Kinetic by Windstream Internet Reviews 2023
Packages & Pricing | Modem & Router | Features | Customer Service | Final Recommendation
- Windstream Review Highlights:
- Windstream offers 3 plans with internet speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gig
- Windstream is available in 18 states across the US including Iowa, Georgia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas and more
- Current Windstream offers include a choice of month to month plans, no data caps, no overage charges and more
Windstream Internet offers residential and business internet options across 18 US states, with their greatest coverage in Michigan, Nebraska, Maryland, and Kentucky. Windstream focuses on bringing high-speed internet to rural areas, and over the last few years, they have invested heavily in their fiber infrastructure to increase the area of its availability.
Here’s everything you need to know about Windstream Internet.
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Packages and Pricing
Windstream Internet is actively expanding its fiber network availability in rural areas where there are few options available. This is made even better with their “no data cap” and “no contract” offerings.
The packages currently available include:
Kinetic Internet Basic
With cable internet speeds up to 100 Mbps, this plan is great for households with 1 -3 users, and it also supports HD streaming and gaming. Currently, it’s available for $39.99 for 12 motnhs when you choice autopay.
Kinetic Fiber Internet
For larger households, this is the plan perfect for multiple streams and data-intense activities. With expected speeds up to 500 Mbps, and a current promotion rate of just $39.99 for 12 months when you pay with auto-pay, this fiber plan is one of the best internet deals out there.
Gig Speed Fiber Internet
This is Windstream Internet’s highest-tier fiber option, with advertised speeds ranging up to 1000Mbps. It’s also one of their best values at $69.99 a month when you pay with auto-pay.
Customers can also test their services for a whole month before deciding whether they want to stick with Windstream or not, thanks to their 30-day money back guarantee.
Other Services
Windstream also offers TV and home phone services.
Their unlimited home phone service is available for $50 per month when you purchase on its own or $25 per month if you bundle phone with internet and includes a lifetime price guarantee. With it, users get unlimited nationwide calls, as well as features like Caller ID, call waiting and forwarding, and SPAM call alerts to avoid pesky robocalls.
Network Management and Performance
Windstream states that the advertised speeds cannot be guaranteed, so customers should check whether they will be able to get close to advertised speeds before they order any services.
Windstream also states that customers have to expect possible interruptions or errors with services from time to time, but doesn’t specify whether this is often or not. They state that “speed availability, capabilities and provisioning vary depending on network and terrain conditions, internet, website, or network congestion, and customer geographical location.”
They also assume that they have “no responsibility or liability for interruption of services or service performance differences actual and advertised performance,” which basically means that if you don’t get the advertised speeds, it’s not their fault.
While many ISPs state that they cannot guarantee advertised speeds at all times, many of them have guarantees on minimum speed for each package. This doesn’t seem to be the case with Windstream, as they state that they will provide the fastest speed available (20Mbps to 100Mbps), but there are no guarantees on speed or uninterrupted, error-free service!
Fees
Those who choose Windstream as their ISP should know that there are additional fees to take into account aside from recurring monthly internet, phone, or TV prices. These include the following:
- Activation fee – This is a one-time charge of $50 that will be billed in the first month.
- Professional installation fee – This is a one-time charge of $35 that is waived if you order their services online.
- Jack install fee – This is a $65 fee if you need a new phone jack installed in the home.
- Advance payment charge – Some customers need to pay $20 in advance for services, this amount will be paid back as a credit on the first bill.
The monthly cost of selected services is paid a month in advance, and those living in Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania can expect to see prorated charges too.
There will also be additional taxes and fees on the bill, and users will be able to see those during the quote. Windstream adds that these could differ from the actual first bill because of the taxes, as these often change.
Note: Windstream’s unreturned equipment fee is lower than with other providers: if the modem isn’t returned within 30 days of service termination, customers will have to pay $100 for it.
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Windstream Modem & Router Review
Windstream provides their customers with a modem with Wi-Fi options. The wireless gateway fee is $9.99 a month according to sources, as there is no mention of this fee anywhere on their site!
Features and Benefits
Windstream offers several additional services to their internet plan users:
Free Speed Upgrades
Regular free speed upgrades are definitely one of the best benefits of switching to Windstream. As soon as their services are upgraded in an area, eligible customers will get free speed upgrades while the price of their bill stays the same.
