The Vancouver City Council agreed Monday to award a 25-year franchise agreement to Northwest Open Access Network to install telecommunications systems on city property.
The Tacoma-based company, known as NOANet, is a non-profit created by public utility districts that have linked their fiber optic systems together. NOANet requested a non-exclusive, revocable franchise agreement to install fiber optic cables in the city’s right-of-way at locations throughout the city.
NOANet is installing these facilities with about $1 million of $160 million in stimulus grants the company received, which will provide fiber optic connections to underserved areas from the Pacific Coast to eastern Washington, a representative told the city council.
The franchise agreement provides for NOANet to reimburse the city for legal and administrative costs incurred in developing the franchise agreement and to pay any applicable city taxes and fees.
