Call for the Best Cable, Phone and Internet Deals: 855-349-9328
Call For Best Deals: 855-349-9328

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 Vs Verizon―A Quick Overall Comparison

  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 Vs Verizon―Availability

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.

Windstream Communications

Over the years, Windstream has invested heavily in upgrading its expansive copper phone line network. By introducing Fiber to the Loop and throwing in a smart mix of DSL-based technologies, Windstream has been able to enhance the performance of its hybrid high-speed internet to where it performs way better than traditional DSL.

An estimated 75.67% of Windstream’s national footprint, now receives up to 100 Mbps for downloads. And Windstream is also the one major DSL internet provider which offers speeds up to 25 Mbps to nearly 90% of customers under its network coverage.

On the other hand, Windstream’s Kinetic Fiber Internet connections are not as widely available―you can access a 100% Fiber connection in about 35% of Windstream’s service territory―and in these areas Windstream delivers speeds up to 1,000 Mbps―only select locations have seen the 2 Gig roll-out so far.

For customers in rural areas, Windstream offers traditional DSL & fixed wireless internet services. And, if you live in a suburban area under its network coverage, you may be able to access Windstream's cable internet which provides download speeds comparable to Kinetic Fiber―albeit in just over 2% of the overall Windstream footmark.

Verizon Communications

A leading internet provider in the U.S., Verizon was one of the first to launch a 100% Fiber service for residential usage in 2005. Today, Verizon FiOS is accessible to nearly 35 million people in key metro areas of 9 states―primarily in the northeast. According to the FCC Broadband map, fiber-optic internet is available in around 50% of Verizon’s nationwide footprint―you can enjoy max. internet speeds up to 1 Gbps, however in 2023 Verizon is expected to push this up to 2 Gbps.

For those outside the coverage of its FiOS network in the northeastern markets, there is DSL internet, that delivers up to 15 Mbps for downloads.

Across the rest of its nationwide footprint, Verizon is engaged in expanding the reach of its 5G Home Internet service―currently available in over 900 cities. Verizon 5G Home Internet is the first service powered by the Ultra Wideband, which depicts very high capacity and low lag time―where Ultra Wideband is available you get speeds up to 1 Gbps.

Verizon LTE Home Internet is also accessible in 200 markets―the award-winning 4G LTE network delivers up to 50 Mbps for downloads.

Windstream Internet Availability by State

Windstream delivers its Kinetic Internet services in parts of 18 states:

Alabama | Arkansas | Florida | Georgia | Iowa | Kentucky | Minnesota | Mississippi |
Missouri | Nebraska | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | Ohio | Oklahoma |
Pennsylvania | South Carolina | Texas

Check Windstream availability

Verizon Internet Availability by State

Verizon’s footprint is rather complex―with different types of home internet services spread out across the U.S. As for its wired network coverage you can readily access services in these northeastern states:

Delaware | Massachusetts | Maryland |
New York | New Jersey |
Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Virginia
Washington, DC

Windstream Vs Verizon―Internet Plans & Pricing

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.

Windstream Vs Verizon― Service Benefits

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.

Windstream

With Windstream Internet service plans, depending on the available offers at the time, you can enjoy a $100 Kinetic Reward Prepaid Mastercard® for a limited time.

All plans include unlimited data, none requires you to sign an annual contract. Customer support is available 24/7 to back Windstream services and products.

Windstream also offers a complete internet security package Kinetic Secure, free for first three months to ensure your online experience at home and on the go is protected at all times.

Verizon FiOS

Verizon FiOS plans include quite a few freebies from time to time―depending on available offers at the time, you can enjoy a Visa Prepaid Gift Card up to $100 in value with the top speed tier. Current offers also include a limited time subscription to Walmart+.

The Verizon 1 Gig plan carries additional specials―such as a limited time subscription to Disney+ & 2 TB Cloud DVR, an MoCA Ethernet adapter & a $50 Xbox eGift Card etc.

All Verizon FiOS plans include unlimited data, and do not require an annual contract. And the 30-day money-back guarantee makes it risk-free to invest.

Windstream Vs Verizon―Installation & Equipment

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.

Windstream

There are two types of Windstream installation options: self and professional.

A one-time fee of $60 applies to a professional installation. This includes both the upfront installation and activation costs.

If you choose to self-install, a technician will visit to put outside wiring in place for you to connect to Windstream Internet, and you can take it from there once the shipped modem arrives. Everything you need to set up your internet and 24/7 technical support is made available.

The Kinetic Gateway from Windstream costs $9.99 per month, and sets your home up with wireless connectivity.

For larger houses, Windstream offers you to include Kinetic WiFi Mesh Extenders for an additional charge―so as to eliminate dead zones and expand coverage to more parts of your residence.

Verizon

Verizon offers self and professional installation options for the FiOS service. There is a $99 setup fee, but it gets waived when you order online.

With self-install you receive the user guide, along with all the bits and bobs that you need to put the arrangement in place. The My FiOS app is a convenient way of managing your in-home setup once you have registered your Verizon account.

Verizon provides a powerful tri-band wireless router for its FiOS service. It supports bandwidth-intensive activities and gets you extended coverage around the house.

Current Verizon FiOS offers include the router rental in the price of the plan. And with the 1 Gig plan you get the Whole-Home WiFi setup included.

FiOS Extenders are available as add-ons if you need coverage around a large house.

Windstream and Verizon―Who Does the Bundles Better?

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.

Windstream

As a DIRECTV and YouTube TV partner, Windstream offers you to use your super-fast Windstream Kinetic Internet to stream your favorite entertainment via satellite pay-tv or live-streaming TV service.

Choose DIRECTV via Satellite if you cannot get over the charm of “Cable”. And if you’re a cord cutter there is DIRECTV via Internet―one of the best livestreaming services out there. YouTube TV too has its own perks.

And, if you run a home-office, the reliable Windstream landline phone―at the bundle rate of $20/mo.―brings even greater value with unlimited nationwide calling.

Verizon

On the other hand, Verizon delivers its TV service over the FiOS network and gives you a generous channel count with each of its 3 plans. You can also sign up for a test drive FiOS TV plan for 60 days before Verizon recommends the best fit for you from among the standard tiers.

All standard tiers include the first set-top box, and perks that vary from one plan to another―for instance Verizon Gift Card. streaming device connection bundle, etc.

Alternatively, you can add a YouTube TV to your Verizon FiOS internet plan.

Verizon FiOS home phone is also available to bundle with. At $25/mo. you can enjoy a service that includes international calls to a country of your choice.

Final Word

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do Verizon FiOS and Windstream Kinetic have unlimited data?

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.

What Is Windstream Kinetic?

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.