Average Internet Speed by State

Written by Madeline Gearheart • September 9, 2024 • < 1

How to Get Internet in Rural Areas

Getting internet in rural areas is a challenge, but not impossible. Read this guide to compare rural internet types and make the best possible choice for your home.

Written by Madeline Gearheart • July 12, 2024 • < 1

If you live in a rural community, you sit right on the edge of the “digital divide.” One side gets easy-breezy internet access, while the other side often gets left behind by the major internet providers.

Good news, though—a dedicated few still keep rural living in mind. If you’re moving to the country soon or unhappy with your current service, this guide on how to get high-speed internet in rural areas can help you confidently choose the right service for you.

Internet Options for Rural Areas

Wired internet connections

The most similar to urban internet solutions, wired internet for rural areas runs on underground networks of copper and fiber-optic cables. DSL and mixed networks are the most common wired services rurally, while dial-up fills the gaps and fiber internet is available to a lucky few.

Dial-up. Up to 1 Mbps. Dial-up uses local telephone infrastructure to send data to and from your home. Thought of as an obsolete technology by many urban residents, dial-up still fills the gaps in DSL coverage and provides needed bandwidth for basic browsing.

DSL. 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps. Like dial-up, DSL internet sends data over the copper wiring of your hometown’s local telephone grid, but the connection is “always on” and doesn’t share traffic with your phone line. Speeds vary based on how far your neighborhood is from the nearest station.

Mixed wired network. 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps. In most areas, only one type of wired broadband is available, DSL or cable. Mixed networks such as Windstream internet, however, combine DLS, dial-up, fiber-optic, and even cable networks to give you the fastest possible speeds wherever you are.

Fiber. 500 Mbps to 2+ Gbps. Fiber is the fastest, most advanced technology on the market. Although fiber companies are working hard to build out the infrastructure, it’s by no means available everywhere yet, even in large metros. That said, it can be available in rural areas just outside of urban centers with a robust fiber network.

Wireless internet connections

The word “wireless” has several meanings depending on context. In this case, it refers to a home internet service that broadcasts signal through air and space rather than an underground network of copper or fiber cabling.

Satellite internet. 10 Mbps to 150 Mbps. As the name implies, satellite internet sends data to and from orbiting satellites using radio waves. Select satellite networks offer speeds competitive with wired networks. However, satellite internet has the highest latency (lag) in rural internet because of the sheer distance the data travels round-trip.
Cellular 4G LTE or 5G. 25 Mbps to 245 Mbps. Just like your mobile data service, cellular home internet runs on a network of cell towers that broadcast radio signals over large areas. These days, 4G and 5G network types are common and offer speeds competitive with wired internet.
Fixed wireless. 25 Mbps to 50 Mbps. Fixed wireless is very similar to cellular home internet, except that rather than forming a national network, fixed wireless internet towers are usually owned and operated by smaller companies with a focus on serving local areas. Availability varies widely—and also requires a clear path to the cell tower for a reliable signal.

Compare Rural Internet Options at a Glance

Type of Rural Internet	Technology	Download Speeds	Monthly Pricing	Latency (Lag)	Data	Rural Availability
Dial-up	Wired	Up to 1 Mbps	Free–$15, requires phone line	160 ms	Unlimited	Widely available
DSL	Wired	10–100 Mbps	$55	28 ms	Unlimited	Widely available
Mixed network	Wired	100–1,000 Mbps	$40–$70	25 ms	Unlimited	Widely available
Fiber	Wired	500–2,000+ Mbps	$40–$100+	10 ms	Unlimited	Limited availability
Satellite	Wireless	10–150 Mbps	$50–$300	500+ ms	Lower speeds after soft data cap	Widely available
Cellular 4G/5G	Wireless	25–245 Mbps	$35–$50	30 ms	Lower speeds after soft data cap	Widely available
Fixed wireless	Wireless	25–50 Mbps	$45–65	30 ms	Unlimited at provider’s discretion	Limited availability

How to Get Better Internet in Rural Areas

“Better” is subjective, but we can help you define it for yourself. If you’re moving soon or your current services aren’t cutting it, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make a decision you’ll be happy with.

1. Analyze your current pain points

Speed. If you feel like you just can’t get anything done online, test your internet speed to see if you’re getting the advertised bandwidth. If your results are lower than you expected, reach out to customer service to rule out a technical issue. If there isn’t one, that’s your sign to shop for faster speeds.
Latency. It’s possible to have both high speeds and a sluggish or inconsistent internet connection because of high latency (lag). Test your latency along with your speed, and if it’s above 50 ms, take it up with customer service—or shop for better internet. Providers don’t usually state latency rates, so you’ll need to do additional research or compare your test results to the typical latencies listed in the table above.
Pricing and terms. If you’re frustrated with your monthly price, throttled data, or rigid contract, look for service plans with the terms you want. You can also look out for promotions or benefits, e.g., a money-back guarantee or reward cards, to sweeten the pot.

2. Rank your priorities

Generally, people want the highest speeds they can get at the lowest price available. But unless you’re made of money, you usually have to prioritize one over the other.

