Metronet buys Minnetonka-based U.S. Internet

Metronet announced Tuesday that it acquired U.S. Internet, which is headquartered in Minnetonka.

Metronet said in a statement that the acquisition will extend the company's reach in Minnesota. The Evansville, Ind.-based company already provides internet services in parts of the Twin Cities metro, as well as Owatonna, Faribault and Rochester.

About 140,000 homes and businesses in and around the Twin Cities have access to U.S. Internet, according to Metronet. It said USI is a 100 percent fiber network that offers internet with symmetrical speeds up to 10 gigabits per second.

“USI is the premier independent fiber provider in Minneapolis with a tremendous reputation, and we are so proud that it is becoming part of the Metronet family,” Metronet’s CEO David Heimbach said in a statement. “Their coverage map complements Metronet’s own footprint in the greater Minneapolis area, creating a strong strategic fit as we continue to accelerate the expansion of our network.”

Metronet is owned by T-Mobile and investment firm KKR.

USI’s co-founder and CEO Travis Carter said the acquisition will allow their customers to have a strong fiber network backed by Metronet.

“We founded USI 30 years ago to deliver state-of-the-art connectivity to Minneapolis and nearby communities,” Carter said in a statement. “Being a part of the Metronet and T-Mobile Fiber families means that our customers will stay on the cutting edge of internet speeds and service, backed by Metronet’s strong fiber network and T-Mobile’s legendary customer service.”

Metronet said USI’s residential customers will become T-Mobile Fiber customers in the coming months. USI’s commercial customers will become Metronet commercial customers.