FAYETTEVILLE – An Indiana company is going to invest more than $70 million to build a fiber-optic network in Fayeteville and provide broadband internet as well as other services across much of Cumberland County. Portions pf Hoke County will be included as well.

MetroNet, which is based in Evansville, is making its first investment in North Carolina.

The decision was announced Tuesday afternoon.

Spectrum and CenturyLink already offer broadband services in the area.

Prices for gigabit-speed internet are around $60. Multiple speed plans at different, lower prices also are available, according to the firm’s website.

“This tremendous investment brings unprecedented capabilities to existing businesses and gives Fayetteville the infrastructure and competitive edge needed to attract new business and grow jobs,” said City of Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin in the announcement. “Beyond television and telephone services to residents and businesses, this ultrafast internet will also support teleworking, distance learning, and virtual medicine.  We would like to offer special thanks to the Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) for their collaboration and efforts to accommodate this important project.”

Services also will include television and phone.

The project is expected to take some two years to complete. Construction updates will be available at this website.

Communities outside Fayetteville to be included are:

  • Hope Mills
  • Linden
  • Wade
  • Stedman
  • Godwin
  • Eastover
  • Falcon
  • Spring Lake
  • Vander
  • Much of unincorporated Cumberland County

In Hoke County:

  • Raeford
  • Rockfish

“We’ve experienced such a warm welcome from Mayor Colvin and the City of Fayetteville since we began discussing this project,” MetroNet President John Cinelli said in a statement. “It’s clear that this community is rich in diversity and opportunity, and we’re excited to be a part of it as we move forward together.”

The company said it would open a store in Fayetteville and also will look to hire local residents for a variety of positions.

“In new MetroNet markets, residents will receive communication by mail about construction activity in their neighborhood 30 days prior to starting, and the company provides additional messaging, such as yard signs, to let residents know when the temporary construction process is beginning in their neighborhood,” noted the Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation, which made the announcement.