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Windstream

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3.6

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: August 26th, 2024

Windstream began as a telephone company called Allied Telephone Company in 1943 based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Since then, Windstream has merged with other businesses to expand its service offerings and areas serviced and has become one of the many emerging providers giving access to rural areas. Windstream offers wireless, copper, fiber optic, cable, and broadband internet service.

Windstream offers internet speeds up to 1 Gpbs (1,000 Mbps) and provides unlimited data with no caps.

Customers should also know that Windstream filed for bankruptcy in February 2019.

Windstream provides internet service to residential users and businesses of all sizes. Windstream’s services are available in parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas.

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The Good

  • High-Speed Internet Service
  • Internet Security
  • Bundling
  • Customer Service and Support

High-Speed Internet Service 

Windstream offers high-speed internet service with speeds up to 1 Gbps and no data caps. These speeds are some of the fastest internet speeds in the industry. Here are three Windstream plans:

  • Kinetic 200
  • Kinetic 500
  • Kinetic GIG

The monthly cost of these plans varies. Additional taxes and fees, like an equipment fee or activation fee, may also apply. If you are also looking for TV service or phone service, Windstream offers deals when you bundle these.

The download and upload speeds available may vary depending on the plans in your area. Enter your address and zip code on Windstream's website to view specific information about your options.

Internet Security

Windstream customers can also add an internet service security package to protect their computer and internet against hacking. Windstream offers several security packages with prices ranging between $9.99 and $14.99 per month depending on the level of security a customer wants:

  • Connect Secure — $9.99 per month; internet security, Wi-Fi agent
  • Self Secure — $11.99 per month; Wi-Fi and whole home agent, identity theft protection
  • Total Secure — $14.99 per month; internet security, whole home and Wi-Fi agent, identity theft protection and Protection Plus

These customizable packages ensure that you can get the coverage you want without overspending for services you don't need.

Bundling

Windstream is also a TV provider and offers other communications services. It provides satellite and cable TV service, phone services, cloud services, and security services. Customers who are interested in purchasing another Windstream service in addition to internet can receive discounts.

Customer Service and Support

Windstream provides customers with 24/7 support. The company also provides how-to guides online that are helpful with setting up email, internet access, satellite and Kinetic TV, and phone services. These guides also cover other usage questions and have a live chat available to customers. Customers can receive help with their internet connection, router, modem, and TV service. 

Customer satisfaction is important to Windstream. Customers have access to an online account that they can use to pay bills. Additionally, customers can sign up for Windstream services online.

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The Bad

  • Limited Availability
  • Fees

Limited Availability

Windstream internet access is limited to 18 states. Some areas in these states are not serviced by Windstream broadband. You can check availability on the website by inputting your address. The upload and download speeds available, internet packages, and bundling options may also vary depending on your area.

Fees

Windstream does charge an early termination fee, an installation fee, equipment fees, and an activation fee. Customers have to pay for the equipment they use, like a router and modem. Some of these fees are waived for certain promotions.

Be sure you know whether you are getting a special price for only a certain promotional period and know what the regular price is before you sign up.

Windstream does charge an early termination fee of $20 per month remaining on the contract.

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The Bottom Line

Windstream is one of the best broadband providers to consider when looking for high-speed internet access. It offers a high broadband speed in many locations and has great customer support tools. Windstream is a reliable choice. Customers can also pay more for internet security services and save by bundling Windstream services.

Customers should be aware of promotional rates and offerings. Windstream customers must purchase the internet equipment they use, like a router and a modem. They should also carefully consider early termination, equipment, and activation fees associated with Windstream internet service before signing up.

If you are a consumer or business owner in the area serviced by Windstream, it is an internet service provider worth choosing.

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Star Rating

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1.9

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92 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

12%

4 grade

7%

3 grade

8%

2 grade

4%

1 grade

70%

Sentiment Criteria

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AVA MARINO Live Oak, FL

3 stars for the service techs that come out and customer service reps, the internet itself sucks, had dsl and it was ok but went out alot, got fiber now and supposed to have 500 mb and cant get past 30mb, it drops constantly, resets itself alot, pages spin to open, had techs out alot, changed wires, modems, etc., the office is retarded, cant get things straightened out, still dealing with it, when someone new comes along like google fiber or svec fiber, Im switching in a heartbeat!

2 years ago

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Lance Smithville, TN

Set up and billing were good with Windstream. The issue came with trying to disconnect service. It is a hit and miss if you get a rude person on the phone or not. After dealing with this situation today, I would not recommend Windstream

4 years ago

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Willie Lee Glennville, GA

their service is very good but this company and all others should drop their prices for internet services

7 years ago

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Shauna Ferland

Sometimes service is slow or disrupted. I feel like I am getting charged too much for this service.

7 years ago

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Review Source

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Brett Schiftner Weatherford, TX

Was with them for years. Was relatively slow and quite unreliable. It was expensive for what you got

2 years ago

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Eric P.

Just OK. Speed can be improved. Liked the introductory price.

6 years ago

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Bottoms Up Boat Lift Systems

Insternet speed is very slow. No other provider choices for our rural area.

7 years ago