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Clallam County, WA — May 14, 2025 — Clallam County and Astound, a recognized leader in internet, mobile, and TV services, today announced a partnership to bring high-speed fiber internet connectivity to a large unserved and underserved rural area of the county that generally extends along and parallel to the approximately 15-mile State Route 112 Highway corridor, beginning just west of Port Angeles. Once complete, the project will provide more than 1,500 homes with access to Astound’s fiber-to-the-home network, delivering symmetrical speeds of up to 5 gigabits per second.

Over the next year, Astound will build approximately 100 miles of state-of-the-art fiber-optic infrastructure, extending its existing fiber network and high-speed services to the community of Joyce, as well as other areas of unincorporated Clallam County. Construction is already underway, with several miles of underground fiber completed. The project features both aerial and underground construction, with active permitting processes continuing. Completion is scheduled for the end of 2026.

This $22.2 million partnership is backed by a combination of funding sources:

• $16 million from the Washington State Broadband Office via American Rescue Project Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
• $4.5 million from the Washington State Department of Commerce Public Works Board Broadband Program, including grants from the (ARPA) Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund
• $1.7 million from Clallam County

The Public Utility District No. 1 of Clallam County (PUD) is another key project participant. Clallam County and the PUD entered an Interlocal Agreement for the PUD and their partner, NOANet, to provide the county project grant management and professional services. The PUD also supports the county with project management and coordination with Astound. Utilizing the PUD’s existing infrastructure (e.g., power poles) to support the high-speed fiber construction has contributed to project cost savings.

Using Astound’s backbone fiber infrastructure is critical to the success of the project, as the effort would otherwise exceed the available grant funding. Astound has also committed to project-managing the build over the next year, leveraging internal resources to help reduce overall costs.

The new fiber infrastructure is focused on enhancing connectivity for homes in the unserved and underserved areas, supporting both personal and professional needs. Area small businesses and crucial ‘anchor institutions’, such as fire houses, schools, libraries, and clinics, will also have access to high-speed internet once this project is completed.

“This is a key step in our efforts to bridge the digital divide in rural Clallam County. Reliable, high-speed internet is essential for education, healthcare access, business growth, and staying connected—no matter where you live,” said Clallam County Commissioner Mike French. “Once completed, this project will provide modern, scalable broadband infrastructure to residents and businesses alike, ensuring our region is better equipped for today’s digital demands and tomorrow’s opportunities.”

This partnership is the latest milestone in Clallam County’s broader effort to expand broadband infrastructure. The County’s initiative focuses on investing in long-term connectivity solutions by partnering with internet service providers to improve quality of life, support education, and enhance economic opportunities across the region.

“Residents of rural Clallam County deserve access to the same levels of reliable high-speed connectivity that more urban areas have come to expect,” said Jared Sonne, Astound senior vice president and general manager, West Region. “With both County and State support, we are addressing this by extending Astound’s robust fiber network infrastructure to bring vital high-speed connectivity for the first time to previously underserved areas.”

Once construction is complete, Astound and Clallam County have an agreement for Astound to maintain and operate the fiber optic communications network. The county is in the process of carrying out a similar agreement with the PUD related to joint use facilities to be constructed under the project along the SR 112 corridor.

Astound has provided a website for ongoing updates and information about the network build at www.astound.com/clallam.

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About Clallam County
Clallam County is one of 39 counties in Washington State with, as of 2024, an estimated population of 77,550. The project is being administered by the Clallam County Public Works Department with its partners and is the first project of this kind undertaken by the county.
 
About Astound
Astound (astound.com) is the sixth-largest cable operator in the U.S., delivering award-winning services including fiber-powered internet, TV, mobile, landline phone, and fiber-optic solutions to both residential and business customers. Astound serves communities across Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Texas, and regions throughout California, Oregon, and Washington.
 

