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Windstream vs. Heartland Fiber

Whether you’re researching Windstream vs. Heartland Fiber 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)

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Heartland Fiber
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 500 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber
Rating (Reviews): (0)

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Windstream and Heartland Fiber compete directly in approximately 0.00% of their service areas, with Windstream covering 8,666,574 people nationwide and Heartland Fiber serving 11,417. Windstream primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; Heartland Fiber specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Windstream and Heartland Fiber's availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

Windstream vs. Heartland Fiber | 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

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Heartland Fiber Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Service available in rural areas
  • Extensive fiber network
  • Works with smart home devices

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Speeds fluctuate during peak usage hours
  • Performance depends on local infrastructure

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Windstream vs. Heartland Fiber | Availability

Windstream and Heartland Fiber 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 | Heartland Fiber 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, Heartland Fiber serves 11,417 residents in 6 cities and 2 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Eureka, IL; Mackinaw, IL; and Roanoke, IL.

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..

Heartland Fiber is prominent in State with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 55, Heartland Fiber offers a balanced distribution of coverage across urban and rural areas.

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

Windstream vs. Heartland Fiber | Speeds & Technology

Windstream and Heartland Fiber 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. Heartland Fiber relies on fiber technology, which comprises 100.0% of their network, this is the only connection type they offer.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Windstream offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 807 Mbps compared to Heartland Fiber's average speed of 500 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Windstream delivers faster speeds in 0.00% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.00%, and slower speeds in 0.00%.

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, Heartland Fiber'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. Heartland Fiber | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Windstream, sourced directly from FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband labels to ensure transparency and accuracy. Unfortunately, Heartland Fiber has not complied with FCC requirements to provide their broadband label data, limiting transparency and the ability for consumers to make direct comparisons.

We've included the available Windstream plan details below to help you understand their offerings while we await Heartland Fiber's compliance with federal transparency requirements.

Windstream Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Kinetic Internet 300$39.99 ($39.99 after 12 months)300 Mbps300 MbpsFiber
Kinetic Internet Basic$39.99 ($39.99 after 12 months)50 Mbps10 MbpsDSL
Kinetic Internet 100$50.00 ($50.00 after 12 months)100 Mbps20 MbpsDSL
Kinetic Internet 1 Gig$69.99 ($69.99 after 24 months)1000 Mbps1000 MbpsFiber
Kinetic Internet 2 Gig$99.99 ($99.99 after 24 months)2000 Mbps2000 MbpsFiber

Note: These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas.

Windstream 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. Heartland Fiber | Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, Windstream earns an overall rating of 3.36 / 5 stars from 87 customer reviews, while Heartland Fiber maintains a 0.00 / 5 rating from 0 reviews. Heartland Fiber outperforms Windstream by 0.00 points in overall satisfaction. Windstream's best-rated service is their fiber offering at 3.86 / 5 stars, compared to Heartland Fiber's highest-rated service, , at 0.00 / 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

45

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 3.50 of 5 stars

2

Windstream has an overall rating of 3.36 out of 5, with a total of 87 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 (52% 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.

Heartland Fiber Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Heartland Fiber has an overall rating of 0.00 out of 5, with a total of 0 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Heartland Fiber's ratings, their service (0% of reviews) averages 0.00 / 5 stars, their overall company rating. This suggests that , an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Heartland Fiber Internet Reviews page.

Windstream vs. Heartland Fiber | 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.

Heartland Fiber has not provided standardized fee information through their FCC broadband label data. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess their true service costs beyond advertised rates. For current fee information, we recommend contacting Heartland Fiber directly or reviewing their terms of service documentation.

Windstream Service

Fee

Equipment (gateway) rental

$10.99

Professional installation fee (if applicable)

$35

Activation fee

$60

Heartland Fiber Service

Fee

Not Provided by Heartland Fiber

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. Heartland Fiber | Top Cities

Windstream serves 5,504 cities while Heartland Fiber is available in 6 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

Windstream and Heartland Fiber don't compete in any cities.InfoWe still compare these non-competing providers because many of our users are researching internet options for different locations—whether for an upcoming move, a second home purchase, or simply to understand regional differences in internet service. This comparison helps you evaluate both providers based on the same criteria, giving you valuable insight regardless of where you currently live.

Heartland Fiber Cities

Eureka, IL
  • Availability: 87.41%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 500 Mbps
Mackinaw, IL
  • Availability: 49.24%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 500 Mbps
Roanoke, IL
  • Availability: 83.14%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 500 Mbps
Minier, IL
  • Availability: 60.54%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 500 Mbps
Deer Creek, IL
  • Availability: 56.11%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 500 Mbps