Verizon and Astound Broadband Internet compete in the Northeast, but Verizon has a significantly larger presence in the area. Choose Verizon's fiber internet if it's available, as it provides better reliability and more affordable long-term pricing. If fiber isn't an option, Astound Broadband's cable or fiber internet is a great alternative, though it may be more expensive.
Verizon Fios vs. Astound Broadband: Weighing the Pros and Cons
- Unlimited data.
- No yearly commitments.
- High-speed, reliable fiber.
- Limited coverage area.
- DSL is not offered to new customers.
- Budget-friendly promotional rates.
- Optional gaming router available.
- No yearly contracts.
- Restricted coverage area.
- Significant price increases.
Verizon vs. Astound Broadband: Plans and pricing
Verizon Home Internet and Astound both operate in four major metropolitan areas in the Northeast, but Verizon offers greater availability and more competitive pricing. Additionally, Verizon offers the fastest fiber speeds, reaching up to 2,300Mbps.
Pricing and Plans Offered by Verizon
Verizon is the dominant provider in the Northeast, overlapping with Astound Broadband only in Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. Astound Broadband internet plans primarily offer cable internet, with fiber internet being scarce even in these large metropolitan areas. We recommend choosing Verizon’s fiber over Astound’s options because Verizon maintains consistent pricing without inflating costs after a year or two, unlike Astound.
Both providers offer speeds from 300Mbps to 2,000Mbps, but Verizon internet plans edge out with speeds up to 2,300Mbps. According to our recent survey, Verizon boasts the highest customer satisfaction, outperforming Astound in every category. It’s regarded as the most reliable internet service based on customer feedback. You can’t go wrong with Verizon’s fiber internet or its fixed wireless service.
Pricing and Plans Offered by Astound Broadband
Astound Broadband internet plans operate four networks nationwide, but for this comparison, we'll focus on its RCN network, which competes directly with Verizon in the Northeast. This allows us to disregard the data caps affecting Astound’s Wave network on the West Coast.
In the Northeast, you’ll find a range of Astound’s cable and fiber internet plans from Washington DC to Boston, with speeds up to 2,000Mbps according to Astound's local rate cards. Pricing is generally consistent across all six markets, though Lehigh Valley has the highest prices. Astound’s rates significantly increase after 12 or 24 months, whereas Verizon Home Internet maintains stable pricing without hikes.
Additional Charges: Verizon vs. Astound Broadband Internet
Don't be intimidated by Astound’s extensive equipment list—most items are optional. Modem and router fees vary, so there isn't a fixed price. You can opt for a mesh network system or the NETGEAR Nighthawk XR1000 router if you're a gamer.
However, be aware that Astound has a long list of additional fees. Without funds ready for AutoPay, you might face significant extra costs, including convenience fees and network access and maintenance fees.
Customer Feedback: Verizon vs. Astound Broadband
Verizon internet plans rank second overall among 15 national internet providers in our latest survey. It excels in reliability and speed satisfaction with its fiber technology. Astound Broadband ranks lower across all categories, performing best in speed and reliability but struggling with customer satisfaction on pricing due to steep post-introductory price hikes.
Final Decision: Verizon vs. Astound Broadband
Verizon Home Internet and Astound Broadband’s RCN network compete in the Northeast, but Verizon's extensive coverage means Astound's cable or fiber connections are rarely encountered. If Verizon is an option for you, we recommend choosing it.
Astound offers attractive promotional prices initially, but be prepared for significant rate increases after 12 or 24 months, depending on the plan. Therefore, we only recommend Astound Broadband Internet if it’s your sole cable or fiber option. Additionally, Astound charges equipment fees, which add to your long-term expenses.