The City of Albuquerque is set to host a virtual public meeting on Thursday, June 5, at noon to address concerns regarding fiber optic cable installation. The meeting aims to gather public input on proposed new rules for companies involved in these projects.
Residents have reported numerous complaints about construction work, prompting the city to consider stricter requirements.
Councilors voted on May 19 to establish a moratorium on new fiber work and create a working group within 30 days to review and fix issues with the current code. The legislation was spurred by a variety of complaints about firms starting construction activity earlier than permitted, working past the 10 p.m. cut-off time, failing to notify residents of construction and damaging sidewalks.
Key issues to be discussed at the meeting include unrepaired property damage, utility hits, open holes, potholes, unrestored sidewalks, work conducted outside of allowed hours, subcontractors without visible identification, availability of materials in both Spanish and English and proper notification for work.
The City’s Planning Department, Department of Municipal Development, and the Broadband Office, along with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission’s Pipeline Safety Bureau and utility companies, are collaborating to ensure responsible and safe fiber installation projects.
The proposed new rules are available at: https://www.cabq.gov/clerk/rulemaking/notice-of-proposed-rulemaking-broadband-regulation.
The meeting will take place via Zoom at https://cabq.zoom.us/j/87326296926, Meeting ID: 87326296926, or by phone at 1-669-444-9171. Written public comments can be submitted to aeye@cabq.gov. Individuals requiring assistance due to disability should contact Allison Eye at aeye@cabq.gov or 505-768-4539 at least five business days before the hearing.
For immediate needs related to fiber optic trenching, contact Ezee Fiber at 505-539-4848, Gigapower at 505-420-5195, or Vexus Fiber at 844-512-5022.