Windstream Internet is very reliable compared to other ISPs. It uses fiber to provide internet connection in many service areas across its 18-state footprint—a connection type more reliable than any other.
Windstream is also the biggest 8-gig internet service provider in the nation. This indicates a very high network bandwidth, which ensures less network congestion during peak usage hours. Windstream’s DSL service, which may not be as reliable as fiber or cable depending on the area, is still more consistent than satellite and fixed wireless internet.
If you’re still unsure, let’s assess Windstream Internet in terms of various factors that determine the reliability of an internet connection.
Assessing the Reliability of Windstream Internet
Routine Infrastructure Improvements
Established ISPs routinely invest in better infrastructure such as their network of data centers, data transmission lines, and server equipment. ISPs that regularly upgrade their equipment and expand their network capacity are more likely to provide reliable internet connections.
Windstream is one of the biggest ISPs bringing fiber internet to more communities in the US. According to a Fierce Telecom report, Windstream has secured $523 million from the Federal Communications Commission’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to bring broadband internet service to more areas over the next 10 years. It has also won $237 million in broadband grants from Georgia, Iowa, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas since 2022.
It’s safe to say that Windstream has been routinely improving and expanding its network and will continue doing so in the upcoming years.
Connection Type
The type of internet connection determines reliability more than anything.
Satellite internet service is widely considered the least reliable, as it can be disrupted during inclement weather or if there is an obstruction between the satellite and the user’s dish. It also has a latency of around 550 milliseconds, which is a deal-breaker for gamers. Fixes wireless access, which uses mobile towers to provide home internet service, is also generally less reliable than wired Internet service.
Internet connections delivered through cable lines can be reliable enough if the network is well-maintained. DSL, which provides internet connections through existing telephone lines, may vary in terms of reliability based on the quality and distance of the copper wires. Fiber-optic connections offer the highest reliability due to their higher resistance to interference.
Windstream offers fiber internet in some service areas and DSL internet in others. While its fiber service is more reliable, DSL is still superior to wireless internet.
Speed and Bandwidth
A reliable internet connection should offer sufficient bandwidth to meet your needs. Insufficient bandwidth can result in slow speeds, especially during peak usage times when the network is congested.
In June 2023, Windstream announced a new 8-gig symmetrical internet plan that’s available to 400,000 households across Windstream service areas in 18 states. This may make Windstream the largest 8 Gbps internet provider in the US. How does this translate to higher reliability? Well, faster internet offers imply that the ISP has a lot of extra bandwidth in its network, making it less susceptible to network congestion and ensuring faster speeds around the clock.
Latency
Latency is a measure of the delay in data transmission between your device and the destination server. Low latency ensures real-time applications such as online gaming and video conferencing run smoothly. Fiber internet generally has the lowest latency compared to other types of internet service. You can ask Windstream customer service if fiber is available in your area for a more specific assessment.
Quality of Equipment
The quality of the modem, router, and other networking equipment you use can affect reliability. Outdated or poorly maintained equipment may lead to connectivity issues.
Windstream’s WiFi Gateway supports speeds up to 1 Gbps. However, you’re free to use the fastest third-party router you can find.
Weather and Environmental Factors
Some types of connections, like satellite or fixed wireless, can be sensitive to weather conditions. Storms, heavy rain, or snow can disrupt the signal path between your equipment and the ISP’s infrastructure, causing temporary outages. However, Windstream uses fiber and DSL cables to provide internet connections. These internet service types are less susceptible to environmental interruptions.
Local Network Congestion
Issues within your local network, such as too many devices connected simultaneously, can lead to unreliable connections. This can be a more common issue if an ISP is serving too many homes in the same area. However, Windstream Internet doesn’t suffer from this problem—as evident by the fact that it offers speeds up to 8 Gbps, which it wouldn’t be able to if it had oversold its internet service.
Geographic Location
The reliability of your internet connection can vary based on your geographic location. Rural or remote areas may have limited infrastructure, leading to less reliable connections. Urban areas typically have more options and better-developed networks. However, despite primarily being a rural internet service provider, Windstream offers reliable fiber connections in many areas.
So we’ve established that Windstream Internet is quite reliable across the board, particularly its fiber service. Let’s now look at the internet plans it offers.
Windstream Internet Plans
Here are the DSL and Fiber internet plans Windstream currently offers:
Kinetic Internet Basic (DSL)
Kinetic Internet Basic is Windstream’s DSL internet plan that costs $39.99 per month for the first 12 months. With a maximum download speed of 100 Mbps, it’s fast enough for most online tasks.
Kinetic Fiber Internet
If you’re ready to supercharge your online experience, the Kinetic Fiber Internet plan is your ticket to the fast lane. Priced at the same tantalizing $39.99 per month for the first 12 months, this plan cranks up the speed with a maximum download rate of 500 Mbps. Say goodbye to buffering and lag as you revel in the glory of HD video streaming. Plus, you can juggle multiple devices effortlessly, making it perfect for busy households.
Kinetic Fiber Internet GIG
For the true connoisseurs of speed and quality, the Kinetic Fiber Internet GIG plan is an absolute steal at $69.99 per month for the first 12 months. With a blazing-fast 1000 Mbps, you can dive into the world of 4K video streaming without missing a pixel. Download large files in the blink of an eye, and tackle your work-from-home tasks with ease. This plan is for those who demand nothing but the best.
Kinetic Fiber Internet 2 GIG
Prepare to be blown away by the Kinetic Fiber Internet 2 GIG plan. While the price varies by location, it’s well worth it for the jaw-dropping 2000 Mbps speed. This plan isn’t for the faint of heart; it’s designed for power users and households that live and breathe the internet. Enjoy flawless 8K video streaming, engage in real-time online gaming, and conquer bandwidth-intensive tasks like a boss.
Kinetic Fiber Internet 8 GIG
At the pinnacle of internet speed, the Kinetic Fiber Internet 8 GIG plan delivers an astonishing 8000 Mbps, but the price and availability vary by location. This plan is the stuff of legends, catering to users and locations with the most demanding internet needs. Dive into the world of 8K video streaming with unrivaled clarity and handle multiple high-bandwidth activities with ease.
Conclusion
Powered by well-maintained fiber networks in many areas, Windstream Internet is quite reliable overall. Its DSL service may fall short against fiber and cable internet, but it’s still more reliable than fixed wireless and satellite internet.