber Texas LLC to expand fiber access in Newcastle
Summary
The council unanimously adopted Ordinance 2025-674 granting a nonexclusive telecommunications franchise to EZ Fiber Texas LLC; the agreement includes a small administrative fee and dedicated fiber points for city facilities.
The Newcastle City Council adopted Ordinance 2025-674 on Sept. 7, granting a nonexclusive telecommunications franchise to EZ Fiber Texas LLC to build fiber Internet infrastructure in the city.
The ordinance passed on a unanimous voice vote, 6–0. Council members and staff described the agreement as creating another choice for residents seeking broadband and as providing dedicated fiber connections to city facilities.
Why it matters: Additional fiber infrastructure can expand resident options for high-speed Internet and give the city dedicated connectivity at City Hall and the annex building.
What the ordinance does: The franchise grants EZ Fiber Texas LLC the right to install and operate telecommunications facilities in public rights-of-way under a nonexclusive agreement. Under Washington state law, cities cannot impose a franchise fee on telecommunications providers in the same way they can with some other utilities; staff said the company will pay a small administrative fee to the city instead. The agreement includes provisions for the company to install dedicated fiber points at City Hall and the annex to serve municipal operations.
Meeting record: City Manager introduced the ordinance and noted that Austin, a representative from EZ Fiber, was present to answer questions. Austin described the company’s intent to build fiber services and to provide dedicated fiber optic points for municipal use. Council member Charbonneau said many residents have asked for more Internet-provider options and described the franchise as a positive step to improve municipal connectivity. No substantive amendments were proposed during the meeting.
Motion and vote: A council member moved adoption of Ordinance 2025-674; the motion was seconded, and the ordinance passed by voice vote, recorded as 6–0 in the meeting minutes.
What was not decided: The council did not set specific construction timelines or announce customer-service roll-out dates at the meeting. Those operational details will be handled under the franchise terms and through future coordination between company staff and city departments.
Selected quote: “I think a lot of residents have come to me with wanting more options for Internet providers. I think this is great,” Council member Charbonneau said during discussion.
