Metronet today announced that construction of its ultra-high-speed 100% fiber optic network has officially begun in Kentwood. Metronet’s fully funded multimillion-dollar investment in the community will provide residents and businesses throughout the city with access to Metronet’s future-proof fiber optic internet. Upon completion of Metronet’s state-of-the-art multi-gigabit network, Kentwood will join the country’s internet elite as Certified Gigabit City.

Underground work in Kentwood has begun near the intersections of 32nd Street SE, Hampton Downs Drive SE, Breton Road SE, and Brook Drive SE. Construction activity will progress rapidly throughout the community with the first customers expected to be connected this summer. As construction progresses throughout the city, customers may sign up for presale to indicate their interest and prioritize service installation once available. Those interested in Metronet services may visit metronet.com to be notified once their address is available for installation and to access the presale.

“We are pleased by Metronet’s thoughtful approach to communicate with residents concerning their infrastructure installation project as the company works to offer additional fiber-optic services to our community,” said Mayor Stephen Kepley.

“Metronet is prepared to bring the power of an ultra-high-speed fiber optic network to Kentwood. With a focus on reliability, we eagerly anticipate residents and businesses enjoying seamless internet connectivity, enabling effortless connection between families and friends,” said Ben Ruzick, Metronet Government Affairs Director. “We express gratitude for the unwavering support of these cities as we take a significant stride towards delivering an internet experience they will truly love.”

Kentwood residents will begin seeing Metronet trucks throughout the area as construction activities expand throughout the community. 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 Kentwood area. Those interested in joining the Metronet team can visit Metronet.com/careers to search available positions and submit applications.

City officials interested in adding their community to Metronet’s growing list of “Certified Gigabit City Powered by Metronet” may visit metronet.com/gigabit-city or contact Eddie Massengale, Metronet Sr. Director of Business Development & Government Affairs at Eddie.Massengale@Metronet.com or call 423-280-9031.

About Metronet:

Metronet is the nation’s largest independently owned, 100% 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 multi-gigabit 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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