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Commission adopts ordinance requiring duplicate conduit for large broadband installs
Summary
Anaconda-Deer Lodge County adopted Ordinance No. 282 to require that broadband/communications installations affecting more than two residential blocks install an additional conduit for future providers; the measure aims to reduce repeated street disruption from competing fiber installs.
The Commission adopted Ordinance No. 282 on June 16, amending Chapter 20 (Utilities) to require communications companies planning work that affects more than two residential blocks to install a duplicate conduit alongside their own infrastructure for future providers to use or lease.
Planning Director Carl Hamming described the draft as consistent with language other counties have used to reduce repeated excavation and infrastructure duplication. County Attorney Morgan Smith recommended minor edits; CEO Bill Everett said the ordinance is a step toward managing disruptive parallel fiber installations. “Fiber optics in Montana is the biggest issue we're all dealing with as a community,” Everett said, urging additional steps such as bonding or oversight for contractors. The ordinance passed by unanimous vote.
