HomeLoans Blog

At the regular luncheon for Women's Council of Realtors Chattanooga (WCR), Candace Bell from the Electric Power Board spoke concerning the proposals to bring fiber optic cable to the residences and businesses in the Chattanooga area.

There are several opponents of this proposal, but it seems obvious to me that it is an essential step in the continuing growth of the Chattanooga economy.

Ms Bell mentioned that one of the stated reasons that Chattanooga lost in the bid to acquire the Toyota plant was the lack of high speed broad band internet capability.

This fiber optic infrastructure promises affordable access to the new generation of high speed internet access. The connection speed is up to 50 times that of DSL or T1. A 20 mg download with fiber optic is almost insstantaneous compared to standard cable time of 10 or so sceconds.

The EPB site for information about fiber to the home is http://www01.epb.net/fiber/ . The site has a frequent questions page as well as links to communicate your own questions to the proper EPB resource.

The site has an excellent video that explains the benefits, the economic impact, and details for the proposals for this essential and powerful infrastructure investment.

The plan for implementation is to begin from the main node downtown, and to proceed by stages outward from there.

The plan will bring fiber optic capability to every business and every home with 5 years. Within 3 years, 80% of the EPB service area will have access.

This is a tremendous opportunity for a better Chattanoogs. It promises high speed internet, more choice for TV and phone, and untold business and work opportunity.

The members of WCR that attended were all impressed with the plan, and excited for it to be started. WCR is part of a national organization designed to develop leadership and business skills for women realtors. Information about the Chattanooga branch of WCR can be found at www.WCRChattanooga.org