Fiber is just as big a threat to the cable industry as it is an innovation for connectivity. It can support faster speeds that stay consistent even at peak times—which is really all we want from an internet connection. Cable providers such as Comcast Xfinity and Charter Spectrum have been trying to compete with fiber with new technologies such as DOCSIS 4.0 and marketing gimmicks such as “10G,” but a recent announcement from Windstream may have dug a grave for cable internet.
Windstream has started offering 8-gig internet speeds to 400,000 households across its Kinetic network in 18 states. This makes Windstream Internet not just the fastest, but also potentially the most reliable internet option available today.
What The 8-Gig Announcement Actually Means
The internet speed you get at any given time is primarily determined by three factors: the network’s maximum bandwidth capacity, the bandwidth correctly being used by people on the network, and the maximum data rate allowed by your speed tier.
During peak usage hours when a large number of people are performing high-bandwidth activities such as steaming, the total bandwidth of the network is distributed among all the subscribers. During off-peak hours when the network can support higher speeds for the few subscribers performing high-bandwidth activities, the bandwidth is limited by the maximum data rate allowed by the plan. So, you get the max advertised speed during off-peak hours but slower speeds during peak hours.
However, even during off-peak hours, many people are performing low- to mid-bandwidth activities such as web browsing and scrolling social media. There has to be enough bandwidth left over in the network at all times, which is why even subscribers on the fastest tier have a speed cap.
ISPs with more bandwidth in the network can offer faster speed tiers without negatively affecting the internet experience for everyone else. Currently, most internet providers offer speeds up to 1 or 2 Gbps with their fastest tiers.
Because fiber-optic cables have a higher bandwidth capacity than coaxial cables, fiber internet service providers can advertise higher speeds. For the same reason, the speed for everything during peak hours is higher than with cable internet.
Windstream’s launch of 8-gig internet is great news for everyone in its fiber footprint, and not just for the small percentage of us who can actually use 8 Gbps speeds. It indicates that Windstream now has a very high bandwidth capacity in its fiber networks across its markets, which means even subscribers on lower tiers can experience more consistent speeds throughout the day.
Speeds this high may be useful for most homes today, but they’re a good way to identify ISPs that have consistent speeds. While fiber can already support symmetrical speeds up to 8 Gbps, cable ISPs are trying to get there with limited success.
How Cable Internet is Trying to Keep Up
The largest internet service providers in the US such as Comcast Xfinity and Charter Spectrum provide coaxial cable to provide internet connections. Cable networks were originally installed for TV service and were never intended to provide internet connections. However, by using fiber optic cables in their backbone networks, cable operators have been able to keep up with growing internet speed demands.
The latest set of specifications for cable networks that can be fully implemented today is DOCSIS 3.1. If you have an advanced modem that can support multi-gig speeds, it’s probably based on DOCSIS 3.1. However, DOCSIS 3.1 can only reach theoretical maximum speeds of 10 Gbps for downloads and 1 to 2 Gbps for uploads. Actual speeds offered by most cable internet providers max out at 2 Gbps for downloads and 50 Mbps for uploads. These speeds aren’t bad, but won’t be enough in the near future.
Currently, the cable industry is working on implementing the next set of network specifications from CableLabs: DOCSIS 4.0. DOCSIS 4.0 can support download speeds up to 10 Gbps and upload speeds up to 6 Gbps. Xfinity and Spectrum plan to use it or offer symmetrical internet plans with speeds up to 6 Gbps to compete with fiber.
While some of the network equipment required to meet DOCSIS 4.0 standards is already being installed in cable networks, it’ll be a long time before it’s fully implemented. Experts think DOCSIS 4.0 modem won’t be available before 2025, and it’ll take even longer to bring symmetrical speeds to cable internet everywhere.
Windstream’s fiber internet has already surpassed the maximum speeds cable internet can promise customers with its symmetrical 8 Gbps tier. XSG-PON, the current standard for fiber networks, is capable of symmetrical speeds of up to 10 Gbps. However, as there are no known bandwidth limitations of fiber-optic cables, much faster speeds will be available to fiber internet as demand grows. Cable internet will only keep up for so long before it becomes obsolete.
Ready to Upgrade to Windstream Fiber?
Windstream Internet currently doesn’t require a term contract and features unlimited data across speed tiers. If you’re considering switching to Windstream, here’s an overview of the options you may have.
1. DSL: Up To 100 Mbps
Windstream is gradually overbuilding its DSL networks with fiber. Where it hasn’t brought fiber yet, it offers Kinetic Internet Basic with download speeds up to 100 Mbps at $39.99 per month for the first 12 months.
2. Fiber: 500 Mbps Tier
Priced at the same $39.99 per month for 12 months, Windstream’s starter fiber internet plan is a significant upgrade with a maximum symmetrical speed of 500 Mbps. It’s a solid choice for modern homes as it allows for seamless 4K streaming, online gaming, or remote work. The fiber technology ensures a more reliable and stable connection compared to traditional options.
3. Fiber: 1 Gbps Tier
For users craving even faster speeds, the Kinetic Fiber Internet GIG plan delivers a whopping 1000 Mbps at $69.99 per month for 12 months. This tier is ideal for power users, large households, or anyone who needs a fast and consistent internet connection for work or entertainment. The higher price point is justified by a doubling of speeds compared to the starter plan.
4. Fiber: 2 Gbps Tier
With a maximum speed of 2000 Mbps, the Kinetic Fiber Internet 2 GIG plan is designed for those who demand nothing but the utmost in speed and performance. This plan is available in most areas with access to Windstream fiber. However, the prices may vary depending on location.
5. Fiber: 8 Gbps Tier
The Kinetic Fiber Internet 8 GIG plan takes it to the extreme with a maximum speed of 8000 Mbps. This plan is overkill for most users but could be beneficial for businesses or locations with extraordinary connectivity requirements.
This plan is priced at $299 per month according to Fierce Telecom. However, the prices may be different where you live and it’s best to check with Windstream customer service.
Whichever Windstream Fiber Internet plan you choose, you can expect consistent speeds to stream in 4K and a reliable connection to game competitively in your leisure time. All speed tiers include unlimited data, feature 99.9% reliability, and require no term contract. Prices are also competitive with other fiber services, so there’s no reason to second-guess.
