Our Latest News

Astound Broadband to enter wireless market through multi-year strategic partnership

Princeton, N.J. and BOSTON – May 3, 2023 – Astound Broadband (Astound), the sixth-largest U.S. cable provider, powered by leading regional providers RCN, Grande Communications (Grande), Wave Broadband (Wave) and enTouch Systems (enTouch), today announced the company has partnered with Reach, the leading Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform and Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) for launching network-based services, to offer Astound Mobile.

The partnership will allow Astound customers to take advantage of state-of -the-art mobile service and will soon be available to the four million homes currently passed by Astound Broadband.

Building on Astound’s heritage of award-winning customer service, Astound Mobile will leverage one of the nation’s largest 5G networks and will offer a variety of plans that will give customers access to substantial savings when bundled with Astound’s ultra-fast internet service. Astound’s entrance into the wireless market comes at a time when the need for fast, reliable, high-value broadband and mobile services is more critical than ever.

“We’re committed to investing in the latest technology and partnerships so our customers can have access to the most advanced, high-value services they need to stay connected to their world”, said Jim Holanda, CEO of Astound Broadband. “Through our partnership with Reach, we’ll bring exceptional choice, value, savings and competitive, award-winning mobile services to our customers.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Astound and enable them to innovate in the mobile space with a very flexible and nimble platform,” said Harjot Saluja, Founder and CEO of Reach. “By leveraging Reach’s innovative platform, Astound is launching a full-featured mobile service with a back-office portal, a white-labeled end-user experience for Astound customers, and access to a full portfolio of broadband connectivity solutions in addition to mobile,” continued Saluja.

Partnering with Reach offers Astound a turnkey solution for every persona (end users, sales and support agents, and business stakeholders), and every step of their customer’s mobile journey (Learn, Buy, Get, Use, Pay, Support, Acquire). Reach offers a full broadband digitization suite including modules for billing, service provisioning, customer self-service, agent interfaces, and more.

###

About Reach
Reach is a technology company headquartered in Boston with a mission to simplify monetizing network assets across wireless, broadband and satellite infrastructures. Reach’s cloud-based SaaS platform allows companies to launch innovative network-based services quickly – and simply. Our end-to-end solution combines network connectivity, powerful IT and Back Office tools, and sleek user interfaces into a flexible and scalable platform. Our partners save time and money as they launch high-quality, differentiated network-based services. At Reach, we abide by the principle “If you don’t love it, don’t put it out.” This commitment to innovation and quality embodies how we show up for our partners, our employees, and the communities in which we work. For more information, please go to www.reachnext.com.

About Astound Broadband
Astound Broadband (astound.com) is the sixth largest cable operator in the U.S., providing award-winning high-speed internet, broadband communications solutions, TV, phone services, and fiber optic solutions for residential and business customers across the United States. Astound Broadband is comprised of organizations formerly known as RCN, Grande Communications, Wave Broadband, and enTouch. The company services Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Texas, and regions throughout California, Oregon, and Washington.

Media Contacts:
Astound
Seven Letter
617.646.1031
astound@sevenletter.com

Deidre Hart
Reach
732.407.1062
deidre@guyergroup.com

Astound and AWS building a new 100-mile fiber route, including Highway 6 between Tillamook and Hillsboro

Tillamook, OR – March 15, 2023 – Astound Broadband and Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS) announced this month that a project is underway to build a new 100-mile underground fiber route along Highway 6. The project will run from Tillamook to Hillsboro and enable fiber-based Internet service along the highway which currently has limited connectivity. This project is partially funded by AWS’ investment in the Bifrost submarine cable system

“We understand the need for connectivity in the Tillamook area and along Highway 6, which is why we are working with local leaders and Astound to bring this project to life over the next year,” said Blair Anderson, Director of Public Policy, AWS. “Connectivity is foundational in the 21st century and this community investment is expected to improve connectivity for local residential communities, including underserved communities, as well as businesses, schools and local government facilities.”

Along much of Highway 6, there is currently no cellular service. While the new fiber pathway project does not specifically include installation of cellular towers along the route, the availability of high-speed, high-capacity wired service may make the process of installing antennas easier than before.

“As a resident of the Oregon coast community, I understand the importance of bringing high-speed fiber-based Internet to the area. It builds a strong foundation for other organizations and agencies to further expand connectivity now and in the future,” said Matt Updenkelder, Senior Director of Fiber Construction for Oregon, Astound Broadband.

Once complete, a portion of the 100-mile fiber route will belong to Tillamook Lightwave, an inter-governmental agency comprised of the Tillamook People’s Utility District, Tillamook County and the Port of Tillamook Bay. As part of Tillamook Lightwave’s robust network, the new fiber route is anticipated to increase reliability, diversity and available bandwidth for the local community.

