Cox proposes fiber expansion along Topeka Boulevard; requests county review of agreement

A representative of Cox told the Osage County Commission on June 10 that the company proposes to build fiber along Topeka Boulevard into parts of Carbondale and nearby rural areas and that the project would be funded with private capital.

Tara Alban, introduced as “government and public affairs specialist” with Cox, said the build would provide multi-gigabit service to rural customers and that Cox would use the county right of way where required. Alban said Cox filed with state authorities as a video service provider and that, under federal and state frameworks, Osage County may request a franchise fee of up to 5 percent on video service. She provided the county with a draft agreement and said Cox would return communications by email and could set up a pre-construction meeting with road and bridge staff.

Commissioners and residents asked whether the build would be overhead or underground; Alban said it would be a mix and offered to coordinate with the road and bridge director on permit criteria and restoration standards for work in rights of way. A resident expressed concern about fiber crossing private property; Cox said crews would restore disturbed property but acknowledged property owners commonly compare restorations with pre-construction conditions.

Alban said Cox planned to deploy lines up to and into Carbondale along Topeka Boulevard, starting near the Shawnee County line, and that the company would follow normal permit and pre-construction processes. Commissioners said staff would review the submitted agreement and follow up on franchise, permit and right-of-way details.

No formal action was taken at the meeting; the county will review the draft agreement and coordinate conditions with Cox and road and bridge staff.