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Internet, TV, and phone providers named leading ISPs across multiple categories in top-tier publications

PRINCETON, N.J. – August 24, 2021 – RCN, Grande and Wave, award-winning providers of high-speed internet, digital TV and phone services across the U.S., today announced its recognition as exemplary organizations in PCMag’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards, PCMag’s 2021 Business Choice Awards, PCMag’s 2021 Fastest ISPs of 2021, and U.S. News & World Report’s Best Internet Service Providers of 2021 list.

According to PCMag, the largest professional reviewer of consumer electronics and technology products worldwide, and its readers, RCN, Grande and Wave were ranked among the top Best Internet Service Providers (ISP) of the year. RCN and Grande have also been recognized as a top small-to-medium business ISP. The results from PCMag’s 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards include accolades in the following categories:

• RCN*, Grande* and Wave* were a top ranked Residential ISP in: Overall Satisfaction, Installation/Setup, Cost/Value, Reliability, Speed, Ease of Use, Customer Service, Tech Support, Repairs, and Likelihood to Recommend.
• RCN and Wave Business* ranked #1 Business ISP in Overall Satisfaction. Wave Business also ranked #1 in Installation/Setup, Reliability, Ease of Use and Tech Support. This year, RCN Business received PCMag’s coveted Business Choice ISP for 2021, with a “whopping” customer rating of 8.7 for overall satisfaction – the highest PCMag has ever seen in the history of this survey.

Additionally, U.S. News & World Report’s 360 Reviews team recognized RCN as a target=”_blank”>Best Internet Service Provider of 2021. U.S. News’ online guide features in-depth information on choosing an internet service provider and covers a range of topics including connection type, download/upload speed, and value. RCN is recognized as one of the most affordable options in the U.S. News ratings.

“Thank you to all of our loyal residential and business customers who continue to trust us with their internet connectivity needs,” said Chris Fenger, COO of RCN, Grande, and Wave. “We appreciate continuing to be recognized as a top provider across the country. At RCN, Grande, and Wave we remain focused on providing our customers with innovative new technologies and unmatched customer service. Additionally, we want to recognize and thank our front-line teams across the nation who continue to work tirelessly to provide customers with excellent service, without whom recognition from our customers through these awards programs would not have been possible.”

Customers have recognized the companies for their unwavering commitment to quality and customer service throughout the years. As the joint organization continues to expand into new markets, it remains an industry leader in residential and business solutions through a growing portfolio of technology offerings of fiber and broadband services that offer some of the fastest speeds available.

For information on RCN, please visit, www.rcn.com. For more on Grande Communications, please visit mygrande.com. For more on Wave Broadband, please visit www.wavebroadband.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 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.

Acquisition represents the largest broadband & telecom transaction in the past five years

New York, N.Y. and Princeton, N.J. – August 19, 2021 – Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets, today closed its previously announced $8.1 billion acquisition of Astound Broadband (Astound), the sixth largest U.S. cable operator in the United States, operating leading regional providers RCN, Grande Communications (Grande), Wave Broadband (Wave) and enTouch Systems (enTouch).

Astound, led by the Patriot Media management team, has built modern, high-speed communication networks for residential and businesses customers of all sizes. The company offers gigabit speeds serving eight of the top ten largest metro areas throughout the United States. RCN, Grande, Wave and enTouch together serve over one million customers with 23,000 miles of fiber across Chicago, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Northern California, Oregon, Texas, Washington, DC., and Washington state.

Since the announcement of the transaction with Stonepeak in November 2020, Astound has continued to execute on strategic growth initiatives including signing two additional transactions that bolster the company’s capabilities in key markets: the acquisition of WideOpenWest’s Chicago, Indiana, and Maryland markets, and the acquisition of Harris Broadband, a leading provider of fiber to the home services across central Texas. Stonepeak will partner closely with the Astound management team to continue this positive momentum as the company remains active across multiple growth areas, including organic network expansion, additional M&A opportunities and efforts to accelerate its residential and commercial segments.

“Stonepeak’s experience building businesses and its commitment to helping companies grow make it the ideal partner as we continue to deliver high-performing broadband and provide exceptional service to our customers,” said Jim Holanda, CEO. “We look forward to working together to invest in our network, continuing to enhance our product and services, and capitalize on exciting growth opportunities.”

Patriot Media chairman and industry veteran Steve Simmons added, “As we continue to expand our platform, our core objectives remain aligned to deliver exceptional service to our customers and communities, a best-in-class experience for our employees, outstanding results for our investors, and top tier growth.”

