Sumner holds first reading of franchise allowing Forged Fiber 37 LLC (AT&T) to acquire Lumen last‑mile assets; second reading Jan. 5

City staff presented the first reading of Ordinance No. 2949 on Dec. 1, a franchise agreement that would grant Forged Fiber 37 LLC (an AT&T subsidiary) a non‑exclusive 10‑year right to use Sumner’s public right‑of‑way to operate and improve certain telecommunications facilities.

Andrea (staff presenter) explained the agreement covers F2 or "last‑mile" fiber—lines that run from neighborhood junction panels to customer premises—and noted Lumen is retaining certain other assets (copper and F1 fiber). She said the ordinance mirrors recent franchise agreements and that federal law constrains the city’s authority over telecommunications franchising.

"We are prohibited from saying no to any franchise applicant for telecommunications," Andrea said, citing the Telecommunications Act and federal law that limit local denial of applicants. Staff also said Sumner charges a $7,500 application fee to cover negotiation and administrative costs and will charge permit fees for any new pole, boring or construction in the right‑of‑way.

Carly Nations, representing the applicant, said Forged Fiber is acquiring "last‑mile" fiber assets and was available to answer technical questions. Multiple residents asked procedural and substantive questions during the first reading, including whether public comment will be allowed at a second reading (staff said yes), how many providers may install facilities in the same area, and concerns about repeated trenching and impacts to front‑yard easements in East Sumner.

Staff said the matter will return for a second reading and vote on Jan. 5, 2026; there was no final action Dec. 1.