Chattanooga Residents Face TV Rate Increases

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News Summary

Starting May 1, EPB, Chattanooga’s electric and internet utility, will increase TV rates by up to $9 per month. This hike, driven by rising content costs, primarily affects silver and gold tier customers. Although the electric and internet service rates remain unchanged, this is a significant adjustment for many locals. EPB offers free guidance for those considering switching to streaming services to minimize their costs. Stay informed to navigate these changes effectively.

Chattanooga Residents: Get Ready for TV Rate Increases!

Chattanooga’s own electric and internet utility, EPB, is making headlines by announcing some changes to their FiTV packages. Starting May 1, customers will notice a modest bump in their TV rates, with increases that can be as much as $9 per month. This may come as a surprise to many, but let’s break it down and understand what’s going on.

Why the Increase?

The primary reason behind these price hikes is the rising content costs that are becoming increasingly common across the nation. With major networks like NBC, CBS, and Fox raising their prices, it’s impacting television providers everywhere. A lot of these costs have been driven by shifting trends towards streaming services, meaning that content providers are facing their own challenges.

How Much Are We Talking?

EPB’s FiTV packages will see the following increases:

Bronze tier: an increase of $4 per month
Silver tier: an increase of $9 per month
Gold tier: an increase of $9 per month

It’s important to note that most of EPB’s customers fall into the silver tier, so they’ll be feeling the pinch a bit more than others. In fact, over the last few years, customers have already witnessed some moderate rate hikes approved in April 2024 and 2023! It seems like these changes are becoming a regular occurrence.

Who Will Be Affected?

Another point to consider is that of EPB’s customer base. The company serves roughly 29,000 video customers, but that’s just a small portion in comparison to the 130,000 fiber optic internet customers. As a result, less than 25% of internet customers will see any effect from these TV rate increases, which means most folks will continue enjoying their internet service without any change.

However, the situation gets a bit sticky for those without video subscriptions. If the content costs are not passed on to customers, those who don’t subscribe to video services may end up inadvertently subsidizing the costs for those who do. A catch-22, if you will!

The Streaming Alternative

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, EPB has your back! They offer a free service that helps customers switch to streaming services that provide comparable channels. For silver tier customers, switching could mean saving up to $40 per month by opting for platforms like FuboTV, Hulu with Live TV, and YouTube TV. Meanwhile, gold tier customers might save as much as $60 per month by making this move.

No Changes to Internet and Phone Services

If you’re a fan of the internet and Fi Phone services, you can breathe easy. Rates for these services will remain unchanged, as EPB has kept them steady since their launch in 2009. So, if TV isn’t your main concern, your internet and voice services won’t cost you a dime more for now.

Looking Ahead

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the stark annual price hikes from TV content providers show no sign of slowing down. EPB recognizes these challenges and is committed to assisting customers in finding affordable streaming options while still keeping traditional TV services available for those who prefer the classic format.

Time will tell how these adjustments impact Chattanooga’s entertainment viewing landscape, but for now, it’s important to stay informed, make smart choices, and consider all available options!