By Cordcutting.com TeamWindstream offers internet service across all 50 states, with leading coverage in Texas, Kentucky, and Georgia. Aside from DSL broadband, Windstream provides copper, fiber, cable, and wireless internet service. They also offer internet speeds up to 1 Gbps, as well as unlimited data without caps.
Windstream offers several internet security packages that come at affordable monthly prices, with exact rates depending on the level of security you select. Keep reading to learn more about Windstream as a provider. We’ll cover their different packages and pricing, talk about which plans we recommend, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Windstream.
What to Expect from Windstream
If you find yourself in one of Windstream’s service areas, you’ll benefit from their high-speed internet and the lifetime price guarantee that accompanies it. Paying $57 a month for 1,000 Mbps (fiber) is an excellent deal that not even Spectrum, one of the biggest cable internet providers, can match. Windstream customers can either select professional installation for a one-time fee of $35 and an activation charge of $50 — or nothing at all if you choose self-installation. A great thing about Windstream is that many of their online promotions allow you to waive both charges. Agents over the phone usually honor online deals — it doesn’t hurt to ask!
If you’re not into contracts, you’ll love Windstream’s “cancel anytime” promise, which allows for maximum flexibility. Their month-to-month plans allow you to cancel your service without coming face-to-face with an early cancellation fee. Keep in mind that most providers that offer contracts will usually charge up to $480 if you decide to terminate your service early. Oh, and this provider’s internet plans come without data cap restrictions, which means you get unlimited internet usage without overcharge fees.
An important thing to note about Windstream's pricing and speed is that they both depend entirely on your location. But, if you're lucky enough to be within Windstream’s fiber service area, you’ll find that their rates are reasonable for the speed they offer. Their DSL service is available in all 50 states, while their fiber and fixed wireless services are only available in select areas. Still, Windstream's rural availability is one of the company's best features since they can usually service customers in places with fewer coverage options.
A Breakdown of Windstream’s Plans and Pricing
Windstream’s internet-only plans cost $27-57 per month, not including equipment costs and additional fees. The best way to compare a provider’s pricing is to look at its price per Mbps. So, let’s take a look at Windstream’s latest internet-only deals below.
| Plan | Price | Speed | Price Per Mbps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kinetic Internet 50 | $27 | Up to 50 Mbps | $0.54 per Mbps |
| Kinetic Internet 200 | $37 | Up to 200 Mbps | $0.19 per Mbps |
| Kinetic Internet 500 | $47 | Up to 500 Mbps | $0.09 per Mbps |
| Kinetic GIG Internet | $57 | Up to 1,000 Mbps | $0.06 per Mbps |
Windstream’s internet prices range from around $0.06-0.54 per Mbps. Windstream’s biggest competitors, Spectrum and Verizon Fios, charge more per Mbps at slower speeds. Most providers that offer plans for up to 50-200 Mbps will charge around $40-50 per month, which comes out to $0.25-0.80 per Mbps. Windstream’s plans don’t have as many features as Spectrum or AT&T, but that only makes their prices lower than most. Aside from speed, there are other things to consider when looking at provider pricing options.
Certain connection types offer more reliability and stability at slower speeds than some with faster speeds. For example, Windstream has recently invested in network upgrades that allow for more fiber backbone in various subscriber areas. That means Windstream customers can get fiber-DSL connections that have much faster connection speeds than other plans. This hybrid option, or “Kinetic” connection, provides a better alternative to traditional cable connections.
Windstream’s Kinetic connection offers faster upload speeds than cable internet. Windstream also falls higher in the ranks of internet providers because of the following features:
- No contracts
- No data cap restrictions
- No early termination fees
As I briefly mentioned before, Windstream does not require its users to sign up for any yearly contracts. This holds true for most of its promotions. Still, the company clearly incentivizes the contract option. For example, new customers can redeem deals that offer three free months of internet service and an additional free month of modem rental if they commit to a 1-year contract. If you decide to rent a modem from Windstream, expect to pay between $9.99-11.99 per month. This provider requires customers to pay two one-time fees of $35 for installation and $50 for activation. Remember, these fees are usually waived depending on ongoing promotions.
