Scottsboro Electric Power Board (SEPB) is a municipal utility provider serving the city of Scottsboro, Alabama, and surrounding areas. Established to provide reliable and affordable utilities, SEPB has expanded its services to include high-speed internet, aiming to bridge the digital divide within its service territory. With a focus on community development and local infrastructure, SEPB's internet division leverages its existing utility network to deliver broadband access. Key statistics for SEPB's internet service include over 15 years of operational experience in utility provision, serving an estimated 10,000 households within its municipal boundaries, and a commitment to expanding its fiber optic network coverage across the region.
| Plan Name | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Monthly Price | Equipment Fees | Data Caps | Contract Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEPB Fiber 100 | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | $59.99 | $0 (with 2-year agreement) | None | 2-Year Agreement |
| SEPB Fiber 300 | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | $79.99 | $0 (with 2-year agreement) | None | 2-Year Agreement |
| SEPB Fiber Gig | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps | $99.99 | $0 (with 2-year agreement) | None | 2-Year Agreement |
SEPB offers three distinct fiber optic internet plans, each providing symmetrical download and upload speeds, ensuring consistent performance for both streaming and uploading content. The tiered pricing reflects increasing bandwidth, with the Gig plan catering to the most demanding users. All plans include a standard modem/router with a 2-year service agreement, eliminating upfront equipment costs for committed customers.
SEPB's internet service is exclusively available within the municipal limits of Scottsboro, Alabama, and its immediate surrounding service areas as defined by the electric utility's operational footprint. While SEPB prioritizes its existing electric customer base, expansion efforts are ongoing to reach more residents within Jackson County. Currently, coverage is strongest in established residential areas and downtown districts. Rural availability within SEPB's service territory is a key focus for 2025-26, with ongoing infrastructure build-out to address these areas.
| Plan | Promotional Price (12 months) | Standard Price (after promotion) | Additional Fees | Bundle Savings Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEPB Fiber 100 | $59.99 | $59.99 | None (with 2-year agreement) | Limited (Electric bill integration) |
| SEPB Fiber 300 | $79.99 | $79.99 | None (with 2-year agreement) | Limited (Electric bill integration) |
| SEPB Fiber Gig | $99.99 | $99.99 | None (with 2-year agreement) | Limited (Electric bill integration) |
SEPB's pricing structure is straightforward, with advertised monthly rates remaining consistent for the duration of the 2-year agreement, eliminating the common concern of price hikes after an initial promotional period. The value proposition is strong, offering competitive fiber speeds at fixed rates, especially when considering the absence of separate equipment fees and data caps. Bundling is limited to integration with existing electric utility billing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Symmetrical fiber speeds (100 Mbps to 1 Gbps) | Limited geographic availability (Scottsboro, AL only) |
| No data caps, promoting unlimited usage | Requires a 2-year service agreement for all plans |
| No separate equipment rental fees with agreement | Limited bundling options compared to larger providers |
| Reliable fiber optic technology | Customer support availability might be limited to business hours |
| Community-focused provider | Potential for longer installation wait times during expansion phases |
As a municipal provider, SEPB aims for a high level of customer satisfaction, leveraging its local presence to offer personalized support. The focus is on direct communication and problem resolution. Installation satisfaction is generally high due to dedicated technicians. Reliability ratings for SEPB's fiber network are consistently strong, benefiting from the robustness of fiber optics.
| Feature | SEPB Internet | Comcast Xfinity | AT&T Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network Type | Fiber Optic | Coaxial cable / Fiber Hybrid | Fiber Optic |
| Max Download Speed | 1 Gbps | Up to 2 Gbps (select areas) | Up to 5 Gbps (select areas) |
| Max Upload Speed | 1 Gbps | Up to 35 Mbps | Up to 5 Gbps |
| Data Caps | None | 1.2 TB (soft cap) | None |
| Contract Required | 2-Year Agreement | Typically 1-2 Year Contracts or Month-to-Month | Typically 1-2 Year Contracts or Month-to-Month |
| Monthly Price Range (Comparable Speeds) | $59.99 - $99.99 | $60 - $100+ (promotional) | $65 - $110+ (promotional) |
| Customer Satisfaction (Local Focus) | High | Variable | Variable |
Scottsboro Electric Power Board Internet is an excellent choice for residents and businesses located within Scottsboro, Alabama, who are seeking reliable, high-speed, and symmetrical internet access. Its fiber optic network provides superior performance for demanding online activities such as high-definition streaming, online gaming, and large file uploads/downloads. The fixed pricing for the duration of the 2-year agreement offers excellent budget predictability, a stark contrast to the frequent price increases seen with many national providers. Individuals and families who value consistent performance, unlimited data, and supporting a local utility provider will find SEPB's service to be a strong contender. It is particularly ideal for those who have previously experienced limitations with DSL or cable internet in the area and are looking for a significant upgrade in speed and reliability. However, its limited service area means it is only an option for those within its specific geographic footprint.