Langley Township defends its dealings with tech firms over high-speed internet
Service providers can’t blame Township for not having internet in some areas, municipality says
The Township of Langley wasted no time to share its side of the story about high speed internet in the municipality.
“The Township of Langley is aware of misinformation circulating on social media stating that the Township is responsible for a Telecommunications Service Provider’s (TSP) inability to provide high speed fibre optic internet services in certain Langley neighbourhoods. This is false,” the Township said in a statement.
Providers are required to obtain Township consent to construct or install equipment as well as follow the Telecommunications Act. To operate, TSPs must have equipment such as overhead wires, poles, buried fibre optic and coaxial cables, antennas, and switches in various locations, primarily in service corridors such as roads and rights of way which are under the jurisdiction of the Township.
“We have given and continue to give consent to TSPs to install their infrastructure,” the statement said.
The Township has Telecommunications Works Cooperation Agreements which govern the relationship between the Township and TSPs allowing for streamlined installations of high-speed fibre optic internet services within the municipality.
“The Township also streamlined our processes to expedite their permit requests, plan reviews, and related needs,” the Township explained.
The Townships is emphasizing that it is not impeding TSPs from doing business in the community and supports the expansion of high-speed internet but noted that it does not have a say in whether a provider chooses to extend service to a given area, or when a TSP expands to a neighbourhood. The Township does not control business decisions such as service levels, and does not provide funding nor invest in TSP equipment.
“The Township does not demand special fees from TSPs, aside from minimal costs for permits and plan reviews which are in place to protect Township assets and community members, and for the safety and sustainability of important services for Township residents (e.g. to prevent technical conflicts, and protect public water and sanitary systems, and third party systems for electricity and gas),” the Township said.
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