EPB Fiber Optics in Tennessee at a Glance
EPB Fiber Optics is a municipal fiber provider serving the Chattanooga, Tennessee metropolitan area. EPB was the first ISP in the United States to offer 10 Gbps residential internet. Plans start at $58/mo for 300 Mbps symmetrical and go up to $299/mo for 10 Gig symmetrical. All plans include unlimited data with no contracts.
About EPB Fiber Optics in Tennessee
EPB Fiber Optics is a municipal utility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and was the first ISP in the United States to offer 10 Gbps residential internet service. EPB is frequently cited as a model for municipal broadband, demonstrating that publicly owned networks can deliver world-class connectivity. Chattanooga's EPB fiber network has earned the city the nickname "Gig City" and helped attract technology startups and remote workers to the region. The network covers approximately 600 square miles of Hamilton County. The network was originally built to support EPB's smart electric grid, which meant fiber infrastructure was already deployed throughout the service area before residential internet launched. This dual-use approach made Chattanooga's fiber rollout economically viable in a way that has been difficult for other cities to replicate.
Tennessee has become a broadband innovation hub, with Chattanooga's municipal fiber network frequently cited as a national model. Nashville's explosive growth further drives demand. EPB's 10 Gig offering, available since 2015, put Chattanooga on the global broadband map and helped attract technology companies and startups to the city. The $299/mo price for 10 Gig symmetrical service is remarkably affordable compared to enterprise-grade connections, making it accessible to power users, home-based businesses, and technology enthusiasts in the Volunteer State.
As a municipal utility, EPB operates differently from for-profit ISPs. The company is owned by the city of Chattanooga and governed by a board appointed by the mayor. This public ownership model means EPB's priorities include community service alongside financial sustainability. Revenue from the fiber network helps fund EPB's electric utility operations, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits all Chattanooga-area ratepayers. EPB does not sell customer data, has no hidden fees, and maintains transparent pricing that does not increase after promotional periods.
EPB Fiber Optics Plans in Tennessee
| Plan | Price | Download | Upload | Type | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPB Fi-Speed 300 | $58/mo | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | Fiber | None |
| EPB Fi-Speed 1 Gig | $68/mo | 1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | Fiber | None |
| EPB Fi-Speed 10 Gig | $299/mo | 10,000 Mbps | 10,000 Mbps | Fiber | None |
Ready to get connected? Call now for exclusive deals:
1-855-981-6281All EPB plans deliver symmetrical upload and download speeds over 100% fiber-optic infrastructure. Prices as of February 2026. No contracts, no data caps. Installation fee may apply for new connections.
EPB Fiber Optics Coverage in Tennessee
EPB's fiber network covers the Chattanooga metropolitan area including the city of Chattanooga, Red Bank, East Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and surrounding Hamilton County communities. The service area is defined by EPB's electric utility territory, which means every address that receives EPB electricity can also access EPB Fiber Optics internet. This is one of the advantages of the municipal model—there are no "underserved" neighborhoods within EPB's territory because the fiber was deployed to every address on the electric grid.
EPB's coverage does not extend beyond Hamilton County, and Tennessee state law currently restricts municipal broadband providers from expanding their service areas beyond their existing utility boundaries. This means EPB cannot serve nearby communities in Bradley, Marion, or Sequatchie counties, even though demand exists. Residents outside EPB's territory must rely on other providers such as AT&T, Comcast, or Charter Spectrum for broadband service.
EPB Fiber Optics Tennessee FAQ
Is EPB available outside Chattanooga in Tennessee?
EPB's service area is limited to the Chattanooga metropolitan area within Hamilton County, Tennessee. Tennessee state law restricts municipal broadband utilities from expanding beyond their existing service territory. If you live outside Hamilton County, EPB cannot provide internet service to your address, regardless of proximity to the network.
Is EPB really 10 Gbps in Tennessee?
Yes. EPB offers a genuine 10 Gbps (10,000 Mbps) symmetrical fiber connection to residential customers in the Chattanooga area for $299/mo. This is not a theoretical maximum—the service delivers real-world speeds measured in the 9–10 Gbps range. EPB was the first provider in the US to offer this speed tier when it launched in 2015, and Chattanooga became internationally known as "Gig City" as a result.
Does EPB have data caps?
No. EPB Fiber Optics does not impose data caps on any of its internet plans in Tennessee. Whether you subscribe to the 300 Mbps or 10 Gig tier, you can use as much data as you want each month without overage charges, throttling, or usage-based billing. This unlimited policy applies to all residential and business plans.
How does EPB compare to Comcast and AT&T in Chattanooga?
EPB's 100% fiber network delivers symmetrical speeds that cable providers like Comcast cannot match on upload. AT&T Fiber competes in some Chattanooga neighborhoods, but EPB's municipal model means no data caps, no contracts, and transparent pricing. EPB also offers the 10 Gig tier, which no other residential provider in Tennessee can match. Customer satisfaction ratings for EPB consistently rank among the highest of any ISP in the United States.
Is EPB a government-run internet provider?
EPB is a municipal utility owned by the city of Chattanooga and operated as an independent entity with its own board of directors. While publicly owned, EPB operates similarly to a private business—it generates revenue, manages its own budget, and makes infrastructure investments. The key difference is that EPB's mission includes community benefit rather than maximizing shareholder returns, which influences pricing, coverage, and customer service priorities.
Understanding Your Internet Service Options
Choosing the right internet plan involves evaluating several factors beyond advertised speed. Consider your household's typical online activities during peak usage hours, including simultaneous streaming, gaming, video conferencing, and connected smart home devices. A household with 3-5 moderate users typically needs 200-400 Mbps, while families with heavy users benefit from 500 Mbps or higher. Upload speed is equally important for remote workers and content creators, with fiber plans offering the best symmetrical performance.
Contract terms, equipment fees, and promotional pricing all affect the true cost of service. Compare the total annual cost including post-promotional rates before committing to a plan. Many providers offer price-lock guarantees or no-contract options that provide flexibility without early termination fees. Purchasing your own compatible modem and router can save $120-180 annually compared to renting equipment. Check your provider's approved equipment list and verify compatibility with your specific plan speed before purchasing.
Tips for Getting the Best Internet Experience
Optimizing your home network starts with proper router placement. Position your WiFi router in a central, elevated location away from walls, metal objects, and electronic devices that create interference. A router placed in an open area on a shelf or mounted on a wall can improve WiFi coverage by 30-50% compared to one hidden in a closet or behind furniture. For homes larger than 2,000 square feet or with multiple floors, consider a mesh WiFi system with satellite nodes placed in each area where you need strong coverage.
Regular maintenance keeps your connection performing at its best. Restart your modem and router monthly to clear cached data and refresh your connection. Check for and install firmware updates quarterly, as these often include performance improvements and security patches. Monitor your actual speeds using periodic speed tests, and contact your provider if wired connection speeds consistently fall below 70% of your plan speed during off-peak hours. Most providers will troubleshoot remotely first and schedule a technician visit if the issue requires on-site diagnosis.
InternetProviders.ai may earn compensation through affiliate links. All information is believed accurate as of February 2026.