When to prioritize speed: when you have a crowded home or ambitious plans for using your internet. Email, social media, and banking won’t take much speed, but HD streaming, video calls, and especially gaming need a lot more.
When to prioritize price: ultimately, only you can decide this one. Just make sure you’ve tallied all the equipment, activation, installation, or service fees you can find before you make your final decision.
Other priorities to consider: latency and reliability. If you work from home and have to be online all the time, you’ve got to aim for the most reliable service possible. If you’re a more casual user and can afford occasional interruptions, you can leave latency out of the picture.

3. Compare, and find a happy medium

Once you’ve identified pain points and ranked your priorities, start shopping for internet services in your area. Use the handy comparison table below to compare the results against your ranked priorities. Then narrow down the options until you can confidently say you’ve got “better” internet in your rural area.

Note: If you can’t find the data policy, see if it’s in the fine print.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all rural internet slow?

Not all rural internet. The slowest rural internet service is dial-up, and DSL can also be slower the farther you go from a network node.

Every other type of rural internet has offered higher speeds over time to match the way people currently use the internet. Most of their plans meet the FCC’s requirements for broadband or “high-speed” internet speeds (25 Mbps download / 3 Mbps upload), which is enough for social media, work from home, and basic streaming.

As VR, blockchain, and other advanced internet processes become more common, that minimum speed standard might go up. But if the past is any proof, rural internet providers will adapt to meet the demand for modern internet access.

What can I do with rural internet speeds?

Generally, rural broadband plans (25 Mbps download / 3 Mbps upload speeds) let small households do typical activities such as social media, working from home, and basic streaming. Other rural broadband plans go much higher, making it easier for larger families and more avid internet users to do their favorite activities. Keep in mind, though, that the high latency of satellite internet limits HD streaming and gaming even at high speeds.

Many rural internet plans start below broadband speeds, giving families budget plan options that support simple web processes such as email, banking, and social media, and light video calling. Dial-up, however, has only enough bandwidth for simple internet browsing and email.

What is the best internet service for rural areas?

Like anywhere else, the “best” rural internet service is different for every family and depends on your values and deal-breakers.

When available, the best rural internet speeds come from fiber or mixed networks, which easily reach beyond 100 Mbps. The next fastest rural internet speeds, which are also more widely available, come from cellular, DSL, and satellite internet plans.

As for pricing, most rural internet plans start at $40–50 per month and max out around $70 per month—except for satellite internet, which rises steeply to $300 per month for speeds of 100 Mbps.

As you can see, pricing and speeds can vary even within the same geographical area, so shop by address or ZIP code to get the most precise picture of the best rural internet near you. Use the table above to make a methodical decision, or just go with your gut.

How do people in rural areas get internet?

There are seven internet technologies available rurally, but not every area has every kind of service. Google these internet types along with your ZIP code to see available plans in your area.

Rural internet types

Dial-up, slow but widely available
DSL, speeds vary, widely available
Fiber network, fast but limited availability
Mixed wired network (e.g., Windstream), speeds vary, widely available
Satellite internet, fast but expensive
Cellular home internet, fast with 5G and widely available
Fixed wireless, variable speeds and limited availability

How do I get internet when there is no service?

Rural internet providers make an effort to create service in remote areas, so chances are, you have options. Wireless solutions such as cellular, fixed wireless, and satellite internet are the most likely to be available near you, and fixed wireless plans have the added bonus of being available when you’re not home but still around the neighborhood.

Farther from home, however, especially deep in the backcountry, you might struggle to get reliable internet access or lose it altogether. You can’t take your home internet network with you, so access depends on your mobile carrier network. It might take extra research and trial-and-error to check for coverage at your favorite camping or hiking spot.

Can you get internet off the grid?

This depends on what you mean by “off the grid.” Technically, any connection to the world wide web is “on the grid,” because your device can’t send or receive data requests to other servers without being on some kind of network.

But if “off the grid” just means rural or remote, you have a variety of options the closer you live to residential areas. The farther you go from population centers, satellite internet will be your best bet because it doesn’t rely on nearby towers. But ultimately, satellite internet access still depends on whether your provider is willing to come install your service.

Does portable Wi-Fi work in rural areas?

Often, yes! Your portable Wi-Fi device acts just like a mobile hotspot, channeling signal from 4G/5G cellular towers nearby. However, that doesn’t mean your Wi-Fi device can create an internet signal out of thin air. If your ISP doesn’t have a cell tower nearby, you’ll need to borrow public or guest Wi-Fi to get internet access.

Get Windstream Kinetic

It can be a real challenge to get fast internet in rural areas, but not impossible. To improve your chances of getting fast, reliable internet access, consider Windstream Kinetic. Its mixed-method network leverages the strengths of no less than four wired technologies to reach rural communities—and speeds start around 100 Mbps, where other rural services tend to max out.

Check Windstream availability at your address today to see what your life could be like with fast rural internet.

