Las Cruces approves 10-year franchise with Ripple Fiber to expand residential fiber internet

The Las Cruces City Council on Nov. 3 approved ordinance 3,100, a 10-year, nonexclusive telecommunications franchise agreement with Ripple Fiber New Mexico LLC to install fiber-optic internet infrastructure in the city right-of-way.

City staff member Henry summarized the franchise as a standard local-rights agreement updated to require improved coordination, reporting and protections during construction. Henry said the franchise includes a 2% fee on quarterly gross revenues for phone, internet and data services and noted the term is 10 years.

"This franchise agreement is to provide fiber optic Internet infrastructure throughout the city," Henry said. He added the agreement was drafted to align with existing local franchise terms and to give the city more robust communication and oversight during construction.

A Ripple representative described the company's business model as residential-first in Las Cruces and said the company would consider commercial service in the future. The representative said Ripple intends to coordinate with residents and local contractors and maintain a dedicated "green team" to restore landscaping after construction.

Councilors asked about exclusivity history, whether the franchise covers residential and commercial customers, and how the company would coordinate in areas with existing or incoming providers. Henry said the franchise language is meant to be flexible to account for potential federal regulatory changes about whether fiber is an "information service" or a "utility." The Ripple representative said their intent is to bring competition and to communicate closely with the city and residents.

The ordinance passed by roll-call vote with the mayor and present councilors voting yes and Councilor Bencomo absent.