It depends. Like all technology, wireless routers are continually improved and updated so performance could be based on the age and type of router. We recommend that you check your wireless router with a “speed test” to ensure you are receiving the best performance from your new speed, and upgrade your router if necessary.

For more information, watch this helpful Tech Tip video.

There are many reasons why you may not be achieving Gigabit speeds. Let's start by pointing out that the best way to get the maximum internet speed is to connect your computer directly to the EPB Fiber Optics jack using a Cat 5e ethernet wire. Keep in mind that advertised speeds can rarely be achieved on WiFi because the signal strength diluted over a wireless network. If you're using a WiFi router, there are several factors that can affect your performance. The age and type of wireless router, as well as its placement in your home are determining factors of speed and performance. And, like all technology, wireless routers are continually improved and updated for better performance. If you're using older equipment that wasn't made to handle such speeds, we recommend that you upgrade your router and computer if necessary.

For more information, watch this helpful Tech Tip video. If you're still having trouble, give us a call anytime at 423-648-1372.

EPB recommends a dual band 802.11ac or newer for 300 mbps internet service. We recommend a tri-band 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) router for gig customers and larger homes – especially with multiple internet devices and users. EPB Smart Net Plus service includes the right router professionally installed, network setup optimized for maximum Wi-Fi performance and anytime expert support for just $17.99 (plus tax) per month.

Keep routers away from microwave ovens, wireless phones and other major appliances. Also, locating your router near brick walls, floors, ceilings and other obstacles that can impede the signal. Also, change the router channel from the factory default setting to another option in order to differentiate your signal from those of your neighbors.

For more information, watch this helpful Tech Tip video.

If your router was provided by EPB Fiber Optics through Smart Network, it should perform well at these speeds. If for any reason it does not, please let us know. If you purchased a wireless router on your own, a quick Google search of the make and model number (indicated on your router) will determine if its frequency matches “802.11n” or “802.11ac”.

For more information, watch this helpful Tech Tip video. If you're still having trouble, give us a call anytime at 423-648-1372.

If your router was provided by EPB Fiber Optics through Smart Network, it should perform well at these speeds. If for any reason it does not, please let us know. If you purchased a wireless router on your own, a quick Google search of the make and model number (indicated on your router) will determine if its frequency matches “802.11n” or “802.11ac”.

For more information, watch this helpful Tech Tip video.

These are two different frequencies you can set your router to deliver. The 2.4 GHz frequency has a longer range, which means it will project your WiFi signal further away from the router - even through barriers like walls. The 5 GHz transmits a shorter signal, but at a faster speed. A "mesh network" combines the two frequencies for an optimized experience on most devices.

And, EPB Fiber Optics’ Smart Network whole-home WiFi solution makes creating and maintaining a WiFi network easy. For just $9.99 a month (plus tax) you’ll receive the right router and equipment, professional network set up to make the most of your EPB internet connection, plus expert support available 24/7/365. Technicians are available to come out to your home anytime to help maintain your network, including equipment upgrades, as needed.

Learn more.

There are some things you can do to ensure you get the best performance. If you're setting up your own Wi-Fi network, We offer tips for setting up and optimizing a Wi-Fi network and this helpful video.

And, EPB Fiber Optics’ Smart Network whole-home Wi-Fi solution makes creating and maintaining a Wi-Fi network easy. For just $9.99 a month (plus tax) you’ll receive the right router and equipment, professional network set up to make the most of your EPB internet connection, plus expert support available 24/7/365. Technicians are available to come out to your home anytime to help maintain your network, including equipment upgrades, as needed.

Learn more.

So fast you could stream 1,754 online movies all at the same time – in HD – from a single internet connection without experiencing any buffering or lag time. While that’s more bandwidth than you may ever need – it’s an enormous platform of possibility for whatever online opportunities innovative thinkers can dream up next.

Learn more.

First, our technicians will make a “pre-installation consultation” to assess certain aspects of your home. This includes discovering the locations and specifications of your computer and router (if you have a wireless network) to ensure both will deliver that kind of speed. We will determine the best path to run new Ethernet wiring, which is required to handle 10-Gig Internet. And, we will work with you to determine the best possible location for the special ONT box we will need to install inside of your home in order for you to receive 10-Gig service. Afterwards, we will schedule the actual installation with you for another time. Both visits can be scheduled at your convenience.

