Which is better, Windstream or Fiber Wave?

Windstream is faster and available to more people. Where both are offered (about 4,602 people), Windstream has the faster top speed for 100% of homes.

FasterWindstreamTop speed 2,000 Mbps vs 1,000 Mbps; faster for 100% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startToo close to callWe do not list plans for both yet.

Better ratedToo close to callToo few reviews to compare yet (98 and 0).

Available to more peopleWindstream8.3 million people in 19 states, vs 4,700 in 1 state.

Windstream
Price: $19.99 - $79.99 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 2,000 Mbps
Internet Type: DSL, fiber, fixed wireless, and cable
Rating (Reviews): (99)
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Fiber Wave
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 50 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless
Rating (Reviews): (0)
View Plans

Windstream vs. Fiber Wave at a glance

Measure	Windstream	Fiber Wave
Available to	8.3 million people in 19 states	4,700 people in 1 state
Main technology	DSL 89%, fiber 56%, fixed wireless 6%, cable 3.4%	Fixed wireless 100%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	2,000 Mbps	1,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	2,000 Mbps	Not listed
Starting price	$19.99 a month	Not listed
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$480 (100 Mbps plan)	Not listed
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 4,602 people (98% of Fiber Wave'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 Fiber Wave are available

Windstream and Fiber Wave 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.

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. By comparison, Fiber Wave serves 4,700 residents in 10 cities and 2 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Ralls, TX; Crosbyton, TX; and Lorenzo, TX.

Each provider’s own page has its full coverage map, county by county: Windstream coverage map and Fiber Wave coverage map.

Availability changes from one street to the next. Check your address to see whether Windstream, Fiber Wave or both are offered at your home.

Windstream vs. Fiber Wave Speeds and Technology

Windstream and Fiber Wave 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 Fiber Wave’s average speed of 940 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, Fiber Wave’s top-tier fixed wireless 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. Fiber Wave Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Windstream, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table. Unfortunately, Fiber Wave has not complied with FCC requirements to provide their broadband label data, limiting transparency and the ability for consumers to make direct comparisons.

If you represent Fiber Wave, getting listed is simple: publish your machine-readable broadband label file, or send your current plan lineup through our contact page, and your plans will appear here shortly after verification.

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. Fiber Wave Customer Ratings and Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Windstream and Fiber Wave based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

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. Fiber Wave 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"

Fiber Wave

No written reviews yet; these lines come from our data.

Pros

Cons

Windstream vs. Fiber Wave Top Cities

Windstream serves 5,467 cities while Fiber Wave is available in 10 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.