The unified customer-focused brand serves eight of top 10 metro markets in U.S.

PRINCETON, N.J – January 12, 2022 – RCN, Grande, Wave, enTouch and Digital West, who together form the sixth largest U.S. internet, TV and phone operator, announced plans to transition its regional brands to Astound Broadband (Astound) effective immediately. Astound Broadband serves eight of the top ten metro markets with continued focus on customer service and providing critical infrastructure to local communities. Astound Broadband reflects both the evolution of the company as well as its vision for the future.

“This is an exciting time for our company with our new name solidifying our commitment to ‘astound’ our customers each and every day through our national fiber-rich network, fast reliable service, mission-critical connectivity, and award -winning customer service,” said Jim Holanda, CEO of Astound Broadband. “Keeping ourselves grounded in our deep-rooted focus on customer service is at the core of what we do. We’ve been part of our local communities for years. Our dedicated teams will continue to serve the areas where they live and work. “

Starting today and throughout the coming weeks, Astound will systematically update the branding of all its properties and assets, ranging from vehicles and signs, to websites, collateral, uniforms, and more. To emphasize strong continued regional service focus, each entity will retain sub-brands under the Astound umbrella with Astound Broadband powered by RCN, in the Northeastern US, Astound Broadband powered by Grande in Texas and Astound Broadband powered by Wave, on the West Coast. Recently acquired systems Harris Broadband in Central Texas and WOW!’s Illinois, Indiana and Maryland markets will follow by mid-year.

For business services, the combined companies will be unified as Astound Business Solutions. With 31,000 route miles of fiber across the country, the company will continue to fuel innovation and meet customer needs including alternate fiber paths to protect against loss of data or workflow during an outage, essential for small and enterprise businesses.

Astound Broadband reflects years of accolades achieved under Holanda’s management team that oversees the regional operations. The most recent awards include 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. Motivated by accolades that focus on meeting and exceeding customer needs, the Astound Broadband name demonstrates the company’s dedication to continuing to astound customers, every day.

Astound Broadband’s customer service team will continue to serve customers with 24/7/365, access to virtual call centers located across the nation. Customers will continue to have access to the company’s variety of high-speed communication offerings, all existing services without interruption. Astound Broadband is at the forefront of the residential and business connectivity transformation, providing customers award-winning services across the country. Astound Broadband and Astound Business Solutions provide services in eight of the top ten metro areas in the U.S. To learn more, please 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 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.

Leading Provider Offers Gift Cards and Savings on Internet, Streaming & TV Services

Bothell, WA – November 15, 2021 – Wave, an award-winning* provider of high-speed internet, TV and phone services, today announced its limited-time Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions. Deals are available in each of its serviceable cities, including: Brightwood, OR, Everson, WA, Lincoln City, OR, Oregon City, OR, Portland, OR, Sacramento, CA, San Francisco, CA, Salem, OR, and Seattle, WA starting November 15th.

Cyber Season is here! With all the new demands on internet connectivity, Wave is offering top speeds with special holiday savings for new customers, including but not limited to:

• Consumers in Washington state can get $100 gift card + free professional install + free TiVo 4K Stream for 12 months on any 250mbps or Gig (speeds up to 940 Mbps) internet offer. Included are SHOWTIME® and STARZ® for 12 months. Exclusive online promotion.
  With the purchase of Gig Internet and TV, new customer receive a $200 gift card. Gift card offer ends December 14th.
• Cyber Season offers, best of the year, for new customers throughout Oregon, as well as Sacramento and the Bay Area regions of California – with $150 Visa gift card + $10 off Gig Internet (speeds up to 940 Mbps) + 1 Month Free — on 1 Gig only). Offer ends January 4th.
  Plus, 1st Month Free + Free Professional install on all 100mbps or faster Internet packages, exclusive online deal!

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

For specifics on offers and coupon codes, please visit www.gowave.com or the appropriate landing page linked above.

