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Paducah grants 10-year franchise to Lumos Fiber; company pledges citywide buildout and quicker restoration
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Summary
Commission adopted a 10-year nonexclusive telecommunications franchise for Lumos Fiber of Kentucky LLC. Lumos representatives said the company plans a three-year phased build covering most of Paducah, will place most lines underground, and promised daily construction notices and prompt restoration service.
The Paducah Board of Commissioners voted on March 10 to grant Lumos Fiber of Kentucky LLC a nonexclusive 10-year telecommunications franchise to construct, operate and maintain fiber-optic facilities within city rights-of-way under the city's regulatory standards.
The franchise agreement, summarized by the city clerk, authorizes Lumos to work in the rights-of-way subject to city permitting, fees and oversight. The company submitted an updated three-year buildout map that staff said shows planned coverage across most of Paducah; the map also identifies initial starting areas near Heartland.
George Kemp, identified on the record as Lumosconstruction relations director, told commissioners the companys board has approved the buildout shown and "we are coming here. We are interested in building out your entire city." Kemp said Lumos prioritizes restoration and communication: the company provides daily street sheets, a construction call center for restoration-only issues and a mandatory 24-hour initial response to resident restoration complaints, with many issues resolved in two to four days.
Commissioners asked whether the franchise binds Lumos to the map and where construction would begin. Staff explained the franchise protects the right-of-way but does not lock Lumos into exact build sequences; Lumos must still obtain individual permits and follow permitting requirements for each section. The company indicated most lines will be underground where feasible.
The ordinance passed on roll call with Commissioners Henderson, Smith and Thomas and Mayor Bray voting "aye." Commissioners asked staff to work with engineering and GIS to provide commissioners with regular maps showing active construction areas and to monitor restoration timelines.
The franchise gives Lumos a formal framework to pursue permitting and construction under city code; specific build timelines will be set through permit approvals and construction schedules submitted by the company.
