Windstream offers DSL and fiber internet service in different rural and suburban areas across 18 states in the US. While its DSL service maxes out at 100 Mbps, fiber internet plans feature speeds from 500 Mbps to 8 Gbps.
All Windstream internet plans are free from data caps and term contracts and feature a 99.9% network reliability—which is a good thing, but can make it hard to decide on a plan. But we’ve got you covered.
We’re going to help you determine the speed you need and the factors you should consider. We’ll also provide information on all Windstream internet plans. Let’s dive in!
What Internet Speed Do I Need?
Speed is the only factor that differentiates different Windstream internet plans. Here’s how to determine your internet speed needs:
Assess Your Usage
Start by evaluating your internet usage habits. Consider how many people will be using the internet in your house at a time and what activities they will be doing online.
Different activities require different amounts of internet speed or bandwidth. Here’s a general guideline for some of the online common activities:
- Web Browsing: 5 Mbps
- Social Media Scrolling: 5 Mbps
- Video Streaming:
- Standard Definition (SD): 1 to 3 Mbps per stream
- High Definition (HD): 3 to 5 Mbps per stream
- Full HD (1080p): 5 to 10 Mbps per stream
- Ultra HD (4K): 15 to 25 Mbps per stream
- Video Conferencing (e.g., Zoom): 1-4 Mbps
- Online Gaming: 1 to 3 Mbps
- Cloud Gaming: 24 to 40 Mbps
Add up the speeds of the online activities people in your house will be performing simultaneously and you’ll know the speed you need. However, we haven’t considered downloads yet.
Add Downloads to The Equation
There’s no speed limit for large file downloads and uploads—the higher the speeds, the quicker the downloads.
Let’s compare how long it takes to download a file at different speeds offered by Windstream. For simplicity, let’s say the file is 100 GB in size (such as a modern game). Taking into account the fact that 8 Mbps (megabits per second) is equal to 1 MBps (megabytes per second), we arrive at the following download speeds:
- At 100 Mbps: ≈ 133 minutes (2.22 hours)
- At 500 Mbps: ≈ 26.6 minutes
- At 1 Gbps: ≈ 13.3 minutes
- At 2 Gbps: ≈ 6.66 minutes
- At 8 Gbps: ≈ 1.66 minutes
As you can see, faster speeds significantly lower the time it takes for a download. Real-life download times may be higher as actual speeds can be lower than the maximum allowed speeds. In any case, if you want faster downloads, go with a higher Windstream Internet speed tier.
Check Current Usage
Review your past internet usage, if possible. Many internet service providers provide tools or apps that allow you to monitor your data usage. This can give you an idea about your maximum bandwidth usage and help you decide on the plan you should go for.
Other Factors to Consider
Here are some factors besides speeds that you should consider:
Upload Speed
Upload speed is the measure of how quickly you can send data to the internet. A higher upload speed improves video calling quality and allows for quicker online backups and content creation.
Windstream’s fiber plans symmetrical speeds, i.e., the upload speed is the same as the download speed. The DSL service may have limited upload speeds.
Type of Internet Connection
Windsteam offers two types of Internet service: fiber and DSL. Fiber-optic internet transmits data using light signals through glass or plastic cables. In contrast, DSL uses existing telephone lines to deliver internet service. Fiber provides faster speeds and overall more reliable service.
Cost
Faster internet plans, of course, have higher monthly fees. Call Windstream customer service to find a plan that’s in your budget.
Latency
Low latency is vital for applications that require real-time data transmission. For instance, online gaming generally requires low latency (ping) more than high bandwidth. Windstream’s fiber internet has lower latency than its DSL service.
Availability
Windstream mostly offers fiber internet in areas closer to cities, whereas its DSL service is generally offered in more remote rural areas. Check with Windstream customer service to see which plans are available where you live.
Future Considerations
Consider your future internet needs while choosing a plan. Your household’s internet usage may increase if you add a 4K TV in a room or install more smart home devices.
Windstream Internet Plans
Now, without further ado, let’s look at the different internet plans from Windstream.
Kinetic Internet Basic
Windstream’s Kinetic Internet Basic plan, priced at $39.99 per month for the first 12 months, offers a maximum speed of 100 Mbps. This plan is perfect for those seeking an economical option, suitable for casual web browsing, quick emailing, and basic video streaming. However, it may not be your go-to choice if you crave high-octane online gaming sessions or crave the crispness of 4K streaming.
Kinetic Fiber Internet
If you’re yearning for a substantial speed bump without breaking the bank, Windstream serves up the Kinetic Fiber Internet plan, still holding the price tag of $39.99 per month for the first 12 months. It ushers in a turbocharged 500 Mbps speed, perfectly tailored for high-definition video streaming, seamless online gaming, and accommodating a multitude of devices concurrently. This plan is the reliable backbone for households that span the spectrum of internet usage.
Kinetic Fiber Internet GIG
Stepping up the game at $69.99 per month for the first 12 months, the Kinetic Fiber Internet GIG plan caters to the speed demons and entertainment aficionados who covet faster-than-light connectivity and 4K video streaming. With a stellar 1000 Mbps maximum speed, it juggles bandwidth-intensive applications with finesse, serving as the ultimate digital entertainer’s dream.
Kinetic Fiber Internet 2 GIG
For the digital powerhouses, sprawling households, and business empires, Windstream unleashes the beast – the Kinetic Fiber Internet 2 GIG plan. This powerhouse plan rockets you to speeds of up to 2000 Mbps, capable of handling the jaw-dropping glory of 8K video streaming and conquering a myriad of online tasks. However, keep in mind that pricing plays hide and seek, varying by location. It’s a quest worth embarking upon to unveil its availability and costs in your neck of the digital woods.
Kinetic Fiber Internet 8 GIG
At the zenith of Windstream’s offerings stands the formidable Kinetic Fiber Internet 8 GIG plan, wielding the thunderous might of 8000 Mbps. This plan is tailor-made for the gods of the digital realm, where every internet need is met with an instantaneous response. Perfect for the most demanding internet users and businesses, it stands tall, and much like its 2 GIG sibling, its pricing remains an enigma that varies by location. Seek the holy grail of internet connectivity by inquiring about its availability and costs.
Conclusion
The internet service you need depends on the different online activities you use the internet for. All of Windstream’s fiber internet plans are fast enough for everyday usage in modern homes, but faster speed tiers will allow for quicker downloads. Speeds with Windstream’s DSL service are limited, but it’s still fast enough to accommodate web browsing, social media scrolling, and video streaming.
