Etheric wins RDOF auction, commits to gigabit for Briones.
Updated Feb. 22, 2021
DATELINE: BRIONES, CA Feb. 20, 2021
The prospect of broadband in Briones suddenly became more likely with the winners of FCC’s RDOF auction announced in December. The winner of the Briones area was Etheric Communications of San Mateo, CA. Andrew Brickweg, Etheric’s Community and Government Sales Director, told The Brionean that their proposal is for low-latency gigabit broadband delivered via hybrid wireless and fiber. In a related filing with the California Public Utilities Commission, monthly rates for 1000 Mbps (1 gigabit) downstream, 500 Mpbs upload, will be $200, with lower-priced tiers offered as well. In comparison, Unwired of Berkeley, CA, tops out at 34 Mpbs down and 10 Mbps up for $380 per month, according to their website. And AT&T no longer accepts new DSL connections which were 6 Mbps down, and an anemic 0.6 up. Final FCC approval of Etheric’s more detailed plan is expected around June 2021, with deployment beginning as early as the end of the year. The proposed wireless technology is generations ahead of what is typical in use today.
In a follow up interview, Laura Schaub, Marketing & Public Relations Manager, stressed that low latency is a key factor in connection quality, and one in which Etheric’s system will excel. To quote a recent article, “higher and higher internet speed is so-o-o-o last decade.” It’s similar to the megapixel race in the early days of digital cameras. Technical details are at Etheric’s website where you can also sign up for updates and indicate your interest.
The screenshot at right shows FCC’s RDOF locations in green. Etheric won these areas. The Brionean overlaid the approximate Briones boundaries in red. As noted in the BBW page, the dark regions (meaning no RDOF funds) were omitted from FCC’s map due to notorious mapping errors. Indeed, much of Bear Oaks is omitted even though it has the highest population density in Briones. Etheric confirmed to The Brionean that the omitted regions will also be served barring any unforeseen technical impediment.
The Brionean’s Editorial
FCC’s RDOF program provides a subsidy, but it only pays for a fraction of the actual cost. In addition, Etheric won a lot of territory in California’s rural regions, and RDOF provides for a six-year build-out timeframe. So it stands to reason that those regions with highest apparent enthusiasm will be among the first to get service. Please make your voices heard to help hasten the arrival of much-needed broadband!
