MetroNet still needs to place infrastructure

Posted on January 10, 2016
Cable
  MetroNet announced this week it plans to bring gigabit internet service to Bloomington-Normal.                                               (Photo courtesy Flickr/FAN ANT)

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – MetroNet has announced plans to bring gigabit internet to Bloomington-Normal, but there’s still a lot of work to be done before it become reality.

Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council Vice President Mike O’Grady says it will likely take a year, maybe two, for MetroNet to put in the fiber cables it needs.

“They are working with, they’ve been metting with, and we help facilitate meetings with Ameren utlity because where there are opportunities to run arial, that’s what they’ll do,” said O’Grady. “Where they can run underground, they’ll run underground.”

O’Grady added MetroNet also needs a franchise agreement with the Bloomington and Normal city councils.

“They have met numerous times with Normal and I think a couple of times with Bloomington. Both have been supportive,” he said.

MetroNet has said it plans to begin construction activites in the spring.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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