Your home’s internet is designed to provide reliable speed and performance. If you need assistance, please refer to the resources below for more information.
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.
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.
We're using the internet more than ever before. In fact, the average household already has more than twenty connected devices, and some experts project that number will triple in the next few years. Gaming consoles, smartphones, tablets, PC’s, thermostats, doorbells, security cameras, smart TV’s, streaming media devices (Amazon Fire Stick TV, Apple TV, etc) and many, many more devices are becoming part of our everyday lives. And, with the whole family using your home's internet at the same time, the more bandwidth (speed) you have the more you can do, without lagging or buffering.
Minimum equipment requirements include: Processor - Intel i5 3.2GHz or higher and AMD FX-8120 or higher, Memory - 8GB or higher, Operating System (OS) - Windows 8.1 or Apple Mac OSX 10.8 or higher, PCIx Hard Drive with Sequential Read/Write over 1.25 GigaBytes per second.
Yes! In fact, for just $10 more a month than our 300 Mbps internet, the Gig is powerful enough to support all of your family’s devices with no buffering or lag times – even when all of them are running simultaneously.
We suggest you do, in order to get the most from your Fi-Speed Internet service. More people are using their Wi-Fi network to access video content like app-based EPB Fi TV, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Netflix and more. Plus, internet-connected devices like security cameras, gaming consoles, smart locks, baby monitors, smart thermostats, smart appliances and more – running all at the same time – can create additional drag on Wi-Fi networks. Studies suggest that households will soon average about 30 connected devices. So to help you make the most of your EPB Fiber Optics internet, in-home Wi-Fi network set up, maintenance and support provided by EPB Smart Net Plus is more important than ever.
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.
With EPB Fiber Optics, there are no data limits. Use all of the data you want at no additional charge.
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”.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fiber optic technology transmits information using laser-generated pulses of light that travel over hair-thin strands of glass fiber. Because light travels faster than anything else in the universe, fiber optics provide faster uploads and downloads while reducing network reaction times. Traditional communications companies use copper lines to transfer their signal to your home or business. EPB Fiber Optics is the area's only provider that uses 100% fiber optics.
Go under their device’s settings, find the name of your Wi-Fi network and log in with your network’s password.
If you are already a Fi-Speed Internet customer, we would be happy to show you the benefits of signing up for our Hosted Wi-Fi product. Please contact our sales department at 423-648-1500 to get started.
We provide Fi-Speed Internet access to your office or business facility, but we do not set up or manage customer systems or hardware. If you have multiple computers or systems that will need reconnecting once your Fi-Speed Internet service is live, you may need to ensure your vendor or IT professional is on hand to assist.
Families with students who participate in the Hamilton County Schools Free & Reduced Meals Program may be eligible to receive discounted high-speed internet service from EPB Fiber Optics. Just call us at 423-648-1372 to learn if you qualify and to arrange for service.
There is no charge for residential installation. And, with EPB there are no contracts or hidden fees.
EPB email accounts allow storage of up to 10 gigabytes free.
Sometime between the time you order and your installation appointment we will mount an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) box outside of your home near your existing electric meter. There’s no need for you to be at home but we may need access to a part of your home that is fenced or houses a family pet. If so, we will conduct this phase during the most convenient time for you and your pet. During your scheduled installation appointment, someone age 18 or older will need to be home. Typical installations take from 2-5 hours. During this visit, we will be running fiber optic service from the outdoor ONT box to indoor connections designated for internet, TV and/or phone service. When installation is complete, all work areas will be cleaned and returned to their original state. Our EPB Fiber Optics technicians will transfer your email contacts.
More than three times the national average for broadband speeds. To give you an example of this speed, you can download a two-hour movie in under two minutes. This speed ensures no buffer or lag time in streaming, gaming, downloading and uploading on multiple devices at the same time.
More than ten times faster than the national average for broadband and more than three times our starting speed for just $10 more per month. To give you an example of this speed, you can download a two-hour movie in about 35 seconds. This speed ensures flawless streaming, no-lag gaming, and super fast downloading and uploading on multiple devices at the same time.
Yes. To help you make the most of your EPB Fiber Optics internet, our EPB Smart Network service includes in-home WiFi network set up, maintenance and support by EPB experts anytime day or night. Our professionals will provide the equipment, expertise and support to install and maintain a Wi-Fi network to help you maximize your home's wireless signal. More people are using their Wi-Fi network to access video content like the EPB Fi TV app, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Netflix and more. Plus, internet-connected devices like security cameras, gaming consoles, smart locks, baby monitors, smart thermostats, smart appliances and more – running all at the same time – can create additional drag on Wi-Fi networks. So at just $9.99 per month (plus tax), EPB Smart Network is a wise addition to your home's internet service.
High-speed router ideal for basic connectivity needs
Professional installation and home WiFi network setup
No cost tech support whenever you need it – 24/7/365
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.
EPB Smart Network service includes the right router professionally installed, network setup optimized for maximum Wi-Fi performance and anytime expert support for just $9.99 (plus tax) per month.
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.
With EPB, upload and download speeds are symmetrical, or the same. So, if you have The Gig, you get up to 1,000 megabits both up and down.
Smart Net Plus is $17.99 per month (plus tax) for customers with 300 Mbps Fi-Speed Internet and $14.99 for our customers with Gig Fi-Speed Internet (1,000 Mbps) or faster.
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.
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.
