Free Guide to Astound Broadband Internet and Cable Services

Understanding Astound Broadband Internet Plans and Speeds

Astound Broadband, formerly known as Astound (and previously operating under brands like Sonic, RCN, and Wave), serves millions of customers across multiple regions in the United States. The company offers internet service to residential and business customers, with service areas concentrated in California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Colorado, and other select markets. Understanding the different speed tiers available through Astound can help you determine which plan aligns with your household's internet usage patterns.

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Astound offers internet speeds ranging from 50 megabits per second (Mbps) for basic plans up to 1,200 Mbps for their highest-tier gigabit offerings. Speed refers to how quickly data transfers to your device (download speed) and from your device (upload speed). For reference, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines broadband as service offering at least 25 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps upload speed. Astound's entry-level plans typically exceed this threshold.

Different household activities require different speeds. Streaming a single standard-definition video uses approximately 2.5 Mbps, while 4K video streaming requires around 15-25 Mbps. Video conferencing typically needs 2.5-4 Mbps for smooth quality. Online gaming requires lower bandwidth (usually 5-10 Mbps) but benefits from low latency, which measures delay in data transmission. A household with four people simultaneously streaming videos, participating in video calls, and browsing would benefit from plans offering 300+ Mbps.

Astound distinguishes between download and upload speeds. Most activities (watching videos, browsing websites, downloading files) rely primarily on download speed. Upload speeds become important for activities like video conferencing, uploading large files to cloud storage, and livestreaming content. Many plans emphasize download speeds, but upload speeds are worth considering if you work from home or create content.

Practical takeaway: Before choosing a plan, inventory your household's typical internet activities. Count how many devices connect simultaneously and what people do online during peak hours. Compare this against Astound's available speeds in your service area. Most households find 300-500 Mbps sufficient for comfortable multi-device usage, but heavy users and households with multiple simultaneous streams may prefer gigabit speeds.

Cable Television Service Options and Channel Offerings

Astound's cable television service delivers channels through hybrid fiber-coaxial infrastructure, meaning fiber optic cables connect to neighborhood nodes, then coaxial cables run to individual homes. This hybrid approach allows Astound to provide digital video programming alongside internet and phone services through a single connection. The company offers various television packages with different channel lineups and price points across its service regions.

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Cable television bundles typically include local broadcast stations (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX), premium cable networks, news channels, sports networks, and specialty channels. The exact channel selection varies by service area and package tier. Local broadcast stations are typically included in all packages at no additional cost because cable providers must carry these channels. Premium networks like HBO, Showtime, and Starz are often offered as optional add-ons, sometimes with promotional pricing for the first year.

Astound offers video-on-demand (VOD) services alongside live television. VOD allows customers to select and watch movies, TV shows, and special programs at times that suit their schedule rather than on the network's schedule. Movies available through VOD are typically priced individually, though some channels included in your package offer VOD content without additional charges. This feature appeals to customers who prefer flexibility over traditional television programming schedules.

The company provides digital video recorders (DVRs) that allow customers to record live television programs for later viewing. DVR technology lets you pause, rewind, and fast-forward through recorded content. Storage capacity varies by equipment, with modern DVRs typically capable of storing dozens of hours of programming. Some customers use DVRs to record programs while watching others simultaneously, providing greater viewing flexibility than traditional cable television.

Practical takeaway: Before selecting a television package, review the channel lineup available in your service area, as offerings vary by region. Consider whether you actually watch the premium channels or specialty networks included in higher-tier packages—you might reduce costs by selecting a basic package and adding specific premium channels you use frequently. Check what sports networks are included if you follow particular teams, as sports programming heavily influences many customers' package selections.

Phone Service Features and Long-Distance Calling Options

Astound provides digital phone service that operates through its broadband connection rather than traditional telephone lines. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology converts voice into digital signals transmitted across the internet. This approach allows Astound to bundle phone service with internet and cable television, often providing cost savings compared to purchasing services separately. Phone service is available both as a standalone service and bundled with internet and television packages.

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Basic phone service through Astound typically includes unlimited local and long-distance calling throughout the United States. Unlike legacy telephone companies that charged per long-distance minute, modern bundled phone services from cable providers generally include unlimited calling as part of the service. International calling is available through add-on packages, with pricing depending on destination countries. Some Astound packages offer discounted international calling rates to common destinations.

Astound phone service includes standard features such as call waiting, call forwarding, caller identification, and voicemail. Call waiting alerts you to incoming calls while you're on another call. Call forwarding routes incoming calls to another number. Caller identification displays the caller's phone number before you answer. Voicemail allows callers to leave messages when you're unavailable. Additional features may be available as add-ons, such as three-way calling, call return, and call blocking.

One consideration with VoIP phone service involves internet dependency. During internet outages, VoIP phone service stops working since it relies on your broadband connection. To address this concern, some customers maintain a mobile phone as a backup. Astound phone service typically works during power outages if you have a backup power supply for your modem and router, but this varies by equipment. Emergency services (911) function with Astound phone service, though it's important to confirm your service address is correctly registered for accurate emergency response.

Practical takeaway: Compare the cost of bundling phone service with internet and cable television versus purchasing these services separately. Many customers save significantly through bundling. Consider whether unlimited long-distance is truly valuable to you or if your usage could be covered through mobile phone plans. Test the service quality and reliability in your specific location by reviewing feedback from current customers in your area, as VoIP quality can vary based on internet connection stability.

Pricing Structures, Promotional Offers, and Contract Terms

Astound uses promotional pricing for new customers, where the first year features discounted rates that increase after the promotional period ends. For example, a bundle might cost $79.99 per month for the first year, then $129.99 per month thereafter. Understanding this pricing structure helps you evaluate the actual long-term cost rather than focusing only on initial promotional rates. Service price varies based on your location, available speeds, and what services you bundle together.

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The company offers various bundle combinations. You might select internet alone, television alone, or phone alone. More commonly, customers bundle two or three services. A typical bundle might include 300 Mbps internet, a television package with 150 channels, and unlimited phone service for a promotional rate. The savings from bundling are usually substantial compared to purchasing each service separately. However, you should calculate what you'd pay if you only wanted specific services rather than paying for bundled services you wouldn't use.

Contract requirements for Astound service vary by promotion and location. Some offers include a service agreement requiring you to maintain service for a specified period, often 12 or 24 months. Early termination fees apply if you disconnect service before the contract period ends. Other promotions may offer service without a contract, though these typically have higher standard rates. Carefully reviewing contract terms before purchasing helps you understand financial obligations if your circumstances change.

Equipment fees represent a cost beyond the monthly service charge. Modems, routers, DVRs, and cable boxes all incur monthly lease fees or one-time purchase options. A modem lease might cost $10-15 per month. A DVR lease might cost $8-12 per month. Some customers reduce equipment costs by purchasing their own compatible modems rather than leasing. Astound provides specifications for compatible equipment, though some customers prefer leasing for simplicity and support benefits.

Practical takeaway: Calculate your total first-