fiber to the home

Study Says Chattanooga Fiber Network Generated $5.3 Billion in Regional Economic Gains

The study found a $5.3 billion return on investment since 2010, driving job creation, education and tech growth.

Akul Saxena

Nov 24, 2025 — 1 min read

Photo of Bento Lobo, economist at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

Nov. 24, 2025 — Electric Power Board, the city-owned electric and fiber utility that operates Chattanooga’s fiber-to-the-home network, generated $5.3 billion in community benefits since launching its fiber and automated grid systems in 2010, according to a new study from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

The peer-reviewed analysis measured avoided outage costs, job growth, tax contributions and educational improvements connected to EPB’s infrastructure investments.

Researchers found the automated grid sharply reduced power disruptions and helped anchor Chattanooga’s push to attract technology firms and research activity over the past decade.

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fiber to the home Bento Lobo Chattanooga Electric Power Board Fiber Tennessee Tim Kelly University of Tennessee, Chattanooga Weston Wamp last mile Hamilton County quantum city

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