HICKORY, N.C. – MetroNet and the City of Hickory today announced a partnership that will soon bring MetroNet's 100 percent fiber optic internet, TV and phone to businesses and residents. As part of the agreement, MetroNet will invest more than $36 million in the city and surrounding community while bringing fiber-to-the-home directly to residents.
"With today's increasing demands for connectivity, we are excited to welcome MetroNet to Hickory and add to our outstanding list of technology partners," said Hickory Mayor Hank Guess. "This investment by MetroNet will expand the service offerings in our area by providing the fiber optic connectivity our community needs to be an ideal location for both businesses and residents."
From its headquarters in Evansville, In., MetroNet manages state-of-the-art, fiber optic networks connected directly to homes and businesses in more than 100 communities across nine states. The fast-growing company is known for its reliable, symmetrical, high-speed internet connection, friendly service and fair pricing with no long-term contracts.
"We are excited to be adding Hickory to our growing list of Gigabit cities across the United States. We appreciate the opportunity to serve even more North Carolina residents and business owners and we are grateful that Mayor Guess and the Hickory Council saw the value that our future-proof network can provide for the economic growth of their communities," MetroNet President John Cinelli said. "We are proud to move forward on this project together with Hickory."
Cinelli anticipates that construction will begin this summer, with construction to be completed in approximately two years.
"MetroNet has worked closely with the City's Office of Business Development and Business Services and Redevelopment Manager Dave Leonetti over the course of many months to bring this partnership to fruition. With the increased trend for remote working/learning and the anticipated growth of our community, the announcement of this partnership could not come a better time. We look forward to continuing to work together to serve the citizens of Hickory," said Hickory City Manager Warren Wood.
In new MetroNet markets, residents 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. MetroNet crews are marked by ID tags and branded vehicles.
Residents and businesses that are interested in MetroNet services may visit 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 Hickory 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.
