How long will it take to get there? How fast would you like to go? How about in a blink. We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating, when it comes to fiber optics, the possibilities are endless. Even those of us who have been associated with it for a handful of years are still in awe of the potential offered by these strands of light. But one thing is for sure. We are not content to just wait and see. Instead, we prefer to continue to make Smart Moves.
With virtually unlimited bandwidth and symmetrical speeds, word continues to spread about the benefits EPB Fiber Optics provides. Today, Chattanooga is a recognized hotbed for creating products and services of the future for industries from education to healthcare. During fiscal year 2012, EPB increased its customer base by 31% in business sales and 34% in residential. This equates to more than 10,300 new customers during the last fiscal year. On the business side, the team ended the year at 102.8% of their sales goal, exceeding their monthly recurring sales by more than $7,000. We call that success no matter how you add it up.
Travis Truett is CEO and co-founder of Retickr, a news and social media aggregator that works to simplify users’ Internet experience through automating an on-screen feed tailored to individual preferences. “Currently, it takes about twenty ‘mouse clicks’ to find information, read it, and share it,” explains Truett. “Retickr condenses this process to just five clicks. That’s simplifying your life.” Retickr launched August 10, 2011 and quickly became the number one free news application download in the Apple App Store. Thousands of downloads were pouring in. They were overwhelmed, so they met with EPB and now run on their own 100 mbps connection. Access to the greater bandwidth ensures that they are able to grow as fast as their demand. For customers in trading or in other time sensitive, competitive fields, Retickr offers a more efficient way to consume crucial information needed to make decisions. Their ability to upload that information quickly and reliably matters. Even a few seconds can make a huge difference, giving users an edge they could not have had otherwise. “We have a product that could disrupt business as usual. The bandwidth is part of what helps us get there,” affirms Truett. “Retickr is in the right city at the right time.”
Chattanooga Public Library’s Executive Director, Corinne Hill, and Nate Hill, the library’s first Assistant Director of Technology and Digital Initiatives, envision our public library fully realizing its unique opportunity to become the nation’s first gig library. Together they are taking steps toward fulfilling a vision that our library would become the most natural place for collaborating and creating. Thanks to the EPB Fiber Optic network, a gig’s worth of extra bandwidth positions the library to service the creative side of the community in a completely new and different way than ever before. Instead of being the place where content is only consumed, the library encourages and facilitates the creation of content. Our gig will go a long way in helping that vision become reality.
2.1
We are the nation’s fastest Internet. And while that fact is indeed positive, it reinforces the need for a clear, compelling and consistent brand story to be told about all the benefits of a 100% fiber optic network. The Smart Move campaign continues to offer both the strategy and creative execution necessary for making the EPB Fiber Optics brand memorable and unique while raising awareness. In the past year, we have remained steadfast in our promotion of the long-term quality and value the people of Chattanooga deserve and need from their Internet, television and phone service provider. As the only truly local provider, EPB Fiber Optics is uniquely qualified to keep the local conversation going.
This year, our social media following is growing, as are our face-to-face opportunities thanks to the addition of interactive demonstration areas in Hixson, Brainerd and our downtown branches.
8 seconds...that’s how long we have when utilizing outdoor board opportunities to prove to passersby that we are indeed the Smart Move.
2.2
Last year we rolled out the SmartView Guide. It offers viewers a quick look at their favorite channels making it convenient to preview multiple programs at once. Switch from channel to channel and never miss a single play or a word of breaking news.
Where there’s technology, there’s a need for geeks. That’s where Smart Network comes in. Over 40 EPB technicians have gone through extensive IT training. They are ready and able to provide assistance to fiber optic customers including setting up a router, connecting all wireless devices, virus removal and much more. This particular service offering has exceeded all expectations. Obviously people are in need of quality customer service and they see the value in it.
2.3
When the proper ground work, or should we say grid work, is laid, there’s no telling what a business can achieve. That’s the thinking behind this year’s offerings of innovative, technology-driven products to Chattanooga’s best and brightest...our business community. The EPB Hosted PBX Phone System utilizes the cloud to allow small businesses to look, sound and certainly act big. Phone calls are easily managed via the Internet and our equipment-leasing program alleviates big up front costs while providing the latest phones. Innovative solutions like this promote growth. And as a friend to businesses of all sizes, as well as a proponent of our own local economic growth, we are all for that.
Likewise, we have found that when any of our local businesses have access to the tools they need, they excel and everybody wins. We continue to provide our clients the opportunity to opt for a private network with our Fi-Speed Internet VLAN. It offers a seamless, highly secure connection for multiple work sites, delivering high-speed data transfer, Internet access and scalable bandwidth. This is a great asset in our business offering and underlines the fact that EPB Fiber Optics is truly open for business.
2.4
As a continuation of our commitment to excellence in customer service and innovation, we began growing the advertising sector of our business in the fall of 2011. In addition to providing our customers with excellent tools for communication, we want to offer them full turnkey advertising solutions while yielding higher revenues from advertising sales. This desire resulted in a partnership with Viamedia, a leading advertising representation firm in the United States.
The Viamedia team exclusively represents advertising sales in this market for EPB Fiber Optics and is excited to have the opportunity to deliver the highest quality advertising solutions for Chattanooga businesses. This partnership expands the Chattanooga job market, contributes to our local economy and reinforces our vision to be the best product solution for our customers.
Now that Viamedia is in place, advertising sales are growing. And so is the need for an in-house team who provides customers with creative advertising solutions to meet their needs. This is where Bob Nolan and Jacob Stabler come in. As two members of an innovative marketing team, they bring new skill sets in video and animation that enhance our advertising sales product offering.
2.5
Customer Service Rep
“Our number one priority is customer satisfaction. We make sure they know about all the benefits of fiber optics. Those benefits are a high-quality television picture, clear voice in phone and the fastest Internet. When we do that, we meet our goal of having very satisfied customers.”
Communication System Tech
As part of the new Smart Network team, Nathan assists customers in the set-up of their home network. “Including everything from hooking up the router, connecting wireless devices and gaming consoles, setting parental controls...all of it,” explains Nathan. The success of the Smart Network service offering is due in large part to our excellent installers and technicians in the field.
Research Analyst
While Kate’s career at EPB started as a Marketing Assistant, it didn’t take long to realize her strengths were in research and strategy. We encourage employees to find their niche and excel in it. Kate did exactly that. The result was the R&D necessary to make the case for Smart Network, a new fiber optic service offering that continues to exceed all expectations.
Business Sales Executive
“When I ask my clients what they like most about their service, the number one answer I get is great, local customer service. They love talking to a person who is here in town, who is courteous, knowledgeable and won’t keep them waiting on hold.” Cara also appreciates having new products and services that meet the ever changing needs of the business community she serves.
Treasury and Investment Analyst
As one of a team looking for an advertising sales partner, Adam evaluated several proposals and recommended the financials that made good sense for us. “We chose the group that would be a good strategic partner. I liked their strategy for creating a local team. Plus the national advertising presence they had in place would be instrumental in funneling advertising dollars back to EPB.”
Graphic Designer, Marketing
Jacob is another example of putting the best people in the right positions. A year and a half ago, he came on board as tech support, moved to IT for web design and is now a designer in the Marketing Department. “I like having the opportunity to visually show the benefits of the Smart Grid and fiber optics with 3D graphics, photography, animation and design.”