December 1, 2021
By News Director Jared Atha
Make that two out of the major three cities in Western Oklahoma that have approved a franchise agreement for a new fiber-cable internet system.
During the latest meeting of the Weatherford City Commission, a non-exclusive franchise agreement with Clarity Telecom was approved for the construction and operation for the system, that Clarity officials say would give residents improved internet speeds.
Clarity already has an approved agreement with the City of Clinton that will see the company create a regional office in Clinton with the hope that it will service the tri-city area that includes Clinton, Weatherford, and Elk City.
Now with Weatherford on board, all eyes will be focused on Elk City Commissioners to see if they will approve a similar agreement.
Clarity has already presented to the Elk City Commission twice, the latest came during an introduction of an ordinance that, if approved on a later date, would grant a non-exclusive permit to Clarity.
Desi Stoops with Clarity told the Elk City Commission that the company has been approved in Perry, Stillwater, Enid, and Bartlesville. He also broke down the internet options for customers.
Stoops says the company will be investing $5-$6 million of private funding in a fiber-to-home internet system and that they plan to make use of existing poles.
It should be noted that municipalities and it’s residents are not paying additional fees to Clarity. The only bill a resident would see is if they choose to sign up for the service.
He also added that an additional perk to the new fiber system is that the technology is estimated to be in place for the next 30 years before upgrades are needed.
It is expected that the Elk City Commission will consider a franchise agreement with Clarity during their regular meeting on December 15.
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