John Dobberstein (editor)
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday in Broken Arrow for MetroNet’s $35 million fiber optic network project, the state’s first of its kind.
The network will provide symmetrical multi-gigabit internet speeds of up to 5 gigabits to residents and 10 gigabits to businesses, and city leaders and the Evansville, Indiana-based company believe it will revolutionize the city’s digital infrastructure.
MetroNet’s two-year construction plan has officially begun, with the first customers expected to be connected by the end of the year. Once complete, Broken Arrow will join the ranks of the top digital cities in the nation as a Certified Gigabit City operated by MetroNet, the company said. The expansion into Oklahoma will expand MetroNet’s footprint to more than 300 communities across 18 states.
Broken Arrow Mayor Debra Wimpey said the city learned a painful lesson during the coronavirus pandemic when some students struggled to do their schoolwork from home. “It didn’t work out, and that’s when we really learned we really needed you all here.”
“We are committed to fostering economic development and creating additional opportunities for our residents and their businesses. MetroNet’s significant investment in our infrastructure through fiber optic internet access will foster our growth and provide significant benefits to our residents and local businesses.”
As construction progresses, Broken Arrow residents will see MetroNet trucks throughout the community. Residents will receive communications by mail about construction activity in their neighborhoods 30 days before work begins. Additional messaging, such as yard signs, will also be provided to let residents know construction is starting in their neighborhoods. MetroNet crews will be identified by ID tags and MetroNet-branded vehicles.
Metronet plans to hire a local market manager, sales and customer service representatives and service technicians to support the Broken Arrow community. Those interested in joining the Metronet team can search for open positions and apply by visiting metronet.com/careers.
For residents and businesses interested in MetroNet service, Kyle Hamilton, MetroNet executive vice president of construction, advises them to visit the MetroNet website at metronet.com/ok/broken-arrow for more information and to get construction updates. MetroNet plans to do a presale so customers can order in advance. “That way, as soon as the neighborhood is ready, we can go out and get connected,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton said when he drove to the event, someone asked what was going on and he told them fiber optic internet was being installed in the city. “He said, ‘I’m so glad you came,'” he said.
“We all know how important remote work and education has become for families through events like COVID-19. I don’t know about you, but I have two daughters and we have about 100 devices connected to the internet at any one time. So these are the access points we want to provide to this community.”
Jim Frum, interim president and CEO of the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce and EDC, said high-speed internet is now like electricity was in the early ’20s.Number In the 21st century, broadband was considered an afterthought. “That’s how broadband took hold, and it quickly became a necessity, and now businesses, individuals and families can’t do without it. It’s a must-have product for our communities.”
To celebrate this milestone, MetroNet presented Broken Arrow Neighbors with a check for $10,000 that will help provide assistance to hundreds of families with basic needs, including emergency bags, meals and bill assistance.
“MetroNet’s donation will be used to provide meals for Broken Arrow community members in need, stock emergency food bags and help our neighbors who need it most,” said Megan Quickle, executive director of Broken Arrow Neighbors.
“We are committed to serving our communities with compassion, and MetroNet’s thoughtful investment in our work will enable us to reach even more of our neighbors. We appreciate MetroNet’s support of our mission and congratulate them on breaking ground in Broken Arrow.”
