The Windstream Internet Review You Need In 2024

Windstream may be a less-known internet service provider (ISP) but one that holds great sway, especially for the rural and suburban regions of the U.S. It has a dominant footprint in the Mid-West and the East Coast and is quite popular in areas where other wired options are limited. Windstream Internet not only offers a variety of service types, but also speed tiers ranging between 100 Mbps to 8 Gbps, so there is something for everyone to choose from. Kinetic by Windstream is known for its substantially low introductory pricing and unlimited data, which makes it quite a hit with the masses where available.

This article takes you through an in-depth review of everything about Windstream that you definitely should know before signing up for the service. So let us begin right away!

Windstream Internet: Coverage

Windstream internet services are available in 18 states for now, with hopes to increase their footprint in the future. However, even with this decent coverage area, it appears that the percentage of the population covered by Windstream is still quite low, at only about 2.78% for DSL according to the FCC Broadband map. This has to do with the fact that despite the great coverage across states, Windstream Kinetic mainly targets rural and suburban residents, whose population density is low and scattered across huge areas.

The states with Windstream internet coverage include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. The footprint is particularly dense in Georgia, Iowa, and Kentucky, with a much wider Windstream service area than in other states.

Windstream Internet: Service Types

Windstream offers quite a variety of internet types, depending on the areas of service. In rural and suburban regions where it is widespread, Windstream offers DSL service, often powered by a Fiber backbone, and is hence able to support higher speeds than conventional DSL. This is known as Kinetic high-speed internet and supports speeds up to 100 Mbps. However, the speed availability may vary across locations. Depending on the local infrastructure available in an area, some rural areas may have access to lower speeds, while urban areas may enjoy higher DSL internet speeds.

Conversely, Windstream also offers Kinetic Windstream Fiber that brings pure fiber-optic internet to your doorstep and gets you gig and even multi-gig speeds. However, since Windstream fiber has little coverage at the moment, multi-gig speeds are still not widely available. Nonetheless, as the fiber footprint expands, these speeds are expected to increase. 

Windstream Internet Pricing & Plans

The pricing plans for Kinetic Windstream can be slightly overwhelming when you start looking at them. This is because Windstream pricing, plans, as well as some other details sometimes tend to vary from area to area, even in the same city. However, for the most part, Windstream pricing is quite consistent despite the speed variation.

You can enter your address into the zip tool at BuyTVInternetPhone and it will let you know whatever offers are available in your area. To explore the exact speeds and pricing available at your address, contact Windstream customer service at 855-349-9312.

Data effective as of publish date. For the latest plans & prices in your area, call 855-349-9312

Do remember that the pricing does change between locations, so not all offers may be available at your address. Plus, the internet speeds available with that plan may depend on the network capacity in your area. Windstream has recently also started offering multi-gig plans. But as of now, the service is only available at select locations and hence not very widely advertised.

In areas where multiple speed tiers are available, Windstream also lets you customize your plan however you like it with a speed and other add-ons of your choosing. However, since Windstream offers promotional pricing for the first twelve months, do expect a price hike after the period ends, and although it is not unreasonable, it is something to be wary of.

Windstream also likes to offer little perks to their subscribers, such as a $100 Kinetic Reward Prepaid Mastercard® for a limited time. So depending upon your location you may qualify for free internet for the first three months or a free upgrade to gig speeds. In many areas, the free upgrade to gig speeds is the sweetest deal you’ll find. Free gig speeds for first three months, who offers such great value?

Windstream Bundles for Greater Value

If you are looking for greater value plans with your Windstream Internet, there are a few that you may consider. Windstream bundles are a great way to add more value to your residential internet plans and get peace of mind with all your services from one provider. The phone comes with unlimited nationwide and long-distance calling and top-of-the-line communication features, such as spam alerts, enhanced voice mail, and a whole lot more.

Windstream does not have a namesake TV service, but you can bundle with DIRECTV and get quality TV services at your residence along with your internet service. Choose a satellite-powered TV service or go for the DIRECTV via Internet service, which is a more innovative and modern way to enjoy entertainment.

Windstream Internet: Data Allowance

Windstream is known for its unlimited data plans, which sets it apart from many providers in the market, especially those that market DSL. All of the Windstream high-speed internet plans come with absolutely no data limits, which is a big win for rural and suburban people who have very few wired options to begin with.

Since there are no data caps to worry about, there are also no overage charges or speed throttling. So, you can count on smooth internet service without any bumps along the way.

Windstream Internet: Contracts

One more thing that stands out with Kinetic internet plans is the contract-free arrangement that is offered by Windstream. All the Kinetic plans come with a month-to-month agreement, so you never have contracts to hold you back if you want to quit the service. Plus, there is no early termination fee (ETF) either, so you really have nothing to worry about. Opt out at any time, it’s as simple as can be with Windstream Internet.

However, if you are on a term agreement with the promotional pricing for a year, you may have to pay an ETF depending on your agreement if you cancel before the term ends.  Similarly, if you sign up for DIRECTV services, you may have to sign a contract according to their offers and also pay an ETF if you cancel before your contract is up.

Windstream Internet: Equipment and Other Charges

Windstream is transparent when it comes to additional monthly charges that are added to your internet bill. Some things such as installation and activation will be a one-time charge, whereas others, such as equipment charges tend to be recurring monthly charges since it is a rental. Either way, here are some of the additional charges that you should bear in mind before getting the Windstream internet service.

If you are tech-savvy and looking to save some money, however, a self-installation option is available with Windstream and comes at no charge. You can also count on technician support on phone throughout the process so you have assistance at the ready. Nevertheless, you would still be required to pay the activation fee, and it is only after this that your internet service would be activated.

Windstream Internet: Customer Service

Windstream customer satisfaction rating may not be mind-blowing, but it does try to keep its customer service on point to take care of its subscribers. Whether it is billing problems or technical issues, Windstream professionals are present 24/7 to help you through the process.

You can reach out to Windstream customer service and sales support if you need insight on the service and plans at 855-349-9312. Spanish speakers can reach the Windstream servicio al cliente  at the número de teléfono de Windstream: 844-481-5992.

Conclusion

Internet service from Windstream comes with a few pros and cons that are worth a second thought if you are planning to get a new internet service. The pricing and plans vary over locations, so you are not always sure what speed tiers are available in your area. In addition, unlike other providers, such as Xfinity and Spectrum, Windstream does not offer its online security suite, Kinetic Secure, for free. Check out Kinetic Secure Package Requirements with Windstream Internet. 

However, all Windstream plans are contract-free and come with unlimited data, which is something to look forward to. Plus, Windstream is able to supply rural and suburban areas with high-speed internet options even in places where wired internet providers are all but limited. And with the continual expansion of the Windstream Fiber network, you can rest assured that the provider does have some interesting things planned for the future!

Learn more about the best Windstream plans, prices, and details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Windstream Internet have data caps?

Kinetic Internet by Windstream does not have any data caps, and all plans come with unlimited data. Call 855-349-9312 to learn more.

What are the benefits of getting Windstream Internet?

Windstream Internet gets you unlimited data and comes with no contract. The promotional pricing too is very low and enticing, especially with the high speeds (100 Mbps – 8 Gbps) that the provider boasts. Call 855-349-9312 to subscribe.

Is Windstream Internet available in my area?

Windstream Internet services are available in about 18 states. To check the availability of active plans at your address, call Windstream customer service at 855-349-9312, day or night!