⚠️ Urgent Fiber-Optic Update: Read Before You Let the Backhoe Roll Up ⚠️
Neighbors,
We need your attention right now. Starting this month (June 2025) crews from Open Country Construction—a subcontractor we believe is working for TDS—have permits from the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) to trench fresh fiber lines through our subdivision.
1. Why This Matters
- We already have fiber. Our long-standing bulk contract with CTC Telecom (now Silver Star) gives every home a baseline 20 Mbps connection that is prepaid through HOA dues. Upgrades to 50 / 100 / 200 Mbps / 1 Gbps are available à-la-carte for those who want them.
- Switching will not be “free.” Any service you order from the new provider comes straight out of your pocket—on top of the dues you’re already paying for Silver Star.
- Construction risk. Driveway cuts, sprinkler lines, landscaping, and sidewalks are all at stake. ACHD’s utility easement reaches five feet into our front yards, so crews can dig legally—but they are obligated to restore everything to at least its previous condition.
2. What You Can Actually Do With Your Current Speeds
| Speed Tier | Typical Uses | Netflix Streams* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Mbps (included) | Email, browsing, HD Zoom, cloud backups | 3–4 HD or 1 UHD (4K) | Tested in-home: 3 TVs streaming HD Netflix + Wi-Fi devices with no hiccups. |
| 50 Mbps (≈$10-$15/mo upgrade) | 4K streaming, smart-home cams, light gaming | 10 HD or 3 UHD | Headroom for simultaneous game downloads + video calls. |
| 100 Mbps | Multiple gamers, 4K on every TV, large file uploads | 20 HD or 6 UHD | Smooth even during big OS updates. |
| 200 Mbps | Power users, small home office w/ backups | 40 HD or 12 UHD | Practically eliminates any household bottleneck. |
| 1 Gbps | Pro creators, servers, VR, heavy cloud workflows | 200 HD or 60 UHD | Overkill for most households; ensure wiring can actually deliver it. |
*Calculations assume Netflix HD ≈ 5 Mbps, UHD ≈ 15 Mbps and no other heavy traffic.
3. What’s Coming Down the Street
| Timeline | Activity | What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| Now – July | Boring/trenching in easement strip | Mark sprinklers, invisible dog fences. Photograph your curb/driveway before digging. |
| July – August | Vault placement & conduit pulls | Ensure vault lids sit flush with turf/sidewalk. |
| August | Fiber drops to homes (if you order service) | New NID boxes; drilling through siding or brick. Confirm proper weatherproofing. |
4. Your Rights & Responsibilities
- Inspect & Document – Snap timestamped photos of driveway joints, sidewalks, lawns, and curb edges today.
- Hold Them Accountable – If patching sinks, cracks, or sod dies, call Open Country Construction • 208-314-8920 within 24 hours. They’ve pledged to “leave things better than found,” but only if we stay on them.
- Stay on Schedule – Crews should knock and post written notice 24 hrs before accessing your yard. Report no-shows or surprise digs.
- Talk to Your Neighbors – A quick heads-up helps catch mistakes early.
5. Should You Sign Up With the New Provider?
| Question | Silver Star (included) | New Provider (TDS?) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $0 for 20 Mbps (in dues) | $30-$100+ out of pocket |
| Speeds | Up to 1 Gbps (paid upgrade) | Similar tiers advertised |
| Reliability | Proven track record, rare maintenance overnight | Unknown—brand-new build |
| Contract/Fees | No extra contract for base tier | Likely 1-2 year term + install fee |
Bottom line: You’re already covered. Unless you genuinely need more than 1 Gbps and prefer TDS’ features, there is no financial upside to switching.
6. What the HOA Has Done
- Filed written notice to Open Country and TDS that our subdivision already has fiber.
- Requested construction schedules, restoration standards, and a single point of contact.
- Reserved the right to file complaints with ACHD and the Idaho Public Utilities Commission if restoration falls short.
7. Call to Action
- Check your front yard today.
- Save 208-314-8920 to your phone.
- Report any damage immediately to Open Country and the HOA Board (photos help).
- Spread the word. Share this post on the neighborhood Facebook group, Nextdoor, and email lists.
Let’s protect our streets, our driveways, and the bulk-rate fiber we’re already paying for.
Questions or concerns? Reply below or email [email protected]. Emergency construction issues: 208-314-8920 (Open Country) or 811 (before you dig).
Author: Nico
Supporting the community through the web site.
