Astound Broadband Powered By Wave Broadband is a solid option if you’re in a service area where fiber plans are available. The speeds are good, even though upload speeds are limited but the data caps can be an issue for power users. If you need a lot, the highest tier plan is more affordable than others and comes with a very high data cap which shouldn’t cause you a problem. The bundle deals are a great way to get all services at reasonable rates, and the no-contract deal makes them a solid choice as there are no worries about early termination fees when you want to switch to a new provider.
Astound Broadband Internet Review 2023
Packages & Pricing | Modem & Router | Features | Customer Service | Final Recommendation
- Astound Broadband Review Highlights:
- Astound Broadband offers 4 plans with internet speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1200 Mbps for $29.95/mo to $69.95/mo
- Astound Broadband is available in California, Oregon and Washington
- Current Astound Broadband offers include no contracts, US based customer service
Astound Broadband Powered By Wave Broadband is a mid-sized internet service provider that is currently only available in select areas of Oregon, Washington, and California. They offer copper, cable, and fiber plans, with emphasis on fiber but also have TV and phone services available to bundle and save money.
Packages and Pricing
Note: All of Astound’s pricing varies by region, so potential customers should double-check the actual pricing before choosing their plans.
The following fiber package deals are based on service available in Concord, CA 94520:
| Packages | Price | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Mbps | $29.95/mo. | Up to 100 Mbps |
| 500 Mbps | $49.95/mo. | Up to 500 Mbps |
| 1 Gig | $59.95/mo. | Up to 940 Mbps |
| 1.2 Gig | $69.95/mo. | Up to 1200 Mbps |
Other Services
Astound Broadband also offers TV and phone options which can be added to the internet service and customers can choose between several equipment options:
- HD Receiver: $11.00/month – With this receiver, you get a HD recorder, interactive on-screen guides, and TV On Demand.
- TiVo Streaming DVR – The TiVo receiver is currently available at no additional charge for the first 12 months of the service. The usual price is $20 per month and is only available for plans with 100Mbps download speeds or higher.
- Universal HDTV Converter: $4.95/month
- TiVo Mini: $10.00/month – This requires TiVo HD-DVR and enables multi-room connectivity to the TiVo DVR for an additional TV.
TV Bundles & Extras
The TV package also has a local TV option including channels such as ABC, FOX, CBS, NBC, and CW. With this option, you also get digital music channels, as well as Wave on Demand and Wave TV on the Go option. The local TV option is available for $25.95 per month.
There are also several expansion packages available, which vary by location. But, as an example, some locations can get 90 extra channels from cable networks like AMC, ESPN, Disney, Bravo, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, FX, USA, TNT, and others. The full expanded content, with all the channels, is available for $72.94 per month and comes with Wave on Demand and Wave on the Go.
After the first 12 months, some options will increase in pricing. STARZ and ENCORE will go back to their regular $12 per month for each, or you can choose to pay $17 per month for both. MOVIEPLEX pricing goes back to $5 per month.
Phone Package
You can get your phone bundled in with your internet for an additional $10 per month otherwise it’s $29.95 per month as a standalone service. The phone option comes with:
- Unlimited nationwide calling, plus international calls to Canada
- Caller ID
- Call Waiting
- Call Forwarding
- FREE Cloud Phone App – The app enables you to route phone calls made to your home phone number to your smartphone or tablet, and receive and make them from there. Works globally, as long as the device you’re routing the calls to has a stable internet connection.
When opting for Astound equipment, you can get an eight-hour internal backup battery for your phone but this is only available for corded phones during a power outage. There is also the option to get a 24-hour battery, but you’ll have to pay a $139.99 one-time charge.
Network Management and Performance
Astound Broadband manages its network like many other providers, which includes limiting bandwidth in certain situations. According to Astound Broadband, you must avoid high traffic activities like large file transfers or ‘peer-to-peer applications’. That way you’re not providing a greater ‘burden’ on the network which can mean your services are cut off or restricted.
Astound Broadband also explains that the actual speed may vary and might not always be the highest possible advertised speed. Some factors they mention include the condition of wiring at your location, computer configurations, internet, and network congestion and management. This also includes the time of day when you are using the service.
Fees
- Installation Fee – A one-time fee of $60 but this can sometimes be avoided during promotional periods and, in many cases, by ordering online.
- Internet Infrastructure Fee – The fee is $3.17/month, and is explained as a fee that goes towards infrastructure upkeep and management.
- Interactive Equipment Fee – $2.72/month for the first digital or HD receiver.
