Metronet Launches Gigabit Internet Service in Cumberland County

Mar 8, 2022 | Press Releases

Metronet Media Contact:
Katie Custer, RunSwitch PR
katie@runswitchpr.com
502.821.6784

Community Media Contact:
Maarja Hightower, FCEDC
maarja@fayedc.com
910.500.6464

 

Metronet Launches Gigabit Internet Service in Cumberland County
$70 million investment brings ultra-high-speed internet to Fayetteville and surrounding areas

 

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – March 8, 2022 – Indiana-based Metronet, a leading 100 percent fiber optic internet provider, officially launched its network in Fayetteville at a press conference today. This world-class infrastructure will enhance the capabilities and competitiveness of our region’s businesses and residents.

“Our future-proof network has proven valuable to the cities we partner with, and we are excited to bring that opportunity to Fayetteville,” said Dave Heimbach, Metronet President and Chief Operating Officer. “Metronet is proud to support the CORE Innovation Center by providing 1 Gigabit of upload and download speeds for the next five years. Our services will allow local entrepreneurs to kick-start their businesses and promote further economic growth for the city.”

The celebratory ‘lighting” of the Cumberland County network took place at the CORE Innovation Center adjacent to FCEDC Offices. The CORE is a unique military and technology-focused accelerator offering rentable private offices, demonstration space, conference rooms and a rooftop reception space, overlooking downtown Fayetteville. In support of innovation and entrepreneurship, Metronet has donated their ultra-high-speed, 100 percent fiber optic internet service to the CORE, and is one of the dozen business members operating in the center.

“Advanced world-class internet access is an essential component of innovation. This connectivity is crucial for military and technological innovation, which the CORE accelerator space was developed to support,” said North Carolina Representative John Szoka. “We are thankful that Metronet is now delivering gigabit speeds to drive digital transformation within our local community, boosting the efficiency of our businesses and the productivity of our people.”

Currently under construction, when complete, Metronet’s network will cover much of Cumberland County, including Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Linden, Wade, Stedman, Godwin, Eastover, Falcon, and Spring Lake. This build-out will also provide service to portions of Hoke County, such as the communities of Raeford and Rockfish.

Cumberland County Commission Chairman Glenn Adams shared, “More than ever, our citizens are relying on fast internet to work, learn and engage. Deploying a high-speed and affordable telecommunications service is critical to help bridge the digital divide.”

“Study after study has found that access to advanced data infrastructure positively impacts education, economic mobility, and health,” stated North Carolina Senator Kirk deViere. “Affordable access to broadband technology has the potential to create opportunities and change lives. Metronet’s telecommunications services expand access to unserved and underserved areas of our community, and we are thankful to everyone spearheading this effort.”

Announced in January of 2021, construction began in March of 2021 and will include installation of fiber optic infrastructure to all applicable service areas, facilitating network access. Metronet expects that all planned areas will receive access within two years, with customers in initial construction areas now eligible for Metronet services. Those who would like to learn more about the construction process can visit construction.metronetinc.com to see the progress throughout their community.

“Metronet’s infrastructure is a vital advancement for our community,” said City of Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin. “We’re thrilled to become the next ‘Gigabit City.’ We also need to thank the Fayetteville Public Works Commission for their active collaboration and support in facilitating the construction process. We are grateful that Metronet chose Fayetteville and Cumberland County for their first North Carolina deployment and welcome them to our community.”

Metronet is currently hiring for several positions in sales and operations to support the services in Cumberland County. Individuals who are interested in joining the Metronet team can visit metronetinc.com/careers to search open positions and submit applications.

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ABOUT FCEDC: The Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation is a public-private partnership designed to enhance job growth and prosperity in the region by attracting new industry and growing and retaining existing industry. FCEDC works daily to help strengthen our economy and diversify our community tax base. Learn more at www.fayedc.com.

ABOUT FCEDC’s CORE INNOVATION CENTER: Launched in 2018, The CORE provides resources for both established companies and entrepreneurs to create the next generation of cybersecurity, augmented reality, digital healthcare, and other technologies. With more than 6,500 square feet of private offices, meeting rooms, and event space, the CORE is home to a dozen early-stage companies. To learn more, visit www.corefayetteville.com.

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 with a wide variety of programming. 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.Metronet.com.