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Princeton, NJ- May 31, 2024 — Astound Broadband (Astound), an award-winning provider of Internet, mobile and TV services, today announced the immediate availability of a new low-cost, affordable internet program, Internet First for qualifying households. Astound developed the program to help keep residents connected as funding for the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) fully comes to an end as of May 31, 2024. Internet First is available now for eligible customers who qualify, starting at $9.95 per month for 50Mbps and $19.95 per month for 150Mbps, with three months free for new customers.

Astound’s Internet First program has no contracts, no credit checks, and no installation fees and delivers more speed and more value than other providers. In addition, the program is offering one free line of Astound Unlimited Mobile for 12 months.

“Astound Broadband developed Internet First so all residents can have access to affordable, reliable, fast internet to meet their daily needs,” said Jim Holanda, Astound CEO. “Internet First is a low-cost, high-quality internet program that provides peace of mind and keeps customers connected to everything that matters to them.”

Astound is also working closely with local governments, school districts and nonprofits to help families get connected and stay connected to the internet. Internet First is available to those who qualify and participate in public assistance programs like the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and others.

“Bridging the digital divide is crucial to maintain thriving communities, and Astound’s Internet First program will help eligible households stay connected,” Holanda added.

Internet First Highlights:

• 50 Mbps Internet for $9.95/month
• 150 Mbps Internet for $19.95/month
• Modem & WiFi Included
• No Contracts | No Credit Check | No Installation Fees
• 3 Months Free for new customers
• One line of Astound Unlimited Mobile free for 12 months

For information on eligibility and more about Internet First go to https://www.internetfirst.com.

Astound’s commitment to the communities it serves is also reflected in its company-wide initiative, Astound Community Connect, which supports key partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations. Recently, Astound announced a partnership with Habitat for Humanity to help families in need achieve safe, decent and affordable housing. Astound is donating over $670,000 to the organization, which will support building homes and is hosting over 40 employee volunteer events.

Over the past several years, Astound has supported both local and national nonprofit organizations that have made significant impacts in Astound communities, including distributing $1 million in separate grants to 30 local nonprofits in its service areas, donating along with its customers, $210,000 to Feeding America, to support local food banks. In Massachusetts, Astound helped to build the first-in-the-nation high school fiber optic program at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School, where it donated all the equipment and labor, and continues to provide paid internships to Peabody high school students seeking training in the fiber-optic industry.

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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 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, regions throughout California, Oregon, and Washington.

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

(Boston, MA) – May 22, 2024 – In honor of Nurses Week 2024, Astound Broadband powered by RCN provided free frozen treats from the Astound Ice Cream Truck to healthcare workers from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute on May 7. Next month, Astound is supporting the popular annual event, the Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl presented by Herb Chambers, as a media partner. The Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl will be held on Boston City Hall Plaza from 12pm to 8pm on June 4, 5, 6. Purchase your tickets today at www.scooperbowl.org!

Proceeds from the Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl will directly support patient care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Astound Broadband Powered by RCN provides award winning internet, mobile phone, TV, and streaming services and serves the Massachusetts communities of Allston, Arlington, Boston, Brighton, Brookline, Burlington, Charlestown, Dedham, Dorchester, Everett, Framingham, Hyde Park, Lexington, Milton, Natick, Needham, Newton, Peabody, Revere, Roslindale, Somerville, Stoneham, Wakefield, Waltham, Watertown, West Roxbury, and Woburn. For more information call 1-800-4-Astound.

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 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, regions throughout California, Oregon, and Washington.

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

Astound’s Partnership Will Support Habitat for Humanity’s Annual Home is the Key Campaign

Princeton, NJ – April, 1, 2024 – Astound Broadband (Astound), an award-winning provider of Internet, Mobile and TV services, today announced a broad partnership with Habitat for Humanity to support affordable homeownership in communities within Astound’s service footprint and beyond. Astound is committed to combining financial support, in-kind support and employee volunteerism, as well as providing opportunities for customers and others to participate. Astound is donating more than $670,000 to Habitat for Humanity that will support building homes and hosting over 40 employee volunteer events in the communities in which Astound serves. Astound’s collaboration will involve employee volunteers in every market in its footprint including Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Texas, and regions throughout California, Oregon, and Washington.

April is 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. As part of its partnership with Habitat, Astound will support the organization’s annual Home is the Key national campaign to help increase equitable access to homeownership and build inclusive communities across the U.S. Astound’s support of Home is the Key will include two home build events which will occur on April 26^th at 1435 Philip Street in Bethlehem, PA and at 7200 S University Ave in Chicago, IL. At these events, Astound’s employee volunteers will work side-by-side with local Habitat for Humanity affiliates and future homeowners to help build their new homes.

“As Fair Housing Month gets underway, Astound’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity and its efforts to help break down barriers to homeownership and to help address racial equity and the wealth gap is a critical step in doing our part to make a positive difference,” said Jim Holanda, Astound CEO.  “Astound employees will roll up their sleeves and get to work to help build new affordable homes alongside families in our local communities. Our collaboration with Habitat for Humanity continues our longtime commitment to the communities we serve.”

“We are excited to have Astound Broadband as a Home is the Key sponsor this year,” said Charlita Stephens-Walker, vice president, corporate and cause marketing partnerships, Habitat for Humanity International. “Habitat has seen firsthand how safe, affordable homes change lives and communities. Having the support of partners like Astound will further our efforts to make communities and access to homeownership more equitable and inclusive to all.”

