Making the grade with extra bandwidth
As the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga continues to grow with each incoming class, so do their demands for reliable high-speed Internet service. With roughly four bandwidth-hungry devices per student and the rising popularity of streaming services, the school quickly outgrew its existing 2 gigabit connection powered by EPB Fiber Optics. That’s why when we launched our 10 gigabit service, UTC was the first to sign up.
EPB partnered with the university to not only deliver our fastest speed to date, but to make sure they got a customized solution that worked best for their needs. Together, we determined that what they really needed was a scalable Internet product that would offer both increased bandwidth and reliable backup connectivity. That way, students can get connected quickly, and stay connected, even when the unforeseen happens.
Burt Purcell Engineering Technician II
Staci Poindexter CSSA
The Internet isn’t a gated community
In 2014, Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke issued a challenge to EPB’s leaders: What are the ways we can work better to bridge the digital divide? We responded by launching the NetBridge program, because we believe every student should have access to the same great service available to all EPB Fiber Optics customers at a reduced rate without sacrificing quality or speed.
NetBridge offers families of Hamilton County students on free or reduced lunch our 100 Mbps Internet service for just $27 a month. Families can register for the program with EPB employees during the school enrollment period or call one of our helpful customer service representatives any time during the school year. This is one way EPB is helping our students get the tools they need to succeed in today’s classroom.
Helping Tennesseans get connected in the 21st Century
Tired of being left behind without access to broadband Internet service, our neighbors in Bradley County and other communities throughout Tennessee began organizing grassroots efforts to help change the legislation that barred them from it. EPB joined the fight last year, along with six other Tennessee municipal utilities, by launching the TN4Fiber initiative.
We’ve seen firsthand how modern fiber optic infrastructure has helped cities like Chattanooga gain a competitive edge in economics and education. With over 800,000 Tennesseans still without access to this valuable resource, it’s time we work together to do something about it. We’re proud to join the effort by helping inform, educate, and advocate on behalf of the underserved.
