Windstream Fiber Optic Internet Review

With the ever-increasing need for faster and more reliable internet, fiber optic internet is becoming one of the most popular options available. Windstream is a telecommunications company that offers fiber optic broadband services to its customers. Windstream’s fiber optic network offers reliable coverage across multiple states in the US and is known for its reliability and affordable pricing plans. Whether you’re looking for an economical plan or want ultra-fast speeds without breaking the bank, Windstream has something that fits your needs. Read on to find out more in our comprehensive review of Windstream Fiber Optic Internet!

Windstream Fiber at a Glance

Windstream is a telecommunications company that provides fiber optic and broadband services to both residential and business customers. The company was founded in 2006 and has its headquarters in Little Rock, Arkansas. Windstream offers a wide range of services, including high-speed internet, digital TV, phone, and home security systems. 

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Windstream’s fiber optic network is available in 18 states and covers more than 4 million homes and businesses. The company offers fiber optic internet services to select areas, which is a type of high-speed internet that uses fiber optic cables to transmit data. Fiber internet is known for its fast and reliable speeds, as well as its ability to handle multiple devices and heavy internet usage. Windstream Fiber internet is available in select cities and towns and offers a range of speed options to fit different needs.

In February 2019, Windstream launched Kinetic, which provides fiber optic internet services to a larger customer base. With Kinetic, customers can get speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is up to 10 times faster than traditional broadband services.

Pros

• Affordable internet plans
• A 30-day refund policy
• Doesn’t impose data caps
• It does not require a contract
• Available in remote locations

Cons

• Prices may increase after the first year
• Customer satisfaction ratings are below average

Windstream Fiber Internet Plans

Windstream Fiber Optic Internet plans are perfect for homes and businesses with lightning-fast internet speeds. With the latest fiber optic technology, Kinetic delivers some of the best internet packages available to customers across the US. They offer three different fiber plan options to suit different needs. Customers can choose speeds ranging from 500 Mbps to 2 Gig, depending on their location. Let’s have a look at Kinetic Fiber’s internet plans.

All Windstream Fiber internet plans have unlimited data and do not require a contract. However, it’s worth noting that prices and availability may vary by location, so it’s important to check with Windstream to see which plans are available in your area.

Kinetic 500

This plan is an entry-level fiber option, ideal for households with a smaller number of internet users or for small businesses that do not require extremely high-speed internet. With Kinetic 500, customers can enjoy reliable and fast internet service without any data caps. Kinetic 500 pricing starts at $44.99 per month. With Windstream’s Kinetic 500, customers can experience faster downloads, smoother daily activities, and more efficient online workflows.

Kinetic 1 GIG

Kinetic 1 GIG is Windstream’s second-fastest internet plan, offering up to 1 Gbps speeds. This plan is ideal for households with multiple internet users who require fast internet for activities such as streaming, gaming, and video conferencing. It also offers low latency, which is important for online gaming and video conferencing. Pricing for this plan may vary depending on location, but it is generally priced competitively with other high-speed internet providers at $69.99/month.

Kinetic 2 GIG

Kinetic 2 GIG is Windstream’s fastest internet plan, offering speeds of up to 2 gigabits per second (Gbps) at $169.99 per month. The Kinetic 2 GIG can handle a variety of activities at the same time. It allows multiple users to connect to the internet simultaneously without slowing down the overall connection. With this plan, users can easily stream 4K videos, play online multiplayer games, and easily download large files. Whether you’re connecting multiple devices or engaging in intensive online activities, this cutting-edge technology from Windstream delivers the high performance you need. Although this plan is not available in the majority of its locations.

Kinetic 8 Gig

Kinetic by Windstream is making waves with its groundbreaking 8 Gig fiber internet service. This new offering is not just a step forward; it’s a giant leap in the direction of ultra-fast and reliable connectivity. In July alone, 330 exchanges across the Kinetic footprint will be eligible for 8 Gig service, with plans to expand into more markets in the future.

By becoming the nation’s largest provider of 8 Gig home internet, Windstream is ensuring that more than 400,000 households across the United States will soon have access to this future-proof bandwidth.

By creating unique partnerships with cities, counties, and other groups, Kinetic is driving fiber deeper into the network faster, ensuring that its customers are always ahead of the curve.

The launch of the Kinetic 8 Gig service is more than a technological advancement; it’s a statement of intent. It reflects a dedication to customer needs, a passion for innovation, and a vision for the future.

Contract 

Understanding the terms of your Windstream internet contract is essential to ensure you are getting the most out of your service. Some internet providers require contracts with a 12-month or 24-month term. Windstream Fiber Internet plans typically do not require a contract, meaning customers are not locked into a long-term commitment. This provides more flexibility for customers who prefer month-to-month billing or may need to change their internet service.

