There are countless perspectives from which you can examine internet providers and even more ways to deem one as “good” or “bad.” But at the end of the day, all we care about is experience. We want an internet service that we subscribe to and forget about, never bothered by connectivity issues, slow speeds, extra fees, etc.
Internet service is still not reliable enough except in major cities, while data caps and term contracts are still a thing. If these are some of your issues with your current ISP, Windstream Internet may be just what you need.
Still, Windstream Internet is not the same everywhere. It’s important to learn about exactly what Windstream offers where you live to decide if it’s right for you—and that’s exactly why we compiled these pros and cons of Windstream Internet.
Only there’s one nuisance; Windstream is delivered via DSL in some areas and fiber in others. The two service types are entirely different from each other, which is why we’ll talk about the pros and cons of each Windstream Internet service type separately. With that in mind, let’s start with Windstream Fiber Internet.
Kinetic by Windstream Fiber Internet
Pros
High-Speed Connectivity
Windstream offers fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) internet service in some areas. FTTH is renowned for its exceptional speed, and Windstream is currently the nation’s biggest 8-gig internet provider. This level of performance is invaluable for a wide range of applications, including high-definition streaming, seamless online gaming, and dependable video conferencing.
Minimal Latency
With the speed of light as its medium, Windstream’s fiber optic cables provide minimal latency. This is particularly critical for latency-sensitive applications such as real-time video conferences and competitive online gaming.
Reliability
Windstream boasts 99.9% reliability due to the immunity of its fiber optic cables to signal interference and degradation when compared to traditional copper or coaxial cables. Consequently, users experience fewer performance disruptions, even during peak usage periods.
Symmetrical Speeds
Windstream offers symmetrical upload and download speeds with its fiber plans. This symmetry proves advantageous for activities that necessitate robust upload capabilities, such as sharing large files, video conferencing, and data backups.
Scalability
Windstream’s fiber networks possess substantial data transmission capacity and are inherently scalable. This adaptability enables service providers to meet evolving demands by enhancing network capabilities as required by technological advancements and user needs.
Future-Proofing
Investments in FTTH infrastructure are widely considered a future-proof strategy, and Windstream is constantly working on bringing fiber to more areas. Fiber internet is future-proof for subscribers too as they can get increased speeds in the future without any installation costs.
Unlimited Data
All Windstream Fiber internet plans have unlimited data. You’ll have to worry about reaching a data cap or having to pay overage fees.
Cons
Limited Availability
As reliable as Windstream Fiber is, its availability remains limited primarily to areas in proximity to areas close to urban populations with access to fiber. Windstream’s most rural regions lack access to this cutting-edge technology. You can ask Windstream customer service if it’s available where you live.
Complex Installation
The installation of fiber optic cables can be intricate and time-intensive, in contrast to the relative simplicity of traditional DSL installations. Consequently, users may experience lengthier wait times for installation and activation of services.
Equipment Compatibility
Legacy modems don’t work with fiber optic connections—you need an optical network terminal (ONT) to use fiber internet. This is a one-time expenditure, however.
Kinetic by Windstream DSL Internet
Pros
Broad Availability
Windstream’s DSL internet is available across hundreds of service areas across 18 states. DSL provides bandwidth access in areas where satellite and fixed wireless access (FWA) are the only other options.
Reliable Connectivity
DSL reliably delivers a stable and uninterrupted internet connection, especially compared to satellite and FWA internet service. Also, unlike cable, DSL internet doesn’t have a shared bandwidth—so the internet doesn’t slow down with other people in the neighborhood are online.
Satisfactory Speeds
Windstream DSL internet offers reliable download speeds suitable for everyday activities such as web browsing, email communication, video conferencing, and video streaming.
Cost-Effective
Windstream DSL internet is competitively priced despite being faster and more reliable than other types of rural internet service.
Simultaneous Use
Unlike dial-up internet, DSL permits concurrent use of your phone line for both data and voice communication without compromising the quality of either service.
Unlimited Data
Like Windstream Fiber, Windstream DSL internet also has unlimited data, so you never have to face unnecessary surcharges or throttling.
Cons
Distance-Related Speed Variability
DSL connection speeds can depend on the proximity to the telephone exchange or DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer). Longer distances can result in diminished speeds.
Limited Upload Speeds
DSL typically provides lower upload speeds compared to alternative broadband technologies like cable or fiber-optic, which can hinder efficient data uploads and high-quality video conferencing.
Inadequate for High-Bandwidth Demands
DSL may not be able to support bandwidth-requiring tasks such as 4K streaming. Downloads may also take more time than with fiber internet.
Kinetic by Windstream Internet Plans
So Windstream Fiber Internet is a pretty reliable option if it’s offered in your area. Windstream DSL is also good enough, and definitely better than other types of rural internet service. If you’re considering Windstream Internet, here are the latest offers you might want to know about.
Kinetic Internet Basic
Kinetic Internet Basic is Windstream’s DSL plan that costs $39.99 per month (for the initial 12 months) and delivers a maximum speed of 100 Mbps. This plan supports basic video streaming and includes unlimited data. Plus, there’s no pesky term contract to tie you down.
Kinetic Fiber Internet
Windstream’s Kinetic Fiber Internet plan comes at the same monthly cost of $39.99 for the first year, but it cranks up the speed to 500 Mbps. Stream videos in high definition and enjoy smooth browsing with this option. It’s perfect for households with multiple devices and those with moderate to heavy internet use. Like the Kinetic Internet Basic plan, it comes with unlimited data and no binding term contract.
Kinetic Fiber Internet GIG
Windstream’s Kinetic Fiber Internet GIG plan costs $69.99 per month (for the first 12 months) for a max symmetrical speed of 1000 Mbps. You can indulge in 4K video streaming and seamless online gaming with no worries about overage fees as it comes with unlimited data. And just like the other plans, there’s no long-term contract to fret over.
Kinetic Fiber Internet 2 GIG
At a max download speed of 2 Gbps, Windstream’s Kinetic Fiber Internet 2 GIG plan is a high-speed marvel. It handles 8K video streaming like a breeze, offers unlimited data, and, of course, there’s no binding term contract. The price of this plan varies by location. Windstream customer service can tell you more.
