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Sayreville council authorizes right‑of‑way talks with GoNet Speed after fiber presentation
Summary
After a presentation from GoNet Speed on a phased plan to build an all‑fiber network through Sayreville, the borough council authorized its attorney to negotiate a right‑of‑way use agreement and prepare the enabling ordinance. The motion passed on roll call.
Sayreville’s borough council voted to authorize negotiations for a right‑of‑way use agreement with GoNet Speed after the company detailed plans to bring an all‑fiber network to parts of town.
Marilyn Davis introduced GoNet Speed, and John Dullahan, identified as the company’s presenter, told the council the build would proceed in phases—starting from South River and moving into neighborhoods including MacArthur Manor, Town Lake and Parlin—using aerial attachments to utility poles where possible, with underground work later where required. Dullahan said the provider is the largest privately owned fiber network operator in the Northeast and described service tiers from 500 megabits to multi‑gigabit speeds, free installation and routers, and one‑year promotional pricing.
Dullahan said the company has obtained telecommunications provider certification from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and is negotiating pole‑attachment agreements with pole owners such as Verizon and the local utility. He emphasized the timeline is contingent on pole‑owner schedules and estimated full phased buildouts could take roughly a year to a year‑and‑a‑half.
Borough Attorney explained that the municipality must authorize use of the right of way by ordinance and that a negotiated right‑of‑way agreement would include insurance and indemnification provisions. The council then voted to authorize the attorney to negotiate the agreement and prepare the ordinance so the matter can come back for formal adoption. The roll‑call vote recorded approval from the members present.
The authorization does not itself grant construction permits or final attachments to poles; Dullahan said the company would still need pole‑owner licenses and municipal permits. Dullahan also said libraries in a community would receive free connections and the company would explore discounted or donated devices for municipal partners and schools.
What’s next: borough staff will work with GoNet Speed’s counsel on a right‑of‑way use agreement and prepare an ordinance for future council consideration. No construction or pole attachments can begin until those steps and any required permits are completed.
