Windstream internet plans and bundles
Windstream’s unpredictability means only a few people can expect to come away fans of the service.
For example, we found that one home in Lincoln, Nebraska had access to an affordable Windstream 100 Mbps plan. About eight miles over, another home could get only 4 Mbps—slower than most 4G phones—and Windstream charges the same as the 100 Mbps plan for it.
We call foul.
Additionally, we found that Windstream has some wild hidden fee tactics.
On its webpage, Windstream advertises $19.99 per month plans. Then at checkout, it requires you to choose a security plan, which ranges from $9.99 to $14.99 per month—there’s no opting out.
Adding this separate page for security plans seems like part security theatrics to scare users into upgrading their security plan and part upsell, as if the difference between $9.99 and $14.99 will cost you less than $0 included security and $5 upgraded security.
(But it’s still $5 more per month however they write it.)
In the end, the flashy $19.99 Windstream leads with, plans in these areas become at least $28.99. And while $28.99 per month is still a great deal on any download speed of 50 Mbps or more, this all seems like a weird tactic to get you to upgrade security for a few extra bucks.
Fair warning, Windstream needs every Washington it can get right now. It filed for bankruptcy back in 2019, and it’s trying to get out of the hole by August 2020. It’s still operating, though, so you can get one of the internet packages below—if you want to.
Data as of 07/21/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*for 12 months
We recommend at least 100 Mbps for most homes, but 50 Mbps isn’t too bad if that’s the fastest speed you can get. Try to stay under specific price points for a good deal on internet, and pass on Windstream if it offers you a more expensive plan.
Good deals on Windstream internet
- Up to $30/mo. for 50 Mbps download speeds
- Up to $50/mo. for 100 Mbps download speeds
- Up to $60/mo. for 200–500 Mbps download speeds
- Up to $80/mo. for 1,000 Mbps download speeds
If you have competing internet service providers (ISPs) in your area, they may offer better prices. Check out your options by entering your zip code below.
Data as of 07/21/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*for 12 months
If you’d like to add a home phone to your Windstream service, it will cost you about $11 to $15 per month. That’s a lot better deal than Windstream’s stand-alone phone plan, which is $44.99 per month. Yikes.