Windstream is joining the ranks of 2 Gbps service providers. The speed upgrades will start in “select residential markets” and move to other homes and businesses over time. In an email to Telecompetitor, a Windstream spokesperson said the company is using XGS-PON to support the multi-gigabit service.
While details are sparse, the announcement that Windstream is making the move is another piece of evidence that the trend is becoming a norm among companies using fiber-to-the-premises infrastructure.
“While many of our competitors are overlooking these markets, we’re optimizing them,” Mark Lederman, vice president of product for Kinetic, said in a press release. “As more homes have more devices connected to the internet, from gaming systems to streaming movies to refrigerators, families need faster speed to accommodate the demand.”
Other providers have made 2 Gbps announcements during the past few months. Some highlights:
- In February, Frontier said that it is offering 2 Gbps symmetrical service wherever it has fiber broadband. It says that it is the only service provider that can make this claim. The offer — which includes activation, premium tech support, multi-device security, Wi-Fi 6e, Amazon Fire TV, a webcam and a voice line – costs $149.99 per month.
- Earlier in the month, Verizon launched 2 Gbps service in New York City. The service provider said that it is using NG-PON2 technology. Verizon is offering Whole Home Wi-Fi, a router rental and 2 terabytes of cloud storage and, if needed a Wi-Fi Extender Mini. The monthly charge is $119.99.
- In January, AT&T said that it planned to offer multi Gigabit service across its entire 30 million locations by the end of 2025. As of the announcement, services between 2 Gbps and 5 Gbps were available to 5.2 million residences and small businesses in more than 70 metro markets. The 2 Gbps residential service, AT&T Fiber 2 GIG, costs $110 per month plus tax. AT&T Business Fiber 2 GIG costs $225 per month plus tax.
- Smaller providers also are moving up in speed. Last September, Jade Communications said it was the first company in Colorado to offer multi-gigabit service. The company, which is using fixed wireless technology, is providing the service to Manassa, which is in the southern part of the state.
- Last August, TDS Telecom announced 2 Gbps tiers in Spokane, WA and Meridian ID. It also said that all subsequent new markets would have access to that speed.