Astound Business Internet Chicago, IL
Affordable Internet Available, Fiber in Certain Buildings, and Cable Service in Other Parts of Chicago.
Astound Business, which was known in Chicago as RCN, offers small business owners another alternative when shopping for internet providers. It offers cable and fiber internet in parts of the city and prices can be compelling in areas where it directly competes with Comcast. At times, quotes for similar speeds have been 15%-30% less expensive. There are some caveats, however.Customer service and billing experience may be below what you'd normally encounter from a major nationwide provider, and cable plans have far slower upload speeds than downloads. If there's Astound fiber in your building, find out about that instead of cable – if you have to upload many large files, or rely on a cloud-based system, upload speeds will matter.
Important note:Astound's Chicago network includes older RCN coaxing and more modern fiber connections. Standard Business Internet service in the city uses cable and can deliver download speeds of up to 1.5 Gbps (with typical upload speeds of about 50 Mbps in the higher tiers). Astound Business Fiber is an entirely separate service that provides symmetrical speeds of up to 1.5 Gbps in select building locations. Dedicated Internet Access is a private business line service that's available in certain locations and is backed by a service-level agreement (SLA).
How Astound compares to other business internet providers in Chicago
The cable company, AT&T Fiber, is available in some buildings in Chicago. Astound's cable connection is also available in regions on the North Side and near the lakefront, so it's worth checking to see if your Chicago building has access to it. If there is an AT&T fiber or another fiber provider in your building, you're looking at price and upload speed comparisons.
Price is a top factor when businesses choose to go with Astound. In other markets where our service overlaps, Astound's estimates have been noted as being as much as 15 to 30% lower than Comcast prices for the same data speeds. That can make a major difference in a business keeping an eye on its monthly operating costs. However, price shouldn't be your only consideration.Astound has bought up a handful of other regional services (RCN, Wave, Grande, and enTouch), so depending on where you are, billing and support may vary. It's worth asking about account support and billing during the signup process.
Another key distinction is cable versus fiber. The typical cable plan from Astound can reach 1.5 Gbps in download speed, but the upload speed is limited to roughly 50 Mbps. That could be enough for a business's regular office needs, but if you often upload large files, back up your information online or have a ton of video calls, that speed cap could be a restriction. Astound Business Fiber provides symmetrical speeds in qualifying buildings.
There isn't equal fiber coverage across Chicago. Certain parts of town, and buildings within a few blocks of each other, have better coverage than others. For instance, one report shows 98.2% fiber availability in Logan Square, but that does not necessarily mean 98.2% of city addresses have fiber. If your Astound fiber doesn't reach you, AT&T Fiber or Comcast are potential options to look at. We'll compare the providers who are able to bring fiber to your address.
Check AvailabilityCan I Get Astound Business Internet at My Chicago Address?
Astound doesn't reach all of Chicago. It focuses mostly on select neighborhoods and the suburbs, so if your business is located on the North Side or near the lake or close to your building, it has a higher likelihood of being covered. But this isn't the only question you need to ask: Your building may be eligible for standard cable, Business Fiber, or Dedicated Internet Access, all of which offer different speeds and costs.
The more widely available service option is Standard Business Internet. It runs over coax cable and provides download speeds up to 1.5 Gbps, with the fastest packages providing only about 50 Mbps uploads. Business Fiber is available in fewer places, but the speeds provided are symmetrical, with download and upload speeds matching up to 1.5 Gbps. Depending on your location, it may be closer to where Astound built out fiber in your building, including in parts of Logan Square and other neighborhoods. Dedicated Internet Access guarantees performance to your location and provides a private connection for your business. If you care about those things, make sure you're getting the right product, not just whateverAstound availability checker says you're allowed to have.
Astound isn't the only supplier vying for your Chicago-area business. AT&T Fiber and Comcast are available throughout many commercial districts, and some buildings are served by more than one. This can be a crucial fact to have in mind when comparing quotes. Don't settle for the first quote you're given-find out which suppliers are available at your address, and compare packages, speeds and contract lengths.
Find Astound Business Internet Coverage in Chicago, IL
Astound has cable in portions of Chicago, and its fiber is only available at certain office or commercial buildings.AT&T Fiber and Comcast are also available in many locations. Use the map below as a rough guide to Chicago, but you will have to look up the specific address of your office or commercial space to know for sure..
Check service at your Chicago location
If you're working from an office tower, warehouse, retail space, or if your commercial property is in the suburbs, the types of internet you have access to will vary based on your specific location. Astound cable and fiber roll out in different areas, and, in some cases, AT&T Fiber can be offered in buildings where Astound fiber is not.
Chicago neighborhoods and business areas
- North Side and Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Logan Square
- Lakefront neighborhoods
- West Chicago
- Orland Park (fiber buildout)
- Selected Chicago suburbs
- Commercial and multi-unit buildings
This map displays the Chicago area, not verified Astound service locations. Public maps cannot accurately show fiber availability at each building. You will need to supply the complete address of your business to determine what service options are available to you.
