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Council approves franchise allowing Alabama Fiber Network to build fiber in city rights‑of‑way
Summary
The council adopted an ordinance granting a nonexclusive franchise to Alabama Fiber Network (Fiber Utility Network Inc.) to construct and maintain a fiber‑optic infrastructure in Prattville public rights‑of‑way.
Prattville’s City Council voted Tuesday to grant a nonexclusive franchise to Fiber Utility Network Inc., doing business as Alabama Fiber Network, authorizing the company to construct and maintain fiber‑optic infrastructure in city public rights‑of‑way.
Councilor Strickland introduced the ordinance by title; the council first voted to suspend the rules to allow immediate consideration and then adopted the ordinance by voice vote. According to the ordinance title read to the council, the franchise authorizes Fiber Utility Network to use the city’s rights‑of‑way for a fiber‑optic network subject to the franchise terms.
Council records show the vote followed the suspension of procedural rules to allow final passage at the same meeting. No detailed franchise agreement text was read into the record during the meeting; the ordinance was adopted after the council suspended the rules and voted in favor.
Why it matters: The franchise clears the way for a private company to install fiber in city streets and rights‑of‑way, which could enable expanded broadband service but also requires coordination on permits, installation standards and public‑way restoration obligations before construction begins.
