Windstream Internet Availability

Windstream is quite the dabbler when it comes to internet connections. Think of it as the Leonardo da Vinci of internet providers. Traditionally, Windstream's focus has been DSL, but it has made major investments in fiber infrastructure recently, allowing it to upgrade and sometimes even replace current DSL connections. Windstream branded this whole process of increased fiber connectivity as Kinetic by Windstream, so most of its internet plans now carry this name.

Windstream’s service area covers 18 states, with it ranking as the sixth-largest provider of DSL in the U.S. Furthermore, Windstream's fiber network links to about 1.6 million customer locations. In terms of speed, customers with access to the best fiber connections can enjoy download speeds up to 8 Gbps.

Windstream Internet Connections

Windstream Internet Contracts and Data Caps

Whether we’re talking about toppings at your favorite burrito joint or signing up with an internet provider, there’s always a catch. It might be that the guacamole costs extra (it always does, doesn’t it?) or that your internet service commits you to things you weren’t prepared for.

In the case of internet, most providers require you to sign an annual contract that can put you on the hook for lots of things. However, Windstream doesn’t require a contract for any of its plans. 

Pretend you’re in a full elevator in a big city. You stop at a floor, and even more people try to squeeze in, but the elevator starts buzzing and refuses to move. It’s hit its weight limit. The folks trying to get on will have to wait for the next elevator, and for good reason. Nobody wants an elevator to crash.

Internet providers put restrictions on how much data you can use, called data caps, for similar reasons. If their users consume too much data all at once, it can cause their network to slow down or even crash, leaving everyone without internet. However, some internet providers feel confident enough in the size of their networks to allow users to enjoy as much internet as they want, letting them engage in endless gaming sessions and Netflix binge-a-thons. Windstream is one of these providers. Regardless of your connection type, you’ll be able to enjoy as much data as you want each month.

Of course, even though Windstream doesn’t limit the data you can consume each month, that doesn’t mean connection speeds won’t fluctuate to reflect traffic on the network. Still, it’s one less thing to worry about. To celebrate this small internet win, we summed up Windstream’s data cap policies:

Windstream Internet Data Caps

Windstream Customer Service

Robots and computers are getting scarily good at all kinds of things, but believe it or not, there are still human beings working to bring you the internet. That’s why good customer service is essential to any internet service. When your connection starts slowing down, or you have a billing issue, you want to be sure you can get the help and information you need.

Windstream, unfortunately, doesn't have a rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for a history of customer complaints filed through the website. Of course, folks tend only to submit comments to the BBB when something goes wrong, so that’s something else to consider. A better benchmark might be the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ASCI), which gives Windstream a rating of 62 out of 100, below the industry average of 65. 

If you do need help, Windstream offers several channels for customer support. Assuming your internet is still working, the most convenient channel might be the live chat feature on the website. That way, you can get an answer to your billing question while still plugging away on an Excel spreadsheet or shopping on Amazon. The downside to this method is that it’s only available at certain hours.

The Value of Windstream Internet

Still undecided about whether Windstream is right for you? We understand. There can be a lot of options to sort through. That’s why we’ve put together the pros and cons of Windstream’s internet service so you can make a final decision:

Overall, Windstream has had some issues with customer service and difficulties meeting the demands of its customers while it builds better infrastructure. That said, Windstream still offers plans that can meet the needs of many different kinds of internet users, especially those in rural areas. If Windstream is available in your area, it may be the right high-speed internet option for you.