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Windstream Internet Review
Also referred to as Kinetic by Windstream, Windstream internet is available in 18 states, primarily in the south, east, and midwest. Some of the primary benefits of using Windstream as your internet service provider (ISP) include no cap on data, no charge for overages, and no annual contract required.
- Who is Windstream internet for?
- Key considerations
- What others say about Windstream internet
- How does Windstream internet compare to other providers?
Who is Windstream internet for?
Windstream internet works well for the average residential customer looking for unlimited data and reliable speeds. The provider offers three home fiber internet plans with different speeds:
- Kinetic 200 with speeds up to 200Mbps
- Kinetic 500 with speeds up to 500Mbps
- Kinetic Gig with speeds up to 1000Mbps
The standard 200Mbps plan works out well for streaming and if you want to download or upload standard-sized files. However, homes that consistently have multiple devices online at any given time may be better served with higher-speed plans. For example, if you have a smart home with numerous connected devices, the 1000Mbps plan may be best.
It should be noted that Windstream offers either DSL or fiber internet, depending on your location, and pricing varies according to location. Fiber internet is capable of faster speeds as it relies on fiberoptic lines to transmit data. DSL is more dated technology and can be slower. In cities and areas where fiberoptic lines have not been installed, DSL is a go-to option because data is transmitted over existing copper lines. The download and upload speeds vary depending on whether you are getting fiber or DSL internet.
Key considerations
Pricing for Kinetic internet through Windstream ranges from $39.99 to $59.99/month*. However, prices do vary according to location, which speed is chosen, and whether you bundle home internet with other available services, such as phone service.
Windstream internet may come along with one-time charges, such as an activation fee of $50 or a $35 installation fee, but these charges depend on services and promotions at any given time. The company does offer its own Wi-Fi routers and equipment for internet in the home. Special introductory perks to new customers may include monthly savings for bundling phone and internet or waived equipment fees for 12 months.
What others say about Windstream internet
Looking at customer satisfaction, Kinetic by Windstream received 680 points of 1,000 from users in the south in a study published by J.D. Power. Kinetic by Windstream’s Wi-Fi quality also ranks lower than other providers in the lineup with a score of 61 out of 100, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index.
How does Windstream internet compare to other providers?
Overall, Windstream’s coverage is fairly small. Even though Windstream internet service is available in roughly a third of states, only 2.5% of the U.S. population is covered, according to data published by the Federal Communications Commission.
Among the company’s primary competitors are Xfinity, HughesNet, and Viasat. Xfinity is cable-based internet in several areas, and the ISP does offer an unlimited data plan for an added monthly cost. However, Xfinity internet is not available in all areas and is limited to more urban neighborhoods in some states. Windstream may also be more desirable compared to satellite internet offered by HughesNet or Viasat, as speeds may not be as reliable and data caps are common.
Need to know more about home internet and other services? We offer comparisons of ISPs available in your area to help you decide.
*Pricing varies by location and availability. Speeds may vary. All prices subject to change; for current pricing and availability visit our internet service page. Prices as of 1/14/22.
Disclosure | Updater articles are based on our own data and research, independent from partner relationships. We are not compensated by partners for information and opinions presented here. Our Editorial Terms of Service can be found here.
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