By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – MetroNet announced this week it’s planning to bring gigabit internet internet service to the Twin Cities and it could mean good things for future economic development.

Vice President of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council Mike O’Grady said it creates a definite advantage.

“This makes us much more attractive than, say, another community that doesn’t have that,” said O’Grady. “Or a company that might have to spend tens of thousands of dollars in order to get that capacity into their business.”

O’Grady added he’s not aware of any other communities in the state with this type of service.

“Now, you get over into Indiana, MetroNet has focused most of all their efforts in there,” he said.

O’Grady explained State Farm’s presence, and the fact four higher education institutions are in Bloomington-Normal, were a few factors which first attracted MetroNet to the area.  He said after meeting with the EDC and learning more about the community, they realized the potential for success if they located here.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].