Metronet and the City of Rocky Mount, North Carolina on May 19 announced a partnership that will soon bring Metronet’s ultra-high-speed fiber-optic internet to homes and businesses throughout the city.

The independently owned, 100% fiber-optic network provider will fully fund the construction project that will bring Rocky Mount to the frontline of fiber broadband technology. Metronet’s two-year construction project will begin this fall, with the first Rocky Mount customers able to receive service in early 2023.

Once construction is completed, the provider notes that Rocky Mount will become North Carolina’s newest "Gigabit City," with symmetrical upload and download speeds from Metronet of up to 1,000 mbps.

“Residents and businesses will soon be able to experience a future-proof network in a time when reliable access has become critical,” commented Metronet CEO John Cinelli. “Rocky Mount will soon have access to the benefits of a future-proof fiber-optic network capable of providing multi-gigabit speeds with XGS-PON technology, including 5GB. We are thrilled to join the Rocky Mount community as we prepare to provide ultra-high-speed services.”

In a press release, Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson thanked Metronet for its decision to build a valuable fiber optic network that will enhance the quality of life for the city's residents.

"The City of Rocky Mount is delighted to partner with Metronet to bring lightning-fast internet speeds to residents throughout our city,” said Mayor Roberson. “We understand the importance of fast, reliable internet connectivity for our work lives, schools, streaming, and keeping in touch with friends and family. Metronet’s investment will provide an improved quality of life and will support our city’s continued economic development ambitions.”

This month's announcement is the latest step in Metronet’s effort to bring gigabit-speed internet service to more cities in North Carolina. Fiber-optic construction projects by the proivder are also underway in the cities of Fayetteville, Greenville, New Bern, Jacksonville, Morehead City, and elsewhere.