Telecompetitor

Windstream, the wireline service provider spun off by Alltel a couple years back, has started offering a 12 Mbps broadband tier. The faster broadband speeds are available to about 25% of Windstream’s footprint and uses ADSL2+ technology. Windstream spokesman David Avery tells CED, “We launched our ADSL2-plus service on Monday, and we’ll follow it up with a pretty aggressive marketing plan.” Windstream is offering six-month introductory pricing of $19.99/month (when bundled with select packages). BroadbandReports.com reports that the standard pricing will be $45/month after the introductory period.

The new broadband tier is illustrative of a faster broadband strategy being pursued by telecom service providers to match the cable industry’s broadband speed advantage. Qwest announced the launch of 20 Mbps service in select markets, and Verizon has been increasing its speeds in non-FiOS markets, as well. Will broadband speed inflation ever stop?