Astound Broadband powered by Wave, the West Coast operating unit of Astound, the sixth largest cable operator in the U.S., today announced that it has acquired FastMesh Internet, a provider of wireless residential WiFi services to apartment buildings and housing communities in the Pacific Northwest.
The company provides its services to thousands of customers within a growing base of more than 130 multiple dwelling unit (MDU) buildings throughout Seattle, WA and Portland, OR.
The acquisition, which is effective immediately, will enable FastMesh and Astound to expand the availability of FastMesh’s managed services to MDUs in all Astound Broadband markets.
As noted by an Astound statement, "WiFi is a critical MDU tenant amenity and property-owner tool for smart devices. FastMesh wireless networks are specifically engineered for properties seeking modern, affordable, high-speed connectivity. FastMesh is installed at zero cost to MDU building management and owners. Building residents sign up right from their computers, with no modems or routers needed, meaning that there are no technician visits needed, as well. For residents, all FastMesh plans are priced flat and specifically designed for high-density apartment living."
FastMesh’s employees have transitioned to roles within Astound, including FastMesh founder and CEO, Sam Toloui, who now holds the role of Astound’s VP of Wireless Access.
“We live in a wireless world, requiring reliable, high internet speeds, untangled from modems or routers. FastMesh WiFi provides a platform for building owners to modernize their properties and provide added value to their communities,” said Toloui. “Joining forces with Astound enables FastMesh to accelerate our growth in both existing and new markets, while opening additional doors to layer wireless access with Astound’s suite of broadband services.”
“FastMesh’s wireless internet access provides unique and powerful flexibility that complements Astound’s existing fiber network perfectly,” said Jared Sonne, SVP and GM, Astound Broadband powered by Wave. “The ease and versatility that wireless brings for both MDU building owners and residents is compelling and we look forward to making these services available to an expanded footprint of markets and buildings.”