Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Rochester officials say an Indiana-based company is scheduled to begin work next week on building a fiber-optic cable system in the city to compete in the local cable TV and Internet marketplace.

The City Council in February approved a franchise agreement with MetroNet. The company says construction activity will begin in limited neighborhoods, but will quickly expand to surrounding areas to meet the city's requirement that the company must be ready to offer its products to at least 80-percent of Rochester's housing units within 5 years.

People living in neighborhoods affected by the installation of the fiber optic cables can expect to receive notices in the mail as well as markers posted and let neighborhoods 18 when the work will be taking place. A map on the MetroNet website indicates the first installations will occur in far northwest Rochester.

The company also plans to establish a retail storefront in Rochester for customer service needs. It’s not known exactly when MetroNet will begin offering its services in Rochester.

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