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IMAP (Incoming Mail): Server: mail.epbfi.com

SSL: Yes, Port: 993. SMTP (Outgoing Mail): Server: smtp.epbfi.com

SSL: Yes, Port: 465.

Yes, McAfee LiveSafe is included with our internet products at no additional charge. McAfee is a user-friendly, award-winning antivirus program that comes with many benefits, like secure cloud storage, parental controls, and True Key by Intel Security, and more. We believe this software will help give our customers a safer, more secure online experience.

Download McAfee LiveSafe.

Our internet security reference guide offers some best practices to help you secure your internet. In addition, we offer McAfee LiveSafe software free of charge to our customers. McAfee can be downloaded from your Fi-Speed Internet account page.

If you need assistance setting up your account page, please contact us at 423-648-1372.

Download McAfee LiveSafe.

If you would like to view our step-by-step instructional video, please visit https://epb.com/my-epb/anti-virus and call us anytime at 423-648-1372 if you need assistance.

Yes. McAfee LiveSafe works on almost all modern devices.

Download McAfee LiveSafe.

Yes, your complementary McAfee license can be used for all your devices.

Download McAfee LiveSafe.

To continue using McAfee LiveSafe on your devices after cancelation of Fi-Speed Internet service, you will need to purchase a license from McAfee on your own, as your EPB-obtained license will no longer auto-renew.

Go under their device’s settings, find the name of your Wi-Fi network and log in with your network’s password.

Setting up a home Wi-Fi network is the perfect way to share the internet throughout your home on various connected devices, and it’s as easy as purchasing a wireless router.

For our 300 Mbps Internet service, we recommend an “80.11n dual band” router. These routers allow access to connections from 2.4Ghz up to 5Ghz and range in price from $80 to $100 at most electronics retailers.

For our Gig customers, we highly recommend a Wi-Fi 6 “802.11ax” router. This is the next generation in Wi-Fi technology capable of delivering gig speeds and handling the growing number of devices in your home. They range in price from $120 to over $450. Our EPB Tech Pros are always available to provide helpful guidance during your search.

Plug the wireless router into the indoor modem box EPB-installed Ethernet wall outlet using a Cat5 Ethernet cable (included with the router) and then simply follow the instructions provided by the router manufacturer on setting up your own home WiFi network.

For the Gig, we suggest a Wi-Fi router that says it's "Gig-capable, such as a dual band “802.11ac” router. In fact, an 802.11ac router is best for maximum performance at any speed – especially in larger homes with multiple internet devices and users. Avoid any products that say "modem" or "cable modem" as these products will not work with fiber optics technology. Gig2.5 comes with EPB Smart Net Plus Wi-Fi included.

EPB Smart Net Plus Wi-Fi service includes the right router professionally installed, network setup optimized for maximum Wi-Fi performance in every corner of your home, advanced security, an app that helps you control your network, and anytime expert support starting at just $14.99 (plus tax) per month.

Learn More

There are many factors that can affect your home's Wi-Fi performance. If you're setting up your own Wi-Fi network, we offer tips for setting up and optimizing a Wi-Fi network and this helpful video.

We also offer EPB Smart Network that includes the right equipment, professional installation and anytime support to optimize your home's Wi-Fi network for you. For just $9.99 a month you get:

• A Gig-speed router (extremely important for the best Wi-Fi performance).
• Professional router installation and home Wi-Fi network setup.
• Configuration for optimal wireless coverage to deliver the most bandwidth throughout your home.
• Expert set up of all your wireless devices.
• Return visits at no extra charge to set up other internet connected devices as you purchase them.
• No cost tech support whenever you need it – 24/7/365.

Order Smart Network now.

EPB Smart Net Plus is the latest generation of Wi-Fi. The advanced Wi-Fi 6 technology provides full coverage and the ability to deliver maximized speeds throughout the entire home. The network self-optimizes connectivity to efficiently meet bandwidth needs for each device. It can also automatically detect Wi-Fi problems and delivers the fastest in-home Wi-Fi on the market today.

