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Equal Access to Broadband. The franchise mandates that Intrepid provide <br />equal access to broadband to all residents. This ensures the same quality of <br />service to all homes and businesses in the franchise area. <br />Open Access System. Intrepid will build the network as a wholesale provider. <br />Other franchised retail service providers will operate on this single, robust <br />network, fostering competition in services and pricing for residents. <br />Authorization for Open Access Service Providers. All open access service <br />providers using the Intrepid system will be allowed to sign on to this master <br />franchise by signing a Joinder Agreement. This will allow users of the system to <br />sign the Joinder Agreement and start providing service immediately. <br />Buildout Obligation. Intrepid must essentially complete construction of the <br />entire city over a 5-year period. They must also ensure access across the entire <br />jurisdiction. <br />Financial Consideration. Intrepid has agreed to pay a 5% gross revenue fee. <br />This payment is for the privilege to use the public rights-of-way. It secures a <br />long-term revenue source for the community. <br />Public Benefits & Protections. The agreement secures commitments for free <br />or discounted broadband services for government facilities. It ensures the <br />provision of dark fiber under certain conditions. It also includes a provision for <br />a discount of no less than 10% for seniors and disabled persons. <br />III. Prompt Action by the Commission <br />Crucially, the SWCTC demonstrated that local franchising is an expeditious <br />process. The SWCTC moved rapidly to review the franchise application, hold a <br />public hearing, and negotiate and approve the agreement. When an applicant <br />is serious about serving a community, local franchising does not create any <br />unnecessary delay. <br />The Commission acted to approve the franchise just 59 days from the date <br />they received Intrepid’s application. Franchise negotiations themselves were <br />completed in less than three weeks. Bradley addressed critics of local <br />regulation directly, stating: <br />“Any suggestion that local government is a barrier to entry is not based <br />in reality. This commission acted, and acted very timely.”  <br />The SWCTC’s successful and prompt process ensures that a local body of <br />government will be “looking out for our interests.” It protects residents’ rights <br />and ensures all residents have equal access to broadband.