Indiana-based fiber broadband services provider MetroNet has announced a pair of deals with local government authorities to build fiber to the home (FTTH) networks in North Carolina. MetroNet says it will build one network to serve residents and businesses in Fayetteville and surrounding communities in Cumberland and Hokie counties and another fiber broadband network in Greenville. The company says it plans to spend more than $110 million combined to complete the two FTTH deployments, its first such projects in the state.
In the first deal, MetroNet has agreed to provide FTTH-based triple-play services in Fayetteville; the towns of Hope Mills, Linden, Wade, Stedman, Godwin, Eastover, Falcon, Spring Lake, Vander, and much of unincorporated Cumberland County; and portions of Hoke County, including Raeford and Rockfish. MetroNet anticipates it will spend more than $70 million on the initiative. MetroNet President John Cinelli estimates that full deployment likely will take two years.
"This tremendous investment brings unprecedented capabilities to existing businesses and gives Fayetteville the infrastructure and competitive edge needed to attract new business and grow jobs," said City of Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin. "Beyond television and telephone services to residents and businesses, this ultrafast internet will also support teleworking, distance learning, and virtual medicine. We would like to offer special thanks to the Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) for their collaboration and efforts to accommodate this important project."
Meanwhile, in Greenville, MetroNet expects to spend more than $40 million to deploy FTTH infrastructure beginning this spring. The timeframe for this fiber broadband project also is two years.
“We are excited to be expanding to Greenville, NC, and the opportunities that this means for the community with a 100% fiber-optic network,” said Cinelli. “Residents and businesses will be able to experience a future-proofed network and we are proud to move forward together with this market, which is positioned well for growth. We can’t thank the Mayor and the Council enough for the invitation.”
“This announcement is a game changer for the City of Greenville,” Greenville Mayor P.J. Connelly added. “As our city continues to grow, it is vital that we are able to provide fast, reliable, and affordable fiber-optic options. At no time has that been more apparent than during the COVID-19 pandemic as virtual learning and remote work made the need for increased broadband access even more apparent. MetroNet’s high-speed fiber internet will increase technological capabilities for residents and businesses throughout the city and help Greenville thrive for years to come.”