Which is better, Astound Broadband or NCATS?

Astound Broadband is faster and available to more people. They do not serve the same areas, so you will not usually choose between them.

FasterAstound BroadbandTop speed 5,000 Mbps vs 1,000 Mbps.

Cheaper to startToo close to callWe do not list plans for both yet.

Better ratedToo close to callToo few reviews to compare yet (119 and 1).

Available to more peopleAstound Broadband12.9 million people in 13 states, vs 34,995 in 1 state.

Astound Broadband
Price: $30.00 - $175.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable, fiber, fixed wireless, and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (122)
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NCATS
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 100 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (1)
View Plans

Astound Broadband vs. NCATS at a glance

Measure	Astound Broadband	NCATS
Available to	12.9 million people in 13 states	34,995 people in 1 state
Main technology	Cable 86%, fiber 20%, fixed wireless 2.8%, DSL 2.1%	Fixed wireless 100%, fiber 8.6%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	5,000 Mbps	1,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	5,000 Mbps	Not listed
Starting price	$30 a month	Not listed
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$720 (300 Mbps plan)	Not listed
Customer rating	3.3 of 5 (119 reviews)	5.0 of 5 (1 reviews)
Rated for speed	3.6 of 5	5.0 of 5
Rated for price	3.1 of 5	5.0 of 5

Coverage and top speeds: FCC filings; plans and prices: our pricing table; ratings: verified customer reviews on ISP Reports. Check your address for what is offered at your home.

Where Astound Broadband and NCATS are available

Astound Broadband and NCATS have distinct coverage footprints across the United States. Our interactive map shows exactly where each provider offers service and where they overlap, helping you understand your options.

Astound Broadband currently offers internet service in 1,052 cities and 129 counties across 13 states, reaching approximately 12,982,649 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Chicago, IL; New York, NY; and Boston, MA. By comparison, NCATS serves 35,122 residents in 25 cities and 4 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Fremont, MI; Newaygo, MI; and Grant, MI.

Each provider’s own page has its full coverage map, county by county: Astound Broadband coverage map and NCATS coverage map.

Availability changes from one street to the next. Check your address to see whether Astound Broadband, NCATS or both are offered at your home.

Astound Broadband vs. NCATS Speeds and Technology

Astound Broadband and NCATS utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Astound Broadband offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,556 Mbps compared to NCATS’s average speed of 177 Mbps.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Astound Broadband’s premium Fiber service reaches 20.1% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, NCATS’s top-tier Fiber is available to 8.5% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Astound Broadband vs. NCATS Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Astound Broadband, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table. Unfortunately, NCATS has not complied with FCC requirements to provide their broadband label data, limiting transparency and the ability for consumers to make direct comparisons.

If you represent NCATS, getting listed is simple: publish your machine-readable broadband label file, or send your current plan lineup through our contact page, and your plans will appear here shortly after verification.

Most households with 3-5 users need download speeds of at least 100 Mbps for smooth streaming, video conferencing, and everyday internet usage. Larger households or those with heavy users (gamers, 4K streamers, or remote workers) should consider plans with speeds of 300 Mbps or more for optimal performance.

Any prices listed are the base service rates and may not include additional charges such as equipment fees, installation costs, or other service-related expenses. For a comprehensive view of all potential charges, refer to our Fees & Details section below.

Astound Broadband vs. NCATS Customer Ratings and Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Astound Broadband and NCATS based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

When comparing customer satisfaction, Astound Broadband earns an overall rating of 3.30 / 5 stars from 122 customer reviews, while NCATS maintains a 5.00 / 5 rating from 1 reviews. NCATS outperforms Astound Broadband by 1.7 points in overall satisfaction. Astound Broadband’s best-rated service is their Cable offering at 3.33 / 5 stars, compared to NCATS’s highest-rated service, Fixed Wireless, at 5.00 / 5 stars.

Fees vary by plan and location. The fees shown apply to most plans; check with the provider for costs specific to your plan.

When comparing internet providers, remember that advertised prices rarely tell the complete story. Equipment fees alone can add $10-15 per month to your bill, while installation charges, early termination fees, and data overage penalties can significantly increase your total cost of service. Consider these additional costs alongside monthly rates when determining which provider offers the better value for your specific needs.

Astound Broadband vs. NCATS Pros and Cons

Astound Broadband

From 84 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Good value: praised in 32 of 84 written reviews (18 call it overpriced). "The value for money is excellent, as I'm getting the advertised speeds I pay for"
• Fast speeds: praised in 26 of 84 written reviews (19 call it slow). "had the best speed ratings in the area"
• Easy installation: praised in 14 of 84 written reviews (8 had install trouble). "I have had no issues with routers or installation"

Cons

• Bills that go up: a complaint in 14 of 84 written reviews. "the rate went up again by almost $20/mo which was unacceptable"
• Billing errors: a complaint in 5 of 84 written reviews. "the inconsistent pricing and random charges are very annoying"

NCATS

Too few written reviews to sum up yet (1); these lines come from our data.

Pros

Cons

Astound Broadband vs. NCATS Top Cities

Astound Broadband serves 1,052 cities while NCATS is available in 25 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.