Who Owns WOW! Internet? Unpacking the Ownership Puzzle

WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone, once a significant player across a wide swath of the American Midwest and Southeast, doesn’t have a single, simple answer to the question of ownership anymore. Since 2021, its ownership has been fragmented due to a strategic decision to sell off different service areas. As of today, most of the WOW! footprint is owned and operated by Astound Broadband, a major telecommunications company. However, portions of its legacy network are now owned by other entities like Atlantic Broadband, leaving a complex landscape of ownership following significant acquisitions.

The Great Sell-Off: Why WOW! Internet Changed Hands

WOW! Business Strategies, Inc., the parent company of WOW! Internet, embarked on a deliberate strategy to streamline operations and maximize shareholder value by selling off various service areas. This wasn’t a sign of financial distress but rather a calculated move to refocus on certain core markets. The logic was straightforward: selling less profitable or geographically isolated regions to larger, established players in those areas would generate significant capital and allow WOW! to concentrate on more promising opportunities.

The Astound Broadband Acquisition

The biggest piece of the WOW! pie now belongs to Astound Broadband. In 2021, Astound acquired WOW!’s Illinois, Indiana, and Maryland service areas, absorbing hundreds of thousands of customers into its already substantial network. This acquisition significantly expanded Astound’s presence and reinforced its position as a major cable and internet provider. Astound’s acquisition included the infrastructure, customers, and brand assets associated with those regions, meaning that if you live in one of those areas, you’re now technically an Astound Broadband customer, even if you still see the WOW! logo on some of your bills or materials during a transition period.

The Atlantic Broadband Deal

Another significant transaction involved Atlantic Broadband, a subsidiary of Cogeco Communications Inc. Atlantic Broadband acquired WOW!’s Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio, service areas. This move allowed Atlantic Broadband to expand its footprint into a key Midwestern market, strengthening its position as a regional provider. Just as with Astound, the transfer included all the essential components for service delivery, from the physical network to the customer base.

Residual WOW! Operations

While Astound and Atlantic Broadband acquired significant portions of WOW! Internet, WOW! Business Strategies, Inc. still exists and operates in other areas. These retained regions are now the primary focus for the “new” WOW!, concentrating on markets where it believes it has a competitive advantage.

Navigating the Post-Sale Landscape: What it Means for Customers

The shifts in ownership can understandably cause confusion for customers. Here’s a breakdown of what these changes mean for you:

Service Continuity

One of the key goals during these transitions is to maintain service continuity. The acquiring companies are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for existing WOW! customers. This typically involves keeping the network operational, honoring existing contracts (at least initially), and gradually integrating the WOW! infrastructure into their own systems.

Branding and Customer Support

You might still see the WOW! branding in some areas for a transitional period. However, over time, expect to see the branding change to reflect the new owner (e.g., Astound Broadband or Atlantic Broadband). Customer support contact information and online portals will also eventually transition to the acquiring company’s systems. Checking your latest bill or visiting the WOW! website will usually provide the most up-to-date information.

Potential Service and Pricing Changes

While the acquiring companies often promise no immediate changes, long-term, you might see modifications to service offerings, pricing plans, and available features. These changes are often aimed at integrating the newly acquired network with the existing infrastructure and standardizing service offerings across the entire footprint. It is essential to keep an eye on communications from your service provider regarding any upcoming changes to your account.

Future of WOW!

The future of the remaining WOW! operations hinges on its ability to compete effectively in its chosen markets. By focusing on specific regions and investing in infrastructure upgrades, WOW! aims to maintain its relevance in the competitive broadband landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions that shed further light on the ownership structure and its implications:

1. Is WOW! Internet still a national company?

No, WOW! Internet is no longer a unified national company. It has strategically sold off large portions of its service areas to companies like Astound Broadband and Atlantic Broadband. The remaining WOW! operations are now more regionally focused.

2. How do I know who my internet provider is now if I used to be a WOW! customer?

The easiest way to determine your current provider is to check your latest bill. It should clearly display the name and logo of the company providing your service. You can also visit the WOW! website and enter your address to see if service is still provided by WOW! or by one of the acquiring companies.

3. Will my WOW! internet service be interrupted due to the ownership changes?

The acquiring companies (Astound Broadband and Atlantic Broadband) are committed to ensuring a seamless transition. Service interruptions are typically minimal, if any, during the ownership change.

4. Will my WOW! bill increase now that a new company owns the service?

While the acquiring companies often initially honor existing pricing agreements, it’s possible that pricing could change in the future. Be sure to carefully review any notices you receive from your service provider regarding potential rate adjustments.

5. Can I still use my WOW! email address?

The acquiring companies generally provide a transition period during which you can continue to use your WOW! email address. However, eventually, you may need to transition to a new email address. Check with your current provider (Astound or Atlantic Broadband) for specifics on their email policy.

6. What happens to my WOW! contract if the company is sold?

In most cases, the acquiring company honors existing contracts. However, it’s essential to review the terms and conditions of the agreement with the new provider to understand any potential changes or modifications.

7. How do I contact customer support for my WOW! internet service after the sale?

The customer support contact information will change to reflect the new ownership. Check your latest bill or visit the website of Astound Broadband or Atlantic Broadband (depending on your location) to find the correct contact information.

8. Will the internet speed and reliability change under the new ownership?

The acquiring companies often invest in network upgrades to improve speed and reliability. However, specific improvements will depend on the individual infrastructure in your area.

9. What should I do if I am unhappy with the service after the ownership change?

If you are experiencing issues with your service, contact the customer support of your current provider (Astound or Atlantic Broadband). If the issues persist, you can explore alternative internet providers in your area.

10. Are there any new services or features available under the new ownership?

The acquiring companies may introduce new services and features as they integrate the WOW! network with their existing infrastructure. Keep an eye on communications from your service provider for announcements about new offerings.

11. Will I need to replace my WOW! modem or router after the sale?

In most cases, you can continue to use your existing modem and router. However, the acquiring company may recommend or require upgrades to ensure compatibility with their network and to optimize performance.

12. What is the future of the WOW! brand?

While the WOW! brand may gradually disappear in areas acquired by Astound Broadband and Atlantic Broadband, it will likely continue to exist in regions where WOW! Business Strategies, Inc. maintains operations. The extent to which the brand is promoted and invested in will depend on the company’s future strategic direction.