The built-in best-in-class security provides extra measures to protect your network from malicious online threats. Self-adapting AI continuously scans over 27 billion URLs and 600 million domains to protect your online accounts and devices from malware, phishing, spam and harmful or intrusive advertising.

Ever wish it was easier to manage your Wi-Fi? With just a few taps, the accompanying HomePass app lets you easily control your Wi-Fi and connected devices from the palm of your hand. It works like a universal remote for your Wi-Fi network and gives you high-level visibility into your home’s connectivity. View security events, check signal strengths, run speed tests, and create guest networks or passwords. Plus, parents can remotely enforce internet timeouts, schedule bedtime or screen-free periods and create child-friendly website filters.

The new Smart Net Plus is more than just a warp-speed router — it also comes with a full array of the latest networking technology to give you the best possible Wi-Fi coverage, including supplemental extenders that carry your Wi-Fi signal throughout your home to completely eliminate deadzones. As part of your Smart Net Plus subscription, your EPB Tech Pro will visit your home at your convenience and install your worry-free, wall-to-wall Wi-Fi network so you don’t have to lift a finger. We’ll also connect your devices, show you how to use the HomePass app, and make no-cost return visits to connect any devices you add in the future. Plus, we’ll provide local, ongoing, concierge-level technical support 24/7/365.

Smart Net Plus comes with up to three Wi-Fi extenders that transmit your signal to provide complete coverage in most homes. If your home requires more Wi-Fi extenders for expanded coverage, additional pods will add $4.99 each, per month to your monthly subscription.

Your EPB Tech Pro will make sure you have the right number of extenders for complete coverage in your home for all your devices. If you experience any deadzones or areas with weakened signal, an EPB Tech Pro will visit your home and correct the issue at no extra charge.

Yes. Your EPB Tech Pro will help you and other family members download, install, log in and learn to use the app. Should you need any further help, you can always give us a call or use our chat feature.

Smart Net Plus lets you connect to your Wi-Fi in three different ways.

• “Home connections” allow unlimited access to all devices on your network. You should only connect your own devices using this password, and share it exclusively with people you completely trust.
• “Guest access” is limited to internet connectivity and devices that you select. For example, you can allow guests to connect to your media streaming device in your guest room, but block connections to all other devices.
• “Internet only” means the device can access the internet, but it can’t connect to other devices on the Wi-Fi network.

No one knows how much or how little access you’ve given them unless you share this information. Your guests can connect to the same network name you’re connected to, but their Guest password enforces the customizable privacy settings you selected.

In order to ensure the best possible Wi-Fi performance for your devices, EPB Tech ProsSM will install your Smart Net Plus service free of charge. We’ll make sure you have a strong signal in every room and help you connect each and every device you own. We’ll also help you install optional anti-virus software on your devices, set up the HomePass app and return to your home at no charge should you need further assistance.

No. Smart Net Plus is an upgraded quality of service with different equipment. The HomePass app, router, extenders and other premium features only work with the new Smart Net Plus service and equipment. Our Smart Net Basic solution is best for smaller spaces and for those who don’t stream on multiple screens or use any smart home devices.

While antivirus software protects your devices when you visit malicious websites, click an unsafe link or download infected files, Smart Net Plus takes it a step further to secure your entire home network before a virus is downloaded. AI-powered, best-in-class network security prevents threats from infecting your devices in the first place. Antivirus is similar to treating an illness once you’ve caught it, while Smart Net Plus security is similar to preventative care, like wearing a mask or washing your hands. They both help keep you safe.

The built-in best-in-class security protects your network from malicious online threats before they are installed on your devices. Self-adapting AI continuously scans over 27 billion URLs and 600 million domains to protect your online accounts and devices from malware, phishing, spam, and harmful or intrusive advertising.

It also monitors your network for communication anomalies on your smart devices. It knows who your devices normally communicate to (i.e., your camera talks to the manufacturer). If your device tries to communicate with someone it shouldn’t, like a hacker or scammer, it automatically blocks that communication or quarantines the device, notifying EPB and you. It even looks for nefarious activity on a particular device at a nationwide level to identify bugs and security vulnerabilities and notifies the manufacturers. Smart Net Plus provides protection for every device in your home whether or not it has antivirus software installed.

