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Windstream vs. Netwave Broadband

Whether you’re researching Windstream vs. Netwave Broadband 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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Netwave Broadband
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 47 - 3,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (0)

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Windstream and Netwave Broadband compete directly in approximately 0.00% of their service areas, with Windstream covering 8,666,574 people nationwide and Netwave Broadband serving 111,713. Windstream primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; Netwave Broadband specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Windstream and Netwave Broadband’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

Windstream vs. Netwave Broadband | 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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Netwave Broadband Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Extensive fiber network
  • Supports everyday activities like email and web browsing
  • Connects multiple devices simultaneously

Cons:

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

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Windstream vs. Netwave Broadband | Availability

Windstream and Netwave Broadband 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 | Netwave Broadband 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, Netwave Broadband serves 111,713 residents in 44 cities and 10 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Minneapolis, MN; Shakopee, MN; and Prior Lake, MN.

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..

Netwave Broadband is prominent in State with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 33, Netwave Broadband 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 Netwave Broadband at your location, use our address search tool:

Windstream vs. Netwave Broadband | Speeds & Technology

Windstream and Netwave Broadband 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. Netwave Broadband relies on fiber technology, which comprises 56.2% of their network, with fixed wireless available in 67.0% 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 Netwave Broadband’s average speed of 603 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, Netwave Broadband’s top-tier Fiber is available to 56.2% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Windstream vs. Netwave Broadband | Plans & Pricing

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

Netwave Broadband Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Fixed Wireless$65.00125 Mbps35 MbpsFixed Wireless
Custom Fiber Service$129.001000 Mbps1000 MbpsFiber

Sourced from pricing published on Netwave Broadband'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.

Netwave Broadband 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. Netwave Broadband | Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

Windstream Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.86 of 5 stars

(36)

Cable

Cable: 3.00 of 5 stars

(2)

DSL

DSL: 3.00 of 5 stars

(49)

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 90 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 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. Netwave Broadband | 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

Netwave Broadband Service

Fee

Not Provided by Netwave Broadband

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. Netwave Broadband | Top Cities

Windstream serves 5,504 cities while Netwave Broadband 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

Windstream and Netwave Broadband 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.

Netwave Broadband Cities

Minneapolis, MN
  • Availability: 2.52%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 561 Mbps
Shakopee, MN
  • Availability: 50.36%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 566 Mbps
Prior Lake, MN
  • Availability: 49.88%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 894 Mbps
Mankato, MN
  • Availability: 23.95%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
New Prague, MN
  • Availability: 75.66%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 341 Mbps