Windstream vs. Community Networks
Which is better where you live? Coverage, speed, price and customer ratings, side by side
Check which is available at your address
Whether you’re researching Windstream vs. Community Networks 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.
Which is better, Windstream or Community Networks?
Windstream is faster, cheaper to start and available to more people. Where both are offered (about 15,502 people), Windstream has the faster top speed for 100% of homes.
| Windstream |
|---|
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| Price: $19.99 - $79.99 / mo. |
| Speed: 10 - 2,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type: DSL, fiber, fixed wireless, and cable |
Rating (Reviews): (99) |
| Community Networks |
|---|
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| Price: $59.95 - $99.95 / mo. |
| Speed: 1,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type: Fiber |
Rating (Reviews): (0) |
Windstream vs. Community Networks at a glance
| Measure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Available to | 8.3 million people in 19 states | 17,406 people in 1 state |
| Main technology | DSL 89%, fiber 56%, fixed wireless 6%, cable 3.4% | Fiber 100% |
| Top download speed filed with the FCC | 2,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps |
| Fastest plan we list | 2,000 Mbps | 500 Mbps |
| Starting price | $19.99 a month | $59.95 a month |
| Cheapest plan, first 2 years | $480 (100 Mbps plan) | $1,439 (60 Mbps plan) |
| Customer rating | 3.4 of 5 (98 reviews) | No reviews yet |
| Rated for speed | 3.4 of 5 | No reviews yet |
| Rated for price | 3.0 of 5 | No reviews yet |
| Where both are offered | About 15,502 people (89% of Community Networks's area); Windstream is faster for 100% of them | |
Coverage and top speeds: FCC filings; plans and prices: our pricing table; ratings: verified customer reviews on ISP Reports. Check your address for what is offered at your home.
Where Windstream and Community Networks are available
Windstream and Community Networks 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 | Windstream Available | Community Networks Available | No Coverage
Windstream currently offers internet service in 5,467 cities and 710 counties across 19 states, reaching approximately 8,678,961 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Charlotte, NC; Atlanta, GA; and Lexington, KY.
Each provider’s own page has its full coverage map, county by county: Windstream coverage map and Community Networks coverage map.
Availability changes from one street to the next. Check your address to see whether Windstream, Community Networks or both are offered at your home.
Windstream vs. Community Networks Speeds and Technology
Windstream and Community Networks utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.
In terms of potential speeds across the country, Windstream offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,069 Mbps compared to Community Networks’s average speed of 1,000 Mbps.
The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Windstream’s premium Fiber service reaches 53.8% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Community Networks’s top-tier Fiber is available to 100.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.
Windstream vs. Community Networks Plans and Prices
Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Windstream and Community Networks, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table.
Provider representatives can send plan or pricing updates through our contact page; verified changes publish shortly after review.
Windstream Internet Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 100 Mbps | $19.99 | 100 Mbps | Not listed | Fiber |
| Fiber 300 Mbps | $34.99 | 300 Mbps | Not listed | Fiber |
| Fiber 1 Gig | $39.99 | 1000 Mbps | Not listed | Fiber |
| Fiber 2 Gig | $59.99 | 2000 Mbps | Not listed | Fiber |
| Fiber Max 2 Gig | $79.99 | 2000 Mbps | Not listed | Fiber |
Sourced from pricing published on Windstream's official website, last verified June 2026. These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.
Community Networks Internet Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze Package 60 Mbps | $59.95 | 60 Mbps | Not listed | Fiber |
| Silver Package 100 Mbps | $79.95 | 100 Mbps | Not listed | Fiber |
| Gold Package 500 Mbps | $99.95 | 500 Mbps | Not listed | Fiber |
Sourced from pricing published on Community Networks's official website, last verified June 2026. These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.
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.
Windstream vs. Community Networks Customer Ratings and Reviews
Compare how real customers rate Windstream and Community Networks based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.
Windstream vs. Community Networks Fees and 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.
Windstream Service
Fee
Not Provided by Windstream
Community Networks Service
Fee
Not Provided by Community Networks
Fees vary by plan and location. The fees shown apply to most plans; check with the provider for costs specific to your plan.
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.
Windstream vs. Community Networks Pros and Cons
Windstream
From 61 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.
Pros
- Fast speeds: praised in 21 of 61 written reviews (15 call it slow). "I am happy with the speed"
- Reliable connection: praised in 19 of 61 written reviews (12 report outages). "when it's working it's fairly reliable"
- Helpful customer service: praised in 12 of 61 written reviews (7 fault the service). "has a trustworthy customer service"
Cons
- Bills that go up: a complaint in 9 of 61 written reviews. "We plan to keep them after the price increases"
- Equipment problems: a complaint in 4 of 61 written reviews. "numerous issues with their Modem Router"
Community Networks
No written reviews yet; these lines come from our data.
Pros
Cons
Windstream vs. Community Networks Top Cities
Windstream serves 5,467 cities while Community Networks is available in 10 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.
Windstream Cities
- Availability: 24.94%
- Avg. Download Speed: 990 Mbps
- Availability: 5.26%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,234 Mbps
- Availability: 94.07%
- Avg. Download Speed: 630 Mbps
- Availability: 13.12%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,521 Mbps
- Availability: 92.63%
- Avg. Download Speed: 441 Mbps
Overlapping Cities
- Windstream Avg. Speed: 1,550 Mbps
- Community Networks Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
- Windstream Avg. Speed: 1,899 Mbps
- Community Networks Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
- Windstream Avg. Speed: 1,721 Mbps
- Community Networks Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
- Windstream Avg. Speed: 1,584 Mbps
- Community Networks Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
- Windstream Avg. Speed: 1,895 Mbps
- Community Networks Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Community Networks Cities
- Availability: 98.14%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
- Availability: 5.47%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
- Availability: 49.49%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
- Availability: 69.39%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
- Availability: 99.05%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps

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