“The acquisition of Astound marks Stonepeak’s second investment in residential broadband in North America and represents the largest asset in Stonepeak’s global communications portfolio, which includes eight digital infrastructure investments to date,” said Brian McMullen, Senior Managing Director at Stonepeak. “Broadband plays a critical role in today’s economy and society, particularly as the need for faster speeds and greater coverage continues to grow. We are excited to close this transaction and to continue working with Jim, Steve and the Patriot Media team to further accelerate Astound’s growth and provide greater access to critical digital infrastructure across the country.”

The Stonepeak digital infrastructure portfolio includes data center, fiber, residential broadband, small cell and tower assets across the Americas, Asia and Europe with cumulative enterprise value and equity commitments of more than $30 billion.

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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.

PRINCETON, NJ – (July 19, 2021) – Grande Communications, a division of Astound Broadband, the sixth largest cable operator in the United States, today announced the acquisition of Harris Broadband, L.P (“Harris”), a leading provider of fiber-to-the-home (“FTTH”) services, offering internet, TV and voice services in areas of Central Texas. Houlihan Lokey served as Harris’s financial advisor on the sale process. Seyfarth Shaw LP served as Grande’s legal adviser on the deal. Upon closing, this acquisition will add over 6,000 customers, 12,500 homes passed and 150 miles of fiber plant to Grande’s operations in Texas. The company expects the transaction to close later this year.

Adding Harris to Grande’s regional operations provides a strong strategic fit with its existing network footprint. This union also brings broadband expansion opportunities to underserved markets, and will help bridge the digital divide in areas of Central Texas.

“We expect to combine Harris Broadband’s localized expertise and leadership with our broader network and resources to provide more services to more customers throughout Central Texas and beyond,” said Jim Holanda, CEO of Grande Communications and Astound Broadband. “We will leverage best practices from our family of companies to build upon Harris’s long track record of success in providing advanced broadband services.”

“We’re excited to become a part of the Grande Communications family,” said Philip Harris, President of Harris Broadband. “This transaction provides us with access to nationally recognized technical expertise, highly regarded operational management systems and processes, and unparalleled financial acumen to further the expansion of Harris Broadband. Moreover, this transaction is great for not only customers we currently serve, but surrounding communities in and around Brownwood and Early.”

Harris currently operates in Brownwood and Early TX, providing the latest in FTTH technology to deliver video, internet and voice services to customers, and is a natural fit and extension of Astound Broadband’s existing Grande Communications’ footprint in Texas, which includes Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, San Marcos, Corpus Christi, Waco, Temple, Houston and Midland/Odessa.

For the immediate future, Harris Broadband customers will continue to receive billing statements and communication directly from Harris Broadband. Customers can continue to call 1-325-646-9493 for customer service, billing or technical support inquiries.

To learn more about Grande Communications, please visit: https://mygrande.com/. To learn more about Harris Broadband, please visit: https://www.harrisbb.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 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.

PRINCETON, NJ – June 30, 2021 – Astound Broadband, the sixth largest cable operator in the United States (doing business as RCN, Grande Communications, and Wave Broadband), today announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire the Chicago, IL, Evansville, IN, and Anne Arundel, MD assets of WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone for $661 million. In total, these assets comprise approximately 128,000 residential and business customers, more than 700,000 homes passed and 5,700 miles of plant. The company expects the transaction to close later this year.

Astound’s acquisition of WOW!’s Illinois, Indiana and Maryland markets provides a strong strategic fit with its existing network footprint. WOW!’s Chicago footprint is adjacent to RCN’s existing service area and once integrated, will allow RCN to substantially expand its presence in the Chicago market. In addition, the company will be able to create efficiencies with its existing Chicago-based operational oversight, product offerings, and marketing resources.

Likewise, the Anne Arundel, MD footprint, adjacent to RCN’s Washington, DC service area, allows RCN to expand its presence in the mid-Atlantic, while taking advantage of marketing and operating efficiencies once integrated into its existing infrastructure and operations. This footprint lies largely south of Baltimore and close to the Baltimore-Washington Airport, which offers considerable commercial and residential opportunities for growth.

Evansville, IN is a separate property, not adjacent to Astound’s existing footprint, but one that provides consistent growth in an attractive market.

