Astound Broadband Set to Transform its Network with Harmonic

Rhea-AI Summary

Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) has announced that Astound Broadband, the sixth largest MSO in the U.S. with over one million subscribers, has chosen Harmonic's cOS™ virtualized broadband platform to modernize its network infrastructure. The partnership aims to enhance broadband connectivity and efficiency.

Astound will implement Harmonic's cOS platform in a distributed access architecture (DAA) with Pebble Remote PHY Device. The software-powered platform offers:

• Faster service deployment
• Unified platform for DOCSIS and future PON/FTTH deployments
• Reduced hardware requirements
• Power, space, and cost efficiencies

The implementation includes cOS Central for advanced analytics and automation, providing real-time visibility and proactive issue resolution. Harmonic's cOS platform currently serves over 33 million homes worldwide across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

Positive

• Major contract win with 6th largest U.S. MSO serving 1M+ subscribers
• Expands market presence in North American broadband infrastructure
• Technology enables both current DOCSIS and future fiber deployments
• Demonstrates product scalability with 33M homes served worldwide

Negative

• Financial terms of the contract not disclosed
• Implementation timeline and costs not specified

Insights

Broadband Infrastructure Analyst

This deal represents a significant customer win for Harmonic in the competitive broadband infrastructure market. Securing Astound Broadband—the sixth largest cable operator in the U.S. with over one million subscribers—validates Harmonic's technology positioning and market strategy.

The selection of Harmonic's cOS virtualized platform has strategic implications beyond just adding revenue. This partnership positions Harmonic as an enabler of the cable-to-fiber migration path that many MSOs are navigating. By offering Astound both DOCSIS support for today and PON capabilities for future fiber deployments on a unified platform, Harmonic addresses a critical industry pain point.

This win reinforces Harmonic's broadband market penetration, which now reaches over 33 million homes globally. For context, landing a top-10 U.S. MSO represents a material expansion of Harmonic's domestic footprint.

The deployment model—using distributed access architecture (DAA) with Pebble Remote PHY—aligns with industry transitions toward more flexible, efficient network architectures. The inclusion of cOS Central for analytics and automation addresses operators' growing focus on network intelligence and service reliability.

This deal likely signals competitive momentum against rivals like CommScope, Casa Systems, and Vecima Networks in the cable infrastructure modernization space.

Financial Analyst

This customer win strengthens Harmonic's broadband segment revenue outlook. While specific financial terms weren't disclosed, adding a cable operator with Astound's scale (over one million subscribers) represents a material contract that should contribute to Harmonic's top-line growth.

Beyond immediate revenue implications, this partnership carries several positive financial indicators. The deployment includes both hardware components (Pebble Remote PHY devices) and software platforms (cOS), creating a balanced revenue mix. The software-powered aspect is particularly notable as it typically generates higher margins and can create opportunities for recurring revenue streams through licensing or maintenance.

Harmonic's ability to win business from a top-tier MSO demonstrates competitive differentiation in a market with established players like Cisco, Casa Systems, and CommScope. The deployment model—supporting both current DOCSIS and future fiber—showcases Harmonic's strategic position at the intersection of legacy cable infrastructure and next-generation fiber networks.

The mention of "power, space and cost efficiencies" suggests operational expense benefits that should appeal to other potential customers facing similar modernization challenges. This positions Harmonic to potentially capture additional market share as other cable operators pursue similar network evolution strategies.

Harmonic's cOS Virtualized Broadband Platform Accelerates Network
Modernization, Unleashing Faster Speeds and Providing a Path to Fiber

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced that Astound Broadband, the sixth largest MSO in the U.S. catering to over one million subscribers, has selected the company's industry-leading cOS^™ virtualized broadband platform to drive the evolution of its broadband infrastructure. By adopting Harmonic's virtualized platform, Astound Broadband is taking a leap forward in delivering reliable, high-speed broadband connectivity to subscribers. This strategic move will enable Astound Broadband to boost network efficiency, gain critical scalability and enjoy a seamless path to fiber by leveraging a future-ready infrastructure.

