Albuquerque, N.M. — After months of complaints, a stop work order is now in place for another broadband company in Albuquerque. It comes after residents faced flooding, ruptured gas lines and blocked driveways as companies began construction. 

“Been here 34 years in this cul-de-sac. Had construction, had this done before but never this type of disrespect and inconvenience,” Albuquerque resident John Orlovsky said.

City workers claim complaints have gone from 20 to more than 200 a month about all kinds of issues.

“The way this is being done, especially by some of these providers, is an absolute nightmare for our homeowners,” Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said. “So we are doing what we need to do, to shut these companies down until they get it right, and we’re also going to hold them legally accountable for the damages and for violating all the city rules that they’re not following.”

A stop work order for Ezee Fiber went into effect Wednesday, making it the third company to get hit with this type of order. In March, the city issued a stop work order for Vexus Fiber. Gigapower had a stop work order issued in December 2024, but it has since been lifted after the city said the company is back in compliance.

The order means Ezee Fiber crews can’t begin new construction, until they fixed what they started. But according to city leaders like Mayor Tim Keller, Ezee Fiber began construction in a Northeast Heights neighborhood Thursday. Keller said that work wasn’t just a nuisance, it was illegal.

Ezee Fiber denied any wrongdoing. In a statement Friday, the company’s spokesperson Jim Schwartz said they’re “disappointed by the inaccuracies shared during [Friday’s] City of Albuquerque news conference. No unpermitted work took place following the City’s stop-work order.” Schwartz went on to say they’ve complied with the city’s requirements.

The company also said, “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.” The company’s full statement is below.

If you see Ezee Fiber crews working, they’re supposed to be clean up the current construction by putting things back to the way they’re supposed to be. If you think they’re starting new construction, call 311 or report it online.

“We put our foot down, and we issue the stop work orders and those will stay in place until they clear up the messes that they’ve made, and then we will very slowly, in a very measured fashion, continue to approve their work orders and then issue the permits that they need,” CABQ Planning Department Director Alan Varela said.

After they fix what they started, they’ll also have to follow the rules like minimizing digging more than once, wearing identifiable gear with the company logo and display the logos on the crews vehicles.

Mayor Keller and other city leaders emphasized: they want to expand broadband in Albuquerque but they want companies to do it properly.

The order from Mayor Tim Keller comes as city council is also working on Albuquerque’s broadband construction issues.

“It’s kind of a punch in the gut for you to come in in the 11th hour and be the savior to something that, you know, we’re working on already,” City Councilor Dan Champine said.

Monday, city councilor Dan Champine introduced a moratorium to pause approving any new fiber optic installation permits for 90 days. KOB4 asked Keller’s administration if they plan on working with the council.

“We’re on parallel tracks headed to the same destination. And of course, we’ll be working with city council,” Varela said.

“We’ve been working in the same direction, not with each other, though. So yeah, that’s frustrating,” Champine said.

Statement from Jim Schwartz, Ezee Fiber’s spokesperson:

“Ezee Fiber is disappointed by the inaccuracies shared during today’s City of Albuquerque news conference. No unpermitted work took place following the City’s stop-work order. At every point, including after the order was issued, Ezee Fiber has acted in good faith, taken immediate steps to prevent and address construction issues, and complied fully with the City’s permitting and regulatory requirements. We remain committed to transparency and collaboration, and we expect the same accuracy and fairness in return from City leadership.”
“We also recognize 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. Unfortunately, even with the most careful planning and use of line locator services, construction crews will occasionally impact these utilities or disturb landscaping; however, Ezee Fiber is committed to being a good neighbor, helping to support progress for New Mexico families, and quickly resolving any issues to restore service or restore landscapes.”
“We have delivered a plan to the City to enhance our communication on operational activity and improve our handling of any issues with homeowners to ensure minimal disruption. We remain committed to complying with the City’s stop-work order and are continuing to pause all construction activity as directed.”
“We support clear standards and accountability, and many of the new requirements announced by the City are measures we already follow as part of our standard operations. Our priority is to work in partnership with the City and our communities to deliver high-quality infrastructure while meeting or exceeding all permitting and construction guidelines.”
“As stated by City officials today, access to internet connectivity is imperative to how most people live, work, and play, and closing the digital divide for New Mexico residents is a key priority for our company. We look forward to delivering high-speed internet to the thousands of homeowners and businesses that have already signed up for our services.”