HICKORY — The City of Hickory has signed a deal with Indiana-based MetroNet, under which the communications company will invest $36 million in the city and surrounding community to bring broadband fiber connectivity to residents, as well as phone service and television.

Construction is slated to begin this summer, said MetroNet president John Cinelli in a statement.  The project is estimated to be completed in 2023.

“With today’s increasing demands for connectivity, we are excited to welcome MetroNet to Hickory and add to our outstanding list of technology partners,” said City of Hickory Mayor Hank Guess in a statement.

Cinelli described the company’s network as “future-proof” and as a boon to the region’s economic growth.  Hickory is home to more than 41,000 residents, and the surrounding area has a population estimated around 365,000.

The company plans to send communication to residents 30 days prior to construction activity in their neighborhoods, and will open a retail storefront in Hickory to serve as the local operations and command center for customer service and sales.

 

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MetroNet announced a $40 million investment in Greenville, N.C., in January and a $70 million investment in Fayetteville, N.C. in February, and has already begun the hiring process to bring on employees in these markets, as well as at least one position in Garner, N.C.