Box Elder County adopts franchise with SenaWave to expand rural fiber

Box Elder County approved a franchise agreement on Jan. 28, 2026, allowing Vaix, Inc. dba SenaWave Communications to construct, operate and maintain fiber-optic telecommunications infrastructure in county rights-of-way.

County Attorney Stephen Hadfield presented Ordinance #643 and explained the franchise grants SenaWave nonexclusive rights to place fiber and related facilities in county public rights-of-way under the terms described in the ordinance and accompanying franchise agreement. SenaWave representative Brian Papworth told the commission the company and the attorney’s office had worked together on the terms and that they were "excited to extend fiber to rural Box Elder County." Commissioner Boyd Bingham moved to adopt Ordinance #643; Commissioner Lee Perry seconded and the motion carried unanimously on a roll-call vote.

After adopting the ordinance, the commission separately approved SenaWave Communications Agreement #26-03, a contract that memorializes the provider’s obligations in county rights-of-way and associated permit, insurance and restoration requirements. The franchise and agreement call for the company to comply with county encroachment processes, provide as-built records for underground work, and carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance as specified in the documents.

The ordinance and agreement allow the company to offer dark fiber and other telecommunications services but do not by themselves authorize cable-television service regulated under federal law; any such service would require separate, applicable authorization. The agreement requires the provider to pay a franchise fee (listed in the county documents) and to coordinate work to minimize disruption of county infrastructure. The commission record shows the motion to adopt the ordinance and to approve Agreement #26-03 passed on unanimous votes.