Windstream vs. CrossTel

Which is better where you live? Coverage, speed, price and customer ratings, side by side

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Whether you’re researching Windstream vs. CrossTel 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.

Maintained by:Carson WardData & methodology:Wes WardLast updated:October 24, 2026November 4, 2026

Which is better, Windstream or CrossTel?

Faster

Cheaper to start

Better rated

Available to more people

Windstream

Price: $19.99 - $79.99 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 2,000 Mbps
Internet Type: DSL, fiber, fixed wireless, and cable
Rating (Reviews): (92)
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CrossTel

Price: $57.00 - $97.00 / mo.
Speed: 25 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless, DSL, and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (0)
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Windstream vs. CrossTel at a glance

Measure	Windstream	CrossTel

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 CrossTel are available

Windstream and CrossTel 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 | CrossTel 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 CrossTel coverage map.

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

Windstream vs. CrossTel Speeds and Technology

Windstream and CrossTel 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 CrossTel’s average speed of 224 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, CrossTel’s top-tier Fiber is available to 17.7% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Windstream vs. CrossTel Plans and Prices

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

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CrossTel Internet Plans & Pricing

Plan	Monthly Price	Typical Download Speed	Typical Upload Speed	Connection Type
The Easy Scroller	$57.00	25 Mbps	5 Mbps	DSL
Office Warrior	$62.00	50 Mbps	10 Mbps	DSL
Connected Home	$67.00	100 Mbps	10 Mbps	DSL
Daily Streamer	$67.00	250 Mbps	100 Mbps	Fiber
Digital Family	$87.00	600 Mbps	100 Mbps	Fiber
Platinum	$89.99	100 Mbps	20 Mbps	Fixed Wireless
XStream	$97.00	1000 Mbps	500 Mbps	Fiber

Sourced from pricing published on CrossTel'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.

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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. CrossTel Customer Ratings and Reviews

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

Windstream Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

(40)

Cable

(2)

DSL

(52)

Fixed Wireless

(4)

Windstream has an overall rating of 3.35 out of 5, with a total of 99 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 (53% of reviews) averages 3.00 / 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.

Windstream vs. CrossTel 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

CrossTel Service

Fee

Not Provided by CrossTel

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. CrossTel Pros and Cons

Windstream

Pros

Cons

CrossTel

Pros

Cons

Windstream vs. CrossTel Top Cities

Windstream serves 5,467 cities while CrossTel is available in 59 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.