Council renews Access Anacortes master permit; service map updated, customers must still request premises connections

The Anacortes City Council on April 7 voted to renew the city’s master right-of-way permit for Access Anacortes Fiber Internet, clearing the way for the next phase of the city-run fiber expansion.

City planning staff introduced the renewal as a statutory process under the Anacortes Municipal Code. Staff described the application package as complete and recommended council approval. "The applicant is in compliance with federal, state, and local wireless laws, and the continued grant to use rights of way will serve the community's interest," city staff reported during the hearing.

The renewal follows the code provision that permits are valid for five years; the city issued the original master permit on March 16, 2020. The council held a public hearing before the vote; no written public comments were reported at the hearing.

Ms. Xu, speaking for the applicant Access Anacortes Fiber Internet, displayed an updated service-area map and told the council the map on the city website now shows where service is installed and when remaining blocks will be activated. Ms. Xu said the areas shown in pink on the presentation are scheduled to be available in May, orange areas in June, a small blue section in August (adjusted to avoid school construction disruption), and the green areas next spring. She told residents: "We are encouraging people to submit their orders now." Ms. Xu also reminded the public that even after an area is declared ready for service the provider must still complete the two-premises connection to each home before customers are online.

Councilmember Ryan Walters and others noted the color key in the presentation did not match the online map exactly and stressed the importance of clear expectations for residents who have waited for service. Councilmember Carolyn Moulton moved approval of the renewal, saying she moved "we approve the master permit renewal for access anacortes fiber Internet and adopt the proposed master permit renewal decision and agreement as presented." Councilmember Fantini seconded.

The roll call vote recorded all council members present voting yes: Councilmember Young (yes), Councilmember Walters (yes), Councilmember Cleland McGrath (yes), Councilmember Moulton (yes), Councilmember Hubick (yes), Councilmember Fantini (yes). The motion carried.

City staff and the applicant emphasized that availability on the map is a readiness indicator; individual premises still require a separate connection order. Staff also noted that above-ground attachments use existing pole-attachment agreements; where fiber placement is off the right-of-way, Access Anacortes pursues easements with private landowners.

The renewal authorizes Access Anacortes to continue using the public right-of-way under the terms of the municipal code and the master permit agreement. The council did not prescribe changes to the permit conditions as part of the approval.

Council members thanked staff and the applicant for the progress on municipal fiber and encouraged residents to check the city website for the address-specific availability tool and to submit orders when their neighborhood is scheduled for activation.