“Our community is overdue for increased connectivity. There’s an increased need for Internet access, largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, and about one in every 27 people in our county still lack access to wired Internet service,” said Tillamook County Commissioner and Tillamook Lightwave Board Member, David Yamamoto. “It is encouraging to see companies who are operating within Tillamook County also investing in the community in ways that will serve our residents for generations to come.”

The project is expected to employ various local contractors during construction, as well as add long-term employees in Tillamook County to support the project for the next 20 to 30 years. The work is currently underway and will continue until early 2024.

###

About Astound Broadband
Astound Broadband (astound.com) is the sixth largest cable operator in the U.S., providing award-winning high speed internet, broadband communications solutions, TV, phone services and fiber optic solutions for residential  and business customers across the United States. Astound Broadband is comprised of organizations formerly  known as RCN, Grande Communications, Wave Broadband, and enTouch. The company services Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Maryland, Washington, DC, Texas, regions  throughout California, Oregon and Washington.

Online auction to benefit chronically ill children

BETHLEHEM, PA – November 21, 2022 – For the 37th year, Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Lehigh Valley is teaming up with Dream Come True, a non-profit dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of children who are seriously, chronically or terminally ill in the Greater Lehigh Valley area, for its annual Dream Come True Telethon and online auction. Bidding in the online auction is open now and the telethon airs on Monday, December 5, from 6:00pm-9:00pm on Astound TV Network (ATVN) channel 4 / HD 1004 in the Lehigh Valley, Channel 4 in Luzerne County, and channel 8 / HD 608 in Delaware County. Financial donations are accepted during the fundraiser via phone and on Dream Come True’s website. Last year, the 36th annual event raised over $96,600.

The online auction hosted via Bidding Owl opens today and runs through 8:45 pm on December 5. Items donated by Astound’s network partners and local supporters offered for bid include an iRobot Roomba i7+, Lenovo Yoga 4K Ultra Touch Screen Laptop, a Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler, sports tickets, and much more.

The Dream Come True Telethon has received significant support from the Lehigh Valley community for many years, with commitments from longstanding donors such as Mopar Madness, Monkey Knife Fight Bicycle Ride and the Lehigh Valley Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America helping to fund dreams for eligible children.

“Dream Come True went above and beyond by giving our family a week of Disney, Universal and SeaWorld. My son was able to build his own light saber and droid. Our family felt a huge weight lift from our shoulders as we forgot about the cancer and made beautiful memories together. My son smiles every time he thinks of his dream come true,” shared a grateful Dream Come True parent.

The live television program is produced by Astound TV Network (ATVN), the broadcast production arm of Astound Broadband. The evening is filled with inspiring entertainment, including a performance by October Rose, interviews from previous Dream Come True recipients and dedicated community members, and more. ATVN’s Chris Michael again serves master of ceremonies alongside on-air personalities Scott Barr and Devin Almonte, and Dream Come True Executive Director, Rayann Vasko.

“Astound is honored to produce the Dream Come True Telethon each year and have the opportunity to partner with an organization that ensures children with illnesses have their wishes fulfilled,” said Sanford Ames, Jr., General Manager of Astound Broadband Pennsylvania. “Thank you to all the local organizations, cable TV networks and individual contributors who are supporting the 37th installment of this event and assisting local families in our community.”

Astound Broadband is an award-wining provider, delivering high-speed internet with 1.2 Gigabit speeds up to 1200 Mbps, gaming solutions, streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video through the TiVo® Experience, and more to Bethlehem, Easton, Allentown and surrounding communities in the Lehigh Valley, as well as Luzerne and Delaware counties.

To access the online auction today, please visit http://biddingowl.com/dreamcometrue. To learn more about Astound and its services, please visit www.astound.com.

###

About Astound Broadband
Astound Broadband (astound.com) is the sixth largest cable operator in the U.S., providing award-winning high speed internet, broadband communications solutions, TV, phone services and fiber optic solutions for residential  and business customers across the United States. Astound Broadband is comprised of organizations formerly  known as RCN, Grande Communications, Wave Broadband, and enTouch. The company services Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Maryland, Washington, DC, Texas, regions  throughout California, Oregon and Washington.

About Dream Come True
Dream Come True is a local nonprofit organization that fulfills dreams for children who are living in the Greater Lehigh Valley area, between the ages of four and 17 and are diagnosed with a serious, chronic or life-threatening illness.

Leading Provider Offering Up to Three Months Free on Ultra-Fast Internet Service

Princeton, N.J. – November 14, 2022 – Astound Broadband (Astound), the award winning* provider of high-speed Internet, TV and phone services, today announced its limited-time Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions. The deals are available online to new customers serviceable areas as of today.

Cyber Season is here! With today’s sustained demand for internet connectivity, Astound Broadband is offering up to three months of FREE internet service for new customers that sign up between November 14 – December 4.