No. EPB does not collect or store any information related to your internet usage. See our open internet disclosure here.

You can control your entire Wi-Fi experience through the Smart Net Plus HomePass App. With just a few taps, the accompanying HomePass app lets you easily manage your Wi-Fi and connected devices from the palm of your hand. It works like a universal remote control for your Wi-Fi and gives you high-level visibility into your home’s network.

You can view security events, check signal strengths, run speed tests, and create guest networks or passwords. You can even change your network name, passwords, and guest access. You can rename your extenders and devices to make them easier to identify. You can also reserve IP addresses for devices and set port-forwarding rules.

Plus, parents can remotely enforce internet timeouts, create kid-friendly filters, set up scheduling (including bedtimes), enable notifications and set up motion controls using your devices for detection.

Learn more about the HomePass app here.

Begin by creating a profile for every member of your household and match them to their personal devices. This is easier than it may sound, since your devices are automatically recognized and named. You can also choose to create custom nicknames for each device.

Easily customize internet schedules for each member of your household and grant them different levels of online protection. You can add the same safeguards to shared family devices and pause the internet for a member of the family, a specific device, or your entire home.

Notifications on your smart phone alert you when someone tries to access something they shouldn’t. You can also review any alerts you missed.

Yes. You can remotely review your parental controls in the HomePass app, even when away from your home network. You can enable notifications that alert you if anyone tries to access prohibited parental control settings. You can even see who has been using your network — Smart Net Plus keeps a record of all the devices that have connected to your network.

The Smart Net Plus HomePass app is available on Google Play and the App Store. Unfortunately, there is no web browser version available at this time. The app is free to download, but you must have a Smart Net Plus subscription to log in and use it.

Since the parental controls are specific to individual devices, the limitations will work no matter what browser or application is on the device. In short, parental controls will still work when the device is in incognito mode.

Smart Net Plus will support speeds of up to 2.5 Gigs to the router connected to your Ethernet port. However, your Wi-Fi speed is always a little bit slower than hard-wired speed. While your internet connection is providing top speeds to your home, it’s important to remember that each of your devices has different capabilities. The age and model of your device may limit the speed to a lower number than your home receives. For example, an iPhone 8 can only download at 867 Mbps in perfect conditions, an iPhone 7 at 450 Mbps and an iPhone 6 at 300 Mbps — these speeds cannot increase past these maximums no matter how fast your internet is.

Smart Net Plus recognizes your device type, model and version, where you are using it and how many other devices are being actively used so it can optimize your bandwidth to provide the best performance for each device.

Smart Net Plus delivers the fastest Wi-Fi speeds available on the market today.

Yes, pods use an average of 10W, with a low of 4.5W on standby and a maximum of 15W. For reference, 10W is less than most incandescent light bulbs, and equal to the usage of the most energy efficient LED light bulbs.

Once you notify EPB to transfer your internet service to a new location, we will schedule a new installation appointment to re-install your EPB Smart Net Plus equipment.

If you are moving out of our network area and will no longer be an EPB customer, your Smart Net Plus equipment will need to be returned. There will be a $100 charge for each router/extender that is not returned.

Yes, Smart Net Plus is Wi-Fi 6, the latest generation of Wi-Fi. Not only can Wi-Fi 6 networks deliver multi-Gig speeds wirelessly, they’re designed to power all your devices at the same time along with any devices you may add in the future.

If for any reason you do not like Smart Net Plus, please reach out to our customer support team. They will make sure you are getting the most out of Smart Net Plus, identify and solve any problems you are experiencing or help you adjust your service to better suit your specific needs.

If you’re still unhappy with your service, you can cancel your service at any time and return all pods associated with the account. There will be a $100 charge for each router/extender that is not returned.

Yes, there will be a charge of $100 for each router/extender you do not return.

You can return your equipment at EPB’s Hixson or East Brainerd locations.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program created by Congress as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Among other things, this program helps qualified households pay for connectivity services such as internet plans. The program extended and modified the more temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit. The ACP stopped accepting new enrollments as of February 7, 2024.

