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City attorney says Rawlins is negotiating new telecom franchise agreements as providers seek entry
Summary
City staff informed council May 6 that Rawlins is negotiating franchise agreements with Visionary Communications and CenturyLink and has interest from All West Communications. Staff said franchise fees would follow existing local agreements and noted federal and state limitations on charging fees for Internet services.
May 6, 2025 — The Rawlins City Attorney briefed council on ongoing work to update and negotiate franchise agreements with telecommunications providers after new entrants expressed interest in serving the city.
The city is working with Visionary Communications, which seeks to enter the Rawlins market, and with CenturyLink on a new franchise agreement; the city’s last formal agreement with CenturyLink has been in a holdover status since February 2007, the attorney said. A third provider, All West Communications, has also indicated interest in expanding services into the area.
The attorney explained that telecommunications franchise agreements are contracts granting private providers use of public rights of way to deliver services, and they typically address indemnification, terms of use, and fee arrangements. The city’s existing 5 percent franchise fee with Fat Beam Communications is serving as the baseline in discussions with other providers. He cautioned that state and federal law constrain the city’s ability to collect franchise fees on Internet services, so fees and permitted charges differ by service type.
Council did not take formal action at the May 6 meeting; the attorney said draft agreements and negotiated terms will be brought to council for review and approval when available.
