Windstream Internet: Reviews, Pricing, and Performance

Windstream Internet is an internet provider that uses DSL and fiber networks and operates in parts of 18 states in the US. While its fiber networks are growing, Windstream’s major claim to fame is DSL coverage for rural areas.

Windstream internet plans and prices

Windstream’s plans are broken down into two types: fiber and DSL. If you can only get DSL at your address, you’ll automatically be subscribed to the fastest speed tier available for $39.99/mo. — up to 100 Mbps. If you have access to Windstream’s fiber network, you can choose from three plans.

Windstream availability

Windstream is offered in 18 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. Services are only offered in certain parts of each state, and speeds vary considerably.

Windstream provides Kinetic GIG to select communities in 16 states, but communities are increasingly receiving coverage. When the gigabit service first launched in 2016, the initial locations included Lincoln, NE; Lexington, KY; Sugar Land, TX; and seven communities in North Carolina: China Grove, Concord, Davidson, Harrisburg, Kannapolis, Lewisville, and Matthews.

Windstream speed

According to the FCC’s latest data report, Windstream’s DSL service generally delivers the speeds that are advertised in your plan, even during peak hours. It did struggle to reach higher speeds, though. On the 50 Mbps plan, for example, the FCC found that Windstream customers received median speeds of 44.87 Mbps.

Windstream reviews

Windstream has generally gotten average reviews from customers. The American Customer Satisfaction Index gave Windstream a score of 62/100 in 2022 — exactly in the middle for internet service providers. J.D. Power awarded Windstream 720/1000 for the South region, which was just below the average score of 730.

How does Windstream compare?

Windstream’s internet plans compare favorably with other internet providers, but only if you have access to their fiber internet network. If you can only get Windstream DSL service, your speeds will be much slower.

Our take

Windstream provides DSL and fiber internet services in pockets of 18 states in the US. Services are available at a wide range of speeds and price points, depending on where you live. The company boasts reasonably priced DSL connectivity at 100 Mbps or less in rural regions. Windstream also offers fiber connectivity at Gig speeds in 150 communities in 16 states, with plans to expand.