Metronet and City of Rocky Mount Announce Partnership to Build Fiber Optic Network

Metronet and the City of Rocky Mount today announced a partnership that will soon bring Metronet’s ultra-high-speed 100 percent fiber optic internet to homes and businesses throughout the city. Metronet, the nation’s largest independently owned, 100 percent fiber optic provider, will fully fund the construction project that will bring Rocky Mount to the frontline of modern technology.

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“Residents and businesses will soon be able to experience a future-proof network in a time when reliable access has become critical,” said John Cinelli, Metronet CEO. “Rocky Mount will soon have access to the benefits of a future-proof fiber optic network capable of providing multi-gigabit speeds with XGS PON technology, including 5GB. We are thrilled to join the Rocky Mount community as we prepare to provide ultra-high-speed services.”

Metronet’s two-year construction project will begin this fall with the first Rocky Mount customers able to receive service in early 2023. Once construction is completed, Rocky Mount will become North Carolina’s newest Gigabit City, with symmetrical upload and download speeds from Metronet of up to 1,000 mbps.

Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson thanked Metronet for its decision to build a valuable fiber optic network that will enhance the quality of life for the city's residents.

"The City of Rocky Mount is delighted to partner with Metronet to bring lightning-fast internet speeds to residents throughout our city,” said Rocky Mount Mayor, Sandy Roberson. “We understand the importance of fast, reliable internet connectivity for our work lives, schools, streaming, and keeping in touch with friends and family. Metronet’s investment will provide an improved quality of life and will support our city’s continued economic development ambitions.”

Today’s announcement is the latest step in Metronet’s progress to bring gigabit-speed internet service to more cities in North Carolina. Already underway are fiber optic construction projects in Fayetteville, Greenville, New Bern, Jacksonville, Morehead City, and many more.

Residents and businesses interested in Metronet services may visit MetronetInc.com/iwantfiber to indicate interest and to receive construction updates.

Once pre-construction activities begin this fall, Rocky Mount 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 be provided to notify residents of when construction is beginning in their neighborhood. Metronet crews are identified by ID tags and branded Metronet vehicles.

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 220 communities across Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Texas, Wisconsin, Missouri and Colorado. 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 5GB 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.Metronetinc.com.

About Rocky Mount:

The City of Rocky Mount, located in the Coastal Plains of North Carolina, was incorporated in 1867 and lies in Edgecombe and Nash Counties. Rocky Mount is a two-time All-America City on the Tar River. The city was recognized as one of 10 winners nationwide of the 2020-21 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize. Serving as the Gateway to Eastern North Carolina, the city's 875 employees serve approximately 58,000 residents daily.

The City’s mission is to advance community well-being, safety and quality of life by delivering excellent public services and actively collaborating with the community toward a fulfilling and inspired future for its citizens. As a publicly owned utility, the city of Rocky Mount is committed to safe, reliable service for its customers and operates in Nash and Edgecombe counties, providing customers with electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater (sewer), refuse, recycling and/or stormwater services. To learn more, visit www.rockymountnc.gov for news and updates.

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