Technology
Albuquerque Attracts Tech Startups With Fiber Expansion, 24 Internet Providers
With 24 internet providers and a major city-backed fiber project, Albuquerque’s connectivity is catching up to its startup ambitions.
How we reported this
Albuquerque now has 24 internet providers, including multiple fiber options such as Quantum Fiber, AT&T, Ezee Fiber, and the city-wide Vexus Fiber network under construction, according to broadbandmap.com. This expanding connectivity infrastructure is reshaping what’s possible for the local tech and startup community.
City Backs Fiber Expansion to Close Gaps
The City of Albuquerque established a Broadband Office specifically to expand fiber infrastructure, conduct ACP outreach, and fill connectivity gaps, with Vexus Fiber’s $250 million project expected to complete within three years, according to the city’s official website. This municipal push means startups in neighborhoods like Nob Hill or along Central Avenue can expect access to faster, more reliable connections as the network expands, leveling the playing field with more established tech hubs.
Speed and Affordability: A Mixed Picture
The city currently ranks 92nd in the U.S. for internet speeds with a median download speed of approximately 180 Mbps, and 19% of Albuquerque residents have access to 1-gigabit speed tiers, according to CNET and city data. Vexus Fiber will offer symmetric speeds up to 1 Gbps, while the city’s fastest available fiber already reaches 8 Gbps in select areas-a boon for data-heavy startups or remote teams. On the affordability front, S Mobile provides the most affordable unlimited 5G home internet starting at $24.99/month with 100-300 Mbps speeds, while the average monthly internet cost in the city is $73.02, according to the Broadband Office. This range means early-stage founders can find entry-level connections without blowing their budget.
Satellite Coverage for the Outskirts
For tech workers living on the rural outskirts-places like the East Mountains or the South Valley-Starlink and Viasat provide 100% citywide satellite coverage, according to city documents. That’s a critical option for remote developers or small agtech startups that need reliable connectivity outside the urban fiber footprint.
As the Vexus buildout continues, Albuquerque’s tech scene stands to gain from a more robust digital backbone. The Broadband Office’s ongoing work on both infrastructure and affordability outreach means that for the first time, a startup in the Duke City might not have to think twice about bandwidth.