Message from the mayor: New internet, phone and TV provider will soon start running lines all over town

"Anyone with a small sign in their yard can expect subcontractors for MetroNet to be doing some form of construction through the utility easement that they also have access to," Midway Mayor Grayson Vandegrift says in his Message from the Mayor.

By Grayson Vandegrift
Mayor, City of Midway

MetroNet will soon begin the construction phase of installing high speed fiber optic cable to every home in Midway. When this is done, each citizen will have a new option for cable, internet, and phone access.

However, I want to make each of you aware that I expect this phase to have a few bumps, and I think the better prepared we are the smoother we can make it. Where utility poles exist, MetroNet will be running their cable along those poles, but each property in town will also have a fiber optic line running into their yard, and that will still require a small ditch in many yards. Neighborhoods with buried utilities will have everything run underground, and many yards, if not most, will have a ditch as well. All ditches will be patched with seed and straw and will eventually be good as new, but I do expect that not everyone will be in love with the process.

But, in the end, this will provide more options, and competition means better services for our citizens. Anyone with a small sign in their yard can expect subcontractors for MetroNet to be doing some form of construction through the utility easement that they also have access to. This means that employees will be legally allowed to enter premises so long as they’re on that easement, in order to complete their work. As jarring as it sounds, employees can enter a back yard with a privacy fence, but again, only to bury their cable along the easement.

I’ve been in close contact with Kris Smith, the governmental affairs liaison with MetroNet, and with their construction team, and they’ve committed to us that they’ll do their utmost to make this construction phase as smooth as possible.

This can be a difficult process, and it’s possible that other lines could be inadvertently hit, temporarily disrupting service. Although we hope that doesn’t happen, it’s something everyone should be prepared for. MetroNet has repeatedly assured that they will do everything to solve any situation as quickly as possible. The small yard signs in resident’s yards give a phone number they can call anytime to address concerns.

I’m confident that once the fiber optic is in place, this will be a great improvement for the city and for our citizens. Recent studies have shown that having fiber optic cable directly to one’s home, even if the current occupant doesn’t use it, can raise the home’s value as much as 3%. Anecdotally, in a world where streaming is becoming the norm, I believe these studies to be very plausible in their findings.

The direct number for MetroNet, posted on their yard signs, is 877-386-3876. Folks can also visit MetroNetInc.com/construction for more information.