MetroNet will deploy a gigabit fiber network in Des Moines. It’s the third project – and second in Iowa — that the company has announced this month.
The service provider says it will invest about $70 million to fully fund the project, which will serve businesses and residential customers with a symmetrical gigabit network. Construction activities will begin immediately, with physical construction slated for the fall. Customer installations will begin next spring.
MetroNet, which is headquartered in Evansville, IN, says it will build a retail storefront in Des Moines and hire local personnel for a variety of positions. It will inform residents by mail of construction 30 day prior to the start and will otherwise keep residents informed of progress.
“We are excited to be adding Des Moines to our growing list of Gigabit cities across the United States and are very appreciative of the support we have received from the Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie and his team,” MetroNet President and CEO John Cinelli said in a press release. “We are proud to serve and work with this great community while providing choice, competition, and unparalleled customer service.”
The Des Moines project will bring MetroNet’s investment in Iowa to more than $150 million. The company serves the Iowa communities of Davenport, Bettendorf and Ames. It is in the process of building networks in Ankeny – the other Iowa project announced this month — Urbandale, Gilbert, Grimes, Johnston, Clive, Le Claire, Nevada and Mason City.
MetroNet is making a lot of news. In addition to the two Iowa projects, the service provider announced its first Texas project, a network in the city of Bryan that will be capable of 10 Gbps service. The other April announcement was a network in Hickory, N.C.
Less than a year ago – in July 2020 – MetroNet acquired Jaguar Communications, a broadband provider that served Rochester and other Minnesota communities.
