Albuquerque attracts five fiber providers, launches major broadband expansion.

Albuquerque residents already have 24 internet options and 98.7% broadband availability, according to broadbandmap.com, but the city is pushing hard for faster, more reliable connections. The city's median fixed broadband download speed now sits at 312.92 Mbps, with Xfinity delivering the fastest median speeds at 324.35 Mbps, CNET reports. Yet Albuquerque still ranks 92nd out of 100 U.S. cities for internet speeds with a median of just 180 Mbps, and only 19% of residents have access to 1-gigabit speed tiers. Multi-gig access remains limited.

Vexus Fiber Leads the Next Wave

The biggest near-term development comes from Vexus Fiber. The company is constructing a citywide 100% fiber-optic network offering speeds from 150 Mbps to 1 Gig, with construction starting north of downtown in September 2026. The buildout is expected to take three years to complete, according to the City of Albuquerque's Broadband Office.

Vexus isn't operating alone. The city has also approved fiber expansion from Ezee Fiber, Gigapower, and T-Fiber, all supported by the municipal Broadband Office to improve reliable and affordable access, city records show. Quantum Fiber already offers symmetric speeds up to 8,000 Mbps in select areas, while AT&T remains a top fiber provider.

Why This Matters Now

The timing aligns with a broader push for high-speed connectivity as Albuquerque's tech sector grows. The city has over 700 active tech jobs and 323 Information Technology-specific roles on platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn, per Indeed listings. Major employers include Sandia National Laboratories, which pays between $102,400 and $199,700 annually for senior roles, along with General Dynamics and Rocket Lab Corporation.

Many of those positions require U.S. citizenship and security clearances, but reliable high-speed internet is a baseline need for remote work, training, and certification programs. Entry-level IT positions in Albuquerque typically pay between $21.84 and $30.98 per hour, while senior roles range from $99,000 to $128,000 annually, according to Indeed data.

What Comes Next

Construction on the Vexus network begins this September, with the full citywide rollout expected by 2029. Residents in north-of-downtown neighborhoods will see activity first. The city's Broadband Office continues to coordinate with Ezee Fiber, Gigapower, and T-Fiber on their respective buildout timelines.

For now, residents can check city resources at cabq.gov/broadband-office for provider maps and availability updates. With more fiber on the way, Albuquerque is laying groundwork, literally, for the faster connections its growing tech workforce demands.