OPINION: Halting fiber construction hurts students, families and the future

In today’s society, access to reliable internet is imperative for most people. From connecting with doctors and mental health care providers through telehealth software to searching and applying for jobs, accessing school platforms for homework and test preparation, and staying in touch with loved ones to reduce social isolation, much of our quality of life depends on having reliable internet access.

For families with children in school, the issue of connectivity is even more urgent. Schools now rely heavily on digital platforms for assignments, grades and parent/teacher communication. Students use the internet to conduct research, collaborate on projects and supplement their learning. In many cases, internet access is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.

In New Mexico, where we are ranked last in the nation for education by the U.S. News & World Report, we also fall behind in broadband access — ranked 43rd in the nation according to BroadbandNow. One in 10 New Mexicans lacks high-speed internet. This leaves families struggling to access opportunities, students falling behind and seniors disconnected from virtual care. The consequences of the digital divide are real, and they hold our communities back.

At Ezee Fiber, we’re committed to changing that. We believe every New Mexican deserves access to fast, reliable fiber internet. That’s why we’ve invested in building a high-speed network across Albuquerque — to bridge gaps in education, employment, health care and daily life.

We also understand that with any large-scale infrastructure project comes disruption. We acknowledge that communication and oversight have not been perfect, and we sincerely apologize for any inconveniences caused. Since launching our work here, we have already submitted detailed improvement plans to city staff that are focused on enhancing transparency, responsiveness and construction quality. We are listening, learning and adapting — because we’re here for the long haul.

We currently have more than 4,000 homeowners and 30 local businesses that have signed up and are waiting for Ezee Fiber service, because they want a better internet experience. The decision to stop work will delay high speed internet to these residents and businesses. Our local workforce includes nearly 250 people who are proud to be part of a transformative project for the state. Delays in construction threaten not just the timeline for broadband access, but also the jobs and economic momentum tied to this effort.

At the upcoming Albuquerque City Council meeting on May 19, councilors will vote on whether to pause our work. Such a decision will have immediate and wide-reaching impacts — stalling progress, jeopardizing jobs and prolonging inequities in internet access. The question before the council is not whether improvements need to continue — they do — but whether we should stop moving forward when meaningful corrections are already being implemented.

This project is the largest telecom construction effort Albuquerque has seen in 50 years. Mistakes happen in work of this scale, and we take full responsibility when they do, and we work quickly to correct the problems. Our crews are committed to minimizing disruption and maximizing long-term benefit for the communities we serve.

In a state facing real, measurable challenges in education and poverty, we need solutions — not setbacks. Pausing our project won’t solve anything we aren’t already addressing. Instead, we ask the City Council to partner with us. Let’s move forward together and deliver the future New Mexicans deserve.

Ezee Fiber is not the problem — we are part of the solution. Let’s finish the job.