MetroNet to acquire Jaguar Communications

The parent company of MetroNet has reached a deal to buy Jaguar Communications, the two companies announced Monday.

The transaction is expected to close in the coming months following regulatory approval. Terms of the deal have not been made public.

The agreement, which will give MetroNet access to a fiber optic network covering 13 southern Minnesota counties, comes as the company continues to build out a network of its own in Rochester.

The Indiana-based provider began construction on its network in April 2019, two months after signing a franchise agreement with the city. In-home installations began in select parts of town last fall.

As part of its agreement with the city, MetroNet has committed to covering 80 percent of dwelling units within five years. A map of activity shows service now available in parts of northwest. Areas now under construction include the near southwest, Northern Heights, and Eastwood Road areas.

The purchase of Jaguar comes with a network stretching 2,000 miles. Jaguar provides fiber optic service for phone, internet, and television.