Check Windstream Availability

References

Bandwidth Place, “Fixed Wireless Internet.” Retrieved 27 November 2023 from https://www.bandwidthplace.com/fixed-wireless-internet/
Broadband USA National Telecommunications and Information Administration, “How fast is broadband?” Retrieved 27 November 2023 from https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/about-us/frequently-asked-questions/how-fast-broadband
CNET, “Best DSL Internet Providers of 2023.” Retrieved 27 November 2023 from https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-dsl-internet/
CNET, “Best Rural Internet Providers of 2023.” Retrieved 27 November 2023 from https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-rural-internet/
Dgtl Infra, “Fixed Wireless Internet: a Broadband Alternative Emerges.” Retrieved 27 November 2023 from https://dgtlinfra.com/fixed-wireless-internet-broadband/
Dialup4less, “Dialup 4 Less.” Retrieved 27 November 2023 from https://www.dialup4less.com/
Federal Communications Commission, “Twelfth Measuring Broadband America Fixed Broadband Report.” Retrieved 27 November 2023 from https://data.fcc.gov/download/measuring-broadband-america/2022/2022-Fixed-Measuring-Broadband-America-Report.pdf
Fierce Wireless, “Fixed wireless service quality lags wired broadband, says Evercore.” Retrieved 27 November 2023 from https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/fixed-wireless-service-quality-lags-wired-broadband-says-evercore
Forbes, “DSL vs. Cable vs. Fiber Internet.” Retrieved 27 November 2023 from https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/home/dsl-vs-cable-vs-fiber/
HughesNet, “Satellite Internet Service Plans.” Retrieved 27 November 2023 from https://www.hughesnet.com/get-started
NetZero, “NetZero Dial-Up.” Retrieved 27 November 2023 from https://store.netzero.net/account/showService.do?serviceId=nz-dialup
PingPlotter, “What Are Good Latency & Ping Speeds?” Retrieved 27 November 2023 from https://www.pingplotter.com/wisdom/article/is-my-connection-good/
Rise Broadband, “Residential Internet Service.” Retrieved 27 November 2023 from https://www.risebroadband.com/residential/
Starry, “Starry Internet.” Retrieved 27 November 2023 from https://starry.com/internet
Starry, “Starry WiFi Hotspot End User Terms & Conditions.” Retrieved 27 November 2023 from https://starry.com/legal/common-area-terms
T-Mobile, “Policies.” Retrieved 27 November 2023 from https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info/policies/internet-service
Verizon, “Important Plan Information.” Retrieved 27 November 2023 from https://www.verizon.com/support/important-plan-information/#5g-home-internet
Verizon, “LTE Home Internet.” Retrieved 27 November 2023 from https://www.verizon.com/home/internet/lte/
Viasat, “Let’s find internet plans available in your area.” Retrieved 27 November 2023 from https://buy.viasat.com/en-US/r/pln
Viasat, “Satellite internet latency: What’s the big deal?” Retrieved 27 November 2023 from https://news.viasat.com/blog/satellite-internet/satellite-internet-latency-whats-the-big-deal

Our Beginners Guide to the Best VR Games

Start your journey into virtual reality and find out the knowledge necessary to join the metaverse with GetWindstream’s Beginners Guide to Playing VR Games

Written by Annie Eyre • November 17, 2022 • < 1

Jumplinks:

VR essentials
The best VR headsets
The best VR games
The best internet speeds for VR games

Despite sounding like a neologism of our century, the idea of virtual reality began to form long ago. Even before The Jetsons made very memorable assumptions about the future (along with an awesome theme song), prototypes of immersive, multi-sensory cabins had been created. Now, virtual experiences are a reality and available at home.

Virtual reality technology has grown exponentially in recent years, with many applications. Companies such as Microsoft, Meta, and Apple are building out virtual spaces for shopping, sports, education, healthcare, and entertainment, but hands down, VR games are our favorite way to enter the Metaverse.

While we patiently wait for Meta to release Meta Quest Pro and learn how to play the newly released Among Us VR, here is our helpful guide to getting started exploring the Metaverse.

What do I need to play VR games?

Besides the game you decide to play, you will need a device to run the game. There are different ways to play VR games on a PC, a gaming console, or a smartphone. In addition, a VR headset is mandatory. The headset replaces your natural environment with virtual reality content.

Now that your sight is covered, ensure high-quality sound with a pair of headphones. For touch, there are optional accessories, from hand controllers and gaming joypads to treadmills. To taste, get some water and stay hydrated throughout each game. VR games are still a work in progress, but they could soon tap into your sense of smell too.

Giveaway Alert!

GetWindstream wants to give one lucky applicant an opportunity to explore the Metaverse by supplying everything needed to go virtual. Whether you’re a VR newbie or an augmented reality expert, you just have to tell us why you will be the perfect VR gamer. A Meta Quest 2 VR package and prize money are at stake. Visit this page for more information.

Do I need a headset to play VR games?

Yes. As much as Superman needs his glasses to be Clark Kent, you need a VR headset to become Superman in the Metaverse.

