As an essential means of communication, information, and entertainment, the internet has become the nucleus of the modern globalized society. Over half of the world's population has access to the internet ―some regions still lag behind in terms of infrastructure needed to provide internet for residential consumption, but others have a penetration rate close to 100%. With over 311 million users nationwide, the U.S. ranks third among the world's biggest internet markets. Known as a global center of technological advancements and home to some of the most mammoth telecom companies in the world, the U.S. has steadily grown its digital population over the last 20 years.
Having said that, it can be a dilemma for Americans to choose the right one when it comes to internet service providers. But if you inform yourself beforehand, and familiarize yourself with the options available in your neighborhood, it can be less of a challenge to bring home the right service.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll talk about two major broadband services in the country―Windstream and Verizon―and we hope this will help you choose better according to your unique set of needs.
Windstream | Verizon | |
---|---|---|
Service Types | DSL, Fiber, Cable, Fixed Wireless | DSL, Fiber, Fixed Wireless, Mobile Broadband |
Availability | 18 states | 8―51 states (varies with service type) |
Download Speed Range (wired internet only) |
Windstream Kinetic Fiber 300 – 2 Gbps |
Verizon FiOS 300 Mbps―940 Mbps |
Windstream Kinetic Internet Basic Up to 100 Mbps |
Verizon High-speed Internet Up to 15 Mbps |
|
Price Range (wired internet only) |
Windstream Kinetic Fiber $39.99/mo. ― $99.99 *for 12 mos. with AutoPay and for 24 months with AutoPay respectively |
Verizon FiOS $49.99/mo. ― $89.99/mo. with autopay. Inclusive of taxes & fees. |
Windstream Kinetic Internet Basic $50/mo.* for 36 months with AutoPay |
Verizon High-speed Internet $74.99/mo. for 12 months. Plus taxes, equipment, charges & other fees. |
|
Data Cap | None | None |
Annual Contracts | None | None |
Windstream and Verizon services are available in multiple states around the country―and both providers are progressively transitioning to newer technologies while upgrading their pre-existing copper line phone networks. However since each delivers an internet service based on many different technologies, which service type and speed you get at your address ultimately depends on the region you’re located in.
One of the biggest reasons why Windstream’s Kinetic Fiber Internet plans are so popular is you get ultra-fast speeds at enticing promotional prices―and even though the price hike can feel steep following the expiry of the promo term, it is not out of line with industry norms. So you can earn a good saving during the first 12 months. Plus, super-fast speeds ranging from 300 Mbps to 2000 Mbps are perfectly complemented by unlimited data―which is in itself worth $30-$50, if we look at competition.
As for Verizon’s FiOS, the service offers speeds ranging from 300 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps, with a 500/500 Mbps tier in-between. All FiOS plans include unlimited data, and the perk of symmetrical speeds i.e. equal uploads and downloads. Verizon FiOS makes a great choice for customers who prefer to avoid promotional offers and stick to a month-to-month plan at a reasonable standard rate. Current offers also include a 2, 3 or 4 year price lock depending on the speed tier you choose.
At the end of the day, it is the overall value of your subscription that makes or breaks the deal―all providers offer benefits with their plans to a varying extent, and some also include limited time Specials from time to time. Here is a quick round-up of what Windstream Internet service can get you as well as a look at what Verizon may have in store.
When you shop for internet, Installation and equipment costs nearly always get tacked upon what you may call “the price of the plan”. Some providers offer waivers or discounts on one-time installation fees, others include the equipment rental in the monthly service charge. Here is a comparison of how Windstream and Verizon go about installation and equipment.
If you’re looking to connect your home and keep your family entertained with great TV, you get options with both Windstream and Verizon. It all depends which works better for you. The difference is Windstream does not have a namesake TV service, but its attractively priced internet makes a great choice for cord-cutters. The reason Windstream gives you options to pick one of the popular streaming services that it collaborates with. On the other hand, Verizon has its FiOS TV service―a FiOS internet and TV bundle gives you an all-round suite at good value for money.
Additionally, if you’re interested in savings on phone, both providers deliver a reliable home phone service at bundle rate. Windstream offers unlimited nationwide calling with its home phone service, and so does the Verizon.
Both Windstream and Verizon offer fiber internet services that deliver high speeds alongside other attractive service features. In terms of Fiber-to-the-Home connections, Verizon FiOS provides more coverage than Windstream currently does. But where Verizon FiOS is concentrated in key metro areas, Windstream has been connecting more of the less-served communities so to speak.
It may not be too often that you’ll have to choose between the two providers, but when you do just remember to keep your own requirements in perspective. For pro advice and to determine the availability of Windstream offerings in your area, call Windstream customer service at 855-349-9312, and let the experts guide you to an informed decision.
Windstream and Verizon both offer unlimited data across the board with their internet plans.For more information on internet offers available in your area call us at 855-349-9328.
Kinetic by Windstream delivers high-speed internet and phone plans for residential usage. Depending on where you are located you can either get a hybrid internet service that supports up to 100 Mbps for downloads or a 100% Fiber connection with speeds up to 2 Gig.. Speak to representatives of Windstream Customer Service at 855-349-9312 for more information.