AT&T and Charter urge Pharr to pause ordinance requiring developer-installed fiber; commissioners defend city’s approach

Representatives from AT&T and Charter told the Pharr City Commission they oppose proposed amendments to ordinance 0-2023-4346 that would extend conduit and fiber-installation requirements to new construction and require capacity dedicated to the city’s network.

AT&T’s speaker, identified in testimony as Mr. Waters, said the revision would “require conduit fiber cable dedicated equipment exclusively for far.net before any certificate of occupancy can be issued,” calling the change “not a construction standard” but a “government mandatory subsidy for government owned internet provider.” He argued the amendment would “reduce competition, which drives the prices and reduces service quality for consumers,” and shift costs to developers and buyers.

George Antuno, representing Charter Communications (Spectrum), told the commission the amendments “will extend current conduit requirements to all commercial, multifamily, and residential structures” and would require not only conduit but the installation of fiber optic cable “all dedicated exclusively to the city’s network.” Antuno said that exclusive dedication raises “serious legal concerns” under the Public Utility Regulatory Act and that, if enforced, the ordinance could expose the city to legal action and raise homebuilding costs.

Both speakers asked the commission to pause the ordinance before third reading and to revise the language to preserve competitive access and avoid shifting costs to private developers.

A member of the commission (speaker 7) responded after public comment, saying the city welcomes competition and that the city will “do what is necessary to protect itself and be sure that it gets any and all necessities done for betterment of the city.” The commissioner added that differences of opinion are expected and that outside providers are welcome in Pharr’s market.

Votes at a glance: the meeting’s consent and action items advanced several routine measures and contracts, including acceptance of the city’s audited financial statements for FY 2024–25 (clean, unmodified audit), a resolution supporting Astor Villas LP’s 4% housing tax credit application, appointment of Jaime Lopez to the Keep Our Beautiful Board, procurement of fiber and supplies for Pharr Connect (Graybar Inc., not to exceed $724,008.72), and multiple engineering and facilities contracts.

Next steps: speakers asked the commission to revise ordinance language before any additional readings; the commission did not vote on ordinance 0-2023-4346 during the public comment period. The meeting adjourned with a routine motion.