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Los Ranchos board authorizes advertisement of Easy Fiber franchise ordinance after extended Q&A on construction, right‑of‑way and consumer protections
Summary
After an extended presentation and Q&A with Easy Fiber representatives about build methods, restoration practices and pricing, the trustees voted to advertise a franchise ordinance that would permit Easy Fiber to use village rights‑of‑way; trustees asked staff to draft construction and permitting standards and to provide more public information before final approval.
The Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque on March 18 voted to authorize publication of an ordinance to consider a non‑exclusive franchise agreement with Easy Fiber (Easy Fiber Texas LLC) that would allow the company to install fiber‑optic facilities in public rights‑of‑way and offer internet access to residents and businesses.
Bill Chapel, the village attorney, explained that franchise advertisement starts the formal public process, followed by a subsequent hearing and a 30‑day period in which a qualified petition of protest by the electorate can force a referendum. Chapel said municipalities must follow state law governing telecommunication franchises and noted the franchise includes a gross‑receipts franchise fee provision.
Garner Duncan, Easy Fiber equity holder and regional representative, described the company’s background (acquisition of a government/education fiber network in 2021), its existing work in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, and a phased build plan for Los Ranchos. Duncan explained the company prefers an all‑fiber, end‑to‑end network delivering symmetrical gigabit service and said Easy Fiber would use directional boring and, where feasible, aerial construction on poles. He said the company does not trench or micro‑trench and that it aims to restore public property to ‘as good or better’ condition after construction.
Trustees and staff probed operational details. Questions included: how fiber reaches a home (company said a small conduit and a hand trench to the house, with the company supplying the customer modem at no separate charge), whether multiple providers could overbuild the same streets (Easy Fiber said direct‑to‑home providers typically avoid duplicative overbuild and permitting authorities sequence work), and what commitments the company will make about restoration and customer service (Duncan cited a 14‑day complaint resolution promise and high Google ratings).
Trustees also requested that staff prepare local construction and permitting standards for inclusion in the franchise and asked for additional public information during the formal advertisement period. Several trustees raised concerns about excessive right‑of‑way disturbance and requested that staff examine templates used by larger municipalities.
The board authorized advertisement of Ordinance 301 for public comment. Advertisement starts the formal public‑notice and hearing process; final franchise approval would require a later vote and would be subject to the statutory protest period and any required waiting period.
