Metronet today announced that construction of its future-proof 100 percent fiber optic network has officially begun in Waterloo. Metronet’s fully funded $24 million investment in Waterloo will provide residents and businesses with access to Metronet’s ultra-high-speed fiber optic internet. Upon completion of the two-year construction process, Waterloo will join the country’s internet elite as a Certified Gigabit City.

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Metronet's fiber optic construction begins in Waterloo, IA. (Photo: Business Wire)

Construction has begun near the intersection of Hammond Avenue and East Ridgeway Avenue and will expand rapidly with the first customers being connected this winter. As construction continues throughout the city, customers may sign up for presale which will indicate their interest and prioritize service installation once available. Those interested in Metronet services may visit shop.metronet.com to be notified once their address is available for installation and to access presale.

“Metronet is thrilled to officially bring residents and businesses throughout Waterloo access to a fully funded 100 percent fiber optic infrastructure that will support the community’s growth and economic development for years to come,” said John Cinelli, Metronet CEO. “Reliable internet access is critical, and with this investment, Waterloo will be able to work, learn and entertain online with the fastest speeds available.”

Waterloo residents will begin seeing Metronet trucks throughout the area as pre-construction activities begins. 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 Waterloo 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 at Eddie.Massengale@metronetinc.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 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.Metronet.com.

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