In 2021, two telecommunications companies notified the City of Coralville of their plans to extend fiber-to-the-home internet service to Coralville residents. ImOn Communications, based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and MetroNet, based in Evansville, Indiana, are starting construction this year.
Benefits of Fiber-to-Home
Both MetroNet and ImOn Communications entered into an agreement with the City to build a fiber-to-home network, which installs fiber optic-enabled internet service throughout Coralville. A direct fiber connection brings newer technology, robust bandwidth, faster speeds, reduced slowdowns during peak hours, and increased reliability throughout the community. This brings more convenience -- whether for businesses, working from home, or downloading high-definition movies.
Connecting Your Home or Business
The network is being built through Coralville, but not to homes and businesses. Residents and businesses can opt to get connected to services from MetroNet or ImOn Communications. Both companies indicated that fiber-to-home service will be made available as individual areas are built out, but full build-out of Coralville won’t be completed until sometime in 2023. There is no requirement for residents or businesses to sign up for fiber-to-home service once construction is complete. Each company owns and manages their network to bring a reliable connection throughout Coralville.
What Is Being Installed
An additional telecommunications line made up of fiber optic cabling is being installed in the city’s right-of-way and utility easements. Where utilities are overhead, they will be installed on existing telephone poles; in areas where utilities are buried, cables will be installed underground.
What You Can Expect
Residents and businesses in construction areas will receive communications from MetroNet and ImOn Communications, including mail and yard signs, before work begins in their area. Crews will mark underground utility locations with temporary paint and utility flags. Do not remove utility locates flags in your yard. They identify the locations of underground utilities such as public water main, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, or private utilities like electric, gas, phone, cable, or internet.
MetroNet and ImOn Communications contractors will install fiber optic network cables. The construction phase is temporary. Underground boring machines install the fiber-optic cables just below the surface to minimize disturbing properties. MetroNet and ImOn Communcations contractors will do their best to minimize any impact to property as they work within the utility easement areas. Contractors will rake, seed, and straw lawns as needed in areas where digging occurred.
Contractor Access
MetroNet and ImOn Communcations crews will be identifiable by ID tags and vehicles marked with the company names. MetroNet and ImOn Communications have obtained the permits to build out their network in the City of Coralville. Both companies have rights to access the Right of Way, which is between the sidewalk and the curb, and utility easement areas. It is common to have easements running parallel to the street and within the lot, and down side lot lines or along rear lot lines. If you have a utility easement on your property, conditions apply to use this part of the land.
Who to Contact
MetroNet
- Submit concerns related to MetroNet’s construction online or by phone. This generates a ticket that goes to MetroNet's local construction manager; you can track progress of your ticket and provide follow-up if needed.
- To see a map of MetroNet’s planned construction areas, or to be notified when your address is eligible to schedule installation, visit https://construction.metronetinc.com/l/CoralvilleIA. Additional planned construction areas will be added on an ongoing basis as plans develop.
ImOn Communications
City of Coralville
For other questions, contact the Coralville Engineering Department at 319.248.1720.