Media Contact
Mark S. Peterson
mark(at)pointerpr.com
206-390-0204

Princeton, N.J. — April 22, 2025 — Astound, a recognized leader in Internet, Mobile, and TV services, today launched a bold new pricing structure designed to eliminate confusion, offer greater value, and give customers full control over their connectivity. With simplified, no-surprise pricing and a commitment to flexibility, Astound is raising the bar for what consumers should expect from their service provider.

“Our customers want fast, reliable service with transparent pricing—and that’s exactly what we’re delivering,” said Toni Murphy, EVP and Chief Operating Officer at Astound. “This isn’t just a price update. It’s a powerful shift in how we serve our customers, with unmatched flexibility, freedom from contracts, and the quality service we’re known for.”

Backed by a robust fiber network, seamless wall-to-wall WiFi, a top-tier 5G mobile network through T-Mobile, and premium TV partnerships, Astound offers best-in-class solutions for home and on-the-go connectivity. Every element of the new pricing model was designed to simplify the customer experience—no guesswork, just outstanding service at a great price.

Key Highlights of Astound’s New Internet Offers:

• Straightforward, No-Surprise Pricing: Ultra-reliable internet starting at just $30/month includes $10 monthly savings with autopay/paperless billing, plus a 1-year price lock guarantee.
• Speed Options for Every Need: Choose from 300 Mbps up to 5 Gig—no contracts, no data caps. Check availability by address.
• More Value, More Choice: Combine internet with mobile or TV for additional savings—or keep it simple with standalone service at the best rate.
• 2-Year Price Lock, No Strings Attached: Secure longer-term savings with new two-year pricing options—no contract required.
• Fast, Easy Setup: Self-installation available at no extra cost for a hassle-free start.
• Free Unlimited Mobile Line for One Year: Stay connected with one free unlimited mobile line powered by T-Mobile’s reliable 5G network.
• Equipment Flexibility: Enjoy wall-to-wall WiFi or use your own equipment at no additional charge.
• Affordable Access for All: $19.95/month Internet First plan available for seniors, veterans, and students.

With continued investments in cutting-edge fiber infrastructure and collaborations with top industry players like T-Mobile, eero, and DIRECTV, Astound continues to push the envelope. Delivering speeds up to 5 Gbps and consistently ranking among the top ISPs in the nation for speed, reliability, value, and customer satisfaction, Astound is setting a new standard for modern connectivity.

This press release is not an offer. For more about these offers visit www.astound.com and to view our policies and disclaimers visit www.astound.com/policies-disclaimers.

About Astound
Astound (astound.com) is the sixth largest cable operator in the U.S., providing award-winning services, fiber-powered internet, TV, mobile, landline phone and fiber optic solutions for residential and business customers across the United States. Astound services Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Texas, and regions throughout California, Oregon, and Washington.

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Media Contact
Ann Murphy
astound@sevenletter.com
617-646-1031

Princeton, N.J. — April 9, 2025 — Astound, an award-winning provider of Internet, Mobile and TV services, today announced the second year of partnership with Habitat for Humanity to support affordable homeownership in communities within Astound’s service footprint and beyond.

Astound first joined forces with Habitat for Humanity in April 2024, organizing 48 employee volunteer events with 498 volunteers participating in 26 cities in 11 states across the country, contributing 3,000 volunteer hours, in addition to providing significant financial support.  Astound was recognized for its dedication to the communities they service, receiving The Community Champions Award.

In 2025, Astound will continue this partnership with Habitat for Humanity’s home building efforts across the U.S. coast-to-coast. This year, Astound employee volunteers will participate in over 40 new Habitat home build events along with two Home is the Key home builds starting in April as part of a nationwide campaign focused on increasing access to affordable housing. Astound employee volunteers are participating in two Home is the Key events; the first one on April 23 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and the second one on April 30 in Austin, Texas.   Other Habitat home build events will occur in communities where Astound operates including California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

“Astound’s continued partnership with Habitat for Humanity reflects our commitment to the communities we serve by making a positive impact and helping to break down barriers to homeownership,” said Jim Holanda, Astound CEO. “Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity has allowed us to make a real impact by helping more families achieve affordable homeownership. We’re inspired to continue this important work this year and beyond.”

