Advertiser Disclosure: We may earn commissions when you buy through links on our site. Learn more

Windstream vs. Consolidated

Whether you’re researching Windstream vs. Consolidated 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.

Windstream
Price: $39.99 - $99.99 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 2,000 Mbps
Internet Type: DSL, fiber, fixed wireless, and cable
Rating (Reviews): (87)

View Plans

Consolidated
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 10 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber, DSL, cable, and fixed wireless
Rating (Reviews): (1)

View Plans

Windstream and Consolidated compete directly in approximately 0.01% of their service areas, with Windstream covering 8,666,574 people nationwide and Consolidated serving 60,136. Windstream primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; Consolidated specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Windstream and Consolidated’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees

Windstream vs. Consolidated | Pros & Cons

Windstream Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Service available in rural areas
  • Offers discounted intro pricing
  • Wide range of plan options

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Installation fees apply
  • Contracts required for best pricing

View Plans

Consolidated Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Extensive fiber network
  • Works with smart home devices
  • Compatible with standard Wi-Fi devices

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • May require credit check for service activation
  • Coverage strength varies within service areas

View Plans

Windstream vs. Consolidated | Availability

Windstream and Consolidated 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 | Consolidated Available | No Coverage

Windstream currently offers internet service in 5,504 cities and 713 counties across 19 states, reaching approximately 8,666,574 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Charlotte, NC; Atlanta, GA; and Lexington, KY. By comparison, Consolidated serves 60,136 residents in 44 cities and 7 counties in 2 states, with a presence in population centers such as Dickinson, ND; Urbana, OH; and West Liberty, OH.

Windstream has particularly strong coverage nationwide, where they serve 0 cities and 0 zip codes. Their Rural Coverage Ratio of 51 indicates they offers a balanced distribution of coverage across urban and rural areas..

Consolidated is prominent in Midwest with service to 44 cities and 26 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 39, Consolidated primarily serves urban areas, though still maintaining moderate rural availability.

Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about Windstream and Consolidated at your location, use our address search tool:

Windstream vs. Consolidated | Speeds & Technology

Windstream and Consolidated utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

Across their service areas, Windstream primarily delivers internet through DSL, available to 96.4% of their customers. They also offer fiber to 50.4% of their coverage area. Consolidated relies on fiber technology, which comprises 62.2% of their network, with DSL available in 32.5% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Windstream offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 807 Mbps compared to Consolidated’s average speed of 735 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Windstream delivers faster speeds in 86.11% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 7.12%, and slower speeds in 6.77%.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Windstream’s premium Fiber service reaches 50.4% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Consolidated’s top-tier Cable is available to 15.4% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Windstream vs. Consolidated | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Windstream and Consolidated, 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

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Fiber 100 Mbps$19.99100 MbpsNot listedFiber
Fiber 300 Mbps$34.99300 MbpsNot listedFiber
Fiber 1 Gig$39.991000 MbpsNot listedFiber
Fiber 2 Gig$59.992000 MbpsNot listedFiber
Fiber Max 2 Gig$79.992000 MbpsNot listedFiber

Sourced from pricing published on Windstream's official website. 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.

Windstream Plans

Consolidated Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
BASIC$51.9510 Mbps1 MbpsDSL
Social Internet$31.99100 Mbps100 MbpsFiber
STANDARD$68.9025 Mbps5 MbpsDSL
Family Internet$55.99500 Mbps500 MbpsFiber
ADVANCED$71.9050 Mbps10 MbpsDSL
Max Internet$79.991000 Mbps1000 MbpsFiber

Sourced from pricing published on Consolidated's official website. 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.

Consolidated Plans

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. Consolidated | Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, Windstream earns an overall rating of 3.34 / 5 stars from 89 customer reviews, while Consolidated maintains a 3.00 / 5 rating from 1 reviews. Windstream outperforms Consolidated by 0.3 points in overall satisfaction. Windstream’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.86 / 5 stars, compared to Consolidated’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 3.00 / 5 stars.

Windstream Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.86 of 5 stars

(36)

Cable

Cable: 3.00 of 5 stars

(2)

DSL

DSL: 2.98 of 5 stars

(48)

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 3.00 of 5 stars

(3)

Windstream has an overall rating of 3.34 out of 5, with a total of 89 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Windstream’s ratings, their DSL service (54% of reviews) averages 2.98 / 5 stars, higher than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Windstream Internet Reviews page.

Consolidated Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.00 of 5 stars

(1)

Consolidated has an overall rating of 3.00 out of 5, with a total of 1 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them slightly lower than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Consolidated’s ratings, their Fiber service (100% of reviews) averages 3.00 / 5 stars, equal to their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Consolidated Internet Reviews page.

Windstream vs. Consolidated | Fees & 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

Consolidated Service

Fee

Not Provided by Consolidated

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. Consolidated | Top Cities

Windstream serves 5,504 cities while Consolidated is available in 44 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

Windstream Cities

Charlotte, NC
  • Availability: 24.82%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 689 Mbps
Atlanta, GA
  • Availability: 5.25%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 992 Mbps
Lexington, KY
  • Availability: 94.71%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 570 Mbps
Cleveland, OH
  • Availability: 13.15%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,038 Mbps
Lincoln, NE
  • Availability: 93.13%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 388 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

St. Paris, OH
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 1,459 Mbps
  • Consolidated Avg. Speed: 185 Mbps
Eris, OH
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 100 Mbps
  • Consolidated Avg. Speed: 50 Mbps
Thackery, OH
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 44 Mbps
  • Consolidated Avg. Speed: 10 Mbps
Lena, OH
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 592 Mbps
  • Consolidated Avg. Speed: 10 Mbps
Millerstown, OH
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 53 Mbps
  • Consolidated Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps

Consolidated Cities

Dickinson, ND
  • Availability: 98.82%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Urbana, OH
  • Availability: 97.63%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 548 Mbps
West Liberty, OH
  • Availability: 48.56%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 98 Mbps
Powhatton, OH
  • Availability: 81.12%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 633 Mbps
Cable, OH
  • Availability: 88.16%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 431 Mbps