The ACP can help qualified households pay for connectivity services such as internet plans. The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly benefit per household.

The ACP no longer accepts new enrollments, as of February 7, 2024.

The ACP stopped accepting new enrollments as of February 7, 2024. With the ACP benefit, qualifying households get EPB’s 300 Mbps internet starting speed for just $27.99 per month or 1,000 Mbps (“The Gig”) for just $37.99 (after the $30 ACP credit is applied).

Lifeline is a government assistance program which provides eligible low-income subscribers an opportunity to receive the Lifeline benefit on certain voice and broadband internet access services. Like ACP, the Lifeline benefit is nontransferable, only eligible consumers may enroll in the program, and the program is limited to one Lifeline benefit per household.

If you currently receive a Lifeline benefit, you automatically qualify for the ACP, and you can receive both benefits at the same time. Both benefits can be applied to the same qualifying service or separately with the same or different providers. For example, an eligible household could have a Lifeline-supported wireless phone service and a separate home internet service that is supported through the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Yes. You can also combine these benefits with other state and local benefits where available. They can be applied to the same qualifying service or separately to a Lifeline service and an Affordable Connectivity Program service with the same or different providers. For example, an eligible household could have a Lifeline-supported mobile phone service and a separate home internet service that is supported through the Affordable Connectivity Program.

If you are currently enrolled in Lifeline, you generally do not need to apply separately for the Affordable Connectivity Program. You can contact your current Lifeline provider or a different participating Affordable Connectivity Program provider serving your area to choose a service plan. Some participating providers may require that current Lifeline recipients complete an alternative verification process.

The ACP stopped accepting new enrollments as of February 7, 2024.

Yes, if you applied online at AffordableConnectivity.gov or by mail and have been approved, forward your National Verifier application ID to EPB Customer Service. EPB representatives will add this discount to your account and email you when completed. If you are already approved for Lifeline, there is no need to re-apply for ACP. You’re automatically eligible. Let us know you already have Lifeline, we’ll verify it and apply your ACP benefit.

If you submit an application to the Affordable Connectivity Program Support Center by mail, you will receive updates by mail regarding your application status (or by email if you provided an email address on your application). For example, USAC will contact you if additional information or documents are needed, and if your application has been approved. You may also visit affordableconnectivity.gov or call 877-384-2575 for application status.

Only one monthly ACP service discount is allowed per household. According to ACP, a “household" is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address as one economic unit. An "economic unit" is defined as "all adult individuals contributing to and sharing in the income and expenses of a household." Examples of a “household” may include a married couple, or a parent/guardian and child, or adults (family or friends) living together.

EPB doesn’t determine eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Therefore, we won’t know why your application might’ve been denied. One possibility is that the ACP stopped accepting new enrollments as of February 7, 2024. If you qualified for the ACP but did not order internet by February 7, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET, you can no longer enroll in the ACP. For more information about your application, please visit affordableconnectivity.gov or call 877-384-2575.

The FCC anticipates existing ACP funding to run out in April 2024 if Congress does not provide additional funding. Consumers that are enrolled in the ACP will continue to receive their benefit on their internet service through April 2024. This date is an estimate and may change.

There is the possibility that additional funding will be approved by congress, but the FCC is not yet sure of the outcome of the bill.

If Congress decides to provide more funding for the ACP, the FCC will provide EPB with further guidance and instructions on how the ACP will proceed at that time.

More and more customers want truly world-class broadband at an unbeatable value. Gig2.5 also future-proofs subscribers as they add more connected devices and run more broadband intensive applications simultaneously.

Since Smart Net Plus wi-fi is included at no extra charge, you get a professionally installed Wi-Fi 6 router with the Homepass app and lots of extra features with Gig2.5. If you would like to opt out of this service and use your own router, the price will remain the same, and we will send you recommended router specs for models built to support speeds up to 2,500 Mbps to ensure you’re getting the full value of the broadband we deliver to your home.

Most internet services offer a higher download speed than upload speed, meaning you may experience fast internet when doing things such as surfing the web or streaming but may lag and have poor quality when doing an activity like having a video meeting or posting online. EPB's fiber optics offers equal download and upload speeds to assure that no matter what you're doing, your internet is fast and reliable.

