Fiber-optic, high-speed internet coming to Lanett

BY JOHN BRICE

FOR THE LAFAYETTE SUN

LANETT — The Lanett City Council took the first step Tuesday, Sept. 8, toward bringing high-speed, fiber-optic internet to the city, holding a first reading of a proposed franchise agreement with Point Broadband.

District 2 Council Member Krisse Story read the ordinance, which would authorize Point Broadband Fiber Holdings LLC to construct and maintain a fiber-optic transmission line within municipal rights of way. The agreement allows the company to operate throughout the city limits to provide broadband internet service to local residents and businesses.

Brian Maffey, a representative for Point Broadband, addressed the council regarding the proposed expansion.

“We are happy to be able to offer our services to your community,” Maffey said. “Point Broadband, as you know, is based locally out of Opelika. We have been running a fiber-optic network out of that city for a long time, and we have the opportunity for expansion. Your community is a beautiful community for us to build that and offer it as a competitive service to provide fiber-optic broadband service at much faster speeds, better rates and no contracts for your residents, community and businesses.”

Because the measure was presented as a first reading, final adoption will take place at a subsequent meeting.

In Other Business, the Council: 

Approved resolutions declaring properties owned by Stiggers and Lyons as public nuisances, authorizing the city to proceed with enforcement action.

Adopted the annual Rebuild Alabama transportation plan.

Approved a resolution to apply for state and federal matching funds for a fiscal year 2027 improvement project at the Lanett Regional Airport.

Tabled a proposed resolution regarding the conversion of unused sick leave toward municipal employee retirement credit.

Heard a presentation from ClearWater Solutions representative Katie Hill, who briefed council members on the findings of a recent municipal water rate study.