From an all-in-one VR headset starting at $400 to the most impressive VR headset with finger-tracking controllers, here is a list of the top 5 VR headsets available today:

Best VR headsets

The Meta Quest 2 autonomous
Sony PlayStation VR for PlayStation 4
HP Revert G2 for PC
Samsung Gear VR for smartphones
Valve Index for PC

The best virtual reality games

Beat Saber, a music-rhythm game that’s a social media sensation
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, rated 5-stars
Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-Ality, a fan favorite
Surgineer, for all non-doctors
Horizon Worlds, to experience virtual social life
NFL PRO ERA, to become a QB at home

There are many more games on various VR app stores; our best recommendation is for you to play and find your new favorite.

Virtual reality has the potential to transport you to new worlds without leaving home, but it needs fast, stable broadband.

Windstream’s best internet speeds for VR

High-speed internet is your best ally in online and VR gaming. To get HD-equivalent VR experience, enough bandwidth to connect your devices, and fast download speeds, you need a minimum connection speed of around 200 Mbps—and probably more to be safe.

Luckily for you, Kinetic by Windstream offers high internet speeds ranging from 200 Mbps to Fiber Gig speeds of 1000 Mbps. Discover how we provide quality services at home, maximize your VR experience, and enhance your web, phone, and TV services with Kinetic by Windstream.

Don’t miss the opportunity to become GetWindstream’s VR gamer. Step into virtual worlds and play 25 hours of VR video games at home to win $1,500. Sign up here.

We hope you enjoyed our beginner guide to VR. It is time to clear your gaming room of obstacles that might interfere with your VR fun, prepare your equipment, and dive into the future. Until next time!

What’s a Good Gaming Internet Speed?

To avoid buffer and lag, make sure you have the right speed for your gaming setup. Windstream can show you the ideal gaming internet speed.

Written by Alec Sears • June 30, 2022 • < 1

Good Gaming Internet Speeds Lead to Great Gaming Experiences

If you’re here, you don’t need us to tell you what a great gaming experience is. It may seem nearly impossible at times to get one when games take forever to load, or high latency is causing your avatar to turn too slowly. Maybe you’ve been disconnected one too many times, or once you do connect, your game lags because your roommate is busy watching Spiderman: No Way Home for the 10th time while the other is playing his own online match of the latest Madden. Whatever gets your gears grinding, a great gaming experience requires a good gaming internet speed. But what is that speed exactly?

With changes in both internet and gaming technology over the past few decades, getting a good gaming speed isn’t difficult to find these days, so you don’t have to be the one other players call out online for “lagging” or “breaking up.”

Defining Gaming Internet Speed Terms

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s make sure we’re in the same party regarding gaming terminology.

Download speed: Download speed has to do with how many megabits per second it takes to download information from a server. This references how fast a website loads, an email opens, or a song streams on a day-to-day basis. In gaming, download speeds reflect how quickly a game downloads or how long it takes a game to stream in HD. With a fast download speed, you can get right into the game without waiting too long. So, what is a good download speed for gaming? Gaming consoles have different minimum requirements for download speeds, but the average minimum requirement among all consoles is roughly 3 Mbps.

Upload Speed: While not as important, upload speed can still affect your gaming experience. Upload speed refers to how fast your console or computer sends data to a server. In everyday life, this involves sending emails or video conferencing. If you’re playing online, it’s how fast people can see you make your moves. Upload speeds can also affect Twitch streaming—faster uploads ensures your loyal subscribers aren’t left waiting. But what’s considered a good upload speed for gaming? That number falls anywhere between 0.5 to 1 Mbps.

Ping rate: After your device sends data to the server, your internet connection needs to respond. This is known as ping rate, which is measured in milliseconds (ms). The higher the ping rate, the longer it takes for your internet to respond, the likelier you’ll experience lag or latency. Latency can affect your success during an MMO or FPS game, so you’ll want to ensure your ping rate is reasonable. Any ping rate under 20 ms is exceptional for online gaming.

What Internet Speed is Good for Gaming?

It’s important to remember that the minimum requirement doesn’t necessarily mean best or ideal. With the bare minimum, you also run the risk of having high ping rates, causing you to lag at the worst time. A faster internet speed will have your download and upload speeds at a much higher rate while keeping your ping rate low. We recommend starting at 300 Mbps and then going up from there depending on your setup.With minimum download and upload speed requirements at 3 Mbps and 1 Mbps, respectively, why are internet providers offering such high speeds for their internet service? Keep in mind internet speed is different from download and upload speed. For example, a 300 Mbps internet plan really offers download speeds of roughly 38 Mbps. Also, one router usually has multiple devices connected to it, impacting your gaming internet speed across all devices. You can never have enough smart assistants in your home and you can’t call yourself a real gamer if you don’t have a Playstation, Nintendo, and Xbox console connected, right? Whatever your layout is, you want to ensure that you have the best gaming internet speed for the ideal online gaming experience.

internet speed for gaming

You’ve Got the Speed, But You’re Still Lagging

Your teammates are relying on you to get the final score, and just when you’re about to take your shot, your avatar stalls, then skips, then stalls again. You end up losing the match and the game because you lagged. But you got the right internet speed for gaming, so what gives? There may be other reasons your game is still lagging. Let’s go over what they could be and what you can do to fix them.

Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet: Gaming over Wi-Fi isn’t the worst idea, but it can cause delays in your gameplay. If you have the option to connect directly into your router, you’re less likely to suffer from high latency. If you still prefer a wireless connection, make sure your console and router are close to each other, diminishing delay in data transmission.

Disconnect devices from the router: You may have more connected devices to your router than you need. If you’re experiencing lag, make sure you disconnect any device that might be using bandwidth passively. Disconnect tablets and phones from the Wi-Fi if not in use to ensure more bandwidth is available for your online gaming.

Update your devices and check your connections: Because gaming and internet technology moves quickly, there may be firmware updates that you will need to implement to keep your game running. Make sure you update your consoles, computers, and even your router, so you’re only using the latest firmware on your devices. If you’re hardwired, check that all wires are fully connected and functional.

Upgrade your ISP: If all these fixes are still not working for you, it may be time to upgrade your ISP. A new ISP can make your internet connection more reliable, and with faster speeds available, you can play games in peace without further interruptions.

Where Does Windstream Come In?

Kinetic by Windstream offers good internet speeds for gaming any avid gamer can appreciate. With plans up to multi Gig speeds, you can ensure your gaming experience doesn’t suffer from latency and lousy connection. And with the 30-day money-back guarantee, if it’s not living up to your gaming standard, you can get a refund for the equipment and services. Find the plan that works with your setup today.

How To Optimize Home Internet Speeds

Finding the right internet plan to optimize your home internet speeds is easy with Kinetic by Windstream.

Written by Madeline Gearheart • June 10, 2022 • < 1

Are you wondering how to make your internet faster? As technology continues to expand, you’ll likely add more devices to your internet network over time. Multiple users and devices on your Wi-Fi network can slow down internet speeds and significantly impact overall performance.

We have several steps we recommend you take to enhance your family’s connected lifestyle to optimize internet speed.

9 ways to optimize internet speed at home

Turn modem and router off and on again
Identify your data cap
Examine your router
Use an Ethernet cable
Install virus protection
Utilize an ad blocker
Clear unnecessary connections
Replace your equipment
Upgrade to faster internet

Before you begin troubleshooting, we recommend testing the speed of your internet connection. An internet speed test will confirm whether your connection is working up to the ultra fast speeds your ISP (Internet Service Provider) promised.

Windstream’s Internet Speed Test is easy and quick to complete.

How to make internet faster

Is your family constantly using the internet for school, work, and recreational activities at the same time? Many families are currently facing this challenge and are looking for ways to optimize home internet speeds. If multiple users and devices are causing home internet slowdowns, here are some tips on how to make your internet faster.

1. Turn modem and router off and on again

Learning how to make Wi-Fi faster is a process. Sometimes the gap between a slow connection and a faster internet connection simply lies in turning your Wi-Fi modem and router off and on again.

A modem is used to transfer signals from your home network to the wider internet. A Wi-Fi router, also called a wireless router, connects you to local networks or to the internet. It’s best to use a separate modem and router especially since most modem’s can be used for years at a time.

To restart your modem and router unplug them both and wait about 30 seconds. This gives your devices and ISP time to register that the modem and router are down. After 30 seconds plug the devices back in and follow through with the steps to get back online. This may seem like a minor step, but turning your modem and router off and on again can often fix connection problems.

2. Identify your data cap

Maxing out the data allowed in your plan is a sure way to slow down your internet connection.

While Windstream features internet plans without data caps, most internet providers impose data caps in their plans. If you happen to have an internet plan that does, you’ll need to closely monitor data usage month-to-month in order to avoid slowdowns. There are several ways to make your data cap work for you including:

Lowering video quality on streaming applications such as Netflix and Hulu
Tracking your usage to identify inconsistencies that repeatedly drain data
Checking if your ISP can provide additional data for the month

Living below your data means can be done, but it will take discipline and call for compromises to be made.

how to optimize internet speed

3. Examine your router

There are several steps you can take to help speed up your internet connection. This could be as simple as moving your router or adjusting the antenna’s.

If your router is in a remote corner in your basement, move it to a more prominent area. We suggest placing it in the middle of the house or the part of the house you hangout in the most. This will allow the signal from the Wi-Fi router to reach you thus giving you a strong internet connection.

Many routers have internal antennas, but if yours has external antennas you can adjust them to make your internet faster. Router antennas are usually omnidirectional meaning they send and receive signals from every angle. For example, angling your antennas vertically sends Wi-Fi signals horizontally and vice versa.

These small steps can make a world of difference, especially if you’re needing to extend Wi-Fi connection to multiple devices throughout your home.

4. Use an Ethernet cable

Cabled internet connections like ethernet have proven to be reliable time and time again. Although Wi-Fi is more convenient, ethernet is best for getting signals directly to your devices when and where you need them.

