MetroNet pushes back Norfolk internet service launch to January
An internet service provider looking to rival Cox Communications in Norfolk is expected to begin serving customers in January after unanticipated permitting and construction issues caused them to miss their initial spring target.
MetroNet service will be available in some parts of the city in early-to-mid January and their coverage area will grow over the next two years, according to a spokesperson for the company.
The delay was caused by unexpected hiccups during the permitting process for the “hut,” the physical structure that will house the “brain” of the network and where all their fiber optic lines will feed into in Norfolk, said spokesperson Andrew Brummette.
But MetroNet will reach a major milestone this week. The company this month secured its final permit and will be breaking ground on construction of the hut this week, Brummette said, adding that it will take about 4-6 weeks to complete.
Construction to lay down fiber cable began in Five Points in November. Since then, the company’s service map shows construction is ongoing in the central portion of the city to the west of Chesapeake Boulevard. Neighborhoods where construction is listed as ongoing span from Sherwood Forest to the south, Lochhaven and Talbot Park to the west, and north through Wards Corner to Willoughby Spit and West Ocean View.
Service will come online first in the Five Points area, in neighborhoods north of Norview Avenue and west of Sewells Point Road, and will expand over two years “as you would imagine a circle growing from a central point,” Brummette said.
“Our plans are to initially build north of Sewells Point Road, toward Ocean View,” he said in an email. “We are also preparing to build east and west of Sewells Point Road as we progress.”
MetroNet chose this area to begin service because it’s roughly the geographic center of Norfolk. While there are no official plans to expand to other parts of Hampton Roads, Brummette said, “that’s certainly something we’re going to be looking at.”
The close to $90 million project will provide Norfolk residents with a second internet service option. Cox Communications is the sole internet provider in Norfolk, and has long been a source of complaints for residents and some city officials.
Chris Jones, a spokesperson for the city, said they are “pleased” to have both MetroNet and Cox investing in Norfolk. Cox’s franchise in Norfolk is currently contracted through 2028, and the company recently upgraded its local system, according to Jones.
“The addition of a second high-speed Internet provider is a win for Norfolk’s residents, businesses and students,” Jones said. “Across multiple industries, time and again it’s been proven that competition benefits consumers through greater choices in pricing, delivery times and available services, as well as improved redundancy.”
MetroNet is the largest independently owned provider of fiber optic internet in the country, according to a review of the company by CNET.com. The Indiana-based company was founded in 2005 and has primarily served Midwestern areas.
“Our specialty is to provide fiber optic internet for residents and businesses in what we would consider underserved communities, communities that typically only have one incumbent provider,” Brummette said. “So we’re really just stepping in to provide an additional option in providing the most efficient and effective way to get internet with current technology.”
Ahead of their fiber being “lit,” MetroNet will launch a marketing campaign, which will include pop-up events and signage around the area. The company will also participate in the 36th Annual Grand Illumination Parade on Nov. 19 and intends to build a physical retail location, Brummette said.
Metronet officials have previously said rates will be similar to those posted on MetroNet’s website. Advertised rates include $49.95 a month for 200 mbps internet speed and $69.95 a month for 1 gigabit per second speeds.
Brummette said that MetroNet will be launching 2 gigabit packages in all their markets in the “near future.”
Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginimedia.com
