Rio Rancho is close to getting a new fiber-optic internet provider, The Observer has learned.

The provider, Vexus Fiber, has already met with Rio Rancho officials and is set on negotiating over the next month to complete a deal.

Vexus is based in Texas.

Earlier this month, the company announced it had entered into a licensing agreement with the City of Albuquerque to provide service.

“We met with Matt (Geisel, Rio Rancho city manager), and it went really well,” said Tom Carroll, Albuquerque-based owner of Carroll Strategies Public Relations, which handles communications in New Mexico for Vexus.

“Yes, we have started talks with the City of Rio Rancho,” he said. “The city has been very welcoming, and we’re excited about the prospect. It’s very early stage, but we hope to begin contract talks soon so that we can bring the service to Rio Rancho as soon as possible.”

In Albuquerque, Vexus plans to spend $250 million on fiber-optic infrastructure, according to the Albuquerque Journal.

Officials are calling it the city’s first “fiber-to-home” network.

Also as part of its New Mexico expansion, Vexus has named Kevin Folk as its regional vice president of operations for New Mexico.

“An introductory meeting between Vexus Fiber officials and the city occurred this week,” said Rio Rancho spokesman Peter Wells. “As Vexus explores expansion in the Albuquerque metro area, more discussions between the city and Vexus officials will take place.”

Here is an example of pricing for internet, although it is in Texas. Carroll said the pricing for Rio Rancho would be about the same.

  • 150/150 Mbps download/upload
  • No data caps or overage fees
  • $39.99/month, year 2 = $49.99
    Required Fees: Network Access Fee = $10.00/month

 

Among cities Vexus offers service in are Abilene, Amarillo and Colorado City, Texas.

The main internet service providers in Rio Rancho include CenturyLink and Sparklight.