City Shuts Down Fiber Construction Until They Do it Right

The City of Albuquerque has demanded Ezee Fiber stop construction following a sharp increase in resident complaints about unsafe and incomplete work tied to fiber internet installation.This is the second internet provider to be shut down in recent months, as the City steps up enforcement to ensure companies meet high standards and respect neighborhoods.

“We’re all for better internet, but it has to be done the right way,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “If a company’s digging in front of your house, they should be knocking on your door, leaving their phone number, and fixing what they break—no excuses. We’re listening to folks and making sure these companies do right by our neighborhoods.”

Ezee Fiber, one of three internet providers licensed to install broadband in Albuquerque, was notified Wednesday that it is in violation of its agreement with the City and is now required to halt work. Key issues include:

• Unrepaired property damage and utility hits
• Open holes, potholes, and sidewalks left unrestored
• Work conducted outside of allowed hours
• Subcontractors working without visible identification
• A gas line hit by a subcontractor that failed to follow New Mexico Public Regulation Commission Pipeline Safety Bureau’s safety requirements

The City’s Planning Department, Department of Municipal Development, and the Broadband Office, as well as the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission's Pipeline Safety Bureau and utility companies are working together to ensure fiber installation projects move forward responsibly and safely. Ezee Fiber currently has 46 active construction crews in Albuquerque, a level the City now deems excessive given the ongoing issues.

In response to the growing concerns across Albuquerque, the City is creating new rules for internet service providers:

Work Area Limits: Providers will be restricted in how many construction zones they can open at one time to prevent overextension.

The City is also ramping up enforcement existing rules related to fiber installation:  

• Proof of Direct Resident Notification: Providers must send certified mail or provide documented notice before work begins in a neighborhood.
• Vehicle Identification: All contractor vehicles must clearly indicate which internet provider they are working for.
• Fines for Violations: The Department of Municipal Development will issue fines for barricade violations and other failures to follow safety protocols.

Stop-Work Orders will remain in place until companies demonstrate full compliance. Vexus Fiber remains under a stop-work order issued in March, while Gigapower had its order lifted after coming back into compliance.

“Fiber broadband is essential for our city’s future. From telehealth, to remote learning, to work-from-home, our residents are living increasingly digitally connected lives, and we need to ensure our infrastructure can support that,” said Broadband Program Manager Catherine Nicolaou. “We are taking these steps to be sure the companies in our market are doing quality work so eventually everyone will have more broadband options available.”

“We’ve seen an increase in the number of citizen complaints, and Ezee Fiber hasn’t taken enough action to address these despite the City bringing them to their attention,” said Planning Department Director Alan Varela. “These private companies must take better care of our community, and we will not stand for less.”

“Construction in Albuquerque must meet our rigorous standards, and we are committed to ensuring our roadways, sidewalks, and utilities remain accessible and in good repair,” said Department of Municipal Development Director Jennifer Turner.

“The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission's Pipeline Safety Bureau will continue to work together with the City of Albuquerque to respond and resolve ongoing issues related to underground facility damages,” said PRC Commissioner Greg Nibert. "Contacting NM811 service is crucial before starting any excavation project."

The City’s Department of Municipal Development maintains an interactive map of fiber barricades that lists the projects approved for both the current week and the following week the City of Albuquerque's website.

Through its Pipeline Safety Bureau (PSB), the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) is the state agency that is responsible for enforcing compliance with the State’s Excavation Damage to Pipelines and Underground Utility Lines Law, which requires anyone, including contractors, who is about to start on a digging project to call 811 to allow underground facilities to be marked and located before commencing excavation.

During construction, internet service providers are responsible for mitigating any damage, addressing all resident issues, and restoring all construction areas. The Broadband Office meets regularly with providers to hold them accountable and also reviews all calls for service.

Residents should report any issues directly to the providers listed on construction notices, and call 311 if they need additional assistance.

Ezee Fiber: 505-539-4848

Gigapower: 505-420-5195

Vexus Fiber: 844-512-5022