Advertiser Disclosure: We may earn commissions when you buy through links on our site. Learn more

Astound Broadband vs. Rural Telecommunications of America

Whether you’re researching Astound Broadband vs. Rural Telecommunications of America internet service at your current address, comparing internet options for potential locations, or just researching alternatives, this detailed comparison will help you understand which provider best suits you.

Astound Broadband
Price: $20.00 - $290.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable, fiber, and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (109)

View Plans

Rural Telecommunications of America
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 300 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (1)

View Plans

Astound Broadband and Rural Telecommunications of America compete directly in approximately 1.08% of their service areas, with Astound Broadband covering 12,865,516 people nationwide and Rural Telecommunications of America serving 780,105. Astound Broadband primarily delivers internet through a cable connection; Rural Telecommunications of America specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Astound Broadband and Rural Telecommunications of America's availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees

Astound Broadband vs. Rural Telecommunications of America | Pros & Cons

Astound Broadband Logo

Pros:

  • Gigabit speeds available
  • Offers discounted intro pricing
  • Wide range of plan options
  • No contracts required

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited fiber availability
  • Installation fees apply

View Plans

Rural Telecommunications of America Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Primarily fiber-based network
  • Multiple payment options available
  • Includes standard security features

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited fiber availability
  • Coverage strength varies within service areas

View Plans

Astound Broadband vs. Rural Telecommunications of America | Availability

Astound Broadband and Rural Telecommunications of America 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.

Both Providers Available | Astound Broadband Available | Rural Telecommunications of America Available | No Coverage

Astound Broadband currently offers internet service in 1,036 cities and 138 counties across 13 states, reaching approximately 12,865,516 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Chicago, IL; New York, NY; and Boston, MA. By comparison, Rural Telecommunications of America serves 780,105 residents in 134 cities and 16 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Houston, TX; Odessa, TX; and Midland, TX.

Astound Broadband has particularly strong coverage nationwide, where they serve 0 cities and 0 zip codes. Their Rural Coverage Ratio of 4 indicates they focuses heavily on urban areas, with limited service available in rural communities..

Rural Telecommunications of America is prominent in State with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 15, Rural Telecommunications of America focuses heavily on urban areas, with limited service available in rural communities.

Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about Astound Broadband and Rural Telecommunications of America at your location, use our address search tool:

Astound Broadband vs. Rural Telecommunications of America | Speeds & Technology

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

Across their service areas, Astound Broadband primarily delivers internet through cable, available to 87.5% of their customers. They also offer fiber to 18.5% of their coverage area. Rural Telecommunications of America relies on fiber technology, which comprises 3.0% of their network, with fixed wireless available in 99.9% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Astound Broadband offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,563 Mbps compared to Rural Telecommunications of America's average speed of 321 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Astound Broadband delivers faster speeds in 100.00% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.00%, and slower speeds in 0.00%.

The availability of each provider's fastest technology varies significantly by location. Astound Broadband's premium Fiber service reaches 18.5% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Rural Telecommunications of America's top-tier Fiber is available to 3.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Astound Broadband vs. Rural Telecommunications of America | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Astound Broadband, sourced directly from FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband labels to ensure transparency and accuracy. Unfortunately, Rural Telecommunications of America has not complied with FCC requirements to provide their broadband label data, limiting transparency and the ability for consumers to make direct comparisons.

We've included the available Astound Broadband plan details below to help you understand their offerings while we await Rural Telecommunications of America's compliance with federal transparency requirements.

Astound Broadband Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Internet 300$20.00 ($35.99 after 12 months)300 Mbps20 MbpsCable
Internet 600$25.00 ($45.99 after 12 months)600 Mbps20 MbpsCable
Internet 1 Gig$40.00 ($55.99 after 12 months)1000 Mbps20 MbpsCable
Internet 1.5 Gig$50.00 ($85.99 after 12 months)1500 Mbps1000 MbpsFiber
Internet 5 Gig$280.00 ($290.00 after 12 months)5000 Mbps5000 MbpsFiber

Note: These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas.

