On Jan. 14, MetroNet and the City of Fayetteville announced they will partner bring 100% fiber optic internet, television and phone services to businesses and residents in the Fayetteville region, marking MetroNet's first deployment in North Carolina.
Indiana-based MetroNet will spend more than $70 million on the project, which will service Fayetteville, as well as the towns of Hope Mills, Linden, Wade, Stedman, Godwin, Eastover, Falcon, Spring Lake, Vander and much of unincorporated Cumberland County, as well as portions of Hoke County, such as the communities of Raeford and Rockfish.
"This tremendous investment brings unprecedented capabilities to existing businesses and gives Fayetteville the infrastructure and competitive edge needed to attract new business and grow jobs," said City of Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin, emphasizing the impact this project will have on the community. "Beyond television and telephone services to residents and businesses, this ultrafast internet will also support teleworking, distance learning, and virtual medicine. We would like to offer special thanks to the Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) for their collaboration and efforts to accommodate this important project."
Amid COVID-19, the community's need for increased broadband access has become even more apparent, with virtual learning and remote work at the forefront. MetroNet's high-speed fiber internet will increase technological capabilities throughout the county. Cumberland County Commission Chairman Charles Evans said, "On behalf of Cumberland County and our municipalities, we would like to welcome MetroNet to our community. This hallmark investment speaks to the bright future ahead for our citizens as we close the digital divide through increased access."
MetroNet offers businesses and residents state-of-the-art, fiber optic networks connected directly to their homes and businesses. The fast-growing company is known for its reliable, high-speed internet friendly service, and fair pricing with no long-term contracts.
"We've experienced such a warm welcome from Mayor Colvin and the City of Fayetteville since we began discussing this project," MetroNet President John Cinelli commented. "It's clear that this community is rich in diversity and opportunity, and we're excited to be a part of it as we move forward together. We can't thank the Mayor, Council and City staff enough for the warm reception. We also appreciate the support we have received from PWC, Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) and the State delegation, especially Senator Kirk deViere and Representative John Szoka."
According to Cinelli, projects of this size typically take approximately two years. In new MetroNet markets, residents will receive communication by mail about construction activity in their neighborhood 30 days prior to starting, and the company provides additional messaging, such as yard signs, to let residents know when the temporary construction process is beginning in their neighborhood.
Those who would like to learn more about the construction process can visit construction.metronetinc.com to see progress throughout their community. The company will have a MetroNet storefront located in Fayetteville to serve as the command center for customer service and sales. Customers will be able to visit the store to speak with customer service representatives and sign up for services.
Additionally, MetroNet plans to hire local market management positions, sales and customer service professionals, and service technicians to support the Fayetteville area. For those interested in joining the MetroNet team, visit metronetinc.com/careers to search available positions and submit applications.
Separately on Jan. 14, MetroNet and the City of Greenville, North Carolina announced a partnership that will soon bring MetroNet’s 100% fiber optic internet, TV and phone services to the city's businesses and residents. The agreement will allow MetroNet to invest more than $40 million in the community and bring fiber-to-the-home directly to Greenville residents.
“This announcement is a game changer for the City of Greenville,” Greenville Mayor P.J. Connelly said. “As our city continues to grow, it is vital that we are able to provide fast, reliable, and affordable fiber optic options. At no time has that been more apparent than during the COVID-19 pandemic as virtual learning and remote work made the need for increased broadband access even more apparent. MetroNet’s high-speed fiber internet will increase technological capabilities for residents and businesses throughout the city and help Greenville thrive for years to come.”
MetroNet plans to begin construction in Greenville in the spring of 2021. Residents and businesses that are interested in MetroNet services may visit the construction.metronetinc.com to indicate their interest and to receive updates on construction throughout their community. The company plans to have a MetroNet storefront in Greenville to serve as the command center for customer service and sales. Customers will be able to visit the store to view service plans and discuss issues.
“We are excited to be expanding to Greenville, North Carolina and the opportunities that this means for the community with a 100 percent fiber optic network,” MetroNet President John Cinelli said. “Residents and businesses will be able to experience a future-proofed network and we are proud to move forward together with this market, which is positioned well for growth. We can’t thank the Mayor and the Council enough for the invitation.”
According to Cinelli, MetroNet anticipates the build of the 100 percent fiber optic network to last approximately 24 months. The company notes that MetroNet crews are marked by ID tags and branded vehicles. For more information visit www.MetroNetinc.com.