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About RCN, Grande Communications, Wave Broadband and enTouch
RCN Telecom Services, LLC (www.rcn.com) Grande Communications (www.mygrande.com), Wave Broadband (www.wavebroadband.com) and enTouch Systems (www.entouch.net) form the sixth largest US cable operator and provide award-winning* high-speed internet, broadband communications solutions, digital TV, phone services and fiber optic solutions for residential and business customers across the United States. Together, RCN, Grande and Wave serves areas of Massachusetts, Chicago, Pennsylvania, New York City, and metropolitan Washington, DC (RCN); Texas (Grande Communications and enTouch Systems) and Washington, Oregon and California (Wave Broadband).

*PCMag Readers’ Choice: A trademark of Ziff Davis, LLC. Used under license; Where Available. Reprinted with permission. © 2021 Ziff Davis, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Media Contact
Zoe Cushman
Matter Communications
rcn@matternow.com
617-874-5201

PRINCETON, N.J. – November 1, 2021 – Astound Broadband (Astound), the sixth largest U.S. cable operator in the United States that operates leading regional providers RCN, Grande, Wave, and enTouch has completed the acquisition of the broadband systems of WideOpenWest, Inc. (WOW!) located in Chicago, IL, Evansville, IN, and Anne Arundel, MD for $661 million.

With the closing of this transaction, Astound expands its existing network footprint and customer base in these new markets. The acquired broadband systems serve approximately 128,000 residential and business customers, pass more than 700,000 homes, and include 5,700 miles of plant.

“Astound Broadband’s acquisition of WOW!’s Illinois, Indiana, and Maryland markets significantly advances our footprint in areas largely adjacent to the company’s existing operations,” said Jim Holanda, CEO of Astound Broadband.  “This expansion enables us to leverage incumbent fiber-rich network assets, nearby operations talent, award winning customer service, and a strong product set to serve even more customers. We’re excited to officially welcome WOW! customers and colleagues to Astound.”

Since the transaction was initially announced in June 2021, both companies have been preparing to transition employees and customers in WOW!’s Chicago, IL, Evansville, IN, and Ann Arundel, MD service areas to Astound Broadband. In the short term, the acquired markets will continue to operate without interruption under the WOW! name and trademark and will be rebranded following the integration period.

“With Astound Broadband, WOW! has found a good steward for our operations in Chicago, Evansville, and Ann Arundel,” said Teresa Elder, WOW! CEO. “The team at Astound shares the same employee and customer-centric culture and values and has the resources and commitment to provide the same quality of service our customers have come to expect from WOW!.”

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

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About Astound (RCN, Grande Communications, Wave and enTouch)

RCN Telecom Services, LLC (www.rcn.com), Grande Communications (www.mygrande.com), Wave (www.wavebroadband.com) and enTouch Systems (www.entouch.net) form the sixth largest US cable operator and provide award-winning high-speed internet, broadband communications solutions, digital TV, phone services and fiber optic solutions for residential and business customers across the United States. Together, RCN, Grande, Wave and enTouch serve areas of Chicago, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, and Washington, DC. (RCN); Texas (Grande Communications and enTouch Systems) and Northern California, Oregon and Washington (Wave).

About WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone

WOW! is one of the nation’s leading broadband providers, with an efficient, high-performing network that passes 2.5 million residential, business and wholesale consumers. WOW! provides services in 17 markets, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast, including Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Maryland, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia. With an expansive portfolio of advanced services, including high-speed Internet services, cable TV, phone, business data, voice, and cloud services, the company is dedicated to providing outstanding service at affordable prices. WOW! also serves as a leader in exceptional human resources practices, having been recognized seven times by the National Association for Business Resources as a Best & Brightest Company to Work For, winning the award for the last three consecutive years. Visit wowway.com for more information.

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 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.

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About RCN, Grande Communications and Wave Broadband
RCN Telecom Services, LLC (www.rcn.com) Grande Communications (www.mygrande.com) and Wave Broadband (www.wavebroadband.com) form the sixth largest US cable operator and provide industry-leading high-speed internet, broadband communications solutions, digital TV, phone services and fiber optic solutions for residential and business customers across the United States. Together, RCN, Grande and Wave serves areas of Massachusetts, Chicago, Pennsylvania, New York City, and Washington, DC. (RCN); Texas (Grande Communications) and Washington, Oregon and California (Wave Broadband).

