City Broadband Office Provides Update on Infrastructure Expansion

Fiber internet infrastructure expansion work is underway, with new-to-market internet service providers (ISPs) installing fiber across Albuquerque. The fiber is being installed underground and on telephone poles to bring faster, more reliable, and affordable internet options to homes and businesses, providing equitable access to broadband across Albuquerque.

While the City of Albuquerque is not performing the construction, a project of this scale requires close coordination between the City, public utilities, the internet providers, and their subcontractors. Installation also uses public right-of-ways and easements. Construction has been underway for over 13 months in both residential and commercial areas.

“This is an infrastructure upgrade like we haven’t seen in a long time in Albuquerque, maybe ever,” said City of Albuquerque Broadband Program Manager Catherine Nicolaou. “We know the long-term and immediate benefits that come with fiber internet, and we know that we have to work together to make installing fiber networks of this size as seamless as possible for our residents.”

Fiber installation can be more intensive than routine infrastructure maintenance. Right-of-way work may occur along roads, sidewalks, property lines, and telephone poles. ISPs are required to notify residents in advance of construction via street signage and/or door flyers. Residents can view current and upcoming construction locations on the Fiber Company Public Right-of-Way Permit Map.

Federal regulations prohibit cities from blocking internet companies from coming into the market. When a provider wants to work in Albuquerque, they have to sign a License Agreement with the City and then apply for permits to begin construction. These agreements require the companies to follow clear rules about how they install the fiber. 

ISPs are responsible for completing the work and restoring any impacted areas to their original condition. Unintentional damage to water lines, sewer drains, landscaping, and driveways has been reported. Residents are encouraged to contact the specific company working in their neighborhood if they have concerns about the quality of the completed work. The City Broadband Office is also supporting residents with their concerns. In extreme cases of breaches to the Franchise Agreements held with the City, a stop work order has been issued until all outstanding problems have been fixed.

Residents can expect construction crews and equipment to perform the following:

• NM 811 to mark underground utilities with temporary paint and flags.
• Contractors will bring trucks and equipment to work on the fiber installation. Construction hours are between 6am and 10pm.
• Open holes with safety fences may be present in public rights-of-way.
• Construction timelines vary by location and typically last one to four weeks.
• The construction area will be restored to its previous condition.

“We’re holding companies accountable to make sure they are diligent in their practices during this process,” said Director of the Department of Technology and Innovation Mark Leech. “We listen to concerns and see any issues through until they are made right.”

The Broadband Office meets regularly with providers to hold them accountable and also reviews all calls for service.

For questions or concerns regarding construction, contact the internet service provider directly using the phone number that is on the notification you received to ensure personalized service from the provider working in your area.

• Ezee Fiber 505-539-4848
• Gigapower 505-420-5195
• Vexus Fiber 844-512-5022

Find more information on the Cities High Speed Fiber Internet page.

Find b-roll of typical neighborhood construction