AutoPay Option
Customers who choose the autopay option will get a $10 discount on their bills. To make sure they get the discount, customers must enroll in the AutoPay program within 60 days from the date their services were installed. If not, or they cancel AutoPay within the promotional period of 12 months, the discount will be cancelled.
Shield Security Packages
Windstream provides four Shield security packages.
The Shield Lite includes the security suite, identity theft protection, and online data backup.
- The Security Suite includes malware protection around the clock, and customers don’t have to do anything other than install the software. The software solution is based on McAfee and updates automatically. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it easy for users to check the security status of their devices.
- Identity Theft Protection covers not just Social Security number monitoring, but credit reports and credit score overview too. If there are any changes to the SSN, customers will be alerted right away. The CyberGuard feature keeps tabs on sketchy websites and alerts users in case their personal information is found on them. The feature will also keep tabs on any address changes, loans, and restoration services.
- Online Data Backup gives users 100GB files and media storage and allows easy sharing and organization.
Shield Standard comes with all the features in Shield Lite, but also includes:
- Windstream Shield Tech Help – 24 hours year-round tech support option that covers any PC tech issues customers might experience.
- Protection Plus covers the maintenance of inside wiring and provides protection for these too. The service covers all wires, jacks, and other equipment.
Shield Premium has two additional features when compared to Standard:
- PC Protect is a premium hardware service that covers hardware protection and replacement. It’s basically their very own computer insurance policy. Both desktops and laptops are covered, as well as any accidental damage to personal computers. Even though it’s called PC protect, the insurance covers tablets, e-readers, and Mac computers.
- Whole Home Tech Support is the remote premium tech support from Windstream that covers up to 10 internet connected devices. This specific support covers all things software and networking, so if there’s an issue, they will solve it.
Shield Connect is their premium Wi-Fi tech support for networking issues.
- Device Connectivity Support offers customers tech support if you get issues with the Wi-Fi network. Support is available around the clock and can solve installation, activation, and any ongoing problems to ensure customers can connect.
- The service also has Protection Plus, where wire, jack, and other equipment inside the home are covered.
Ready To Try Windstream Internet or Want to Learn More?
Customer Service
Windshield has an extensive support center right on their website, with how-to and tutorial articles provided to help users solve simple issues on their own.
The online support center of the site is divided into sections for each service – internet, phone, TV, as well as additional sections for account and payments, security packages, installation, and email settings.
Customers can also contact Windstream via email, live chat, or by calling them.
- The Windstream Customer Service is available by calling (800) 347-1991 and works round the clock.
- The Windstream Sales Team is available on (866) 445-8084 from 7:30 AM to 7:00PM ET.
- To check the Online Order Status, customers can call (800) 481-5441 between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM ET.
- The live chat service is available from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM from Monday to Friday, and 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday. It’s unavailable on Sunday.
- To send an email, customers are prompted to fill out the contact form. Usually, all email inquiries are answered within 24 hours.
Customer reviews are mixed, as with any other provider in the industry with the most common negative comments mentioning poor speeds, disconnects, or connections not reaching the maximum speed. On the positive side, it seems Windstream actually care and seem to be actively following review sites and contacting customers with negative experiences with an aim to fix their issues.
Ways to Save on Windstream Internet
Bundle Up
Windstream offers phone and TV services too, and customers who bundle up get additional discounts for their bundles. For example, customers can save $5 off DirecTV bills each month (up to 24 months) when they are bundled with the XTRA Package or above.
Order Online
By ordering service online and signing up for AutoPay, customers can save $5 each month and get free professional installation.
Choose Fiber
Where available, fiber is the way to go. While Windstream offers DSL too, their speeds are much lower and prices are way too steep to be considered a valid option.
Our Recommendation – Windstream Internet
Windstream offers great deals where fiber internet is available. During the promotional period, the pricing is as good as you can get, but the prices still remain competitive after the 12-month price lock is over.
Coupled with the fact that there are no data caps, Windstream Communications is a great choice for rural area residents looking for high-speed options. Just be careful of additional fees.
Is Windstream Right For You?
