Milton council approves 10-year franchise for Hyper Fiber LLC to bring high-speed fiber

Milton — The Milton City Council voted 7-0 Monday to approve an ordinance adopting a 10-year franchise agreement with Hyper Fiber LLC to provide fiber-optic high‑speed internet services in the city and portions of King County.

The agreement, described to council by city staff as nonexclusive and exploratory, authorizes Hyper Fiber LLC to seek permits and begin feasibility and build‑out work within the I‑5 corridor. Director Madden said, “It is a 10 year franchise agreement,” and noted the city code normally specifies a five‑year term unless otherwise granted.

The vote follows a study session earlier in the month and a staff recommendation to approve the franchise. Councilmember Pretti moved to approve the ordinance and Councilmember Whelan seconded; the motion carried 7‑0. Council materials describe the franchise as nonexclusive, allowing multiple providers to hold similar agreements.

Council discussion emphasized competition and permitting timelines. Pretti said the move would increase options for residents currently tied to Comcast/Xfinity, and Councilmember Strader asked about the advantages and disadvantages of a 10‑year term versus the five‑year default. Director Madden explained that because exploratory determinations and permitting can take multiple years, “a 10 year gives that company additional time to get all of the fiber in the ground.” He added that the franchise does not bypass the city’s street‑work permit process.

Mayor (as recorded) and other councilmembers reviewed Hyper Fiber’s financial filings. The Mayor noted the company’s income statement showed expenses that outpaced income and summarized the observation as, “they’re spending money to make money.” Director Madden said Hyper Fiber appears to be a newer company expanding from the Southeast and Midwest into Washington, is pursuing franchise agreements with neighboring cities, and has investors; the company’s documentation did not identify a parent company.

During public comment, resident Johnny Gosawar asked whether Hyper Fiber would use its own backbone or piggyback on existing fiber. City staff responded that most prospective providers plan to piggyback off an existing I‑5 backbone and that Hyper Fiber’s local backbone agreements were still being formalized.

The ordinance and staff report note the city can deny a franchise under Code 12.05.080 if specified criteria are met; staff said no such grounds were identified. Code 12.050.12 was cited during the meeting as the code section that establishes the default five‑year term. Councilmember comments referenced a previous 10‑year franchise granted to Zayo about two years earlier as precedent.

Council members and staff said subsequent steps include the standard permitting and street‑work review processes before any construction would begin. No implementation dates for local build‑out were specified at the meeting.