Data Caps

Data caps are limits Internet Service Providers (ISPs) set on how much data a customer can transfer each month. Unlike some internet providers that impose data caps or charge extra fees for going over a certain amount of data usage, Windstream Fiber allows you to use the internet as much as you want without any limits or penalties. This means you can stream, download, and browse to your heart’s content without the fear of running out of data or incurring additional charges.

Additional Costs

The cost associated with getting online varies depending on the provider you choose. While Windstream is a popular choice among households, it is important to note that their internet plans come with additional costs that many users may not be aware of. These costs can significantly impact your monthly bill, and it is essential to understand them to make an informed decision.

Installation

The installation fee for Windstream fiber optic internet depends on how you choose to install the service. If you opt to self-install, then there is no charge. However, if you prefer a professional installation, then you will have to pay an additional fee of $35. 

Equipment

An equipment fee of $9.99/month is required if you wish to lease the modem from Windstream. This is avoidable by providing your own modem.

Activation

An activation fee of $50.00 must be paid upfront when signing up for Windstream’s services. This fee cannot be avoided unless you sign up for their gigabit service. It is separate from the installation fee and covers the cost of setting up your account and activating the service.

Windstream Fiber Optics Availability

Windstream Fiber is unavailable in all areas of the United States, and its availability depends on location. While the company has been expanding its fiber network over the past few years, it is still primarily available in select regions across the country.

Currently, Windstream’s Kinetic internet service is available in 18 states in the US, with high coverage in Georgia, Iowa, and Kentucky, where more than half of the state is covered. However, only around 2.78% of the US population can access the service. Their fiber network is expanding around 30% of their network is fiber-optic at this time, which is slightly behind competitors like AT&T, CenturyLink, and Frontier. These are states where Windstream service is available:

If Windstream Fiber is available in your area, it’s important to note that not all plans may be available. For example, some areas may only offer the Kinetic 500 plan, while others may have access to higher-speed plans like the Kinetic 1 GIG.

Customer Service

Customer service is an essential aspect of any internet service provider, and Windstream is no exception. The company offers various options for customers to contact their customer support team, including phone, email, live chat, and social media. However, their customer service ranks very low compared to other internet providers. Customers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the fluctuating internet speeds, unexpected price hikes, and poor customer service when calls were made to report a problem with the service. 

On a positive note, Kinetic responded quickly to the online reviews and offered a genuine apology to the customers for having a bad experience with the service. American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), which gave it a score of 62 out of 100. In the J.D. Power consumer report for 2021, Kinetic was given a score of 682 out of 1000 for its unsatisfactory customer service.

It is expected that with the expansion of the fiber optic network, Kinetic internet speeds will become more consistent throughout the country. As this happens, it is hoped that Windstream Kinetic’s customer service will improve as well.

Windstream Fiber vs Competitors

As technology advances so does the demand for reliable and high-speed internet connections. With this in mind, many companies have begun offering their customers fiber-optic internet options. Windstream Fiber has become well known for its continued presence in the communications industry. So, it stack-up against the competition? Lets find out.

Windstream Fiber vs AT&T Fiber

Both Windstream Fiber and AT&T Fiber offers high-speed fiber internet to their customers. AT&T Fiber has a more extensive network reaching 21 states, and they offer a wider range of speeds and pricing options. However, Both offer unlimited data with no contract plans. AT&T’s customer service is much better than Windstream’s, which makes it a good choice for those looking for a reliable internet solution while still getting top-notch performance from their internet provider.

Windstream Fiber vs EarthLink

EarthLink and Kinetic both offer DSL and fiber internet. In terms of internet speeds, EarthLink fiber internet plans are generally faster than Windstream fiber plans. EarthLink also has more flexible pricing options than Windstream, with a variety of plan options to suit different needs. Their service is available all over the united states including Hawaii and Alaska. Overall, EarthLink is a better option for those looking for faster speeds and more pricing flexibility.

Windstream Fiber vs Frontier

Both Windstream and Frontier offer fiber internet services to their customers. Windstream has a more extensive fiber network, with plans available in select regions across the country. Frontier Fiber has a broader network reach, but its pricing tends to be more expensive than that of Windstream. Windstream also has more flexible pricing options, with a range of plans to choose from. Overall, Windstream is a better option for those looking for more pricing flexibility, while Frontier may be a better option for those living in areas with limited fiber internet options.

Conclusion

Windstream Fiber Optic Internet is a reliable and affordable option for homes and businesses in the United States that need fast and unlimited internet access. The company’s fiber optic network is available in 18 states. Additionally, their plans do not require contracts and come with unlimited data without any data caps or extra fees. While However, it’s important to note that there are some drawbacks, such as availability may vary by location and that Windstream’s customer satisfaction ratings are below average. Ultimately, this is a great choice for those who want to switch to one of the fiber internet providers without breaking the bank.

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