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Easley City holds first reading of 20-year fiber franchise; city will regulate permits, restoration but cannot outright deny installation
Summary
On the first reading of Ordinance 202617, council reviewed a 20-year franchise agreement allowing a telecommunications company to install fiber in Easly City right-of-way; staff said the company holds a public-convenience certificate and that the city can regulate permits and require restoration and reimbursement for damage, but cannot prohibit entry outright or require an installation timeline.
Easley City held a first reading of Ordinance 202617 to authorize a franchise agreement that would allow a telecommunications company to install fiber in the city’s rights-of-way.
City staff explained the company has a certificate of public convenience and necessity and that the city’s role is regulatory: the contractor must obtain permits before digging, restore disturbed areas to original condition, and will be required to reimburse the city for emergency repairs if the company damages city infrastructure. Staff said the permit fees are paid by the company and that the city can withhold further permits for noncompliance.
The agreement term is 20 years, which staff said is standard. Council members asked whether the company has committed to any citywide free Wi‑Fi; staff said no agreement on free Wi‑Fi has been reached during negotiations. Members also asked about deployment timing: staff said there is no guaranteed schedule, and the company may deploy as resources and priorities permit.
Why it matters: fiber infrastructure can improve broadband capacity and support future wireless services, but installation may temporarily disrupt neighborhoods. Staff said the franchise gives the city regulatory tools — permitting, restoration and enforcement steps — to protect public infrastructure and require reimbursement for damage.
What’s next: first reading concluded without a final vote; staff will continue negotiations on details such as any public Wi‑Fi commitments and will notify the public when encroachment permits identify where work will begin.
