City of Albuquerque halts fiber optic construction in response to damage, complaints
In a recent Albuquerque City Council meeting, officials put forth a resolution to stop all fiber optic construction in the city, amid growing complaints from residents about damage and disruption due to improper installation by fiber optic contractors. 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.
City Councilor Dan Champine highlighted 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,” said Councilor Champine. “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.”
According to the Albuquerque Journal, the latest stop-work order has been issued to Ezee Fiber. Stop-work orders were previously issued to two other contractors—Gigafiber, who has since come into compliance, and Vexus Fiber, who is still unable to continue installation.
“Ezee Fiber recognizes the frustration construction brings to Albuquerque residents, and we take full responsibility for any incidents that impact landscaping or existing infrastructure buried in the right of way where we are installing fiber optic lines,” Ezee Fiber spokesperson Jim Schwartz said in response to the stop-work order.
The City of Albuquerque, N.M. stated that if people have any concerns about the fiber-optic construction, they should report it on the 311 app and include a photo.
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