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2025, News, Newsroom

Astound Broadband Completes 108-mile Fiber Construction Project Along Highway 6, enabled by Amazon Web Services

April 8, 2025

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

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2024, News, Newsroom

Astound Broadband Wins Community Champions Award for Partnership with Habitat for Humanity

December 19, 2024

Award Recognizes Astound’s Commitment to Building Equitable and Inclusive Communities Through the Astound Community Connects Initiative

Astound Broadband receives Habitat for Humanity's Community Champions Award for commitment to building equitable and inclusive communities

(From left to right: Brittnee Bleau, Manager, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Astound Broadband; John Gdovin, Chief Administrative Officer – Astound Broadband; Stacey Leech, Vice President, Member Services – ACA Connects; Kristie King, Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Astound Broadband; and Jim Holanda, Chief Executive Officer – Astound Broadband. Photo courtesy of ACA Connects)

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

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2024, News, Newsroom

Astound Broadband in the Lehigh Valley to Host 39th Annual Dream Come True Telethon and Auction

November 18, 2024

Live television broadcast & online auction to benefit chronically ill children

BETHLEHEM, PA – November 18, 2024 — For the 39th year, Astound Broadband is partnering 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 now open, and the telethon airs live on Monday, December 2, 2024, from 6:00pm-9:00pm on Astound TV Network (ATVN)

    • Channel 4 / HD 1004 in the Lehigh Valley, PA
    • Channel 4 in Luzerne County, PA
    • Channel 8 / HD 608 in Delaware County, PA
    • Channel 8 / HD 678 in Washington, DC

Monetary donations are accepted during the fundraiser via phone and on the Dream Come True website. Last year, the 38th annual event raised more than $75,000 through donations made from the telethon and auction.

The online auction</a> opens today and runs through 8:45 pm on December 2, 2024. Items donated by Astound’s television network partners and local supporters offered for bid include MacBook Pro Laptop, Dyson vacuum, Lehigh Valley Phantoms hockey game suite tickets, and an air fryer. 100 percent of funds raised goes to Dream Come True.

The Dream Come True Telethon has received significant support from the Lehigh Valley community for many years, with commitments from long standing donors such as Monkey Knife Fight Bicycle Ride and Mopar Madness.

“This trip was so much more than a normal vacation for us. It was time to be together as a family and enjoy life after childhood cancer. We will be forever grateful to the generosity of 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 Lilly Moss Hercik, interviews from previous Dream Come True recipients and dedicated community members, and more. ATVN’s Chris Michael again serves master of ceremonies alongside ATVN on-air personality Artie Freeman, ATVN Sports Announcer Scott Barr, and Dream Come True Executive Director, Rayann Vasko.

“It is truly wonderful to be part of the 39th Annual Dream Come True Telethon to help fulfill the wishes of chronically ill children. As the producer of the telethon, Astound is working hard to ensure another successful event so that Dream Come True can continue to provide support to assist local families in our community,” said Sanford Ames, SVP/GM, Astound Broadband of Pennsylvania. “We are grateful to the contributors including local businesses and other organizations and individual donors who are all helping to make dreams come true for many ill children during this holiday season.”

For 10 years running, customers have consistently rated Astound one of the best ISPs in the country namely in Overall Satisfaction, Speed, Reliability, Customer Service and Value, among others. Astound continues to offer customers the services they want and need, including fiber internet with speeds of 1.5 Gbps (1500 Mbps) and up to 5 Gbps (5,000 Mbps) in certain areas, plus mobile powered by T-Mobile’s 5G network.

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

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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.

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.

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

Dream Come True Media Contact:
Rayann Vasko
Dream Come True
rvasko@aol.com
610.509.4019

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2024, News, Newsroom

Astound Broadband Announces 2024 Cyber Season Deals Starting November 12th

November 12, 2024

Two-Year Price Lock & Up to a $400 Gift Card With the Purchase of Internet & Mobile Services

Princeton, N.J.November 12, 2024 — Cyber Season is here! Astound Broadband (Astound),an award-winning provider of reliable, fiber-powered Internet, plus Mobile and TV services, today announced its limited-time Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions. The deals are available online to new customers in serviceable areas across the US as of today.

