The broadband speed in my community is unacceptable, and has been for years. I’m currently living within 7 miles of the city limit and, on a good day, can barely access a web site. I would gladly switch providers, but for people in my area we’re only given one option: Windstream. Not only are they lacking in higher speed options, they’re lacking in customer service. Their wait times for reporting a problem or getting assistance via representative is appalling. Presently, they’re only offering 1.5mb. Alternatively, you can upgrade to satellite internet, but it comes with an extremely high price tag. By monopolizing this region, they’re able to set their speeds as low as as they want, and refuse their customers any upgrades in the foreseeable future. 

As previously mentioned, I live in a rural area. I do a lot of online shopping to save money. I have family living out of state that I would like to stay in contact with. I have children in school that require the internet for homework. I know people that work from home and struggle because of the low speeds. At this day in time, the internet should be treated as a public service. It has become a necessity. We deserve better than what this company offers.