April is National Fair Housing Month and commemorates the passage of the 1968 Fair Housing Act, a landmark legislation that prohibits discrimination on the sale, rental and financing of housing based on race, religion or nationality. By supporting Habitat’s Home is the Key campaign this month through financial and volunteer support, Astound is helping more families across the U.S. unlock the opportunity of homeownership.

The partnership is part of Astound’s broader commitment to social responsibility. Past initiatives include awarding $1 million in grants to local nonprofits, supporting Feeding America during the pandemic, offering affordable internet for seniors, veterans and students through the Internet First program for income-qualified households and launching an innovative fiber optic training program for high school students in Massachusetts. Through efforts like these, Astound continuously strives to make meaningful impacts in the communities it serves.

About Astound
Astound (astound.com) is the sixth largest cable operator in the U.S., providing award-winning services, fiber-powered internet, TV, mobile, landline phone and fiber optic solutions for residential and business customers across the United States. Astound services Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Texas, and regions throughout California, Oregon, and Washington.

About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.

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Media Contact
Ann Murphy
astound@sevenletter.com
617-646-1031

The Project Brings High-Speed Fiber Internet to Rural Tillamook County

Tillamook, OR — APRIL 8, 2025 — Astound Broadband today announced that it has completed a 108-mile underground fiber route along Highway 6, bringing high-speed internet connectivity to more than 270 homes in rural Tillamook County for the first time. Constructed 100% underground, the fiber route runs from a submarine cable landing station located south of Pacific City to Hillsboro, passing through Tillamook. It enables fiber-based internet service along the highway, an area that previously had limited connectivity. This project is partially funded by Amazon Web Services’, Inc. (AWS) investment in the Bifrost submarine cable system.

Area residents can sign up now by calling (503) 341-5337 for installations being scheduled in select areas. Astound is rolling out high speed service to area homes throughout 2025, according to Matt Updenkelder, Astound VP of Infrastructure Development for Oregon and a longtime area resident.

“Bringing high-speed fiber internet to the rural Highway 6 corridor is a significant milestone, as it provides much needed connectivity for underserved area residents and sets a foundation for other organizations and agencies to further expand,” said Updenkelder. “This build is an example of how investments in a submarine cable system can bring vastly improved connectivity to nearby areas. It is also testament to hard work and perseverance, as our crews encountered extremely rocky and difficult terrain along much of the route, in the process of completing all the underground construction.”

Nicole Martinez and her family live in Gales Creek, OR, an isolated area that previously had no high-speed internet connectivity available. Prior to Astound, the family tried “just about everything” for connectivity: This most recently included a satellite option that required her husband to climb a tree on their property to install the needed hardware, only to have a connection that would go down every two or three minutes. In January, Astound delivered 1.5 gigabit speed, fiber-based internet access to the family’s home. As one of the area’s first high-speed internet households, Nicole and her family of five now regularly work and play online, ranging from full-time work and studying to utilizing Amazon’s Fire TV Stick for streaming movies and video, installing apps, and playing music on any of their home TVs.

“This is amazing and life-changing,” said Martinez, who works from home as an interpreter services coordinator and is attending college online, working toward degrees in addiction counseling and criminal justice. “Working and studying from home is now a breeze and all five of us in the household are connected on multiple devices, with no interruptions. In addition, we frequently have visitors and they’re enjoying the connectivity, as well. The kids love it for movies, games, as well as some schoolwork online.”