This partnership is one of many where Astound has delivered on the company’s commitment to serving its communities through volunteerism, philanthropy and financial support through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Over the past several years, Astound has supported both local and national nonprofit organizations that have made significant impacts in Astound communities. In 2022, Astound distributed $1 million in separate grants to 30 local nonprofits in its service areas. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Astound and its customers donated $210,000 to Feeding America, supporting local food banks. In 2021, Astound helped to build the first-in-the-nation high school fiber optic program at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School in Peabody MA, where Astound donated all the equipment and labor. Through that partnership, Astound continues to provide paid internships to Peabody high school students seeking training in the fiber-optic industry.

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 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, 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

Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150+ employees that have built great cultures

Princeton, NJ – March 27, 2024 — Astound Broadband (Astound), an award-winning provider of Internet, Mobile and TV services, today announced it has earned the 2024 Top Workplaces USA award. The award was based solely on feedback gathered from Astound employees through an employee engagement survey issued by Energage. Astound’s approximate 3,300 employees are located coast-to-coast in its footprint including Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Texas, and regions throughout California, Oregon, and Washington. Astound employees work in a multitude of positions ranging from front line service technicians, call center agents, warehouse personnel, administrative and support staff, network engineers, fiber construction and more.

“Astound employees are and have been the foundation of our company and the 2024 Top Workplaces USA Award confirms that,” says Jim Holanda, Astound CEO. “We are grateful to our many teammates for helping to build a positive, supportive workplace environment that focuses on customer service, supporting each other, and integrity all of which contributes to our success. Astound wouldn’t be where it is today without our outstanding employees at all levels of the organization.”

Astound is focused on empowering its employees through ongoing engagement in the workplace and with the communities it serves. The company has been recognized for its community outreach efforts that connects employees to their local communities and to their customers. In 2023, Astound was honored by Cablefax Magazine for its outstanding commitment to community relations.

Energage is a purpose-driven organization that develops solutions to build and brand Top Workplaces and celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have built great cultures. More than 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

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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 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, regions throughout California, Oregon, and Washington.

About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together.^TM
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 18 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations,  Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

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

Will Rogers Academy to Receive the Grant from Astound Broadband and AXS TV’s Band Together For Music Education Initiative, Which Provides Vital Funds to Exemplary Public Education Music Programs Across the United States

San Antonio, TX — December 13, 2023 — AXS TV and Astound Broadband announced today that Will Rodgers Academy of San Antonio, TX, has been selected to receive a $2,000 grant as part of “AXS TV’s Band Together For Music Education”—an initiative connecting AXS TV with affiliates, local communities, and schools to support vital music education programs and the benefits they provide students. Astound Broadband is donating an additional $3,000 for a total of $5,000. The award was presented by Astound Broadband, on December 13 during the school’s holiday concert.

Public school music programs often experience a severe lack of funding and are the first casualties when budget cuts are made—a problem that has only increased in recent years. “AXS TV’s Band Together For Music Education” initiative seeks to rectify this, awarding grants to school-age music education programs across the country. These candidates are established programs that exemplify top leadership, instruction, and participation, yet also demonstrate a strong need for further funding and support. Selected teachers can then use the grant to purchase music, fix instruments or buy new ones, repair or replace performance equipment and uniforms, and address any other needs that the music program may have.

“Giving back is part of our deep-rooted efforts to invest in strengthening our local communities,” said Mike Carrosquilla, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Astound Broadband powered by Grande. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with AXS TV to make this impactful grant and contribute towards building a brighter future for young people in our communities.”

Will Rogers Academy is a school catering to Pre-K through 8th grade students. Over the years, countless students have found their passion and interest in music in the choir and concert band programs. These programs provide students the opportunity to foster their love of music and provide a pathway to continue their music involvement in both Middle school and High School. Serving over 700 students weekly, the music programs at Will Rogers Academy are an essential part of the school. The funds will contribute to travel expenses for future performance field trips that provide valuable exposure and performance opportunities for the students. Additionally, a portion of the funds will be allocated to purchase essential supplies for the band program, including reeds, valve oil, and clarinet grease.

“Will Rogers Academy’s music program exemplifies everything that the ‘Band Together’ initiative was founded upon,” said Anthony Cicione, President of Anthem Entertainment Media Group. “They are creating new generations of passionate musicians, fostering appreciation and creativity that will stay with these students forever. We are proud to partner with Astound to award them with this special grant, and wish them all the best as they continue to provide their students with a high-quality music education.”

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About AXS TV
AXS TV is a leading multi-platform music and entertainment digital platform and television company owned and operated by Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc. AXS TV’s broad library offers content headlined by concerts and music-inspired programming, world-class professional wrestling and MMA. AXS TV’s signature programs include The Top Ten Revealed, The Very VERY Best of the 80s, and Parking Lot Payday. The channel also is the home of IMPACT Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Invicta Fighting Championships. AXS TV is available nationally in the United States, and parts of Canada and the Caribbean. Additionally, AXS TV’s digital programming can be enjoyed on several different platforms including the AXS.TV website and the Network’s app AXS TV NOW, and FAST Channel, as well as on the Network’s official YouTube channel, Facebook and Instagram pages, Twitter and TikTok profiles. For a full list of providers and territories, please visit axs.tv/subscribe.

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.