Metronet Internet: Fast, affordable fiber internet
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Metronet is a fiber internet provider with speeds up to 5 GB and plans that start at $29.95/mo. Service is mainly available in the Midwest, with limited coverage in a handful of other states. Metronet plans seem inexpensive, but additional charges like the required monthly $12.00 Tech Assure fee bring the price back into the average range of other internet companies.
Best Metronet Internet plans
Metronet prices aren’t the simplest to understand, and extra fees for equipment and other charges can add up quickly. However, Metronet has fast speeds up to 5 GB, and plans start at an affordable price. Most Metronet Wi-Fi plans increase after one year and again in year two. Metronet also offers a student discount for internet that saves $5–$15/mo. depending on the plan.
Download speeds | Starting price* | Price months 13–24 | Price months 25+ |
---|---|---|---|
100 Mbps | $29.95/mo. | +$10 | +$10 |
500 Mbps | $49.95/mo. | +$10 | +$10 |
1 GB | $59.95–$69.95/mo. | +$10 | +$20 |
2 GB | $99.95/mo. | +$20 | +$10 |
5 GB | $109.95/mo. | +$10 | +$10 |
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
How we reviewed Metronet
Metronet received a 3.8 out of 5. Like Verizon Fios, Metronet is a fiber-optic provider with unlimited data and no contracts for all plans. Metronet provides a quality internet service if you can get it. The drawback to Metronet Wi-Fi is its very limited availability, with less than 1% coverage of the U.S.
Our Metronet reviews also fell due to additional fees, particularly a mandatory $12 Tech Assure charge on all plans. This fee increases the pricing by up to 30% on some plans, which could catch many customers expecting a cheap internet bill by surprise. Other providers, like Spectrum and Xfinity, may have similar tech insurance, but it is optional.
Outside of fees and availability, Metronet’s fiber-optic internet received high scores for fast speeds up to 5 GB (depending on location), true fiber-optic connection and cheap promotional pricing (again, with the caveat that extra fees will be applied to the total bill).
Metronet internet plan breakdown
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Dedicated fiber-optic connection | Limited availability |
Multi-gig symmetrical speeds available | Fees add $12 or more to all plans |
No contracts or data caps | Prices increase in month 13 and 25 |
Metronet internet has various perks and price guarantees as well as equipment fees for each plan, so make sure to review the details carefully. For example, most plans include the wireless router for free for the first 12 months, except the 5 GB plan, which has a $15/mo. equipment charge. All plans include $4.95/mo. for paper billing, but you can avoid the fee by selecting paperless billing in your Metronet account after your order is completed. Learn more about the best Metronet deals in our breakdowns here.
Metronet 100 – Best for light internet use
This fiber internet plan has 100 Mbps upload and download speeds. The plan is a good fit for connecting 10 or fewer devices for basic internet use, including streaming video or music, downloading games, email, browsing or remote work.
The advertised price is $29.95, with one free month of service. The price increases to $39.95 in month 13 and to $49.95 in month 25. Installation and the wireless router are included, but the $4.95 paper billing and $12 Tech Assure fee bring the monthly total to $46.90 before tax.
Metronet 1 GB – Best for many connected devices (20+)
The 1 GB plan is best for a more connected household with around 20 connected devices. Gaming, streaming and browsing online on multiple devices at once will not cause home Wi-Fi interruptions or slow downs.
Metronet internet plans include two 1 GB deals that come with a $100 gift card.
- Plan 1 (six-month price guarantee): $59.95/mo. with one month free. The rate goes to $69.95 in month seven and $89.95 in month 19. With the $4.95 paper billing and $12 Tech Assure fee, the total is $86.90 after six months and $106.90 in month 19.
- Plan 2 (two-year price guarantee): $69.95/mo. with one month free. WholeHome WiFi is free for one year but adds $10 to the cost starting in month 13. Then, the monthly rate increases by $20 in month 25. With the $4.95 paper billing and $12 Tech Assure fee, this plan is nearly $120/mo. after two years.
Metronet 5 GB – Best for business-class service at home
If you need internet over 1 GB, Metronet’s 5 GB high-speed internet plan is a good fit. Starting at $109.95/mo., the deal has symmetrical upload and download speeds for the most connected households. You can easily connect over 30 devices without slowing down your Wi-Fi network. It’s $15/mo. to rent the eero Max 7 router from Metronet, which isn’t a bad deal since this model currently costs $600 on Amazon. Renting the equipment ensures that Metronet will provide setup and technical support.
Metronet vs. other providers
A fiber-optic connection that provides true fiber to the home is tough to beat in terms of quality and speed. Metronet also tops most other internet providers in speed and starting price.
Still, Metronet’s fees and 12-month promotional terms can leave you paying more than some of the other best internet providers after just one year. For example, the AT&T 500 Mbps plan is $65/mo. and does not have a price increase after one year.
In comparison, Metronet’s 500 Mbps plan is $49.95, plus a $12 Tech Assure fee, for a total of $61.95, before taxes and fees. In month 13, the price increases by $10 and equipment fees of $9.95/mo. begin, making the $81.90/mo. bill more expensive than AT&T.
Provider | Speed range | Starting price range* | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
Metronet | 100–5,000 Mbps | $29.95–$105.95/mo. | Fiber |
AT&T Fiber | 300–4,700 Mbps | $55–$180/mo. | Fiber |
Spectrum | 100–1,000 Mbps | $49.99–$89.99/mo. | Cable |
T-Mobile 5G Home | 72–245 Mbps | $60/mo. | 5G |
Viasat | 25–150 Mbps | $49.99–$249.99/mo. | Satellite |
Metronet availability
Metronet is found in parts of Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, North Carolina and Virginia. Get Metronet internet service near you in the following cities:
- Bloomington, IL
- Davenport, IA
- Des Moines, IA
- Fayetteville, NC
- Greenville, NC
- Lexington, KY
- Lafayette, IN
- New Bern, NC
- Norfolk, VA
- Tallahassee, FL
Metronet customer service
- Call Metronet customer service at 1-877-407-3224.
- Call technical support at 1-844-692-6184.
- Chat, submit an inquiry, or find store locations (including their addresses, phone numbers and hours of operations) on the Metronet Support page.
Metronet bill pay
You can access Metronet bill pay via your online account or over the phone.
- Pay your Metronet bill online.
- Make an automated payment by calling 1-866-517-3712.
Metronet outages
If you think there is a Metronet outage in your area, check for Metronet outages. If there are no reported outages near you, ensure that there is not a power outage, or try these tips on what to do if your Wi-Fi isn’t working.
Metronet Internet FAQs
How much does Metronet cost per month?
Metronet internet service costs $29.95–$109.95/mo., plus taxes and fees. Metronet’s affordable $59.95–$69.95/mo. plan for 1 GB is one of the best-value offers from the provider. Similar speeds from other internet providers typically cost $80 or more.
Can you get out of a Metronet contract?
Metronet plans have no contracts, so you never have to pay an early termination fee.
Who owns Metronet?
Metronet is owned by several private equity firms, including Oak Hill Capital and KKR, according to Dgtl Infra.
How can I speed up Metronet internet?
Speed up your Metronet Wi-Fi by trying these tips for faster internet or by upgrading to a faster Metronet internet plan.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
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