“Reliable internet access is essential for rural communities to thrive in today’s digital age. At AWS, we recognize the crucial role connectivity plays in enabling economic growth, educational opportunities, and access to vital services,” said Courtney Lee, senior manager of public policy, AWS. “Our collaboration with local leaders and Astound Broadband aims to support bridging the digital divide in the Tillamook area and along Highway 6. This project underscores our commitment to investing in the long-term success of local communities, ensuring that residents, businesses, schools, and government facilities have equitable access to the online resources they need to prosper.”

CELLULAR SERVICE
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 and establishing cellular service easier than before.

“We continue to work with the State of Oregon and look forward to providing critical connectivity for our customers along this important stretch of Highway 6,” said Alex Leupp, Senior Manager of State Government Affairs for Verizon. “We thank Astound for their significant work in delivering the fiber backhaul.”

A portion of the new fiber route belongs 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.

“Rural Tillamook County residents in the Highway 6 corridor will be able to access the same levels of reliable, high-speed connectivity that larger communities have come to expect,” said Erin Skaar, Tillamook County Commissioner. “This can have positive impacts tied to both quality of life and productivity. We are especially pleased that companies operating within the county have invested in building the needed infrastructure to make this a reality.”

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About Astound Broadband
Astound Broadband (astound.com) is the sixth largest cable operator in the U.S., providing award-winning services, fiber-powered internet, TV, mobile, landline phone and fiber optic solutions for residential and business customers across the United States. Astound services Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Texas, and regions throughout California, Oregon, and Washington.
 

Media Contacts
Mark S. Peterson
mark(at)pointerpr.com
206-390-0204

Princeton, N.J. — December 19, 2024 — Astound Broadband (Astound), a premier provider of Internet, Mobile, and TV services, announced today that it has received the prestigious Community Champions Award from America’s Communications Association (ACA) for the company’s  groundbreaking Astound Community Connects initiative. Featured in the December issue of Independent Communications News, this recognition cites Astound’s impactful partnership with Habitat for Humanity and its commitment to fostering equitable homeownership and building inclusive communities across the United States.

Astound Broadband joined forces with Habitat for Humanity in April 2024 through the Home is the Key campaign, a nationwide initiative focused on increasing access to affordable housing. As part of the partnership, Astound organized more than 40 employee volunteer events across the country, in addition to providing significant financial and in-kind support. These events enabled Astound employees to directly participate in building homes and supporting local communities in areas where Astound operates, including California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

“The Community Champions Award is a reflection of our employees’ passionate dedication to the communities we serve,” said Jim Holanda, CEO of Astound Broadband. “Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity has allowed us to make a real impact—promoting equity and providing more families with access to affordable housing. We’re inspired to continue this important work.”

As part of Astound’s Community Champions Award, ACA has donated $2,500 to Habitat for Humanity. ACA is an advocacy organization for independent broadband, video and communications providers. The ACA Community Champion Awards is an annual competition among ACA members to recognize community initiatives that provide helping hands to their neighbors and friends.

Astound employees have played an active role in Habitat for Humanity projects throughout much of 2024, participating in major home builds in Bethlehem, PA, and Chicago, IL, during Fair Housing Month in April and in the other Astound markets in May and June. These events brought employees and future homeowners together to build affordable homes, highlighting Astound’s commitment to volunteerism and community engagement.

The partnership is part of Astound’s broader commitment to social responsibility. Past initiatives include awarding $1 million in grants to local nonprofits, supporting Feeding America during the pandemic, and launching an innovative fiber optic training program for high school students in Massachusetts. Through efforts like these, Astound continuously strives to make meaningful impacts in the communities it serves.

For more information, visit astound.com or call 1.800.4.ASTOUND (1.800.427.8686).

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About Astound Broadband
Astound Broadband (astound.com) is the sixth largest cable operator in the U.S., providing award-winning services, fiber-powered internet, TV, mobile, landline phone and fiber optic solutions for residential and business customers across the United States. Astound services Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Texas, and regions throughout California, Oregon, and Washington.

Media Contact
Ann Murphy
astound@sevenletter.com
617-646-1031