INNOVATE INDIANA

METRONET EXTENSION
National Connectivity
MARQUEE PROJECT IV | SECTION 6
● High-speed access to regional, statewide and national fiber networks
● 19 carriers for greater flexibility
● Cost-effective pricing
● Places our businesses on a level playing field with those in larger metropolitan areas
● Strengthens our region’s ability to compete globally
Summary
The St. Joe Valley Metronet Extension project involves the construction of new dark fiber in
Elkhart County and further extension in Marshall County.
ELKHART COUNTY
Metronet’s expansion into Elkhart County
involves the installation of new conduit and
fiber starting from the network in St. Joseph
County, reaching into the areas of highest
need in Elkhart County. A key component of
this new build is to connect to the current
fiber, thereby creating a single, multi-county,
multi-city network.
Background/History
MARSHALL COUNTY
Having completed its fiber build from St.
Joseph County to Plymouth at the end of
2014, this project would further extend
Metronet’s footprint to the remaining
incorporated areas of Marshall County
including the towns of Culver, Bourbon,
Argos and Bremen, as well as connecting
Ancilla College and Culver Academies.
Entering its 10th year of operation, Metronet began as a 50−plus mile, dark fiber optic
network that looped around South Bend offering state−of−the−art telecommunications
connectivity. The network continued to grow in South Bend and soon expanded into
Mishawaka, maintaining a single network design. End-users have the experience of unlimited
bandwidth and unlimited speed while enjoying a network of vendors that provide a variety
of services at competitive prices. Fiber infrastructure is typically exclusive to one vendor.
Metronet is different. Think of it in the context of a highway distribution network. It is the
difference between one trucking company that ships material versus the option of 20
trucking companies − competition matters.
REGIONALCITIESOFNORTHERNINDIANA.ORG |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THE REGION ENGAGED CURRENT TRENDS
STATE OF THE REGION
& QUALITY OF PLACE
VISION & STRATEGY
PROJECTS
STAKEHOLDERS, EXECUTION
& STRUCTURAL CHANGES
BENCHMARKING
& MEASUREMENT
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT