Former Como Audio GM and VP of Product Development Peter Skiera is continuing his effort to keep the internet radios made by the defunct manufacturer operational.
Como Audio shut down in March 2023, with its customers being left without product support. Skiera stepped in to try to fill the void, but to keep Como Audio internet radios fully functional he needs to negotiate a deal with Frontier Silicon, whose internet radio portal is used by the devices.
In an email to Como users who subscribe (free and paid) to Skiera’s Patreon page, he said, “Frontier has confirmed their annual fee is to continue providing internet radio service in general, not just My Favorites and the portal as we were originally led to believe. They’ve also confirmed they won’t accept any payments directly from end users (you), but only from the brands (the makers of internet radios),” he wrote.
“The fee for one year of service for Como Audio music systems is $4,000. This will maintain internet radio service, including My Favorites and the portal, for all Solos, Duettos, Musicas and Amicos for 12 months starting April 1, 2024.”
Here’s the problem: “Como doesn’t exist and therefore has no way to pay the $4k on behalf of its customers,” wrote Skiera.
“Thankfully, Frontier has reconsidered my offer to represent Como Audio and collect the collective fee from Como customers, providing their attorneys don’t object, since I’m not Como Audio. Frontier will send me a contract to sign when they’ve finished crafting it.”
But to keep Como Audio internet radios fully functional, Skiera said he has “to come up with $4,000 before April 1, which is when Frontier wants the full payment by.”
He currently has a total of 193 Elite and Super Elite members and asked for contributions. He said that if all contribute, it would average about $21 per person.
Skiera said Frontier told him that if he can cover the cost, all Como radios will continue as normal for the next year, but that if he cannot, the service will be terminated on April 1. “Like it or not, we’re all in this together,” he wrote.
