Blacksburg council approves franchise for Gigab Beam fiber network

The Blacksburg Town Council on a voice roll call approved ordinance 2110, granting a 10-year franchise to Gigab Beam Networks LLC to construct, maintain and operate a fiber-optic network that staff said will serve underserved areas of Montgomery County.

Larry Spencer, the town staff member who presented the item, said most service would be provided through collocation on utility poles but that a short run of conduit would be needed along Meadow Brook Drive. He described the franchise as a 10-year term with two five-year renewal options and said the franchise contains the town’s standard insurance, bond and right-of-way repair requirements and a potential compensation provision allowing the town use of up to four fiber strands.

The public-comment period included a statement from a company representative, who identified himself as Eric Bman and said he and his CEO, Michael Clemens, appreciated the council’s consideration. “We’re very excited to be able to expand fiber internet throughout the Blacksburg and Montgomery County community,” he said.

Council members voted to approve the ordinance after the presentation and public comment. The franchise sets the terms under which the company may work in the town right-of-way and establishes engineering and restoration standards staff said must be followed.

Why it matters: Council and staff framed the franchise as a targeted step to expand broadband access to underserved neighborhoods by enabling a regional provider to finish short stretches of conduit that interrupt pole-based builds. The ordinance will return to the town’s administrative process for permitting and engineering review before construction begins.

What’s next: The ordinance passed on council motion and will be implemented through stepping permits and utility coordination; town engineering staff will review and approve required construction plans and restoration work before field activity begins.