HICKORY – Broadband internet service provider Metronet has begun construction of its 100 percent fiber optic infrastructure in Hickory, the company announced yesterday.

Metronet is based in Indiana.  The company also officially launched its network in Cumberland County earlier this week, and continues installation across the region.

In January 2021, the company announced that Fayetteville would be its first North Carolina location for gigabit internet connectivity, then followed that announcement with plans to roll out in Hickory and in New Bern later in the year.

The company shared in a statement that construction of the Hickory network began in the Kenworth area of the city, and that it expects to expand the network infrastructure rapidly.

Gigabit internet now available in Fayetteville, buildout continues

Coming soon

Customers may first connect to the network in Hickory as soon as fall 2022, the company statement noted.

“Metronet is excited to join the Hickory community and to have the opportunity to provide more North Carolinians with access to our future-proof network that has the potential to improve working, learning, and playing from home,” said John Cinelli, Metronet CEO, in a statement. “Metronet provides quality service to each of our customers through our fast and reliable fiber optic internet, while supporting the continued growth and economic development of the communities we serve.”

According to the company statement, residents who live in the planned construction areas will receive communication in advance of construction beginning by about 30 days, and that communication will come by mail.  All company crews are marked with ID tags and will be in branded vehicles, the company statement noted.

Hickory lands $36 million investment in broadband fiber

Investment in NC

The company plans to invest some $70 million in Fayetteville and some $36 million in Hickory, according to prior WRAL TechWire reporting.  The company noted in launching the Cumberland County network earlier this week that it was hiring.

A career page for the company lists 33 open positions in North Carolina.