“Our acquisition of WOW!’s Illinois, Indiana and Maryland markets provides a very attractive opportunity to broaden our footprint in areas largely adjacent to the company’s existing operations. This will allow Astound to leverage our incumbent fiber-rich network assets, nearby operations talent, award-winning customer service, and strong product set to serve more customers in these markets,” said Jim Holanda, CEO of Astound Broadband. “We welcome the local Chicago, Evansville and Anne Arundel WOW! employees and are thrilled to have them join the Astound family. We look forward to working with both the WOW! management team and the current local employees on a smooth transition, and continuing the great customer experience they have successfully delivered over the years as we integrate these markets into our high-speed communications platform.”

“With Astound Broadband, WOW! has found a good steward for our operations across these service areas and shares our employee – and customer-centric culture and values,” said Teresa Elder, WOW! CEO. “They also have the resources and steadfast commitment to providing customers with the same great quality of service our customers in Illinois, Indiana and Maryland have come to expect from WOW!.”

All existing WOW! services and customer support will continue without interruption. Upon completion of the asset acquisition, WOW! will operate within the Astound Broadband ecosystem, including a robust fiber-rich network to allow delivery of more communication services to these WOW! areas, offering both residential and business customers new products and services to enhance the suite of products WOW already provides.

JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley are acting as financial advisors to Astound, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is serving as legal advisor; Kelley Drye & Warren LLP as regularity advisor, with Deloitte & Touche LLP serving as tax and accounting advisor.

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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.

New service enables residential customers to optimize connectivity for better gaming performance

PRINCETON, NJ – June 1, 2021 – RCN, Grande and Wave and enTouch, award-winning providers of high-speed internet, digital TV and phone services, today announced the availability of their new Pro Gaming WiFi service. Powered by NETGEAR Nighthawk® Pro Gaming XR1000 WiFi 6 Router, paired with RCN, Grande, Wave and enTouch’s ultra-high-speed internet, it offers even more flexibility to home entertainment options, delivering a better gaming, streaming and video conferencing experience for residential customers. Packed with advanced gaming features, Nighthawk Pro Gaming router with WiFi 6 enables the capability for more devices to connect and stream simultaneously, with optimal speed and reliability, and efficiently packing and scheduling data.

More than 214 million people in the U.S. play video games, making gaming one of the fastest growing entertainment sectors today. Bandwidth and strong connectivity are essential for any level of gamer and with Pro Gaming WiFi, users can expect an optimal experience.

“NETGEAR is pleased to include the Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR1000 WiFi 6 router as part of the RCN, Grande Communications, enTouch Solution to help enhance the online gaming experience while providing improved network performance for an entire household of connected devices,” said David Henry, senior vice president of Connected Home Products for NETGEAR. “Nighthawk Pro Gaming is our trusted line of performance routers that are the go-to solution for online gaming. With DUMAOS 3.0 software and the ultimate WiFi 6 hardware, Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR1000 Router is equipped to handle the load of today’s multiple streaming screens and gaming platforms without compromising bandwidth or ping rates.”

The WiFi 6 dual-band router delivers faster, more reliable connections with 4X increased capacity and low latency. Boasting a powerful tri-core 1.5GHz processor, the Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR1000 router supports more devices for better gaming, 4K streaming, surfing and more, while boosting your wireless, wired and USB performance. Unique DumaOS software enables customers to tailor their connection and lower latency for optimal ping – a game-changer in accommodating the uptick in bandwidth that comes with having everybody at home, all using the same connection for work, school, and entertainment.

“As a provider committed to bringing customers unique, cutting-edge and innovative options, we continue to offer customers ultimate choice and control,” said Chris Fenger, COO of RCN, Grande, Wave and enTouch. “Partnering with an industry leader such as NETGEAR allows us to deliver a new-to-market product, leading the new era of WiFi. With the Pro Gaming WiFi service, residential customers can stay in the game, not in the queue, with pure performance built for gamers with features other routers only dream about to keep them at the top of the leaderboard, and fuel the 4K/8K UHD entertainment streaming.”

With existing options for both Standard WiFi, and Enhanced Whole Home WiFi, the addition of NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR1000 WiFi 6 router offers yet another solution to meet customer needs, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to giving customers what they want.

Residential customers across the RCN, Grande, Wave and enTouch footprint can sign-up for the companies’ Pro Gaming WiFi for just $12.95 per month.

To learn more about RCN’s offers, visit www.rcn.com/gaming. To learn more about Grande’s offers, visit www.mygrande.com/gaming.To learn more about Wave’s offers visit www.gowave.com/gaming. To learn more about enTouch’s offers visit www.entouch.net/gaming.

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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.