Roswell's City Council votes Monday, Nov. 9, on letting Google Fiber lay fiber in city streets for a 2% fee. The deal sets no build date or coverage map.
Google Fiber is asking for permission to build a fiber internet network in Roswell’s streets. The Mayor and City Council vote on the request at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, at City Hall.
The item is a 10-year license for Google Fiber Georgia, LLC to use the city’s public rights-of-way. It is on the Nov. 9 meeting agenda under the city attorney’s report. The Committees of Council recommended it for a vote on Oct. 27, and city staff recommend approval, the staff summary for the item says.
“This license agreement will allow Google Fiber to offer services to Roswell residents,” the summary says.
What the license allows
The license lets the company build and run a fiber optic network along city streets to sell broadband internet and internet-based phone service to homes and businesses. That is set out in the draft agreement attached to the agenda item.
Under the draft:
- the network may run on poles or underground, in conduits, vaults and street cabinets
- Google Fiber needs a city right-of-way permit for each job and pays the city’s permit and inspection fees
- the city keeps ownership of its streets and first call on using them
- use of city-owned poles or conduit would need a separate agreement
- Google Fiber posts a $50,000 performance bond with the city
- the license is not exclusive, so other providers can still seek the same rights
The license does not cover cable-style TV service.
No build date and no promise to cover the whole city
The draft does not commit Google Fiber to wiring every neighborhood. “Nothing in this Agreement requires Licensee to build to all areas of City,” it says. The company keeps the choice of where and when to build.
The agreement sets no start date for construction or service. Google Fiber now markets itself as gFiber. Its Georgia page lists Alpharetta, about five miles north, among the places it serves, along with Decatur, Chamblee, East Point and parts of Atlanta. Roswell is not on that list yet.
What the city gets
The city would receive 2% of Google Fiber’s gross revenue from internet customers served through lines in city rights-of-way. The money is paid quarterly, within 45 days of the end of each quarter, starting when the company first takes revenue in Roswell. Staff call it a new revenue source for the General Fund.
The draft lets Google Fiber show that fee as a separate line on customers’ bills. Revenue from equipment rental, advertising and taxes is not counted.
| Term | What the draft agreement says |
|---|---|
| Length | 10 years, then automatic three-year renewals |
| Fee to the city | 2% of internet revenue, paid quarterly |
| Bond | $50,000 performance bond |
| Coverage | Company decides where and when to build |
| Exit | Google Fiber can end it with 180 days’ notice |
| City’s remedy | Termination for a material breach after a 180-day cure period |
Table by Roswell Journal, from the draft license agreement attached to the Nov. 9 agenda.
Either side can stop the automatic renewals with six months’ written notice.
Also on Monday’s agenda
The council also holds the first reading of the proposed FY2027 budget, listed at $227,045,617. Other items include:
- three contracts with Chastain Plumbing Heating and Cooling to replace rooftop units at the Public Safety Headquarters, for $115,620, $132,540 and $132,540
- City Hall heating and cooling work: $733,000 to Comfort Systems and $441,200.60 to Trane Technologies
- a financing lease with the Georgia Municipal Association for replacement vehicles and equipment, up to $1,034,238
- new flooring at the Cultural Arts Center, a $99,279.30 contract with Prime Contractors
- a zoning request for Parkway Village small-tract status, with variances, at 545 West Crossville Road
What it means for you
- Nothing changes yet. A yes vote gives Google Fiber the right to build. It does not mean service is coming to your street.
- Watch for crews and permits. Fiber work in the right-of-way needs a city permit, so the first sign of a build will be permitted work along roads.
- Expect the fee on a bill. If you sign up later, the 2% city fee may appear as its own line.
- Have your say. To speak, fill out a comment card and return it to the city clerk. Comments are limited to five minutes per item. The meeting is at City Hall, 38 Hill St.
We will report the council’s decision after Monday’s meeting.
Have your say