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EPB Fiber is a municipal broadband provider based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, known for being one of the first communities in the United States to offer city-wide gigabit internet speeds. Established in 1939 as a public utility, EPB has since expanded its services to include electricity and, notably, a robust fiber optic network. The company has consistently been at the forefront of technological innovation, prioritizing community benefit and digital equity. EPB Fiber serves a significant portion of the Chattanooga metropolitan area and surrounding Hamilton County. Its commitment to providing high-speed, reliable internet access has positioned it as a benchmark for municipal broadband initiatives nationwide.
Key Statistics:
| Plan Name | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Monthly Price (2025-26) | Equipment Fees | Data Caps | Contract Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPB Fiber SmartNet 100 | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | $55.00 | $0 (included modem/router) | None | No |
| EPB Fiber SmartNet 300 | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | $65.00 | $0 (included modem/router) | None | No |
| EPB Fiber SmartNet Gigabit | 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) | 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) | $75.00 | $0 (included modem/router) | None | No |
| EPB Fiber SmartNet 2 Gigabit | 2 Gbps (2000 Mbps) | 2 Gbps (2000 Mbps) | $105.00 | $0 (included modem/router) | None | No |
EPB Fiber offers a tiered selection of symmetrical speed plans, meaning download and upload speeds are identical. The SmartNet plans cater to various user needs, from basic browsing with the 100 Mbps option to demanding applications like high-definition streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers with the Gigabit and 2 Gigabit plans. All plans include a modem and router at no additional cost, eliminating common equipment rental fees. Notably, EPB Fiber provides unlimited data on all its plans, a significant advantage for heavy internet users. Contracts are not required, offering customers flexibility.
EPB Fiber's primary service area is concentrated in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the surrounding Hamilton County region. This includes various neighborhoods within the city, as well as adjacent towns and rural areas within the county's reach. As a municipal provider, EPB focuses on serving its established territory comprehensively. While EPB has achieved near-universal fiber coverage within its designated service footprint, availability can vary at the specific address level. Customers outside of EPB's direct service territory will not be able to access their fiber internet. The company has made significant investments to bring fiber to underserved and rural parts of Hamilton County.
| Plan | Promotional Price (12 months) | Standard Price (after promotion) | Additional Fees | Bundle Savings Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPB Fiber SmartNet 100 | $55.00 | $55.00 | Installation fee may apply (check current offers) | Bundles with TV and Phone available |
| EPB Fiber SmartNet 300 | $65.00 | $65.00 | Installation fee may apply (check current offers) | Bundles with TV and Phone available |
| EPB Fiber SmartNet Gigabit | $75.00 | $75.00 | Installation fee may apply (check current offers) | Bundles with TV and Phone available |
| EPB Fiber SmartNet 2 Gigabit | $105.00 | $105.00 | Installation fee may apply (check current offers) | Bundles with TV and Phone available |
EPB Fiber offers exceptional value, particularly given its symmetrical speeds and unlimited data policies. The pricing is highly competitive, especially considering the absence of equipment rental fees and contracts. The promotional and standard rates are identical across all plans, meaning customers do not face price hikes after a promotional period, which is a common frustration with many private ISPs. The availability of bundle discounts with EPB's other services (TV and phone) can further enhance the value proposition for households looking for a comprehensive communication solution.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Symmetrical download and upload speeds across all plans. | Limited geographic availability; service is exclusive to EPB's service territory. |
| Unlimited data with no hidden caps or throttling. | Installation fees may apply, though often waived. |
| No contracts required, offering excellent customer flexibility. | Customer support wait times can sometimes be longer during peak periods due to high demand. |
| Free modem and router included with all plans. | Advanced users might desire more control over their modem/router than the provided unit allows. |
| Highly reliable fiber optic infrastructure. | As a municipal service, expansion beyond its current territory is typically slow and community-driven. |
EPB Fiber is generally praised for its reliable service and customer-centric approach, reflecting its public utility roots. The company aims to provide accessible and high-quality internet to its community. Support is available through various channels to assist customers with technical issues, billing inquiries, and service questions. While the fiber infrastructure itself is highly dependable, like any service provider, customers may occasionally encounter issues that require support.
| Feature | EPB Fiber | Xfinity (Comcast) | Spectrum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network Type | Fiber Optic | cable (Coaxial) | Cable (Coaxial) |
| Symmetrical Speeds | Yes (all plans) | No (typically 10-20% of download) | No (typically 10-20% of download) |
| Data Caps | None | Yes (e.g., 1.2 TB, with overage charges) | Yes (e.g., 1 TB, with overage charges) |
| Contract Required | No | Often required for promotional pricing | Often required for promotional pricing |
| Equipment Fees | None (included modem/router) | Yes (monthly rental fees) | Yes (monthly rental fees) |
| Customer Satisfaction (General) | High | Mixed to Average | Mixed to Average |
EPB Fiber Internet is an outstanding choice for residents and businesses located within its service territory in Chattanooga and Hamilton County, Tennessee. Its all-fiber network delivers exceptionally fast and consistent speeds, with the significant advantage of symmetrical upload and download rates, making it ideal for remote work, video conferencing, online gaming, and uploading large files. The absence of data caps and contracts provides unparalleled freedom and value, eliminating common frustrations associated with private internet service providers. Households that stream heavily, utilize cloud services, or have multiple connected devices will benefit immensely from the reliable performance and unlimited data. While its geographic limitation is a key factor, for those within its reach, EPB Fiber represents a premium internet experience that is hard to match in terms of speed, reliability, and customer-friendly policies. It is particularly recommended for users who prioritize performance and transparency in their internet service.