Want Astound Business Internet in Chicago? We'll verify your address and help you learn if Astound cable, Astound fiber, AT&T fiber, Comcast or another provider are available at your location.
Astound Business Internet Plans and Pricing in Chicago, IL
Astound displays various prices and offers on its business internet plans, but your bill in Chicago will be determined by where you live, whether you commit to a longer term, and what competition exists in your area. The plans below can give you a sense of the cable tiers and prices we have seen. Your bill may include additional charges for taxes and equipment. Be sure to ask what the price is for the offer and what the standard monthly rate will be.
Astound Business 300
A suitable starting point for smaller Chicago offices that mainly use email, web applications, and everyday cloud services.
- 300 Mbps download
- 20 Mbps upload
- Promotional pricing may be available
- Check renewal and cancellation terms
Astound Business 600
A good option for growing Chicago offices with several employees using cloud applications, video meetings, and other online tools.
- 600 Mbps download
- 35 Mbps upload
- Competitive pricing against Comcast
- Check renewal and cancellation terms
Astound Business 1.5 Gig
Designed for offices that handle large downloads, have many connected devices, or need more download capacity throughout the workday.
- 1.5 Gbps download
- 50 Mbps upload
- Highest listed cable tier
- Check renewal and cancellation terms
Rates listed above are special sample promotion prices, and do not serve as a quote for every Chicago address. Your final rate will depend on availability, contract length, and current promotions. Taxes, a regulatory recovery fee, and equipment charges may apply. For some of our Astound business plans, contracts auto-renew unless written notice is sent in to terminate at least 30-60 days before the contract ends. Early termination fees may apply. Carefully read the customer agreement and inquire about what would happen if your business relocates before your contract expires. Astound Business Fiber and Dedicated Internet Access prices are unique and have different terms and conditions that may be different than other Astound solutions. If service is not available in your current location we will help you compare other service providers.
What Local Chicago Companies Should Use Astound?
Astound might be a suitable choice for companies seeking to manage their internet bills - if you're in an area where Astound vs. Comcast is a comparison. This decision really hinges on what service is offered at your building and how your team is using the internet.
Small offices looking for affordable cable internet
Chicago-based law firms, accounting offices, and other professional firms can take a look at Astound. In neighborhoods where it faces Comcast, its cable plans come with speedy downloads and often price less than similar Comcast bundles.
Businesses that download more than they upload
Business owners who use the internet to a high degree, such as browsing online, exploring various websites or grabbing digital documents, will find that higher-speed cable download tiers from Astound will likely suffice - assuming they aren't concerned about upload speeds.
Companies in Astound's North Side service area
Some areas of the North Side and lakefront neighborhoods could also get Astound near the larger cable internet providers. If your office is in such an area, requesting an Astound quote to compare cost and installation options is worthwhile.
Businesses that want predictable monthly costs
If limiting Internet costs is crucial, inquire Astound about the available business pricing guarantees. Never rely on an application rate alone; ensure it will not change after the contract is signed. Obtain a guarantee, renewal conditions, and details on any future increases..
Companies that need a dedicated connection
Providers such as manufacturing facilities, hospitals, and finance companies may require a service more than a typical cable connection. Astound Dedicated Internet Access is an independent enterprise-grade solution with performance and SLA guarantees. Check for coverage and service details in your area.
When standard cable may not be enough
Cable's upload speeds might not be quick enough for organizations with heavy upload workloads who frequently upload large files or experience high video conference demand. For these organizations, Astound Business Fiber or AT&T Fiber might be better options, if they are available.
Astound vs. AT&T Fiber, Comcast, and Other Business Internet Providers in Chicago
For example, Chicago businesses have options, including cable, fiber and dedicated internet in Chicago. Here's a breakdown of what the major providers offer:
| Provider | What to compare | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Astound Business | Availability Fastest download speed available in the market (up to 1.5 Gbps). Downloads available up to 1.5 Gbps and uploads up to 50 Mbps on the top tier Competitive pricing within certain Comcast overlap markets. Business Fiber available at select buildings. | Check availability |
| AT&T Business | Business Fiber provides symmetrical speeds of up to 5 Gig where available. Dedicated Internet with SLAs is offered too. Confirm building-level availability, then compare plans. | Check availability |
| Comcast Business | Cable internet with downloads up to 2 Gbps for qualifying plans. Fiber and enterprise services are available in some of our properties. Leading competitor throughout the Chicago market. | Check availability |
| Google Fiber (Webpass) | Symmetrical fiber service, month-to-month, available in certain buildings throughout Chicago. Availability is limited. Check to see if your building is eligible. | Check availability |
| Zayo / Lumen | Services for enterprise organizations and dedicated internet access for those requiring dedicated bandwidth, higher capacity and private connectivity. Considered enterprise services. | Check availability |
If Astound fiber isn't available at your Chicago property, No problem! We'll show you how to see if AT&T Fiber, Comcast, or other Chicago internet providers will reach your building.
Frequently Asked Questions About Astound Business Internet in Chicago
Below are some of the more common questions we hear from Chicago businesses when evaluating our cable, fiber, and dedicated internet services.
