Metronet tells council it will invest $26 million to bring 100% fiber to Casa Grande; outlines construction outreach

Robin Johnston Deem, government and city affairs manager for Metronet, told the City Council Metronet will invest $26,000,000 to deploy 100% fiber service in Casa Grande and described the company's resident outreach and restoration practices.

Deem said Metronet ranks highly for customer service and that an independent study found fiber can increase home values by up to 14 percent. She described the company's resident notification timeline: a general notice 30 to 45 days before work in an area, a construction postcard 7 to 14 days before activity, yard markers (which the company may replace with larger construction signs) and occasional door hangers. Deem said some yard markers have blown away and that the company will consider larger construction signs in neighborhoods to improve awareness.

Deem also explained Metronet's online construction portal, which includes Frequently Asked Questions, easement information and an "Ask a Question" button that creates a ticket for two‑way communication. "Residents can go on there, and they can put in their information, and they can tell us who they are and what their question is," Deem said. She said tickets give residents a direct line to the crew to report items such as sprinkler lines or pets in backyards so crews can take precautions.

Deem emphasized restoration: residents who file a ticket are given a formatted ticket with a direct line to Metronet so the company can address concerns and arrange restoration work. She said Metronet typically notifies homeowners and will work with the city on specifics. Deem stayed after the meeting to hand out business cards and answer questions from attendees.

At the meeting Deem said Metronet is ranked by industry partners and has received consumer recognition; she said the company will coordinate with city staff about neighborhood‑specific notification preferences.