Fiber Optics FAQ

What is TUB’s Fiber Network?

TUB’s fiber optic network is the new fiber optic communications system that TUB is building and will manage. This system will bring advanced video, Internet, and telephone services to the residents and businesses of Tullahoma. Construction of this new system is nearing completion, and services should be available to all residents and businesses by fall 2008. To best meet the needs of the community, the system will be a Fiber to the Premise system to ensure the availability of reliable and advanced services for homes and businesses.

What is a Fiber to the Premise System?

A Fiber to the Premise system (FTTP) is an advanced telecommunications technology that utilizes 100 percent fiber optics throughout the entire system. Unlike traditional cable or telephone systems that use copper wire or a mixture of coax and fiber optics, the FTTP system is more reliable, provides virtually unlimited bandwidth and requires less maintenance once it is constructed. If the local cable provider or the telephone company were to significantly upgrade their system in Tullahoma today, the FTTP technology would be the technology of choice

Why is the TUB building a fiber optic system in Tullahoma?

The leadership of TUB and the City of Tullahoma is investing in a fiber network to realize the following benefits for our community

To provide the community with advanced telecommunications services.

TUB will provide Tullahoma residents who are on TUB’s electrical service with advanced services such as high definition television, video-on-demand, and very high-speed Internet access. By making this investment in the community, the City of Tullahoma can ensure that leading-edge communications and entertainment services are available to our residents and businesses now and in the future. Since we live in an information age, the quality and availability of these services is paramount to our quality of living here in Tullahoma.

To keep communications and entertainment revenues in Tullahoma.

Today the local providers take millions of dollars out of our community, returning very little to Tullahoma. Our FTTP system will ensure these excess funds will be put to work in our community, not others.

To ensure that healthy competition results in fair prices.

TUB’s services provided on the FTTP system will compete against the cable TV, Internet and local telephone services available today. By having the opportunity to select an alternative provider for these services, the natural forces of competition will ensure that residents and businesses will have real choices in selecting their service providers, and access to fair pricing.

What will we be able to do with the fiber optic system?

The fiber optic system will allow TUB to offer state of the art television, Internet and telephone services to the community. Services will be more reliable, faster, and clearer. More importantly, since the community will own the system, TUB’s system will have a community flavor. Overall the FTTP system will improve the quality of life in this community and provide a strong economic development tool by attracting new business and enhancing the competitiveness of our current business community.

Who will own the system?

Tullahoma Utilities Board will own and operate the system.

Will we be the first city in the United States to operate a fiber telecommunications system like this?

No. In the last several years many cities throughout the United States, and Tennessee, some larger and some smaller than Tullahoma, have constructed fiber to the home systems (FTTH). The Fiber to the Home Council reports that as of 2007 there were over 8 million homes in the U.S. that have FTTH services available to them. In Tennessee, Jackson, Bristol, Morristown, Chattanooga, Pulaski and Clarksville operate similar systems.

Will my taxes go up because this project is so expensive?

No. The funds for constructing the fiber network come from bonds issued through the City of Tullahoma. Tax revenues are not being used to fund this project in any way.

When will these services be available to my home or business?

As construction progresses, service availability will be made public, so please check the Tullahoma News or visit www.tub.net frequently.

Will I need special equipment to use FTTH services?

No. All necessary equipment will be provided at installation. In general, the FTTP system will use the current wiring in your home or business. Where needed, your installer will provide any additional cabling.