If you have noticed digging in the rightof- ways, cables being laid and put into holes, and workmen around town installing internet equipment, it was more than likely the new internet provider for Cuero and surrounding areas, Rise Broadband/ Rise Fiber.
Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, Rise Broadband services 16 states, including Texas. The Cuero and DeWitt area is one of Rise’s newest ventures, bringing fiber optic internet capability to a rural setting. In the 2023 Texas state elections, voters overwhelmingly approved a proposition which would allow for $1.5 billion of taxpayer monies to be used towards bringing the internet to rural Texas residents.
“We have excellent partners in this region of the state, like Cuero,” Danny Garza, director with Rise, said Thursday at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Rise has been placing fiber optics, a much faster option for internet streaming and voice over internet protocol, in the DeWitt county area. “With fiber you get two to five times faster speeds,” Garza said.
Though the ribbon cutting was last week, customers in this area have already been utilizing the new fiber option. “We provide a dedicat- ed line of fiber optic for your internet service. It goes from our box directly to your house,” Garza explained. “The rate for sending and receiving information will be the same speed.”
Local area residents and businesses can both benefit from this service.
“We will also provide for multi-dwelling residences like apartments and duplexes,” Steve Lujan, marketing and deployment manager, said.
At this time, businesses in Cuero can only signup for the service. Garza said that businesses in the historic part of Cuero will have different set-up protocols due to the historical nature of their buildings.
Nick Dib, who oversaw the installation work, explained that the Rise equipment had to be placed in the rightof- way near other utility equipment. “For example, we are required to be placed near the water meter. We have specific spots where we are allowed to place the equipment,” he said.
When acquiring Rise Fiber service, customers can expect quick service, but it may take a couple of weeks for the cables to be completely covered. If there is no existing outside cable into the home, a small hole will have to be drilled.
“About 98% of fiber cable is underground,” Dib said. “This can be beneficial during a hurricane.”
Besides offering internet, voice of internet protocol or VOIP is also available. “Customers will be able to keep their own phone number,” Dib added.
Rise representatives said that their company will also be involved in the community. “We want to partner with the community and offer things like sponsorships.” Ljuan said.
Customers in the De-Witt area may now go online and check to see if their area is ready for service. “We do not require any contacts, credit check or prepayment,” Lujan added. The website for checking for availability in area, to sign-up and get quotes for pricing is: Rise Broadband Promotions.