We recommend avoiding over-the-air transmissions and relying on ethernet connection for your most important devices. This can include gaming consoles, desktops, laptops, and televisions. Hooking these high-bandwidth devices up to a cabled connection will easily give you the fast internet you’re looking for.

5. Install virus protection

Similar to how getting infected with a virus can slow you down, a virus can put a serious drag on your internet connection.

If you haven’t already, we recommend that you download an antivirus and malware program to protect your network and personal information. This is a general rule of thumb, regardless of whether internet speed is a problem or not. Once you find a good software program, set it to regularly scan your computer for viruses and malware. If a virus or malware is ever detected you can take your device to a computer technician for repair.

6. Utilize an ad blocker

Ads on the internet are not uncommon. Most websites you visit daily feature flashy ads, photos, videos, GIFs, and even social media posts. You never know what will pop up.

While you may not mind the advertisements, your internet connection suffers because of them. Ad media tends to slow connection down, that’s why it’s often times easier to block them using an ad-blocking program that will keep the pop-up data heavy ads at bay.

7. Clear unnecessary connections

If you’re experiencing slower load times, disconnect all devices you aren’t currently using to maximize available bandwidth. This will leave less devices competing for a connection.

Also consider staggering internet usage among family members, and minimize streaming on unnecessary devices during school and/or work hours. Programs such as Zoom, Netflix, and online gaming platforms tend to use high bandwidth. Try to alternate work and leisure to avoid slowdowns and to speed up your internet for free.

8. Replace your equipment

There’s nothing worse than out of date equipment. Your router and modem work hand in hand to deliver a strong internet connection, and if even one of them isn’t up to the job it can cause huge problems.

We recommend replacing your equipment every few years to ensure it’s operating to its highest potential.

If you own your router and modem it will be much easier to replace your equipment whenever you please. On the other hand, if you rent your modem and router from your ISP, you can request new equipment when needed.

9. Upgrade to faster internet

If you’ve followed our guide on how to make internet faster, but haven’t had much success, it may be time to upgrade your internet plan to increase speed and better accommodate multiple devices.

While this step may not be the easiest, it can be the most practical and save you money and time in the long run. Switching to a new internet provider gives you the chance to re-evaluate what’s important to you as it relates to your internet connectivity. For example, if you originally signed up for your internet plan with a two person household that’s now grown to four people, you’ll need a plan that can easily accommodate multiple devices.

Whether you’re in the market for faster internet or just curious, Kinetic by Windstream may be the solution for you. Pick the optimal plan for your family’s surfing and streaming needs to speed up your home internet with Windstream.

how to make internet faster

Kinetic by Windstream Internet Plans

Kinetic by Windstream’s Fiber-backed GIG internet makes optimizing home internet speeds easier than ever before. With super-fast speeds up to 1 GIG, more reliability, and no data caps, you’ll have more than enough bandwidth to power every device in your household.

	Kinetic 200 Internet	Kinetic 500 Internet	Kinetic GIG
Speed	200 Mbps	400 Mbps	1 GIG (1,000 Mbps)
Fiber	N/A	Yes	Yes
Optimal devices	1-2 devices	1-2 devices	2+ devices
Best used for	Competitive gaming in HD	Streaming in HD on multiple devices	Ultra-connected homes with multiple users
Data cap	N/A	N/A	N/A

With all of these options available we understand it can be challenging to determine what internet package is best for you, but don’t worry. We’ll help you make the best decision to ensure your home internet speeds fit the unique needs of your family.

Finding the right internet plan has never been easier. Shop the best in home internet plans at a great price, no matter what speed you choose.

Why Are People Leaving Netflix?

35% of Survey Respondents Have Left Netflix Due to a Decline in Content Quality

Written by Bailey Caldwell • May 9, 2022 • < 1

In the first three months of 2022, 200,000 subscribers left Netflix. For a streaming service that has dominated the entertainment industry for over a decade, this trend has the potential to be a major shift in the future of streaming. To determine why subscribers are leaving and where they are going, the team at GetWindstream surveyed 1,000 respondents about their streaming habits.

In order to understand why people would want to leave the streaming giant, we found out what draws Americans to a service in the first place. When it comes to what people watch most on streaming services, TV series and movies won out by 80%. As for what people look for in a streaming service, the majority of respondents (65%) wanted a good variety of old and new TV shows and new movie releases.

So, Why Are People Leaving Netflix?

Despite Netflix being a cultural mainstay for years, our survey found that certain changes have caused subscribers to consider other streaming platforms. Netflix’s plan to increase its current subscription price most likely had an effect, as did the possibility of commercials being added to the service.

Interesting Findings

73% of respondents admitted to subscribing to streaming services just to watch a new season of a TV show, with 18% admitting to doing that most of the time.
Most people (64%) want to pay $6–$15 per month for streaming services. Only 9% of our respondents were okay paying more than $20.00 a month.
20% said that they wouldn’t continue because sharing their accounts was important to them, while 6% said it just wouldn’t be worth it to continue if that was the case.
After leaving Netflix, 22% signed up for Amazon Prime, and 11% signed up for HBO Max.
17% of respondents left Netflix because they felt like other streaming services were better and that they were just compromising in the end.