*Rankings relevant to RCN’s specific service areas in Boston, Chicago, Lehigh Valley (PA), New York City, Philadelphia (Delaware County) and Washington, DC; to Grande’s specific service areas in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Midland/Odessa, San Antonio, San Marcos, Greater Temple Area and Waco; to Wave’s specific service areas in 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 (RCN, Grande Communications, Wave Broadband and enTouch)
Together, RCN Telecom Services, LLC (www.rcn.com), Grande Communications (www.mygrande.com), Wave Broadband (www.wavebroadband.com) and enTouch Systems (www.entouch.net) form the sixth largest US cable operator and provide award-winning high-speed internet, broadband communications solutions, digital TV, phone services and fiber optic solutions for residential and business customers across the United States. Together, RCN, Grande, Wave and enTouch serve areas of Chicago, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, and Washington, DC. (RCN); Texas (Grande Communications and enTouch Systems) and Northern California, Oregon and Washington (Wave Broadband). 

About Stonepeak
Stonepeak is a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets with approximately $37 billion of assets under management. Through its investment in defensive, hard-asset businesses globally, Stonepeak aims to create value for its investors and portfolio companies, and to have a positive impact on the communities in which it operates. Stonepeak sponsors investment vehicles focused on private equity and credit. The firm provides capital, operational support, and committed partnership to sustainably grow investments in its target sectors, which include communications, energy transition, power and renewable energy, transport and logistics, and water. Stonepeak is headquartered in New York with offices in Houston, Austin and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit https://stonepeakpartners.com/.

Media Contacts:

Astound Broadband
Diane Carragher
Diane@matternow.com
Office – 978.518.4509
Cell – 917.224.8614

Stonepeak
Kate Beers
beers@stonepeakpartners.com
646-540-5225

Wave Broadband Upgrades Area Network to Support Increased Speeds

GARBERVILLE, CA – August 9, 2021 – Wave Broadband, a leading provider of fiber and broadband services on the West Coast, today announced that it will bring the Garberville, Redway, and Benbow communities access to gigabit speed internet for the very first time. Wave, which recently upgraded its network infrastructure throughout the area to accommodate higher speeds, plans to make the increased speeds available beginning mid-August.

Wave is bringing internet speeds up to 600 times faster than what had previously been available in the area: From a current area average of 1.5 megabytes per second (Mbps) to gigabit speeds up to 940 Mbps. The company will offer options that include 100 Mbps, 500 Mbps, or gigabit speeds, respectively, starting at $60 per month, similar to, and often less than what area consumers are currently paying for much slower wireless and other service offerings. Wave will automatically upgrade all of its existing customers to 10 Mbps speeds at no additional charge.

“This area’s residents deserve the same affordable access to high levels of reliable connectivity that much larger markets have come to expect. Wave’s offerings address local consumers’ current and future needs for improved connectivity, while accommodating whole home coverage and advanced WiFi technology,” said Jared Sonne, Wave’s SVP of Operations, California and Oregon. “We are providing speeds and services that are years ahead of current connectivity options in the area and look forward to working with local residents and businesses to tailor plans to their specific needs.”

“Reliable access to high-speed internet can open new doors for our area’s residents, making the community an easier and better place to both live and do businesses,” said Leann Greene, executive director of the Southern Humboldt Chamber of Commerce. “We think this will improve the quality of life here for years to come and are grateful to Wave for investing in our area.”

Wave’s Gig Speed delivers the capability of download speeds of up to 940 Mbps, providing the bandwidth needed to readily accommodate households with multiple users, devices, and simultaneous downloading and streaming. This new class of service will also provide Gig Speed internet to area small businesses that have an ever-increasing need for more bandwidth –to support cloud-based applications, off-site data storage, video conferencing, and providing Wi-Fi for their customers and employees.

Wave’s efforts in the area parallel similar projects the company has undertaken in and around other rural municipalities in Oregon, Northern California, and Washington seeking reliable high-speed internet.

