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UID:24A49376-CA7A-482D-8228-698781A2C963@www.mactamn.org
DTSTAMP:20260608T180400Z
DTSTART;TZID=US/Central:20251009T120000
DTEND;TZID=US/Central:20251009T130000
LAST-MODIFIED:20260608T130400
CREATED:20260608T130400
SUMMARY:Historic First Local Broadband Franchise in Minnesota – Join the October 9 Member Call
DESCRIPTION: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.\n\nSouth Washington County Telecommunications Commission Approves First Local Broadband Franchise in Minnesota\n\nOn 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.\n\nFor 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.\n\nSummary of the SWCTC Broadband Franchise\n\nKey provisions include:\n\nNot Exclusive SWCTC may franchise additional providers.\n\n	Equal Access to Broadband All residents and businesses receive the same quality of service.\n\n	Open Access System Intrepid serves as a wholesale provider, allowing retail competition on the network.\n\n	Authorization for Service Providers Retail providers can join quickly via a Joinder Agreement.\n\n	Buildout Obligation Construction across the city must be essentially complete within five years.\n\n	Financial Consideration A 5% gross revenue fee provides long-term community revenue.\n\n	Public Benefits  Protections Commitments include discounted service for government facilities, dark fiber availability, and a 10% discount for seniors ...
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URL:https://www.mactamn.org/events/24A49376-CA7A-482D-8228-698781A2C963
SEQUENCE:1780941852705
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