What About Those Who Continue to Subscribe to Netflix?

Although many people are leaving Netflix, our survey found that the streaming giant remains America’s #1 favorite streaming service. When given the option to select their favorite streaming service, 40% of respondents chose Netflix as their top pick.

For those respondents who are current subscribers of Netflix:

68% pay for their own Netflix subscription
63% still enjoy Netflix’s offerings.
26% would end their subscription if Netflix banned password sharing.
7% remain Netflix customers as they are the main provider of a shared Netflix account.

Overall, our survey found that price increases and waning content quality are the main reasons behind Netflix losing its subscribers. But in spite of that trend, our survey found that Netflix is still the most popular streaming service, with a selection of original content that can bring back some of the subscribers it has lost.

GetWindstream, an authorized reseller of Windstream.

media@getwindstream.com

The Internet Streaming Tips You Need in 2022

Your go-to guide to streaming with home internet.

Written by Alec Sears • April 19, 2022 • < 1

There’s nothing better than curling up in the comfort of your home to catch your favorite shows or at-home movie releases. While it may seem as simple as logging into your chosen streaming service, there are several steps you can take to optimize your home for streaming movies and TV shows—especially if you’re experiencing slow streaming issues.

The team at GetWindstream is here to help you optimize your streaming experience. Find out how to fix slow streaming and make sure you’re getting the most out of your home internet connection.

1. Remove Excess Devices

The average American home has 10 connected devices, which means your bandwidth may be spread thin—especially if you have an internet plan with a data cap. If you’re encountering troubles streaming movies and TV shows, take a minute to review how many devices are connected to the internet in your home and remove any that aren’t actively in use or are rarely used.

2. Upgrade Your TV’s Software

Did you know that smart TVs have software that needs to be updated regularly? While most TVs update automatically, automatic updates may be missed if the TV is off or the internet is down. Check your settings to make sure your software is up to date if you’re encountering issues connecting to a streaming service. Even more importantly for streaming, check that the apps you use to stream are also updated so you can rest assured that any bugs are fixed.

3. Review Your Internet Plan

Just because your internet plan is advertised as “high-speed internet” doesn’t mean you are accessing the correct speed for your home. Use a speed test tool to see how quickly your internet is uploading and downloading data—if the rate detected isn’t working for you, use that as a baseline to upgrade your internet package. While you’re at it, make sure your plan has unlimited data so your provider doesn’t slow down your speed when you hit a data cap.

4. Install a Wi-Fi Extender

If you’re trying to watch your favorite show in a room that’s across the house from your router and modem, you may be just out of range to access high-speed internet. Install a Wi-Fi extender to boost your signal to the far corners of your home and avoid dreaded buffering screens.

5. Upgrade your technology

It could be time for a tech refresh if you’ve had the same TV, modem, and router for years. While software updates will keep your tech running for a while, all electronics eventually require replacement. Treat yourself to updated equipment and get back to the shows and movies you love most.

If you have been asking yourself, “why is my streaming slow?” we hope this internet streaming guide will help you escape buffering screens and get back to your favorite entertainment.

The GetWindstream Guide for Fiber Internet Near You

Your questions about fiber internet, answered.

Written by Bailey Caldwell • April 19, 2022 • < 1

By this point, you’re probably familiar with the term “fiber internet,” but may not know: what exactly is fiber internet and how can it benefit your home? To help answer all your burning questions about how fiber internet works and why you should consider upgrading your plan, check out our simple guide below.

What is fiber optic internet?

Fiber optic internet is an alternative to copper wire or satellite internet connections. Traditional copper internet sends your signal down a copper cable, whereas fiber internet uses glass fibers that transmit signals even faster than copper and satellite connections. While copper lines use electricity to send data, fiber uses light.

Fiber lines are being installed across America, as well as across ocean floors to bring top speeds throughout the world. Currently, fiber internet is available in over 40% of the US, and 75% of Americans in a recent survey indicated that they’d switch to fiber internet if it becomes available in their area.

How fast is fiber internet?

Fiber internet delivers the fastest speeds available in the country, generally up to 1,000–2,000 Mbps. For context, the national average internet speed is 99.3 Mbps. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considers a 25 Mbps download speed to be high-speed internet, but four American senators have recently called on the FCC to update their definition to a minimum of 100 Mbps. While that change has yet to come, the request further proves that fiber is a necessary boost to keep home connections high-speed.

Why should I upgrade to fiber internet?

Not only is fiber internet significantly faster than copper and satellite internet, it’s also more reliable than traditional internet connections due to the nature of the glass fibers. Even more, fiber cables are more secure than copper internet, which better protects your information from hackers. If you haven’t been convinced just yet, less lag while watching your favorite shows or playing your favorite games is another huge perk.

Is fiber available near me?

Windstream currently provides fiber internet across 18 states in America and is continuously expanding the network. Check out the GetWindstream availability page to find out if fiber internet is available near you.

