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Windstream vs. QualStar Communications

Whether you’re researching Windstream vs. QualStar Communications 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: $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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QualStar Communications
Price: $29.95 - $99.95 / mo.
Speed: 25 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (0)

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Windstream and QualStar Communications compete directly in approximately 0.21% of their service areas, with Windstream covering 8,678,961 people nationwide and QualStar Communications serving 770,792. Windstream primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; QualStar Communications specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Windstream and QualStar Communications’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

Windstream vs. QualStar Communications | Pros & Cons

Windstream Logo

Pros:

  • Gigabit speeds available
  • 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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QualStar Communications Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Up-front month-to-month pricing
  • No contracts required
  • Primarily fiber-based network

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited plan variety
  • Limited fiber availability

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Windstream vs. QualStar Communications | Availability

Windstream and QualStar Communications 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 | QualStar Communications 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. By comparison, QualStar Communications serves 770,792 residents in 323 cities and 25 counties in 3 states, with a presence in population centers such as Toledo, OH; Fort Wayne, IN; and Findlay, 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..

QualStar Communications is prominent in the East North Central region with service to 323 cities and 209 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 50, QualStar Communications 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 QualStar Communications at your location, use our address search tool:

Windstream vs. QualStar Communications | Speeds & Technology

Windstream and QualStar Communications 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 0.0% of their customers. They also offer fiber to less than 1% of their coverage area. QualStar Communications relies on fiber technology, which comprises 0.0% of their network, with fixed wireless available in less than 1% of their service locations.

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 QualStar Communications’s average speed of 301 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Windstream delivers faster speeds in 51.59% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 9.78%, and slower speeds in 38.63%.

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, QualStar Communications’s top-tier Fiber is available to 2.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Windstream vs. QualStar Communications | Plans & Pricing

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

Windstream Plans

QualStar Communications Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Basic User$29.9525 Mbps5 MbpsDSL
Customer Favorite$59.95100 Mbps25 MbpsDSL
Bigger Family$79.95200 Mbps25 MbpsCable
Ultimate Gamer$99.95500 Mbps50 MbpsCable

Sourced from pricing published on QualStar Communications'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.

QualStar Communications 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. QualStar Communications | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Windstream and QualStar Communications 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 97 customer reviews, while QualStar Communications maintains a 4.00 / 5 rating from 2 reviews. QualStar Communications outperforms Windstream by 0.6 points in overall satisfaction. Windstream’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.90 / 5 stars, compared to QualStar Communications’s highest-rated service, Fixed Wireless, at 5.00 / 5 stars.

Windstream Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.90 of 5 stars

(39)

Cable

Cable: 3.00 of 5 stars

(2)

DSL

DSL: 3.00 of 5 stars

(52)

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 3.00 of 5 stars

(4)

Windstream has an overall rating of 3.36 out of 5, with a total of 97 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.

QualStar Communications Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

DSL

DSL: 3.00 of 5 stars

(1)

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 5.00 of 5 stars

(1)

QualStar Communications has an overall rating of 4.00 out of 5, with a total of 2 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them slightly higher than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into QualStar Communications’s ratings, their DSL service (50% of reviews) averages 3.00 / 5 stars, higher than their overall company rating. This difference suggests that customers have notably different experiences with their various service types, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our QualStar Communications Internet Reviews page.

Windstream vs. QualStar Communications | 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

QualStar Communications Service

Fee

Not Provided by QualStar Communications

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. QualStar Communications | Top Cities

Windstream serves 5,467 cities while QualStar Communications is available in 323 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

Windstream Cities

Charlotte, NC
  • Availability: 24.94%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 990 Mbps
Atlanta, GA
  • Availability: 5.26%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,234 Mbps
Lexington, KY
  • Availability: 94.07%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 630 Mbps
Cleveland, OH
  • Availability: 13.12%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,521 Mbps
Lincoln, NE
  • Availability: 92.63%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 441 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

Toledo, OH
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 831 Mbps
  • QualStar Communications Avg. Speed: 162 Mbps
Delta, OH
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 1,409 Mbps
  • QualStar Communications Avg. Speed: 147 Mbps
Paulding, OH
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 1,338 Mbps
  • QualStar Communications Avg. Speed: 565 Mbps
Swanton, OH
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 63 Mbps
  • QualStar Communications Avg. Speed: 118 Mbps
Neapolis, OH
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 351 Mbps
  • QualStar Communications Avg. Speed: 110 Mbps

QualStar Communications Cities

Toledo, OH
  • Availability: 25.09%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 308 Mbps
Fort Wayne, IN
  • Availability: 31.60%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 182 Mbps
Findlay, OH
  • Availability: 96.73%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 337 Mbps
Lima, OH
  • Availability: 47.21%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 163 Mbps
Bowling Green, OH
  • Availability: 88.31%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 269 Mbps