Additionally, each region will have the following limited time offers:

• Astound Broadband Powered by RCN – new customers in serviceable areas of the Boston metro area, New York City, Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley, Chicagoland, Evansville, the DC metro and Anne Arundel County, MD can sign-up for ultra-fast Gig speed Internet for just $39.99/month.
• Astound Broadband Powered by Grande – new customer deals are available in each of its serviceable cities, including: Austin, Brownwood, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Houston, Midland/Odessa, San Antonio, San Marcos, and Temple/Waco. Texans can get ultra-fast Gig Internet for 24 months for just $49.99/month + Max included for 12 months*.
• Astound Broadband Powered by enTouch – new customer deals are throughout Houston. Texans can get ultra-fast Gig Internet for 24 months for just $49.99/month + Max included for 12 months*.
• Astound Broadband Powered by Wave – new customers in serviceable areas of Brightwood, OR, Everson, WA, Lincoln City, OR, Oregon City, OR, Portland, OR, Sacramento, CA, San Francisco, CA, Salem, OR, and Seattle, WA can get high-speed Internet for two years starting at just $24.95/month.

For specifics on offers and coupon codes, please visit www.astound.com/special-offers/cyber-deals.

These limited time offers provide eligible new customers options of great value and the opportunity to switch to Astound Broadband, brighten their season, customize their home entertainment and remote work experiences with fast, reliable, award-winning internet.

This year, Astound Broadband received the accolade of best “Cable Internet Service Provider (ISP)” in PCMag’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards. PCMag readers ranked Astound as the best cable ISP for Overall Satisfaction, Speed of Connection, Reliability of Connection, Customer Service, Tech Support, Value, and Likelihood to Recommend, among others, and ranked Astound in the top ten for categories such as “Best Gaming ISP” and “Fastest ISPs.” This was the seventh consecutive year in which Astound has received high-ranking accolades in PCMag’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

###

About Astound Broadband

Astound Broadband (astound.com) is the sixth largest cable operator in the U.S., providing award-winning high speed internet, broadband communications solutions, TV, phone services and fiber optic solutions for residential  and business customers across the United States. Astound Broadband is comprised of organizations formerly  known as RCN, Grande Communications, Wave Broadband, and enTouch. The company services Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Maryland, Washington, DC, Texas, regions  throughout California, Oregon and Washington.

For the seventh year in a row, PCMag readers acknowledge the company’s internet service in multiple categories, including top rankings for speeds, customer service and overall satisfaction

Princeton, N.J. – Oct. 13 2022 – Astound Broadband (Astound), the sixth-largest U.S. cable provider, powered by leading regional providers RCN, Grande Communications (Grande), Wave Broadband (Wave) and enTouch Systems (enTouch), has been recognized for the seventh year in a row, receiving the highest ranked spot in 2022 for best “Cable Internet Service Provider (ISP)” in PCMag’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards. Astound Broadband has also ranked in the top ten for a variety of categories such as “Best Gaming ISP,” “Fastest ISPs,” and “Business Choice ISPs.”

According to PCMag, the largest professional reviewer of consumer electronics and technology products worldwide, its readers ranked Astound Broadband the best cable ISP for Overall Satisfaction, Speed of Connection, Reliability of Connection, Customer Service, Tech Support, Value and Likelihood to Recommend, among others. These results put Astound’s satisfaction ratings “well ahead of the other cable companies” surveyed by PCMag.

When it comes to business, Astound Business Solutions is also a clear winner with PCMag readers, especially for the value it provides businesses “with the highest ever recorded score,” according to PCMag. Astound Business Solutions has ranked best in Reliability, Tech Support and Value in recent years.

“Thank you to all our loyal residential and business customers for recognizing Astound Broadband over the last seven years, especially as the top cable Internet Service Provider for 2022,” said Chris Fenger, COO of Astound Broadband. “Being dubbed ‘clear winner’ among cable ISPs reinforces our collective commitment to serving customers with innovative technologies and unmatched customer service.”

As Astound continues to expand into new markets, it remains an industry leader in residential and business solutions through a growing portfolio of technology offerings, including fiber and broadband services that offer some of the fastest speeds available including 1.2 Gigabit (1200 Mbps download/20 Mbps upload). Additionally, the company recently rolled out Astound TV+ app, a new streaming application that enables customers to stream live TV, access free On Demand programs and a variety of other platforms in and out of the home when connected to WiFi.

###

About Astound Broadband

Astound Broadband (astound.com) is the sixth largest cable operator in the U.S., providing award-winning high speed internet, broadband communications solutions, TV, phone services and fiber optic solutions for residential  and business customers across the United States. Astound Broadband is comprised of organizations formerly  known as RCN, Grande Communications, Wave Broadband, and enTouch. The company services Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Maryland, Washington, DC, Texas, regions  throughout California, Oregon and Washington.