Wave will be taking orders for the new gigabit offering as its available service area continues to grow. Interested area residents or business can either visit https://gowave.com or contact Wave customer service at 866-928-3123 for more information. Wave Business customers can get more information at https://wavebusiness.com.

About Wave Broadband, RCN, Grande Communications, and enTouch
Together, Wave Broadband (www.wavebroadband.com), RCN Telecom Services, LLC (www.rcn.com), Grande Communications (www.mygrande.com), and enTouch Systems (www.entouch.net) form the sixth largest US cable operator and provide award-winning high-speed internet, broadband communications solutions, digital TV, phone services and fiber optic solutions for residential and business customers across the United States. Wave, RCN, Grande, and enTouch serve areas of Northern California, Oregon and Washington (Wave); Chicago, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, and Washington, DC. (RCN); and Texas (Grande Communications and enTouch Systems).

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Media Contact
Mark S. Peterson
mark@pointerpr.com
206-390-0204

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.

About Astound Broadband
RCN Telecom Services, LLC (www.rcn.com) Grande Communications (www.mygrande.com), Wave Broadband (www.wavebroadband.com) and enTouch Systems (www.entouch.net) form the sixth largest US cable operator and provide award-winning high-speed internet, broadband communications solutions, digital TV, phone services and fiber optic solutions for residential and business customers across the United States. Together, RCN, Grande and Wave serves areas of Massachusetts, Chicago, Pennsylvania, New York City, and Washington, DC. (RCN); Texas (Grande Communications and enTouch Systems) and Washington, Oregon and California (Wave Broadband).

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

PRINCETON, N.J. – June 2, 2021 – RCN, Grande, 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 RCN, Grande Communications, Wave Broadband and enTouch
RCN Telecom Services, LLC (www.rcn.com) Grande Communications (www.mygrande.com), Wave Broadband (www.wavebroadband.com) and enTouch Systems (www.entouch.net) form the sixth largest US cable operator and provide award-winning high-speed internet, broadband communications solutions, digital TV, phone services and fiber optic solutions for residential and business customers across the United States. Together, RCN, Grande and Wave serves areas of Massachusetts, Chicago, Pennsylvania, New York City, and Washington, DC. (RCN); Texas (Grande Communications and enTouch Systems) and Washington, Oregon and California (Wave Broadband).

©2021 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR the NETGEAR logo and Nighthawk are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holder(s). The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. NETGEAR shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. All rights reserved.

Award-winning organization to offer critical broadband discounts to customers

PRINCETON, NJ – May 12, 2021 – RCN, Grande, Wave and enTouch, award-winning providers of high-speed internet, digital TV and phone services across the U.S., have joined the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP) to ensure members of its communities maintain connectivity and have access to the internet needed to work and attend school remotely from home during the COVID-19 health emergency.

The EBBP is a nationwide federal program temporarily providing $3.2 billion to help households in need due to the pandemic pay for internet access. Eligible current and new customers will receive up to $50 per month off broadband services and related equipment, until federal funds are depleted. With RCN, Grande, Wave and enTouch’s already affordable pricing, this means that qualified applicants could receive totally free high-speed internet and equipment rentals for a limited time after application of the EBB program credit and supplemental company credit on select plans.

“Supporting our customers and communities during this extended period of uncertainty has been, and will continue to be, our main priority,” said Chris Fenger, Chief Operating Officer of RCN, Grande, Wave and enTouch. “While we’re all seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, families and individuals continue to be affected by the pandemic’s economic impact and until that subsides, we’ll do everything we can to ensure they remain connected to loved ones, engaged in their education, productive at work and able to unwind with their favorite shows and movies. The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will provide additional support on top of our pre-existing COVID-19 response programs, further ensuring no customers in need will be without connectivity.”

Those interested in signing up can:

1. Confirm eligibility at the National Verifier Database at www.checklifeline.org/lifeline;
2. Choose Wave Broadband as your service provider;
3. Call to receive High-Speed Internet Service free after application of the EBB program credit and supplemental company credit on select plans for qualified applicants.

