But if you’re lucky enough to have other rural internet options, how does Windstream internet compare? Let’s take a look at its prices, download speeds, contracts, and more to find out. Even some cities in the same state may see different prices for Windstream plans, so it’s best to check the Windstream deals in your specific area. But to give you an idea of how its prices pan out, here’s a look at what you might get in terms of a Windstream plan. More than likely, Windstream’s approach is similar to CenturyLink’s: it tries to get your download speed as close to the maximum speed it offers. But certain factors are out of its control, like the condition of the wiring inside your home, how close you are to the network hub, and more. When you compare Windstream’s prices to offerings from other internet providers like CenturyLink and Xfinity, it holds up pretty well. (And if you compare it to satellite internet providers like Viasat, which is another common rural internet option, Windstream’s prices and speeds look absolutely fantastic.) We love that Windstream is keeping the folks back home connected. To get an idea of whether Windstream is available near you, here’s a map of its coverage area plus a list of the states it offers service in. And if you’re lucky enough to get the 1 Gig plan, you’ll be surfing the web on fiber internet. (We highly recommend fiber due to its fast speeds and high reliability.) Here’s a look at the download speeds Windstream provides, which look great compared to the 100 Mbps download speed Viasat’s satellite internet currently maxes out at. And here’s the thing: Windstream serves rural areas, so it’s likely your other choice is satellite internet. Satellite tends to cost a lot more than even Windstream’s most expensive internet plan, and it may not come with unlimited data. So Windstream is still worth a serious look if your neighbors aren’t within shouting distance. That’s stellar news for anyone who likes to download a lot of games or movies—or has to download files when they work from home. You won’t get a passive-aggressive email at 2:30 in the morning warning that you’re this close to meeting your data cap. And you won’t have to pay data overage fees or fork over more money for more data. We prefer it when internet companies remove restrictions like data caps, so kudos to Windstream for doing just that. That means you’re free to cancel your Windstream service any time you want without early termination fees putting a dent in your wallet that’s deeper than the Mariana Trench. Still, keep in mind that Windstream’s advertised prices are good for 12 months. When month 13 rolls around, you will see a jump in your internet bill—and that’s never fun. This is, unfortunately, a common practice for most internet service providers (ISPs). However, several ISPs offer a price for life guarantee for customers who “remain in good standing.” With ISPs like Optimum, paying bills on time and sticking with the same internet plan allows you to pay the same rate, even after the promotional period ends. You can read about Optimum’s price for life guarantees in our reviews.
Windstream equipment rental fee: $9.99–$11.99 a month
If you’d like to skip renting and buy your own equipment, check out some of our favorite router recommendations. You’ll just want to make sure Windstream supports your new equipment, and be aware that “Windstream offers very limited support for broadband DSL modems not issued by Windstream.”1 (But we’ll help you set up your modem and router and troubleshoot internet issues with our guides.)
Activation fee: This is a one-time fee of $50 to start your service. Installation fees: $35 for a technician to install Windstream internet, and another $65 if you need a phone jack installed. Early termination fees: No contract means no early termination fee, so you’re off the hook here.
And the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) report matches the sentiment of Windstream’s disgruntled customers, scoring the ISP a 61 out of 100.2 That’s a failing grade if we ever saw one—but it is up from 57 out of 100 in 2019. You can reach Windstream customer service here:
Online chat Twitter: @Talk2Windstream Facebook: @windstreamconnects
Plans and prices: Windstream offers a nice variety of speeds, so it’s easy to find the right plan for your needs. But its prices may hold a few surprises since they change based on where you live—prices may differ even in the same state. Internet speed: Windstream advertises DSL plans that are faster than satellite internet, but you may not get the speeds you were promised. But Windstream offers unlimited data, which is a big win in our book. Customer service: Windstream is not the star of the customer service show. We hope it and other ISPs start treating their customers better and resolving issues like outages more quickly.
