Media giant Virgin has been given a blanket wayleave for Angus Council ground in Arbroath.
Councillors have cleared the way to make it easier for the firm to lay fibre broadband cables but other Angus towns may have to wait for the high-speed boost.
Utilities companies have a statutory right to lay cables in adopted roads and paths, but that does not extend to non-adopted areas, including parks.
The wayleave approved by Angus policy and resources councillors will allow access rights at no cost on council housing account land. Access over other areas such as parks and schools has been delegated to officials.
Virgin Media say their longer term ambitions involve Arbroath becoming a springboard for expansion to Aberdeen and Inverness.
Councillors heard the extension to Montrose, Forfar and Brechin is “entirely possible in a reasonable timeframe”.
The company will carry out an engagement exercise, including meeting with community groups.
Arbroath SNP councillor Alex King said: “I welcome this, and it will certainly help businesses and residents. I’m just a little disappointed it’s taken well over 20 years for fibre broadband and I’d very much like them to get out of Arbroath and then into the rest of the burghs.”
Monifieth and Sidlaws SNP councillor Sheila Hands said: “An extension is welcome but it does come at a cost and I’m a bit wary about that.
“It is almost like saying they will take the horse right up to the trough but they’re going to have to pay for the water.”
Council depute chief executive Mark Armstrong said: “The first part is to get the connectivity and the reach extending into Angus should be welcomed.”