Available services and equipment include award-winning internet services with speeds ranging from 100 – 300Mbps,* no data overage fees and a modem/router. The EBB discount is not available on all rate plans.

To learn more about the EBBP and sign up for free Wave’s broadband service, please visit: https://www.wavehome.com/ebb.

*Available speeds vary by area.

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About RCN, Grande Communications, Wave Broadband and enTouch
RCN Telecom Services, LLC (www.rcn.com) Grande Communications (www.mygrande.com), Wave
Broadband (www.wavebroadband.com) and enTouch Systems (www.entouch.net) form the sixth largest
US cable operator and provide award-winning high-speed internet, broadband communications solutions, digital TV, phone services and fiber optic solutions for residential and business customers across the United States. Together, RCN, Grande and Wave serves areas of Massachusetts, Chicago, Pennsylvania, New York City, and metropolitan Washington, DC (RCN); Texas (Grande Communications and enTouch Systems) and Washington, Oregon and California (Wave Broadband).

Award-Winning Providers Expand Program Aimed at Keeping Low-Income Families Connected

PRINCETON, NJ – March 24, 2021 – RCN, Grande and Wave, award-winning providers of high-speed internet, digital TV and phone services across the U.S., today announced that Internet First customers, both new and existing, are receiving a significant speed increase – double the speed of their current package – for no additional cost or required action. Internet First delivers reliably fast internet for just $9.95 per month to qualifying low-income households eligible for assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or WIC.

Launched in April 2020 to help households impacted by COVID-19, the Internet First program provides affordable internet options to families and students in low-income households. The program delivers reliable access to RCN, Grande and Wave’s award-winning internet for eligible customers, enabling them to continue school and work, access educational resources and more.

“With continued COVID-19 safety protocols in place for many schools and businesses, the need for reliable access to the internet at home is just as important in 2021 as it was at the onset of the pandemic, and keeping people connected remains our priority,” said Chris Fenger, Chief Operating Officer of RCN, Grande and Wave. “Faster access at the same affordable price will provide relief for families still adjusting to the sustained shift of work, school and entertainment to the internet, and accommodate the uptick in bandwidth that comes with having everybody at home.”

RCN, Grande and Wave Internet First offering includes:

• Double the speed, with up to 50Mbps internet.*
• Free internet and standard WiFi for first 60 days through enrollment in the Internet First Program, for all qualifying low-income households who do not already subscribe to their internet service
• No activation or installation fees for equipment
• Option to add Whole Home WiFi powered by eero for $9.95 per month, including one eero Pro and 1 eero Beacon

RCN, Grande, Wave continue to see excellent performance of their networks with engineers, field technicians, and operations centers on point 24/7 to meet shifts in usage patterns and increased traffic. While many are still working, learning and connecting from home, the organization remains vigilant in keeping everyone connected and safe. RCN, Grande and Wave have pledged to ensure its workforce continues to follow safety protocols, such as wearing masks and social distancing to keep employees, customers and the communities they serve healthy in these challenging times.

For details on all RCN, Grande and Wave programs and additional updates on the companies’ response to COVID-19, please visit www.rcn.com/we-care, www.wavebroadband.com/we-care, or www.mygrande.com/we-care.

*Observed speeds may vary based on device, connection and other factors and are not guaranteed.

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About RCN, Grande Communications, Wave Broadband and enTouch
RCN Telecom Services, LLC (www.rcn.com) Grande Communications (www.mygrande.com), Wave Broadband (www.wavebroadband.com) and enTouch Systems (www.entouch.net) form the sixth largest US cable operator and provide award-winning high-speed internet, broadband communications solutions, digital TV, phone services and fiber optic solutions for residential and business customers across the United States. Together, RCN, Grande and Wave serves areas of Massachusetts, Chicago, Pennsylvania, New York City, and Washington, DC. (RCN); Texas (Grande Communications and enTouch Systems) and Washington, Oregon and California (Wave Broadband).

Media Contact
Zoe Cushman
Matter Communications
rcn@matternow.com
617-391-9891