How to Optimize Your Home Internet for Gaming

Written by Alex Rivera • March 28, 2022 • < 1

Between the newest Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch consoles, there are video games out there for everyone to enjoy—no matter your age or expertise. However, having the newest console doesn’t mean you’re well-equipped to avoid the latency and long download times that can hinder online gaming.

To make the most of your online gaming experience, check out the tips below from GetWindstream to optimize your home internet.

Review Your Internet Plan

If you notice extra latency, also known as lag, while you play, your internet plan may be to blame. Test your internet speed to make sure you have high-speed internet with symmetrical upload and download speeds. While you’re at it, double-check that your plan doesn’t cap your data so your internet speed always stays as fast as possible. When your internet plan has a data cap, you’re limited on how much data you can use before your internet speed slows down.

If fiber internet is available in your area, consider upgrading from a traditional copper connection—you can expect better signal strength and more bandwidth as a result. Many fiber plans go up to 1,000 Mbps, but even a 400 Mbps plan will keep you securely in the game.

Remove Excess Devices

How many phones, virtual assistants, TVs, and smart appliances do you have hooked up to your Wi-Fi? To help boost speeds all-around, remove unnecessary devices from your Wi-Fi while they’re not in use so your bandwidth isn’t spread thin. If you really need all of your smart devices at your beck and call, it could be time for a plan or tech upgrade.

Upgrade Your Technology

While most people hope to plug in a modem and router and never think about them again, it’s important to keep this technology up-to-date for the best possible speeds. If several years have passed since your last purchase, consider upgrading these tools so you can get the most out of your internet connection.

Extend Your Wi-Fi

So you’ve selected a fast fiber internet plan, removed extra devices, and have the newest technology, but you’re just out of range—what now? A Wi-Fi extender is the solution. This simple piece of equipment boosts your network’s range throughout your home so you can game from every room with ease.

Plug into Ethernet

If none of the solutions above work, plug directly into your ethernet cable! While Wi-Fi is cordless and convenient, an ethernet cable often provides faster, more reliable speeds with less lag. Plugging your console in directly will give you the fastest internet possible from your plan.

Whether you’re new to gaming or make a living by streaming on Twitch, we hope these tips will help you make the most of your video game setup. All that you have left to do is settle in, grab some snacks, and prepare to take down the final boss.

Your State’s Most Searched Classic Video Game Characters

From Mario to Sonic, You Searched All the Classics

Written by Alex Rivera • March 25, 2022 • 2 min read

For years, video games have taken people out of reality and into a virtual world that’s hard to escape. From the early days of the Atari to the most recent iterations of the Xbox and Playstation, video games have been in living rooms across the globe for decades and the industry shows no signs of slowing down. Handhelds like the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck allow you to play high-quality video games on the go. The Xbox/Playstation wars are in full effect. Consoles like the Oculus and Valve Index are continuing to revolutionize virtual reality gaming as we know it. Whether playing locally or online with a fast internet connection, people can’t get enough of video games.

As incredible as the virtual environments are, it’s the classic video game characters that keep gamers coming back. You can’t have a castle without Bowser in it and Mario saving Princess Peach. There is no Emerald City without Sonic the Hedgehog and his sidekick Tails speeding through the fields. The team at GetWindstream wanted to know which classic video game characters you search for the most.

Map and Methodology

We’ve mapped out your favorite classic video game characters by state. We looked at characters from the 10 best selling home video games in the 1980s and the 1990s. Then we used Google Trends to determine search volume for the past year for each character by state. Check out your state’s favorite below.

Interesting Findings

Speeding to the Top – Sonic the Hedgehog has been around since the summer of ’91. Almost 30 years later, Sonic the Hedgehog the movie came out in 2020. And with the second installment of the film coming out in 2022, it’s no surprise that 21 states searched for the furry blue hedgehog the most in the past year. We’re sure we’ll need to add Tails and Knuckles to this list in the years to come.
Gotta Search Them All! – A combined 11 states searched for their favorite Pokémon. Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle each topped different states accordingly, with Bulbasaur being the most popular amongst the three. Surprisingly, though, neither Pikachu nor Mewtwo made the cut.
The Winner is in Another Castle, Mario – The characters from the Super Mario universe were also searched most in 11 states. But surprisingly, the namesake of the classic video game, Mario, did not lead the charge. Instead, his nemesis, Bowser, stole the hearts—to go with the Princess—of the most states amongst the characters.
Unsung Classic Video Game Characters – A few characters were searched the most in only one state, so let’s highlight them for more to see! The Final Fantasy protagonist, Cloud Strife, was searched the most in Nevada. Louisiana looked for Street Fighter legend Ken Masters, while three states (California, Hawaii, New Jersey) searched for his rival Ryu the most. Princess Zelda, from the open-world classic Zelda games, was searched the most in only Utah, while Link, the sword and shield hero of the series, was searched the most in Alaska only.

GetWindstream is an authorized seller of Windstream products.

For media inquiries, please contact media@getwindstream.com.

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