- Local TV Stations’ Fee – These vary between $15 – $21.
*Other fees you should be aware of are the Universal Service Fund, E911, and taxes.
Ready To Try Astound Broadband or Want to Learn More?
Astound Broadband Modem & Router Review
Astound Broadband surprisingly offers many options when it comes to modems and routers.
Their most advertised option is the Enhanced Wi-Fi Eero, which according to Astound, will provide the best Wi-Fi coverage and service to users. The option comes with a fully compatible modem, all maintenance and troubleshooting is done by Astound Broadband tech support and it is available for $22.95 per month.
For users who want a more basic option, the Standard Wi-Fi + Modem package is available for $15.00 per month and comes with a modem and Wi-Fi service provided via a single router. This option includes 24/7 support in the event of issues as well.
For users who do not need Wi-Fi, there’s the ‘Modem Only’ option for $13.00 per month that comes with the modem appropriate for your speed package and also includes 24/7 support.
There are also two ‘Use Your Own’ modem options:
The first combines the Enhanced Wi-Fi Eero + Use Your Own Modem, and you’ll pay a rental fee of $9.95 per month for the Eero.
Alternatively, you can also choose to have only your modem, without the Eero, and this option is, of course, free of charge. For a list of supported models, check here.
The Astound Broadband Router is installed and set up by the certified installer.
Features and Benefits
Free Installation for Online Orders
The installation fee is usually $60, but can be waived with the ‘FREEINSTALL’ code during the online purchasing process. Professional installation includes setting up two TV sets on existing outlets, connecting a single computer OR three other devices to the modem.
Service Protection Plan
This is a support option for all Astound services that includes in-home wiring and equipment by a professional technician. This plan also includes customer education and costs $3.99 per month.
Roku Streaming Player
For $5.00 per month, customers can get the Roku 3 player and included motion-sensing remote. This will give you access to over 350 streaming options including TV shows, movies, sports, kids shows, as well as access for Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, NHL Game Center, Pandora Radio, and more.
*Note that this doesn’t include a subscription for the services, just easy access to them. Each service might require a separate subscription.
Smart Home from Astound
This is a home control and protection option that enables overview and automation that you get via a Smart Home App on your phone. There are three plans available in the Washington and California areas:
- Control Basic – Costs $29.95 per month and includes image sensors with cameras for visual verification, three-door and window encrypted security sensors, and a touch screen panel.
- Control & Protect – Everything from Control Basic, but with 24/7 professional monitoring. Available for $39.95 per month.
- Control & Protect Premium – For $49.95 per month, includes all of the above plus a 1080p resolution IP camera.
Additional equipment includes:
- Motion sensors ($45 each)
- Image sensors ($85)
- Door/window sensors ($20 each)
- Flood sensors ($50 each)
- Carbon sensor ($75 each)
- Smoke sensor ($60 each)
- Glass break sensor ($70 each)
- Temperature monitor ($25 each)
- Smart bulb ($15 each)
- Smart plug outlet ($40 each)
- Energy meter smart plug ($80 each)
- Additional camera ($125 each)
- Additional siren ($65 each)
- Z-wave repeater (for larger homes) ($30 each)
Ready To Try Astound Broadband or Want to Learn More?
Customer Service
According to customer reviews, Astound Broadband is a decent service provider that has the occasional outage, but is still more affordable than any other options available, and the bundle deals make them a competitive choice in the areas they are available.
Customer service can be accessed via phone, online, or by visiting one of their 25 local retail locations. For those interested in their services, the new customer number is 1-855-971-1252, while existing customers have their separate line: 1-866-928-3123.
Online inquiries are done via an online form and unfortunately there are no email or chat options available. The form can be accessed here, but existing customers can contact support via their own website login at wavehome.com.
There’s also a large troubleshooting portal where users can find answers for any service they need. The internet section is divided into several categories, including general issues, connection troubleshooting, wireless issues, network setup, and more.
Ways to Save on Astound Broadband
TV and Phone Bundle Options
Combining internet services, TV, and phone can save up to $30 per month or even more during the first 12 months of a promotional period.
Bring Your Own Modem
Instead of paying a rental fee for Astound Broadband’s modems, choose your own and save over $20 per month.
Order during promotional periods
Astound Broadband often has promotional periods for online orders, so it’s best to wait for these offers as you can get a price lock up to 12 months and save over $50 per month this way.
Our Recommendation – Astound Broadband
Is Astound Right For You?
