Council adopts 10-year fiber franchise with Forged Fiber 37 LLC

Sumner’s City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 2949 on Jan. 5, authorizing a 10‑year, nonexclusive franchise agreement with Forged Fiber 37 LLC that allows use of city rights of way for fiber infrastructure and future expansions.

City Attorney Andrea Marquez summarized the agreement as a transfer of ownership for existing Lumen assets to an AT&T subsidiary and said the franchise "mirrors the same terms as the recently adopted Ziply fiber franchise so it's equitable and consistent among other providers in Sumner and that is a requirement of federal law." Marquez explained franchise agreements permit use of right‑of‑way but require separate permits for specific build phases.

Marquez noted federal law, including FCC requirements, obliges municipalities to treat providers consistently. The ordinance had a first reading Dec. 1 and required a second reading; council members moved, seconded and approved the ordinance by roll call.

The measure maintains existing pole and transmission facilities in place while authorizing the new owner to maintain and expand the network under the franchise’s terms.