Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Broadband Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Montgomery County approves Uniti Fiber franchise for county rights‑of‑way; 3% franchise fee in contract
Summary
The Montgomery County Commission approved a franchise agreement with Uniti Fiber to install and operate fiber‑optic facilities within county rights‑of‑way. The contract includes a 3% franchise fee on applicable gross revenues and requires mapping, insurance, and annual reporting by the company.
The Montgomery County Commission voted unanimously on Sept. 16 to approve a franchise agreement with Uniti Fiber GulfCo LLC to install and operate fiber‑optic transmission lines and related facilities in county rights‑of‑way.
Under terms included in the agreement presented to the Commission, the company agreed to furnish its own equipment for construction and maintenance, to provide annual maps of installed facilities to the county engineer, and to maintain insurance that covers public liability and property damage. The contract specifies a Franchise Fee of 3% of gross revenues received from local telecommunications services provided to county subscribers outside incorporated municipalities; gross‑revenue definitions and apportionment rules are spelled out in the contract language.
The agreement also requires the company to obtain permits before making openings in county roadways and includes mapping and reporting obligations. The contract term as written extends through 2040 and includes mediation and county‑court dispute resolution language; it also gives the county the right to examine company books to verify reported gross revenues for fee calculation.
County Attorney Connie Walker presented the franchise and the board moved and carried the item under waived rules so work could proceed, according to the meeting record. The Commission’s motion to approve the proposed franchise was carried unanimously.
What happens next: County and company staff will coordinate permitting, mapping and insurance compliance before construction and attachments proceed under the franchise terms.