Astound Broadband Plans

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. Rural Telecommunications of America | Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, Astound Broadband earns an overall rating of 3.35 / 5 stars from 109 customer reviews, while Rural Telecommunications of America maintains a 4.00 / 5 rating from 1 reviews. Rural Telecommunications of America outperforms Astound Broadband by 0.65 points in overall satisfaction. Astound Broadband's best-rated service is their fixed wireless offering at 4.75 / 5 stars, compared to Rural Telecommunications of America's highest-rated service, fixed wireless, at 4.00 / 5 stars.

Astound Broadband Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.37 of 5 stars

19

Cable

Cable: 3.31 of 5 stars

81

DSL

DSL: 2.67 of 5 stars

3

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 4.75 of 5 stars

4

Astound Broadband has an overall rating of 3.35 out of 5, with a total of 109 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Astound Broadband's ratings, their cable service (74% of reviews) averages 3.31 / 5 stars, higher than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Astound Broadband Internet Reviews page.

Rural Telecommunications of America Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 4.00 of 5 stars

1

Rural Telecommunications of America has an overall rating of 4.00 out of 5, with a total of 1 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them slightly higher than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Rural Telecommunications of America's ratings, their fixed wireless service (100% of reviews) averages 4.00 / 5 stars, equal to their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Rural Telecommunications of America Internet Reviews page.

Astound Broadband vs. Rural Telecommunications of America | Fees & Details

Beyond advertised monthly rates, additional fees and service details significantly impact your total internet costs. The tables below outline equipment charges, installation fees, contract terms, data caps, and other important factors to consider when comparing these providers. Understanding these details helps you avoid unexpected costs and choose the plan that offers the best overall value.

Rural Telecommunications of America has not provided standardized fee information through their FCC broadband label data. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess their true service costs beyond advertised rates. For current fee information, we recommend contacting Rural Telecommunications of America directly or reviewing their terms of service documentation.

Astound Broadband Service

Fee

Pro install (optional)

$79.95

Activation (new acct)

$9.99

Network access fee

~$10/mo

Equipment rental

$14.49/mo​

Rural Telecommunications of America Service

Fee

Not Provided by Rural Telecommunications of America

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. Rural Telecommunications of America | Top Cities

Astound Broadband serves 1,036 cities while Rural Telecommunications of America is available in 134 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

Astound Broadband Cities

Chicago, IL
  • Availability: 28.29%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,500 Mbps
New York, NY
  • Availability: 8.93%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,500 Mbps
Boston, MA
  • Availability: 25.54%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,500 Mbps
Manhattan, NY
  • Availability: 60.02%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,500 Mbps
San Francisco, CA
  • Availability: 17.74%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,504 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

Odessa, TX
  • Astound Broadband Avg. Speed: 1,500 Mbps
  • Rural Telecommunications of America Avg. Speed: 300 Mbps
Midland, TX
  • Astound Broadband Avg. Speed: 1,500 Mbps
  • Rural Telecommunications of America Avg. Speed: 300 Mbps
Houston, TX
  • Astound Broadband Avg. Speed: 1,500 Mbps
  • Rural Telecommunications of America Avg. Speed: 300 Mbps
Gardendale, TX
  • Astound Broadband Avg. Speed: 1,500 Mbps
  • Rural Telecommunications of America Avg. Speed: 300 Mbps
Piney Point Village, TX
  • Astound Broadband Avg. Speed: 1,500 Mbps
  • Rural Telecommunications of America Avg. Speed: 300 Mbps

Rural Telecommunications of America Cities

Houston, TX
  • Availability: 6.70%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 301 Mbps
Odessa, TX
  • Availability: 85.48%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 308 Mbps
Midland, TX
  • Availability: 47.19%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 330 Mbps
Alvin, TX
  • Availability: 86.89%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 300 Mbps
League City, TX
  • Availability: 28.69%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 300 Mbps