MetroNet today announced that construction has begun on its fiber optic infrastructure in Norfolk, Virginia. MetroNet will fully fund the $90 million construction project that will provide Norfolk residents and businesses with access to 100 percent fiber optic internet. The City of Norfolk marks the first city in Virginia that will have access to MetroNet’s services. Upon completion, the City of Norfolk will be named a Gigabit City with MetroNet’s future-proof fiber optic network.

Construction has begun near the Five Points Neighborhood Spot and will expand rapidly over the next two years with the first customers online in the fall of 2022. Residents and businesses may visit construction.metronetinc.com to receive updates on construction in their area.

“As we welcome MetroNet as a member of our community, Norfolk is proud to be the first Virginia community that will have access to this modern technology,” said Mayor Kenny Alexander. “We understand the tremendous impact that MetroNet’s services have on the communities they serve, and we look forward to providing our residents with those same services that will improve the quality of life and work here in Norfolk.”

MetroNet brings 100 percent fiber optic internet and local and long-distance phone service directly to homes and businesses in underserved communities in America with affordable, symmetrical speeds up to 10 Gigabits with no long-term contracts. The company expects its network to be available to more than one million residential households and business locations in the near term, providing more service options to hundreds of communities.

“We’ve experienced a warm welcome from Mayor Alexander and the City of Norfolk since we began discussing this project,” said John Cinelli, MetroNet CEO. “It’s clear that this city is rich in diversity and opportunity, and we’re excited to be a part of that as we move forward together. We can’t thank the Mayor and the Council enough for the invitation and we look forward to servicing Norfolk.”

Residents in construction areas will receive communication by mail about construction activity in their neighborhood 30 days prior to beginning and the company provides additional messaging, such as yard signs, to let residents know when the temporary construction process is beginning in their neighborhood. MetroNet crews are marked by ID tags and branded vehicles.

MetroNet is one of the fastest-growing providers of fiber optic high-speed services in the nation and is known for its outstanding customer service provided by a strong local presence. MetroNet will establish a retail storefront located in the Norfolk area for customers to have direct access to customer care associates, sign-up for services and schedule installation.

About MetroNet:

MetroNet is the nation’s largest independently owned, 100 percent fiber optic company headquartered in Evansville, Indiana. The customer-focused company provides cutting-edge fiber optic communication services, including high-speed Fiber Internet and full-featured Fiber Phone. MetroNet started in 2005 with one fiber optic network in Greencastle, Indiana, and has since grown to serving and constructing networks in more than 120 communities across Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Texas, Wisconsin, and Missouri. MetroNet is committed to bringing state-of-the-art telecommunication services to communities — services that are comparable or superior to those offered in large metropolitan areas. MetroNet has been recognized by PC Mag as one of the Top 10 Fastest ISPs in North Central United States in 2020 and Top 10 ISPs with Best Gaming Quality Index in 2021. Broadband Now has recognized MetroNet as the Top 3 Fastest Internet Providers and Fastest Fiber Providers in the Nation in 2020, and #1 Fastest Mid-Sized Internet Provider in two states in 2020. In 2020, MetroNet was awarded the Vectren Energy Safe Digging Partner Award from Vectren. For more information, visit www.MetroNetinc.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220110005628/en/