The Helena City Commission voted 5-0 at its September 28th meeting to approve first passage of an ordinance granting Blackfoot Communications Inc. an access agreement to construct, operate, and control a telecommunications system within Helena city limits.
The agreement is structured differently from the franchise agreements the city typically uses for cable or utility providers. Assistant City Attorney Pettish explained to commissioners that federal law carves out an exemption for companies providing strictly telecommunications services — as opposed to cable television or mixed services — meaning a standard franchise agreement isn't the appropriate legal vehicle. The access agreement accomplishes the same practical goal of authorizing Blackfoot to work within city right-of-way, but under a framework that fits the federal regulatory landscape.
Blackfoot Communications is a Montana-based provider with existing infrastructure throughout the region, including service in the Helena area. The ordinance's first passage opens a mandatory second reading before the agreement becomes final, giving residents an additional opportunity to weigh in before the commission takes a final vote.
The unanimous first-passage vote indicates broad commission support for the agreement. Residents and businesses who have been waiting for expanded telecommunications options in the city will be watching the second reading, which is expected to come before the commission at a subsequent meeting.