Committee forwards Forged Fiber 37 LLC (AT&T) franchise to full council; company to assume Lumen assets in Tacoma

On Oct. 21 the Government Performance and Finance Committee forwarded a proposed 10‑year telecommunications franchise for Forged Fiber 37 LLC — identified in the presentation as a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T — to the full Tacoma City Council for consideration.

Jeff Peters, division manager for cable communications and franchise services, told the committee Forged Fiber 37 LLC is seeking a franchise after AT&T agreed to acquire certain fiber assets from Lumen in Tacoma’s public way. Peters said most of the assets included in the sale will transfer to AT&T’s subsidiary and the franchise would allow the buyer to operate the existing fiber assets and to pursue additional work consistent with permitting and franchise rules.

Peters described the proposed franchise as a 10‑year term that requires the bonds, letters of credit and insurance required by Title 10 of the municipal code and said the provider will offer residents, small businesses and wholesale customers broadband service. Committee members asked whether a previous operator’s franchise status changes on sale; Peters said transfer provisions in franchise agreements can trigger council review in cases of material change and that any new underground or above-ground construction still requires permits.

A committee motion to forward the ordinance to the full council passed. Staff recommended council consideration with a standard ordinance reading schedule.