Herriman approves agreement with All West to expand fiber; company to use public utility easements

Herriman city officials described an agreement approved at the June 25 council meeting with All West Communications to expand fiber-optic internet in parts of the city that lack reliable service.

"Because they're working with the city, they can use the public utility easement and put their fiber in the PUE," Councilmember Sherry Orin said, explaining the arrangement gives the company access to rights-of-way that can accelerate buildout. Podcast host John LaFollette added that PUEs commonly include the road, curb, gutter, sidewalk and the first several feet into private property.

Officials said the city explored a municipal broadband model previously but pulled back amid high borrowing costs and legislative uncertainty. Orin said All West’s proposal was selected after a years-long broadband effort and an RFP process; the company will also allow the city to use available conduit and provide capacity for some municipal services.

LaFollette warned some property owners could be affected when crews work in PUEs and said contractors must restore property to its prior condition if disrupted. The city will publish information and maps as buildout proceeds and encouraged residents to check harriman.gov for notices about work in their area.

City officials framed the agreement as a targeted public-private approach to increase access rather than a city-owned network financed by municipal bonds. Officials said All West committed to try to reach as many areas as practical, while noting a private company must also remain commercially viable.

Next steps: the city and All West will begin permitting and construction planning; officials said the broadband team will provide updates on timing and service areas.