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Parlier approves Unwired Broadband lease, paving way for citywide fiber
Summary
The Parlier City Council authorized a lease and master encroachment agreement with Unwired Broadband to build a citywide fiber network, with company representatives saying installation to homes is free and 1‑gig service starts at $99 per month; council approved the measure unanimously.
The Parlier City Council on Aug. 15 approved a resolution authorizing the acting city manager to enter a lease for City Hall space and a citywide master encroachment permit with Unwired Broadband to enable installation of fiber‑optic infrastructure across the city.
Jeff O'Neil introduced the item on behalf of Unwired, and engineering manager John Steven told the council the company offers symmetrical 1‑gig service starting at $99 per month and free home installation. Steven said Unwired will build backbone trunk lines across the city and place access points at regular intervals; crews would complete the connection to individual houses only after a resident signs up for service.
Council members asked about affordability and availability for older neighborhoods and schools; Unwired said it can offer tiered plans below the 1‑gig level and was interested in serving the school district. Councilmember comments noted an existing fiber provider in one northwest neighborhood but commended the plan to expand citywide.
Diego Garza moved to approve the lease and master encroachment permit directing the acting city manager to execute the agreements; Kathy Salorio seconded and the council voted 5‑0 to approve.
What happens next: Acting City Manager will execute agreements and Unwired expects to start installation with City Hall as the initial connection point and expand to trunk lines and neighborhood drop points; company to provide pricing details for the council to share with residents.
