Metronet today announced that the 100 percent fiber optic provider will be expanding service throughout Grand Rapids with construction having officially begun on the expansion project. Metronet’s fully funded multimillion-dollar investment will provide more residents and businesses throughout the city with access to Metronet’s ultra-high-speed, multi-gigabit fiber optic internet. Upon completion of Metronet’s expanded construction plan, Grand Rapids will join the country’s internet elite as a Certified Gigabit City.

Construction has begun near the intersection of Michigan Street NE and Beltline Avenue NE and will move rapidly throughout the community with the first customers in the expanded footprint expected to be connected by the summer of 2023. As construction progresses, customers may sign up for presale to indicate their interest and prioritize service installation once available. Those interested in Metronet services may visit construction.Metronet.com to be notified once their address is available for installation and to access presale information.

“In recent years, we have seen how important of a role internet plays in our daily lives and the success and trajectory of our community,” said Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “With Metronet expanding to bring 100 percent fiber optic internet to the majority of Grand Rapids, we are thrilled to soon gain access to an infrastructure that will support our community and our goals, attracting new opportunity for the city.”

“As we grow our ultra-high-speed fiber optic network in Grand Rapids, we are excited to ensure that more homes and businesses have the opportunity to tap into the power of multi-gigabit fiber optic internet,” said Ben Ruzick, Metronet Government Affairs Director. “With access to an infrastructure like ours, Grand Rapids will continue to be supported by a reliable network that will keep up with the demands of the rapidly growing city as the need for faster internet speeds continues to grow.”

As construction progresses, residents will begin to see Metronet trucks throughout the area. Residents will receive communication by mail about construction activity in their neighborhood 30 days prior to starting. Additional messaging, such as yard signs, will also be provided to notify residents of when construction is beginning in their neighborhood. Metronet crews are identified by ID tags and branded Metronet vehicles.

Metronet plans to hire local market management positions, sales and customer service professionals and service technicians to support the Grand Rapids area. Those interested in joining the Metronet team can visit metronet.com/careers to search available positions and to submit applications.

City officials interested in adding their community to Metronet’s growing list of “Certified Gigabit Cities Powered by Metronet” may visit metronet.com/gigabit-city or contact Eddie Massengale, Metronet Sr. Director of Business Development & Government Affairs at Eddie.Massengale@metronet.com or at 423-280-9031.

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. Since then, Metronet and its affiliates have grown to serve and construct networks in more than 250 communities across Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Texas, Wisconsin, Missouri, Colorado, New Mexico, and Louisiana. 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. By offering XGS PON technology, Metronet can easily carry its communities into the future of multi-gigabit service. 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.Metronet.com.

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