Telecommunications Services

Telecommunication Services consists of wireless, internet, and/or cellular data provided to an end user. Telecommunication service providers install, operate and maintain the telecommunication facilities,including conduit, fiber optic, cable, antenna, meter, utility box or pole, or other facilities within the public right of way.

The City grants three types of right of way agreements for the purpose of telecommunication services: a Franchise Agreement, Telecom Right of Way Permit or Master License Agreement, whichever is consistent with the type of telecommunication service being provided. For the use of the right of way, the service provider agrees to pay a fee that is calculated and imposed under Salt Lake City Code.  

Telecommunications Right of Way Permit

Telecommunication service providers may receive a permit for the benefit of the end user to install construct and maintain conduit and fiber optic cable in the City right of way.

Franchise Agreement

May be issued to the telecommunication or other service provider for the benefit of the end user for the purpose of installing, constructing and maintaining telecommunication facilities in the City right of way. City may consider a franchise agreement when it is determined to be in the best interests of the City, and in furtherance of the health, safety, and welfare of the public in accordance and all applicable City ordinances and state and federal law, including the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Franchise Ordinance

The franchise agreement is transmitted to City Council and adopts a franchise ordinance approving the execution and made an integral part of the franchise agreement.

Small Cell Master License Agreement 

Permits wireless providers to install small wireless facilities (SWF) within the City right of way and attach SWF to City owned infrastructure (City utility poles and lines, designated streetlights, etc.).

An agreement may be issued to small cell wireless service providers and wireless infrastructure providers (exchange carriers) for the benefit of the end user, for the purpose of providing third party broadband wireless service and expand the available data transmission bandwidth for mobile devices.

In addition to the master license agreement, the service providers will be required to also obtain a franchise agreement.

Master License Ordinance

The master license agreement is transmitted to City Council and adopts a master license ordinance approving the execution and made an integral part of the master license agreement.