Council opens public hearing on nonexclusive telecom franchise; no action taken

Middleburg — The council opened a public hearing on a proposed, nonexclusive franchise to allow a telecom provider to place fiber in town rights-of-way. The discussion focused on whether the franchise would expand residential internet options and what the town would receive in exchange.

Town Manager Danny Davis said the current franchise with Segra (Lumos Networks) recently expired but continues in operation until renewed, and Segra has offered updated terms. Davis said the company serves county schools and government facilities and that their proposal would eliminate a current $16,000-per-year conduit fee in exchange for providing dedicated fiber to town hall and allowing the town to use that connection as primary internet with Comcast as a backup. "Segra itself does not provide residential services, but they could wholesale their fiber to an ISP that services this area," Davis said.

Why it matters: Council members and at least one councilor said they want to increase competition for internet service in town. Council Member Bud Jacobs asked whether the franchise would open the door to other ISPs serving residential customers; Davis said that while Segra does not itself retail residential service, the fiber could be offered wholesale by Segra to ISPs such as Cox or a local provider.

Outcome: The council held the public hearing and took no action; staff will continue conversations with Segra and other potential providers and return to council for further consideration.

Ending: Davis encouraged interested providers to submit proposals; council members asked staff to pursue follow-up meetings with Segra and potential ISP partners to explore wholesale retail partnerships.