With today’s demand for ultra-fast internet and reliable mobile service, Astound Broadband is offering a two-year price lock on internet packages, along with gift cards worth up to $400 and deals on mobile services.  New customers can sign up from November 12 through December 17 and receive:

    • Internet, Two-Year Price Lock – where available, internet price is guaranteed for 24 months and includes internet service, modem rental, and Wi-Fi. With the autopay and paperless discount, pricing starts as low as $20 a month for internet. All customers who order online are also eligible for free self-installation or 50% off professional installation during this promotion.
    • Switch & Save on Mobile Service – New Astound Mobile customers can get one Unlimited Mobile line FREE for 12 months, or two lines for $20/mo. Astound Mobile uses T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G network.
    • $100 or $300 Gift Card – new Internet customers who order online are eligible for a $100 gift card when ordering speeds less than 1 Gig, or a $300 gift card when ordering speeds of 1 Gig and higher.
    • $200 or $400 Gift Card – new Internet & mobile customers who order both online are eligible for a $200 gift card when ordering internet speeds less than 1 Gig, or a $400 gift card when ordering internet speeds of 1 Gig and higher.
    • Magical Moments – Customers can also brighten their season with, a sweepstakes offering weekly, monthly, and grand prizes.
    • For specifics on cyber offers and coupon codes, please visit astound.com/special-offers/cyber-deals.

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

For 10 years running, customers have consistently rated Astound one of the best ISPs in the country namely in Overall Satisfaction, Speed, Reliability, Customer Service and Value, among others.  Astound continues to offer customers the services they want and need, including fiber internet with speeds of 1.5 Gbps (1500 Mbps) and up to 5 Gbps (5,000 Mbps) in certain areas, plus mobile powered by T-Mobile’s 5G network.

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

For more information about Astound, visit astound.com.

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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

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2024, News, Newsroom

Astound Broadband to Deliver Frozen Treats at the 36th Annual Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk

September 30, 2024

Boston, MA – September 30, 2024 – Astound Broadband, an award-winning provider of Internet, Mobile and TV services, continues its role as a premier sponsor for the Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai. Having supported the event since 2015, Astound will once again participate in the 2024 Walk, taking place on Sunday, October 6. The Astound ice cream truck will be on hand to serve frozen treats to walkers participating in the 36th annual event. The Astound ice cream truck will also participate in Jimmy Fund Walk Spirit Week by giving out ice cream to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute employees on October 2, as a kickoff to Walk weekend.

Proceeds from the Jimmy Fund Walk directly support cancer care and research at Dana-Farber.

“Our involvement in the Jimmy Fund Walk allows us to give back to the communities we serve while supporting critical cancer research and care,” said Sanford Ames, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Astound Broadband. “We’re committed to being a positive and active presence in our local neighborhoods, and events like these reflect that commitment.”

On Sunday, October 6, thousands of walkers will take to the famed Boston Marathon® course. Participants can choose to walk a 5K, 10K, half marathon or full marathon, or participate virtually in their own communities. All routes will conclude at the Jimmy Fund Walk Finish Line Powered by Schneider Electric at Boston Common, by the corner of Charles and Beacon Street. Finish line activities will include a celebration with food, entertainment, and more. Astound representatives will be present at the finish line, distributing ice cream to participants throughout the day.

Astound has supported other Dana-Farber events this year. In May, Astound celebrated Nurses Week by bringing the ice cream truck to Dana-Farber’s Longwood Medical campus to honor nurses and other healthcare workers. And in June, Astound handed out goodies and interacted with guests at the Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl.

This year, Astound Broadband was voted best “Cable Internet Service Provider (ISP)” in PCMag’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.* For the past 10 years, customers have consistently rated Astound Broadband as one of the best ISPs in the country. PCMag readers ranked Astound among the best for Overall Satisfaction, Speed of Connection, Reliability of Connection, Customer Service, Tech Support, Value, and Likelihood to Recommend, among others.

Astound’s internet is a recognized, fast, reliable option, delivering download speeds of 1.5 Gbps (1500 Mbps) and up to 5 Gbps (5,000 Mbps) in certain Astound areas.

Astound Broadband serves communities across Massachusetts, including 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, 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 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.

*PCMag – A trademark of Ziff Davis, LLC. Used under license; Where Available. Reprinted with permission. ©2024 Ziff Davis, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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