MetroNet Fiber-optic Network

A new internet service provider, MetroNet, is building out a fiber network accessible to more than 85% of Northfield residents and businesses.

MetroNet is a leading provider of fiber-optic internet, television, and telephone services. MetroNet has an agreement with the city of Northfield to install a citywide fiber-optic network either underground or on existing utility poles, giving residents access to gigabit speed internet, some of the fastest in the world, along with stunning television picture quality, and clear, reliable telephone service. MetroNet currently provides service or is under construction in over 100 communities in Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Florida. This provides residents an additional choice for internet, television, and telephone bringing competition into the marketplace.

Timeline

Construction began July 2021 and extends into 2023.

• November 7, 2023 - City Council - project update (video)
  • MetroNet presentation to City Council (PDF)

Contact information for MetroNet

Concerns should be addressed directly to MetroNet via telephone or through their website.

Customer Service: 877-386-3876

Submit an online question or complaint

Notifications

Before work begins work near your property, you’ll receive a letter and postcard from MetroNet with information on construction schedules and how to let them know about things buried in your yard like sprinkler systems, dog fences, and sump pump lines. 

• Four to six weeks prior: a letter (PDF)
• Two to three weeks prior: a postcard (PDF)
• A week to 10 days prior: yard markers

Construction

A week to 10 days before work begins, utility marking flags and/or paint will be installed in your yard. Those markers and paint need to remain in place until construction is complete.

This project will involve extensive work in the city’s right-of-way, and in front and back yard public utility easement areas. These are typically located in a strip of land running along the street, sidewalk, rear lot line, or between two lots. If the easement is within a fenced in yard, MetroNet crews will need your help accessing the area.

MetroNet crews will bore underground fiber lines in neighborhoods with underground electric, and will hang cables on utility poles in areas with above-ground electric.

Following that, MetroNet’s contractors will begin constructing their fiber-optic network. MetroNet crews will bore underground fiber lines in neighborhoods with underground electric, and will hang cables on utility poles in areas with above-ground electric.

Once construction is complete and weather permits, MetroNet must restore lawns and landscaping to their previous condition.

View MetroNet's construction in Northfield

View MetroNet's construction process

Reviewing and inspecting construction

Throughout the project, city staff will be reviewing and inspecting MetroNet's work to ensure the project is in compliance with all applicable ordinances and other requirements.

Choice of providers

The City of Northfield does not endorse or show preference to any particular internet service provider (ISP). Residents and businesses will continue to have multiple choices for internet service from current providers and any future providers that may enter the market

Funding

This is a 100% private business project.