On the day of your installation, an EPB Tech Pro will determine the best location for your router(s) to assure Smart Net Plus delivers excellent connectivity to every corner of your home. Someone will need to be home for your installation to take place (unless you're not taking advantage of receiving Smart Net Plus at no extra charge). Having someone at home also gives us the opportunity to test your service to ensure you get great coverage after installation. If you require a new ONT to receive Gig2.5 internet, that installation will be done prior to this process and no one needs to be home for that part, but we will knock on the door to let anyone who may be home know we're there. Additionally, we're available 24/7 /365 to troubleshoot any problems. We'll even send an EPB Tech Pro back to your home at no extra charge if you ever need on-site support, including help installing new connected devices.

No, Smart Net Plus is included at no additional charge with Gig2.5 to ensure you receive the best possible performance from your internet speeds. If you would like to opt out, we will be happy to provide the recommended specs for router models that can support Gig2.5 internet.

We recommend that customers who want to avoid experiencing lag, low quality and buffering while using many connected devices upgrade to Gig2.5 especially because it includes Smart Net Plus to ensure optimal Wi-Fi coverage with enhanced cybersecurity. You can learn more about Smart Net Plus here.

If you are already an EPB Fiber Optics customer, you can expect your Gig2.5 service to be installed about two weeks from your order date.

The best way to test your speed is through the Smart Net Plus accompanying HomePass app's speed test, which will reflect the most accurate wireless speed. Speed tests are always most accurate at the ethernet cord coming into the home, due to the many variables involved in wireless speed testing. Also, many individual connected devices (including smart phones) can't utilize 2,500 Mbps. Speed test results can vary for several reasons depending on the test you use and how many other devices may be connected to your Wi-Fi.

Smart Net Plus answers our customers' need for a cutting-edge Wi-Fi solution that's professionally installed and optimized to deliver whole home coverage with a high degree of cybersecurity (including automatic security updates to help block the latest cyberthreats).

Most devices do not currently support 2.5 Gig speeds. However, if you have a device that is capable of reaching 2.5 Gig speeds over a LAN connection, here are two solutions we recommend:

Option 1: Disconnect the router and connect your device directly to your wall’s ethernet jack using a cat5e ethernet cable (or better). If you don’t have one, let us know — our EPB Tech Pros can provide one by request during your installation. The downside is that your other devices won’t be able to connect to Wi-Fi while your router is unplugged.

Option 2: Research and purchase a personal network device with LAN ports that will deliver 2.5 Gig speeds.

We want to ensure that our customers have the best possible internet service. We look to provide high-quality products at a price that remains affordable for a wide variety of customer needs.

When choosing a router for our 2.5 Gig product, we made a choice to focus on providing the best whole-home connectivity product available, rather than prioritizing super-fast connectivity to a single device. Additionally, we opt to provide Opensync devices for our Smart Net Plus Wi-Fi customers. Opensync offers a variety of benefits for both our employees and customers, including:

• HomePass customer application for at-home Wi-Fi management.
• Features customers want, such as parental controls and ad-blocking.
• Improved network visibility for support technician troubleshooting.
• Easily add more features in the future & possible new products.
  

At this time, there are no OpenSync routers that offer a 2.5 Gig LAN port. However, technology continues to evolve and we are continuously looking for equipment that will help us provide our customers with the world-class experience we’re known for.

Technology is constantly evolving, and we are continuously looking for equipment that will help us provide our customers with the world-class experience we’re known for. As new devices are released, we will continue to test new devices to help us ensure we are meeting the needs of the broadest range of customers.

At this time, users who want a direct, wired 2.5 Gig connection can do the following:

1. Connect the device directly to the ethernet jack in the wall (as opposed to their router). This will disable the Wi-Fi network for other devices. Our Tech Pros are happy to provide an ethernet cable to our customers upon time of install, by request.
2. Purchase their own specialized device capable of delivering 2.5 Gig speeds over a wired connection. (For example, a router with a 2.5 Gig capable LAN port.) These routers often run upwards of $400.