EPB Fiber Optics Reaffirms Network Neutrality Commitment In Chattanooga

FCC Chairman Alit Pai and Republican Commissioners earned big lumps of coal for holiday gifts this year when they shredded network neutrality protections on December 14th. They also raised interest in publicly owned Internet network infrastructure. Existing publicly owned networks are reaffirming their commitment to network neutrality, including EPB Fiber Optics in Chattanooga.

Online Q & A

In order to reassure their subscribers and help clarify their policy, EPB held a live session via the utility’s Facebook page on December 15th. To start off the conversation, CEO David Wade explained that nothing will change for EPB customers, regardless of the FCC decision. “For EPB fiber optics customers, [this ruling] means nothing,” Wade said. “We’re committed to having an open Internet.”

In an effort to better educate the community, EPB also asked legal counsel David DiBiase, marketing manager Beth Johnson, and Vice President of Marketing J.Ed. Marston to participate in the conversation and answer questions from viewers.

Customer Care Pledge

EPB has embraced network neutrality principles in its Customer Care Pledge, a simple and straight forward list of commitments to subscribers:

The best possible service delivered with the utmost respect. That's always been our commitment to our customers — and it always will be.

• Internet Privacy - We never sell your web site browsing information or online content
• Open Internet (Net Neutrality) — Every home and business customer can send web content through EPB's network at the same fast speed without having to pay extra
• Fair and Equal Internet — EPB doesn't play favorites when it comes to online traffic, so businesses of all sizes have a level playing field for delivering new and innovative options for customers. That's good for customers and good for creating new jobs
• Internet without data caps or speed throttling
• Free residential installation and no contracts
• No hidden fees or surprise billing
• Neighborly customer service, 24/7/365 to serve you

Shortly after the FCC decision to repeal the policy, Wade released a statement, revealing EPB’s understanding of how deep high-quality Internet access now weaves into everyday life:

“Whether you’re talking about grade school students completing their homework or adults re-training for new careers, applying for jobs, or working from home, the internet provides critical access to educational and economic opportunities."

“At the same time, the internet has become a primary platform for business operation, growth, and innovation. In the near future, healthcare delivery and other essential human services will be transformed by the internet. That’s why EPB Fiber Optics is committed to providing a standard of internet service that doesn’t create barriers, restrictions, or delays for our customers.”

Watch the EPB Q&A segment here; the video runs approximately 35 minutes: