In the heart of California’s Salinas Valley — where agriculture fuels both local economies and global food supply chains — a quiet ag-tech revolution is sprouting. Etheric Networks, a leading Bay Area ISP, is leading the charge by delivering modern connectivity to the fields through a strategic and rapidly expanding partnership with BroadbandOne. Together, they’re planting the seeds for a new kind of farming — one powered by high-speed data, real-time analytics, and next-gen wireless networks.
Empowering Ag-Tech with Advanced Connectivity
Farming today is no longer just about soil and sunshine. It’s a data-driven industry, and connectivity is the linchpin. From IoT soil sensors and smart irrigation meters to AI-powered forecasting and drone-based imaging, ag-tech tools require one critical resource to function properly: fast, reliable internet.
Etheric’s hybrid network — combining fixed wireless and fiber — has already brought transformative broadband access to underserved areas. But with BroadbandOne’s recent expansions into agricultural markets like Salinas and Stockton, this effort is growing stronger. Backed by licensed mmWave spectrum and an agile Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) infrastructure, the partnership is delivering real broadband where traditional telcos still fall short.
With a mission to connect rural and underserved communities across California, Etheric has spent years developing a hybrid network model that combines fixed wireless and fiber infrastructure to deliver high-speed internet where traditional providers often fall short. Their partnership with BroadbandOne supercharges their ag-tech solutions effort — unlocking the power of licensed mmWave spectrum and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) to push even more bandwidth to the edge.
Licensed Spectrum Meets Rural Innovation
BroadbandOne’s contribution to the partnership centers on its robust portfolio of licensed millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum in the 28 GHz and LMDS bands. This licensed spectrum offers significantly greater reliability and performance than unlicensed alternatives, which are more susceptible to interference and congestion.
For farms using real-time drone footage, satellite-enhanced forecasting, and video surveillance, that kind of performance is a game-changer. Through Etheric’s deployments — now enhanced by BroadbandOne’s infrastructure — growers are finally getting the network reliability and speed their tech demands.
By tapping into BroadbandOne’s spectrum assets and infrastructure, Etheric Networks can now provide ultra-low-latency, high-capacity wireless links tailored for bandwidth-intensive agricultural applications. From live video surveillance feeds to high-volume sensor data and real-time system analytics, these mmWave-powered networks enable precision farming on a whole new level.
Telco as a Service (TaaS): Scalable Infrastructure Without the Burden
A key element that makes this collaboration so effective is BroadbandOne’s Telco as a Service (TaaS) model, a modular network model that includes everything from licensed spectrum and radio access to fiber backhaul and operational support — all in a subscription-based format. This plug-and-play model eliminates the upfront costs and long timelines usually associated with rural broadband expansion.
With TaaS, Etheric can extend service deeper into agricultural regions, while BroadbandOne handles the heavy infrastructure lifting. This model isn’t just scalable — it’s repeatable, and that’s what makes it so powerful for widespread ag-tech enablement.
Ground-Level Ag-Tech Applications in Action
Etheric Networks’ ag-tech solutions are already transforming how farmers manage their land and operations. With connectivity enabled through their partnership with BroadbandOne, Etheric is delivering:
- Low Bit Rate Long Range Ag-Tech Metering: Using LoRaWAN technology, Etheric helps farms monitor water usage across vast acreage through cost-effective meters — reducing waste and improving compliance with California’s strict water regulations.
- High Bandwidth Surveillance and Drone Video Acquisition: Farms can now operate secure, real-time video systems that monitor perimeters, equipment, and even worker safety — using drones and smart cameras that transmit data instantly over wireless links.
- Ag-Analysis Through Satellite and Sensor Integration: By partnering with SC Solutions, Etheric enables farms to combine drone footage, satellite imagery, and on-the-ground sensor data into actionable insights — helping growers better predict crop yields and detect issues before they spread.
Each of these services is designed to meet the specific challenges of rural farming environments. With reliable connectivity in place, ag-tech becomes not just feasible but transformative.
Not Competing With Fiber — Complementing It
One of the most powerful aspects of Etheric’s model — supported by BroadbandOne — is that wireless isn’t positioned as a replacement for fiber, but as a complement. Where fiber reaches, it’s used. Where it doesn’t, licensed mmWave and FWA step in to fill the gap. This flexible, multi-layered approach ensures that farmers get the best connection available, no matter where their land is located.
It also offers a path forward for faster broadband deployment statewide. Instead of waiting years for trenching and permitting, Etheric and BroadbandOne can light up underserved areas quickly and cost-effectively — keeping agricultural regions competitive in a rapidly digitizing economy.
This model is particularly critical in areas like Lake Charles, Beaumont, and the Central Valley, where broadband access has historically lagged. Rather than waiting years for trenching and permitting, BroadbandOne and Etheric are offering agility, speed, and resilience — key ingredients for rural innovation.
A Growing Footprint, A Bigger Mission
The impact of this partnership is growing. BroadbandOne’s recently announced expansions into Salinas, Savannah, Augusta, Aiken, Stockton, and more highlight how the company is bringing scalable broadband infrastructure to more of America’s critical agricultural zones.
By aligning with forward-thinking partners like Etheric, BroadbandOne is ensuring that these regions have the bandwidth not just for today’s ag-tech — but for tomorrow’s innovations, too.
Closing the Connectivity Gap in Rural California
Ultimately, this partnership is about more than just speed and spectrum. It’s about creating opportunity. By delivering enterprise-grade broadband to California’s agricultural core, Etheric Networks and BroadbandOne are helping farmers modernize their operations, protect natural resources, and unlock new levels of efficiency.
This work supports broader state goals for digital equity and economic development — ensuring that even the most remote communities aren’t left behind in the race to digitize. In an industry where every second, sensor and decision counts, connectivity is now as essential as water or seed. And thanks to Etheric Networks and BroadbandOne, the future of farming is looking a whole lot smarter. Contact BroadbandOne to learn how our wireless infrastructure solutions can revolutionize your industry!
