Historic First Local Broadband Franchise in Minnesota – Join the October 9 Member Call
When: 10/9/2025
We are excited to share important news from one of our member commissions. The South Washington County Telecommunications Commission (SWCTC) has adopted the first local broadband franchise agreement in Minnesota--a groundbreaking step that shows how franchising continues to be a vital tool for local governments and important to community media.
South Washington County Telecommunications Commission Approves First Local Broadband Franchise in Minnesota
On September 25, 2025, the SWCTC approved a franchise with Intrepid Fiber Networks to build an open-access Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) system in the City of Woodbury. Unlike standard right-of-way permits, franchising provides local governments with a binding contract that secures public benefits in exchange for the use of public land.
For more than 40 years, SWCTC has successfully franchised cable systems for its member cities--ensuring wide service availability, buildout obligations, customer service standards, and support for robust community media.
Summary of the SWCTC Broadband Franchise
Key provisions include:
- Not Exclusive SWCTC may franchise additional providers.
- Equal Access to Broadband All residents and businesses receive the same quality of service.
- Open Access System Intrepid serves as a wholesale provider, allowing retail competition on the network.
- Authorization for Service Providers Retail providers can join quickly via a Joinder Agreement.
- Buildout Obligation Construction across the city must be essentially complete within five years.
- Financial Consideration A 5% gross revenue fee provides long-term community revenue.
- Public Benefits & Protections Commitments include discounted service for government facilities, dark fiber availability, and a 10% discount for seniors and disabled residents.
Swift Action by the Commission
The SWCTC demonstrated that franchising is not a barrier to entry but a proactive tool to secure community benefits. The entire process--from application to approval--was completed in just 59 days. Attorney Mike Bradley of Bradley Werner, LLC, emphasized: "Any suggestion that local government is a barrier to entry is not based in reality. This commission acted, and acted very timely."
This new franchise underscores how local franchising can both protect residents and foster competition, while ensuring communities are equipped with modern digital infrastructure.
We invite MACTA members to learn more and ask questions during a special Legislative call on Thursday October 9 at NOON. *Please note this is an earlier start time than normal.
Read the full press release here: First Broadband Franchise Ushers in a New Era in Franchising ‣ Bradley Werner, LLC.
Watch the public hearing and review the franchise and ordinance on the SWCTC website.