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Cowlitz County approves 10‑year nonexclusive franchise for Lightspeed Networks
Summary
The Board of Commissioners approved a 10‑year franchise agreement allowing Lightspeed Networks (InstaStar) to operate fiber and related telecommunications equipment across county rights‑of‑way from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029; public hearing had no public comment.
Cowlitz County commissioners voted to approve a 10‑year nonexclusive franchise agreement with Lightspeed Networks (also known as InstaStar) to allow fiber, vaults, conduit and related telecommunications equipment in county rights‑of‑way.
Anna Lunde, the county right‑of‑way agent for Public Works, presented the agreement at a public hearing and said the franchise covers both aerial attachments to some public utility district poles and other above‑ and below‑ground equipment. "This 10 year nonexclusive easement is for telecommunications," Lunde said, listing Internet, Ethernet, voice carrier networks and managed services as the covered services.
Lunde told the board the company previously held a 10‑year franchise that began in 2013 and expired in 2023; the new agreement would run from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029. The public hearing drew no comment. A commissioner moved to approve the resolution granting the franchise; the chair called the vote and commissioners present voted in favor.
The resolution was approved by voice vote during the meeting; no public objections were recorded. The county clerk will file the executed franchise agreement and the county will continue to administer franchise terms and permit requirements for work in county rights‑of‑way.
