Cinergy MetroNet Begins Constructing All-Fiber Optic Network In North Vernon

North Vernon, IN (December 29, 2008) - Cinergy MetroNet, a cutting edge communications service provider, is expected to officially begin constructing their multimillion dollar, state-of- the-art, all-fiber optic network in the city of North Vernon within the month of January.

Cinergy MetroNet construction teams will be throughout the city placing cabling underground and on utility poles for several months. Their fiber optic network will soon be ready, and Cinergy MetroNet will then be offering residential and business consumers unmatched high-speed Internet service, robust cable television programming, full-featured local and long distance phone service, and new services as they become available.

In response to Cinergy MetroNet's announcement, Kathy Ertel, Executive Director of Jennings County Economic Development stated, "We are very excited about Cinergy MetroNet's all-fiber optic telecommunications network coming to North Vernon. North Vernon was one of the very first communities in Indiana to work with and encourage Cinergy MetroNet to build a multi-million dollar all new high-speed network to serve our existing and future homes and businesses."

"With this new economic development infrastructure from Cinergy MetroNet, it allows all of our homes and businesses in North Vernon access to the latest state-of-the-art high speed technology that is available anywhere in the world. This is one more example as to why North Vernon is a 'Natural Setting for Growing Businesses'.

"With construction about to start, it comes at a very good time for several of our existing businesses that today require higher speed data connections to grow their markets and business. In addition to serving our existing homes and businesses, it will be a significant aid to our economic development efforts to attract new investments and jobs to our area. In terms of technology, Cinergy MetroNet’s new all-fiber optic network in North Vernon levels the playing field and allows us to compete with larger metropolitan areas for all types of capital investments and jobs, including those requiring the transport of large amounts of data," stated Kathy.

Additionally, Kevin Stelmach, Cinergy MetroNet Vice President and General Manager, explained the importance of the North Vernon Project, "We are truly excited about becoming a part of the North Vernon community," he said. "A key part of this project is the opening of our local retail store, which will be located at 454 E O&M Avenue. From this location we’ll be able to provide superior customer service on a first-name basis, while at the same time ensure that our customers receive the best and most reliable services we can deliver." Stelmach continued, "In short, this local store furthers our goal of providing services on par with those found in any big city, with a small town touch."