Local entrepreneur proposes 'PointNet' community Wi‑Fi using existing cable lines

Bob, the presenter of the proposal, told Point Roberts residents that a recently acquired hybrid cable network could support both residential broadband and an outdoor community Wi‑Fi service. He said the system would use three fiber nodes tied into existing coaxial distribution and strand‑mounted access points that behave like cellular small cells, and that users would see a PointNet welcome page and roam without repeatedly logging in. "When they hit the border, they're gonna see slash. That's our opening page, and it'll say welcome to PointNet. Get the net," he said, describing the Passpoint user experience for cross‑border visitors.

The plan is pitched as a phased build intended to minimize new trenching by using existing poles and cable. Bob said 750 homes are already connected to the legacy cable plant and that the project could deliver roughly 50–100 Mbps symmetric service to most households under the initial offering, with higher paid tiers optional. He estimated a basic monthly residential rate of about $65 and emphasized a free, highly throttled outdoor tier for visitors and residents. Questions from attendees focused on timing, licensing (a county franchise agreement), equipment durability and how the network would be maintained; Bob said he is working through a pending purchase and legal closing and has partnered with RMI Communications for construction and field support.