By Kevin Hendricks
The City of Albuquerque has issued a cease and desist order to Ezee Fiber, demanding the fiber optic company immediately halt all construction activities within city limits.
This comes after a surge in resident complaints regarding unsafe and incomplete work associated with fiber internet installations. This marks the second internet provider to face such action in recent months, signaling a heightened effort by the city to enforce standards and ensure companies operate responsibly within 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 companies licensed to install broadband in Albuquerque, was officially notified last week of its violation of the agreement with the city. The company is now required to stop all work. Key issues leading to the order 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 who 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 are collaborating with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission’s Pipeline Safety Bureau and utility companies to ensure responsible and safe fiber installation projects. Ezee Fiber currently has 46 active construction crews in Albuquerque, a number the city now considers excessive given the ongoing problems.
“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.”
In response to the mounting concerns, the city is implementing new regulations for internet service providers, including work area limits to prevent overextension. The city is also increasing enforcement of existing rules:
- 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 effect until companies demonstrate full compliance. Vexus Fiber is still under a stop-work order issued in March, while Gigapower had its order lifted after meeting compliance requirements.
“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.”
Residents with issues should report them directly to the providers listed on construction notices or call 311.
“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.
District 8 City Councilor Dan Champine introduced a resolution at the May 5 Albuquerque City Council meeting in response to the growing concerns surrounding ongoing fiber internet installation throughout Albuquerque. The resolution proposes a temporary moratorium on the acceptance of new fiber internet installation permits and the creation of a working group to thoroughly reevaluate the City’s current permitting criteria and other required standards.
While Champine acknowledged the importance of upgraded fiber optic infrastructure for Albuquerque’s residents and businesses, he said that the extensive installation activities taking place in neighborhoods, side streets and major roads have generated significant disruption and numerous complaints from residents. These complaints include concerns regarding inadequate notice of construction, improper marking of work zones, damage to utilities and landscaping, delayed cleanup of excavated materials, untimely pothole repairs and work being conducted outside of permitted hours.
“While the City does not perform the installation work itself, it is responsible for ensuring that all projects are properly permitted and adhere to necessary standards,” Champine said. “These installations are carried out by private fiber providers and their contracted crews, who operate under license agreements with the City and must comply with City construction specifications and ordinances, including the Street Excavation Ordinance.”
The proposed resolution will be considered by the City Council at its May 19 meeting.