If you’re interested in adding TV service, you should keep in mind Windstream’s TV provider, DirecTV, does enforce contracts. Like Spectrum and other providers, Windstream’s monthly rate is promotional and tends to increase after the first 12 months of service.
Why Choose Windstream?
Windstream internet is an ideal choice for:
- Households streaming on multiple devices
- People who don’t want to sign any contracts
- People who want fast internet without any data caps
- Those looking to get a reliable connection at reasonable rates
If you’re still hesitant to give Windstream a shot, you should know they offer a money-back guarantee. New Windstream customers have 30 days to test drive their service. Any modem equipment rental and install charges related will also be refunded. Even after the 30 days are up, you can still cancel anytime without facing any additional fees.
New internet customers are eligible for 3 or 12-month gig speed upgrades, but they must be in a fiber addressable location to qualify. Windstream also offers new customers a one-time online credit of $100-150 that you can apply to your first bill. I like to think of this as a free month of internet service. Aside from that, new customers get to enjoy a free YouTube TV trial. The only catch is you must not be a current YouTube TV subscriber and must not have participated in a trial previously.
Unfortunately, there are a few negative things about Windstream. Their subpar customer service and the price hikes that appear after 12 months can be a massive letdown for some. Another concern is how plan prices can vary based on your location. While this is typical of ISPs, it could change how you look at a Windstream plan. I recommend looking carefully at the plans Windstream offers in your neighborhood to see if their deals are good for you because those plans might not be the same ones that shoppers see elsewhere.
Our Windstream Internet Recommendations
For an Internet-Only Plan…
Since Windstream has several great internet plans choices, it can be a bit daunting to choose one. Overall, I recommend Windstream's 1,000 Mbps fiber optic internet plan. If it's available in your area, this is an obvious choice as you'll never have to worry about lag times, buffering, lost connections, or slow download speeds. Regardless of how many people are streaming on different devices in your home, this choice is both fast and reliable. The best part is it’s one of the lowest-priced gigabit internet plans available.
If this 1 Gbps plan isn’t an option where you live, Windstream’s 200 Mbps plan is the next best choice. If you plan on connecting to the internet using multiple devices, streaming shows, and playing games online, you should consider these options. Both of these internet plans come without data caps.
For a Bundle Plan…
Windstream has a great Kinetic TV and internet bundle option available. Windstream conveniently works with DirecTV to provide TV service where Kinetic TV is not available. With this option, you'll get several popular HD channels, including ESPN, FX, HGTV, The Weather Channel, and more. Plans start at $55 per month for Kinetic Preferred TV and Enhanced Kinetic Internet (10-25 Mbps). With this plan, you can stream up to five shows on five devices, record up to four shows simultaneously, and watch programs up to 72 hours after they initially air.
Company Summary
Windstream is not new to the internet and TV industry. This provider got its start in 2006 as a product of a merger between Alltel Corporation and VALOR Communications Group, Inc.. Although they have a bit of a rocky history — one that includes filing for bankruptcy in 2019 — they have built an impressive network in rural areas. They have merged with a handful of other businesses to expand their offerings and service areas.
Currently, this provider offers DSL internet to an estimated 14 million people, which makes it the sixth-largest residential DSL provider in America by coverage area. Their kinetic, or fiber, service is their next most available type of internet service. Right now, Windstream offers kinetic internet to nearly four million people in the U.S.
| The Good | The Bad |
|---|---|
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions About Windstream
How much is Windstream internet?
- Windstream internet-only plans cost between $27-57 per month, depending on the plan. The most affordable plan is the Kinetic Internet 50 at $27 per month for up to 50 Mbps.
Is Windstream available in my area?
- Windstream is currently available in all 50 states. If you want to know which plans are available in your area, you should visit their website or call customer service.
How to cancel Windstream internet?
- If you do not have a contract with Windstream, the best way to cancel your service is by calling their customer service center or visiting one of their retail stores. You should also return any rented equipment as soon as possible to avoid any fees.