Commission approves EZ Fiber Metro Act permit; residents and commissioners press company on restoration, bonding and past complaints
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Summary
The commission approved a Metro Act permit for EZ (Easy) Fiber Texas LLC to install a predominantly underground fiber network across Birmingham's public rights-of-way. Commissioners and residents raised concerns about contractor performance, restoration, past complaints in other cities and the need for enforceable license terms and local points of
The Birmingham City Commission on Oct. 27 approved a Metro Act permit for EZ (Easy) Fiber Texas LLC to deploy a citywide fiber network in public right-of-way, after lengthy questioning by commissioners and residents about contractor oversight, restoration standards, and prior complaints about installations in other cities.
City Attorney Mary Kucherick explained the Metro Act provides a pathway for telecommunications providers to secure municipal permits but affords limited discretion to block state-authorized deployments. The company's exhibit indicated a citywide build strategy with underground cabinets and small "flowerpot" handhole access points in front of properties; the firm said the build would be primarily subterranean with above-ground cabinets placed sparingly.
EZ Fiber representatives described their business model (symmetrical gigabit service marketed at a price-for-life model, no long-term contracts, and local customer service) and said they rely on local contractors to perform construction, with the company hiring third-party inspectors and a robust resident-notification plan (multiple mailers, door hangers and signage). Commissioners pressed the company about restoration and remediation after residents cited examples of damage and poor follow-up in other municipalities, including earlier interruptions and a temporary stop-work situation in Albuquerque. Company representatives said they have improved communications and ticketing systems and are open to escrow/bonding solutions and local contact points where lawful.
The commission directed the city attorney to negotiate/enforce license agreement terms that clarify restoration standards, a local contact for after-hours response, and other enforceable protections possible under state law. The permit vote carried with several commissioners dissenting; Kucherick said the city will use license agreements and the subsequent permit-review process to limit risks to the right-of-way and property owners.
The company said it expected low property disruption in most yards (long runs are bored from public easements and "flowerpot" access points will be placed at near-regular intervals for future drop connections) and will begin low-level designs and permit reviews with the city as next steps.
