The Covington City Council on Nov. 12 heard an introductory presentation on a proposed franchise agreement with Forge Fiber 37 LLC, a company that is acquiring Lumen'owned fiber assets and is a subsidiary of AT&T, city staff said.

Selena Lyons explained that a franchise agreement creates a contractual framework above the standard right-of-way use permit for a larger project or citywide service. "The franchise just adds an extra layer above a right-of-way use permit that they would still need to obtain," Lyons said, adding that the proposed agreement covers existing underground Lumen fiber the company is purchasing and that no new poles, attachments or above-ground enclosures are proposed at this time.

Liz Walker, representing the applicant and speaking from New York, said Forge Fiber is purchasing existing Lumen assets nationwide and intends to operate and potentially extend service in the city under normal permitting. "They will own these assets that are already in the ground," Walker said, adding that the company will comply with the city's permitting process for any future expansion.

Council had no substantive questions at the introduction. Staff said the ordinance and franchise agreement will return for formal council consideration around Dec. 9.