Smith said it\u2019s not uncommon for the internet provider to run into permitting issues with third parties. <\/p>\n
City officials announced plans for Metronet<\/a> to build a Norfolk network in 2021. Construction started in November <\/a>of that year in Norfolk\u2019s Five Points neighborhood and initially was expected to take two to three years. Construction has since spread out from Five Points in a circle. Smith said work is ongoing around Hampton Boulevard and Larchmont. Crews are currently conducting preliminary work in Ghent, and construction should start in that direction in about 60 to 90 days, according to Smith.<\/p>\n Billy Schuerman \/ The Virginian-Pilot<\/p>\n Workers install Metronet infrastructure is installed in the Ghent neighborhood of Norfolk, Virginia, on Aug. 14, 2025. (Billy Schuerman \/ The Virginian-Pilot)<\/p>\n It\u2019s not the first time the project has been behind. The internet service\u2019s activation was first delayed from spring 2022 until early 2023<\/a> \u2014 also because of permitting issues.<\/p>\n Consumers in Norfolk have long sought an alternative internet provider<\/a> to Cox Communications, which they said overcharged for cable and internet services due to lack of competition. The city received so many complaints that it even devoted a webpage<\/a> to frequently asked questions about the issue.<\/p>\n Metronet now offers internet plans with download speeds ranging from 150 megabits per second to five gigabits per second, Smith said. According to the Metronet website, plans in Five Points begin at $60 a month for 500 megabits per second.<\/p>\n To learn if Metronet is available at your address, visit metronet.com\/va\/norfolk<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Workers](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/TVP-L-NW-METRONET-GHENT-WS-03.jpg\")
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