What is Metronet Internet?

Metronet is a fast-growing fiber optic internet provider that offers high-speed internet, TV, and phone services to homes and businesses. Founded in 2005, Metronet has been expanding its fiber network across several states in the Midwest and Southern United States. The company is known for its 100% fiber-optic network, which provides faster and more reliable internet connections compared to traditional cable or DSL services.

Metronet’s fiber internet uses thin glass strands to transmit data using light signals. This technology allows for much faster speeds and lower latency than older copper-based networks. Fiber optic internet can handle more data and maintain consistent speeds even during peak usage times.

One of the key features of Metronet’s service is that they offer symmetrical upload and download speeds. This means you can send data just as quickly as you receive it, which is especially useful for activities like video conferencing, online gaming, and uploading large files.

Metronet Internet Plans and Pricing

Metronet offers several internet plans to suit different needs and budgets. Their plans typically range from 100 Mbps to 1 Gig (1000 Mbps) speeds. Here’s a general overview of what you might expect:

• 100 Mbps plan: Suitable for light internet users and small households
• 200 Mbps plan: Good for medium-sized households with multiple devices
• 500 Mbps plan: Ideal for larger households with heavy internet usage
• 1 Gig (1000 Mbps) plan: Perfect for tech-savvy users, large families, or home offices

Prices can vary depending on your location and any current promotions. Metronet often offers introductory rates for new customers, which may increase after the first year of service. It’s always best to check their website or contact a sales representative for the most up-to-date pricing in your area.

One thing to note is that Metronet typically doesn’t require long-term contracts. This means you can often sign up for service without being locked into a multi-year agreement, giving you more flexibility.

Availability and Coverage Area

Metronet’s service area is constantly expanding, but it’s not available everywhere yet. The company focuses on building out its fiber network in smaller cities and suburban areas, often in places that have been underserved by other major internet providers.

As of now, Metronet operates in several states including:

• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Ohio
• Wisconsin
• North Carolina
• Florida

However, even within these states, service is limited to specific cities and neighborhoods where Metronet has built its fiber network. To check if Metronet is available in your area, you can visit their website and enter your address in their availability checker tool.

It’s worth noting that Metronet is actively expanding its network. If the service isn’t currently available in your area, it may become available in the future as the company continues to grow.

Installation and Setup Process

Getting Metronet installed in your home or business is generally a straightforward process. Here’s what you can typically expect:

1. Check availability: Use Metronet’s online tool to see if service is available at your address.
2. Choose a plan: Select the internet speed and any additional services you want.
3. Schedule installation: Set up an appointment for a Metronet technician to visit your home.
4. Home assessment: The technician will assess the best way to bring the fiber line into your home.
5. Fiber installation: They’ll run the fiber line from the street to your home, usually underground.
6. Interior setup: The technician will install the necessary equipment inside your home, including the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) and router.
7. Testing: They’ll ensure everything is working correctly before leaving.

The entire process usually takes a few hours. Metronet often offers free standard installation, but it’s good to confirm this when you sign up for service.

Metronet Internet Speed and Performance

One of the main selling points of Metronet’s service is its fast, reliable speeds. Because it’s a fiber-optic network, Metronet can offer very high speeds with low latency. This means web pages load quickly, streaming video is smooth, and online gaming experiences less lag.

As mentioned earlier, Metronet offers symmetrical speeds. This is particularly beneficial for activities that require uploading large amounts of data, like backing up files to the cloud or live streaming video.

In terms of real-world performance, many users report that Metronet delivers speeds very close to or matching their advertised rates. This is often better than cable or DSL providers, who may advertise “up to” certain speeds that are rarely achieved in practice.

It’s important to note that your actual speeds can be affected by various factors, including:

• The plan you choose
• The number of devices connected to your network
• The capabilities of your router and other networking equipment
• The websites and services you’re connecting to

To get the most out of your Metronet connection, it’s recommended to use a modern router that can handle high speeds and connect devices via Ethernet when possible for the best performance.

Customer Service and Support

Customer service is a crucial aspect of any internet service provider, and Metronet generally receives positive reviews in this area. They offer several ways to get support:

• Phone support: Available 24/7 for technical issues
• Online chat: For quick questions and troubleshooting
• Email support: For less urgent inquiries
• Social media: Metronet is active on platforms like Twitter and Facebook
• In-person support: Some areas have local Metronet stores

Many customers appreciate Metronet’s local presence and the ability to speak with representatives who are familiar with their specific area and network.

Metronet also provides online resources like FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and video tutorials to help customers resolve common issues on their own.

Pros and Cons of Metronet Internet

Like any service, Metronet has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Fast, reliable fiber-optic internet
• Symmetrical upload and download speeds
• No data caps on most plans
• Generally good customer service
• No long-term contracts required
• Expanding service area

Cons:

• Limited availability compared to larger national providers
• Prices may increase after promotional period
• TV service options may be more limited than some competitors
• Potential for service interruptions during network expansion

Comparing Metronet to Other Providers

When considering Metronet, it’s helpful to compare it to other internet options that might be available in your area. Here’s how Metronet often stacks up:

vs. Cable Internet:

• Metronet usually offers faster upload speeds
• More consistent performance during peak hours
• Often similar or better pricing for equivalent download speeds

vs. DSL:

• Significantly faster speeds, especially for uploads
• More reliable connection
• Usually more expensive, but offers much better performance

vs. Other Fiber Providers:

• Comparable speeds and reliability
• Pricing and customer service can vary, so it’s worth comparing specific offers

Remember that the best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and the options available at your address. It’s always a good idea to compare multiple providers if possible.

Is Metronet Right for You?

Deciding whether Metronet is the right choice for your internet needs depends on several factors:

1. Availability: First and foremost, check if Metronet is available in your area.
2. Speed requirements: Consider how you use the internet. If you work from home, stream 4K video, or have many connected devices, Metronet’s high-speed plans could be beneficial.
3. Budget: Compare Metronet’s pricing with other available options in your area.
4. Customer service preferences: If local, accessible customer support is important to you, Metronet’s approach might be appealing.
5. TV and phone needs: If you want bundled services, check if Metronet’s offerings meet your requirements.
6. Future-proofing: Fiber-optic internet is considered more “future-proof” than older technologies, potentially offering better long-term value.

If Metronet is available in your area and fits your needs and budget, it’s often an excellent choice for fast, reliable internet service. However, always read the fine print, understand any promotional terms, and consider your long-term costs before making a decision.