"Providing critical broadband access to local communities fuels our innovation. By partnering with Harmonic, we are leveraging their cutting-edge technology, proven performance at scale and exceptional support to ensure high-speed connectivity for our customers today and in the future," said Patrick Murphy, executive vice president and chief technology officer, Astound Broadband.

Astound Broadband will deploy Harmonic's cOS platform in a distributed access architecture (DAA) with the company's Pebble Remote PHY Device. Powered by software, the cOS platform will enable a faster time to market for Astound Broadband's new services. Harmonic's solution provides Astound Broadband with a unified platform for DOCSIS today and PON for future FTTH deployments, minimizing hardware requirements while delivering substantial power, space and cost efficiencies.

In addition, Harmonic's cOS Central will enhance Astound Broadband's network with advanced analytics and automation, offering real-time visibility and proactive issue resolution to ensure consistent and reliable broadband service.

"We are thrilled to partner with Astound Broadband, as we share a common vision and dedication to deliver exceptional customer experiences through innovative, high-performance broadband solutions," said Jeffrey Glahn, senior vice president of global sales, broadband, at Harmonic. "Astound Broadband is a trailblazer in the industry. By modernizing its network with our cOS virtualized broadband platform and tapping into the flexibility to utilize fiber in the future, they are leading the charge toward the next generation of broadband infrastructure, inspiring other operators to follow suit."

Harmonic's market-leading cOS platform powers next-gen broadband services to more than 33 million homes worldwide for leading operators in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. To learn more about Harmonic's cOS platform and portfolio of network edge devices, visit www.harmonicinc.com/broadband.

About Harmonic
Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT), the worldwide leader in virtualized broadband and video delivery solutions, enables media companies and service providers to deliver ultra-high-quality video streaming and broadcast services to consumers globally. The company revolutionized broadband networking via the industry's first virtualized broadband solution, enabling operators to more flexibly deploy gigabit internet services to consumers' homes and mobile devices. Whether simplifying OTT video delivery via innovative cloud and software platforms, or powering the delivery of gigabit internet services, Harmonic is changing the way media companies and service providers monetize live and on-demand content on every screen. More information is available at www.harmonicinc.com. 

Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements concerning Harmonic's business and the anticipated capabilities, advantages, reliability, efficiency, market acceptance, market growth, specifications and benefits of Harmonic products, services and technology are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties more fully described in Harmonic's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Current Reports on Form 8-K. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Harmonic as of the date hereof, and Harmonic disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Harmonic, the Harmonic logo and other Harmonic marks are owned by Harmonic Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

About Astound Broadband
Astound Broadband (astound.com) is the sixth largest cable operator in the U.S., providing award-winning high-speed internet, broadband communications solutions, TV, phone services and fiber optic solutions for residential and business customers across the United States. Astound Broadband is comprised of organizations formerly known as RCN, Grande Communications, Wave Broadband, and enTouch. The company services Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Texas, and regions throughout California, Oregon, and Washington.

Photo Link: www.202comms.com/Harmonic/Harmonic-cOS_logo.jpg
Photo Caption: Harmonic cOS^™ Broadband Platform Logo

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SOURCE Harmonic Inc.

FAQ

What benefits will Astound Broadband gain from implementing Harmonic's cOS platform?

Astound will gain network efficiency, scalability, faster service deployment, and a path to fiber, while reducing hardware requirements and achieving power, space, and cost efficiencies.

How many subscribers does Harmonic's cOS platform currently serve worldwide?

Harmonic's cOS platform powers broadband services to more than 33 million homes worldwide across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

What specific technology will Astound Broadband deploy with Harmonic (HLIT)?

Astound will deploy Harmonic's cOS platform in a distributed access architecture (DAA) with Pebble Remote PHY Device, plus cOS Central for analytics and automation.

How will Harmonic's cOS Central enhance Astound Broadband's network operations?

cOS Central will provide advanced analytics, automation, real-time visibility, and proactive issue resolution to ensure consistent and reliable broadband service.