Wilmington is set to become the newest city in North Carolina to begin Metronet’s multi-gigabit internet service, through a $30 million fiber-optic network. 
 
Construction entailing fiber-optic cable installation began on June 28, with first customers slated to receive service beginning in the fall. Significant impacts on both residential customers (up to 5 gigabits per second) and businesses (up to 10 gigabits per second) are planned.
 
The selection of Wilmington and a number of surrounding communities – including Bay Shore, Myrtle Grove, North Chase, Ogden, Porters Neck and Silver Lake – on a shared two-year construction plan was a logical and strategic one, said Telly Whitfield, Metronet government affairs director.
 
“By equipping Wilmington with ultra-high-speed, 100% fiber-optic internet we believe our service will contribute to the future growth trajectory of the community. As a thriving city, Wilmington is home to tech and manufacturing industries that require state-of-the-art technology and ultra-fast internet speeds,” Whitfield said.
 
Long serviced by high-speed internet providers AT&T Fiber and Spectrum, Wilmington is seeing new entrants to the market including Metronet and High Point-based Lumos, which also is in the midst of installing its network locally. (Read more about Lumos’ deployment plans in next week’s Tech Wilmington newsletter.)
 
Metronet’s designation of becoming a Certified Gigabit City comes at construction completion. The company’s “Certified Gigabit City Powered by Metronet” is a town or city with an intelligent full fiber network capable of surpassing the digital needs of the region – including residents, public sector, businesses and mobile operators. The city’s fiber-optic internet speeds – of at least 1,000 megabits per second – must be accessible to a majority of households and businesses, under its program.
 
As Metronet deploys its fiber infrastructure in the area, updates will be sent by mail about construction activity in neighborhoods 30 days prior to starting. Yard signs will also be utilized, and further general and updated information will be available at Metronet.com/NC/Wilmington.
 
Indiana-based Metronet was rated the fastest ISP in the country last year by PCMag.
 
“We are profoundly grateful for the city’s unwavering support in our ambitious construction plans and are excited for Wilmington’s residents and business to experience our groundbreaking service,” Whitfield said. “With access to more provider competition, the consumer will always win, which will directly support Wilmington’s continued growth and economic development. Together we are building the foundation for a more connected, innovative and prosperous future, positioning Wilmington as a leader in digital advancement.”