Will Astound Business Internet work at my Chicago building?
Astound covers a few neighborhoods in Chicago, with cable in some North Side and lakefront neighborhoods and portions of the nearby suburbs. Its Business Fiber covers fewer buildings. The most accurate way to see what's possible is to look up your home on our list. If your building is not served by Astound fiber, AT&T Fiber or Comcast may be an alternative.
What is the upload speed with Astound Business Internet in Chicago?
Astound's regular cable plans have upload speeds by tier, maximum of approximately 50 Mbps for the fastest plans. This may be fine for typical office tasks, but if you're frequently uploading huge files or using the cloud for backups, video conferencing, or in other ways heavily uploading data, take note of the restriction. Astound Business Fiber has symmetrical speeds where available, so find out which kind of service your building can get.
Is Astound cheaper than Comcast in Chicago?
In markets with service competition, Astound offers 15-30% cheaper prices than Comcast for the same speeds. The closer to a price range this comparison falls within will be determined by your location and the plans you're comparing. Promotional rates are likely to bump up to the higher standard rate after the promotional period. When evaluating providers, don't forget to request the regular monthly rate, equipment charges, and the grand total for your contracted term.
What do I need to review before signing an Astound Business agreement?
Pay particular attention to the length of the contract, renewal terms and the penalties for early termination. Some business contracts auto-renew unless you cancel before a certain window, say 30-60 days before the end of the term. You may also be billed for early termination or if you are relocated to a location we don't serve. Ask ahead of time about these provisions and whether the contract could be flexible if you do move your business.
What If I Don't Have Astound Fiber In my Building Chicago?
It's possible that you may be able to get Astound business internet in your Chicago neighborhood. However, if your business requires a dedicated connection and symmetrical speeds, then it would be beneficial to compare all of the providers available in your neighborhood rather than expecting it to be the same across Chicago. AT&T Fiber has service in Chicago, including various buildings in the Loop, West Loop and River North. Comcast is also in many commercial neighborhoods in the city.
Choosing the Right Business Internet for Chicago's Working Environment
Chicago has businesses in just about every industry, from finance and healthcare to logistics, manufacturing, and technology. Their internet needs aren't all the same. Some offices do perfectly well with standard cable, while others need fiber speeds, reliable uploads, or a dedicated connection to keep daily operations running.
Enough upload speed for cloud-based work
Some common examples of services that necessitate symmetrical connectivity are: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Hosted Phones, and more. A bandwidth plan with limited upload capabilities may start to feel slow if everyone on your team is uploading files or taking video calls all at the same time. This could be something to consider if your team works a lot of these types of activities.
Reliable connections for logistics and distribution
Chicago, being a top transportation hub and logistics destination, has numerous companies that utilize warehouse software, dispatch programs, inventory software, and supplier portals. A high-quality broadband connection keeps those applications accessible during the day. Astound cable might suffice for a business with moderate bandwidth needs, but more intensive facilities could want to get a quote on fiber or dedicated options.
Connectivity for downtown financial and professional offices
The Loop and West Loop host banking institutions, legal offices, insurance companies, and other specialized firms. Their staff members frequently perform transactions through the internet, host video conferences, and communicate through various online cloud-based applications. Smiling with Astound cable is enough for a smaller-scaled office, though, if your team has a higher volume of data traffic you'll want to explore some fiber alternatives as well.
Internet options for suburban business locations
In these locations, including Naperville, Schaumburg and the O'Hare corridor, you will find offices, warehouses and other large corporate complexes. Availability of internet can also vary widely across each community. Before purchasing plans for a suburban office or commercial, do your research on the address; don't assume Astound has the same plans for each location.
Leverage your competitors to lower your rate
THE same PROPERTY Many companies in Chicago have two or more internet providers on the same property in order to compare. If you see Astound, AT&T, and Comcast on the same commercial property, you could potentially get all three. Get quotes on the same terms and speeds and compare total costs.
Dedicated service for businesses that cannot afford outages
For Chicago area businesses in health care, manufacturing or financial services, an internet outage can interrupt critical work and be costly. Astound Dedicated Internet Access is built for these scenarios-delivering dedicated speeds over a private line with a service-level agreement to ensure reliable performance. (This is a separate service from traditional shared cable internet; find out availability and pricing.)
Note: Astound Business Internet is offered at numerous commercial buildings throughout portions of Chicago, however only select buildings will be accessible by the fiber and Dedicated Internet. AT&T Fiber could be available in areas without Astound Fiber services. We'll verify your full address and help you determine what you can order.
Learn Whether Astound Business Internet Is Offered in Chicago, IL
Looking to see if your Chicago property is a match for Astound cable, Business Fiber or Dedicated Internet Access? Check your address, and we'll find you plans, then run comparisons to AT&T Fiber, Comcast and other providers should Astound not be the best fit for your building.
We are an independent service, not Astound. Our purpose is to enable Chicago companies to compare internet providers and have access to providers' services at your location. Always verify final pricing, availability and contract details directly with the provider before placing an order.