Windstream offers both fiber and DSL internet service in service areas. DSL service is more widely available in remote rural communities while symmetrical fiber internet is offered in areas closer to the urban population.
Regardless of the service type, Windstream Internet includes unlimited data, doesn’t require an annual contract, and provides 99.9% network reliability. Windstream is about the fastest fiber internet provider in the nation with an 8 Gbps option available to over 400,000 homes across 18 states. Speeds with its DSL service are limited, however.
Let’s take a closer look at fiber and DSL internet service to learn more about Windstream Internet.
Windstream Fiber Internet
Technology
Windstream’s fiber internet employs ultra-thin strands of glass or plastic fibers to transmit data at breakneck speeds, using pulses of light as its medium. This technology relies on the physics principle of total internal reflection to keep the data securely within the fiber with minimal signal loss. This allows data to travel vast distances without a significant drop in speed or latency.
Windstream provides fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connections, which is the best type of fiber internet. Unlike hybrid fiber-option connections, which switch to conventional cable for the last mile, it uses fiber-optic cables all the way to your home. Here are some of the advantages this technology brings:
Advantages
Ultra High Speeds: Powered by fiber, Windstream offers speeds up to 8 Gbps in many areas. Even in areas where the new 8-gig plan isn’t available, it offers speeds up to 2 Gbps, which is more than enough bandwidth for most online activities.
Ultra Low Latency: Say goodbye to lag when Windstream fiber internet has your back with ultra-low latency. Your online gaming and video calls are smooth conference calls are glitch-free.
Reliability: Windstream fiber doesn’t flinch at interference or signal loss. It’s a rock-solid, reliable connection that stays strong even in the face of electromagnetic chaos and distance-related challenges.
Symmetrical Speeds: While other internet connection types favor downloads over uploads, Windstream fiber internet affords equally fast uploads and downloads. It offers symmetrical upload and download speeds, perfect for cloud storage, video calls, and more.
Future-Proof: As bandwidth demands grow, Windstream Fiber Internet can handle it without breaking a sweat. It’s the tech equivalent of staying ahead of the curve.
Secure: Fiber connections are incredibly tough to breach. Windstream also provides Kinetic Seucre with its gateways that protect your devices against bad actors.
Unlimited Data: If you’re going with one of the faster tiers, you’ll probably be downloading a lot. There’s no need to fret over overage fees as Windstream Fiber doesn’t have a data cap.
No-term contract: If you decide to switch plans or cancel the plan in the future, you can freely do so as there’s no annual contract required.
Limitations
Availability: As alluring as Windstream fiber internet sounds, it’s only available in limited service areas. You can ask Windstream customer service if it’s available at your address.
Cost: Windstream’s 500 Mbps fiber plan costs the same as its DSL service. However, multi-gig plans may not be the cheapest.
Plans
Kinetic Fiber Internet
The Kinetic Fiber Internet plan costs $39.99 per month for the first 12 months. Despite being the starter fiber plan, it features max symmetrical speeds up to 500 Mbps. It’s a great choice for binge-watching your favorite shows in high definition, dominating your online games, and connecting multiple devices without a hiccup.
Kinetic Fiber Internet GIG
For those who crave lightning-fast speeds and top-notch video quality, the Kinetic Fiber Internet GIG plan is your golden ticket, priced at $69.99 per month for the first 12 months. With a blazing 1000 Mbps, it’s built for 4K streaming enthusiasts, avid gamers, and hoursholds with a voracious appetite for online content. Elevate your digital life with this high-speed experience.
Kinetic Fiber Internet 2 GIG
Ready to enter the stratosphere of internet speed? The Kinetic Fiber Internet 2 GIG plan boasts an eye-popping 2000 Mbps, perfect for power users, large families, and ambitious businesses. It even supports mind-blowing 8K video streaming. However, be prepared for varying prices depending on your location; this plan is for those who demand the best and are willing to invest.
Kinetic Fiber Internet 8 GIG
Hold onto your hats because the Kinetic Fiber Internet 8 GIG plan is the Usain Bolt of internet plans, reaching an astonishing 8000 Mbps. This speed demon is designed for the most demanding internet users and businesses. With support for 8K video streaming and a price tag that varies by location, it’s the ultimate choice for those who want nothing but the fastest and most powerful internet experience.
Windstream DSL Internet
Digital Subscriber Line or DSL is a broadband technology that provides high-speed internet through those telephone lines. Windstream offers DSL internet in most areas where it’s yet to install fiber networks. It’s faster than dial-up but lags behind cable and fiber internet.
Still, DSL is a great choice if the alternative option is wireless internet. Satellite and fixed wireless internet support very limited and unreliable speeds compared to DSL. The latency is also lower with DSL, making it a superior service for gaming.
Advantages
Availability: DSL has its roots spread far and wide. Windstream’s DSL service is available even to remote communities that otherwise don’t have access to broadband internet.
Separate Line: DSL uses a separate line for each connection. The speeds are more reliable and are less affected during peak usage house.
Speed: Windstream offers speeds up to 100 Mbps with DSL depending on location. While this bandwidth is no match for fiber, it’s still a lot more than what you’d typically get with satellite and fixed wireless internet.
Cost: DSL typically costs less than fiber and cable internet. Windstream’s DSL service only costs $39.99 per month for 12 months.
Unlimited Data: Windstream’s DSL internet features unlimited data; there are no overage costs no matter how much you download.
99.9% Reliability: Windstream boasts a 99.9% reliability even for its DSL service. You can only expect a network downtime of about 90 seconds in 24 hours.
Limitations
Speeds: Speeds with DSL are limited to 100 Mbps, which is far lower than what’s possible with fiber.
Distance: DSL’s speed falters the farther you are from the telephone company’s hub. The closer, the better—think of it like a Wi-Fi signal, but with telephone wires.
Plans
Windstream only offers one DSL plan, the Kinetic Internet Basic. This plan is your wallet’s best friend, priced at just $39.99 per month for the initial 12 months. While it might not break speed records, it delivers a respectable 100 Mbps, ideal for your everyday internet needs, like casual browsing and sending emails. Keep in mind, though, it’s a bit of a streamer’s minimalist, offering basic video quality. Perfect for staying connected without burning a hole in your pocket.
Conclusion
Windstream offers fiber-to-the-home internet in some areas and DSL service in others. The fiber option is available in speed tiers ranging from 500 Mbps to 2 Gbps, with a new 8 Gbps plan offered in some areas. The DSL broadband service only supports speeds up to 100 Mbps, but it’s still much faster than satellite and fixed wireless internet. Plans start at $39.99 per month for both DSL and fiber, with faster fiber tiers costing more.