
Kinetic Reviews
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About Kinetic
Kinetic is a residential and business fiber internet service provider offering up to multi-gigabit speeds in qualifying areas. The company provides unlimited internet usage with no data caps or overage charges. There are also no contracts, and installation fees, so customers aren’t locked into a commitment and can cancel anytime.
- 99.9% reliable
- No data caps or contracts
- Equal upload and download speeds
- Variety of bundle options for internet, streaming and wireless
- Only available in 18 states
Kinetic Reviews
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Reviewed Oct. 2, 2015
Having this service has been the worse experience. Living in an rural area, Windstream has the main service. Whenever, the weather changes due to rain, wind, too hot or cold the service goes down. We have had our router changed out and this is still a problem. Our neighbors have great service (through other providers). I have two businesses that rely on the use of the internet. This is very frustrating and a concern. The loss of time and money to have to travel to the local library to use the internet is not cost effective. Especially when I have to pay to have copies made; when I can do this at home for free. The service is not in my name but I pay for because I use it. Our other services such as cable are through another provider.
After speaking with another provider, I understand that Windstream has a 100 year contract to be in this location. No wonder they are able to provide crappy service and charge for it. However, if this does not change this month I will no longer use Windstream for my internet service and use a hotspot with my personal phone service.
Reviewed Sept. 23, 2015
Internet was not turned on for three days, even though I ask and ask. My daughter works from home. She has to have the Internet to work. She has lost 2 days of work and maybe 3. I just hope she does not lose her job. I talked to different people over and over again begging them to turn it back on. No help. We are very upset over this issue. Please help.
Reviewed Sept. 22, 2015
I been with Windstream for 2 years - not one person in the whole place knows what they're talking about. I call 1 or more times a month because my Internet is so bad - it's at a 3 but will go down to 1 - nothing done about supposed to be getting 6 b. When I started with them I told them I wanted the best Internet which did not happen. I have some techs come out multiple times - nothing done. They say it will fix it and it be be working by end of day - nothing done. So last week called told give me the 10 gb because someone there the month before that I should try that. She said it will not give me a 10 but most like a 7 or 8.
Anyways I had appointment yesterday to do it, no one came to my house so I called then girl told me I could not get a ten that's why he didn't come. Then I got mad - first I'm not getting what I pay for, second - no one called me to say they was not coming, 3rd - they offer what they can't provide and they lie to you. I live in town - it's not like I'm in a bad area so they should be able to provide good service. They have gave me a few 10 dollar discount like 4 times which is nothing - shows they cannot provide good Internet.
Reviewed Sept. 8, 2015
Windstream needs to be held accountable! We are forced to have Windstream - as they bought out Alltel... Problems began from day 1. They have lied, overcharged and falsely stated internet speeds that we never they claim we have/had 12 mbps. (That we pay for) The speed goes from 0.78 to 10.87 mbps in less than 3 seconds. NEVER A SOLID CONNECTION. Our family has placed at least 100 service tech calls etc. to date the same issues are unresolved! However, they are documented by us. But, we are at the mercy of the Windstream the monopolizing giant. They are grandfathered in. So, they think they will come out unscathed... WRONG. LAWSUITS are being WON by the CONSUMERS across the country! As for the grandfather clause... if memory serves me it's until 2017???
Why do we have no other options! How does our government allow such a monopoly! The DOJ crushed Microsoft and the entire dot.com bubble (for the matter) yet they turn a blind eye to telecom companies that do the very same thing? Our family uses the internet for work, stock trading and most importantly communications with our doctors and the hospitals. It's critical that we have internet!
This evening was the final straw... We called once again as we have been without steady internet for over 5 days. The RUDE, DISRESPECTFUL, IGNORANT Windstream rep attempted to have me go into my computer's config sys. Much to her dismay... it never happened. At that point I immediately ended the call. This rep was either intentional or inexperienced. Either way it was the last time. I am filing a formal complaint with the FCC, attorney general and anyone else our attorneys can find! I needed to download medical test results and files for our specialist... to no avail. I WILL HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE.
Reviewed Sept. 1, 2015
In order to keep my supervisor position with a 'work at home' company, I had to had 4.5 mb. dsl speed. My current speed was 3 mb. So, that meant I had to move, in order to keep my job, and I was fine with that! I began looking for a new place and called Windstream to check the addresses for the DSL speeds available. I was assured that 6 mb was available (in Cleveland, GA) at the residence I had chosen, and PROMISED 12 mb 'which was already 2 streets over from my new house, within the year'.
I took a couple days off, paid all the deposits, rented a truck, and moved 40 miles from my current place. I got all settled in and ready to work that next Monday morning. I clocked in and my company 'phone website' didn't work. I called our IT guy, he did the various tests on my computer, then he 'pinged' my DSL. He said I was barely hitting 3 mb. That was nowhere NEAR the 6 mb. I was promised.
I lost my job due to Windstream's service. I have been told that Windstream is 'grandfathered in' wherever they go, prohibiting any competition coming in and offering services. I seem to recall reading that their 'grandfathered status' runs out in 2017, or 2021... but I cannot find that information again. I would like to be able to find out when their 'monopoly status' ends! I no longer live in the Windstream service area, thank goodness. I am on a hard line DSL service and get 12 mb and we are in a rural area in Southeast Coastal Georgia. Love, Love, LOVE IT that I no longer have the slow speeds, the buffering issues or the outages that were a regular occurrence with Windstream.
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2015
I bought the 12 mbps package along with their phone service a couple of months ago. Since day one there has been constant interruptions every 5 to 10 minutes. The connection completely drops and then comes back on. It's almost like there is a queue set up at their local headquarters to shut on and off certain residential areas at certain times to increase bandwidth for others. And I'm not the only one... I live in Matthews, NC and EVERYBODY out here who has Windstream is dealing with the same kind of treatment.
You can search online and find countless complaints. I've contacted customer service on a number of occasions and all they tell me is pretty much "it's your problem" and they refuse to own up to it. They've even tried telling me that it's my router (which has been replaced 3 times now in 2 months). Are these people high or just don't care?
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2015
I checked my download and upload speeds. 8/26/2015 8:30pm download 1.41 mbps, upload .59 mbps. 8/27/2015 7:02pm download .81 mbps, upload .42 mbps. This is way below the 6mbps that I am supposed to get with"high speed" internet service, which is really not high speed by any definition. I am very unhappy with the Windstream service and will change as soon as I can find another option.
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2015
On 8/20/15 found my phone and internet were out of service. Called Windstream immediately and was told it would be repaired at the latest 8/28/15. Told them this was not a satisfactory answer as I was a senior citizen living alone and had no relatives in the area. Said that having no phone service for that long could and might very well put me in jeopardy. If I were to have an accident, fall etc., that I would not be able to reach emergency services. No satisfaction. The rep simply reiterated that there was nothing more she could do. No definite date was given when they could do the repair and restore service as they were very busy.
Called this company many times again during the next few days and still had no date for repair. They did tell me they would expedite it. It was all so frustrating as they would give me no priority other than to tell me it would be soon. Finally, on 8/25/15 after waiting five days a serviceman arrived and I had my service repaired. This company should be investigated for the indifference and lack of an adequate response time which could have caused some injurious harm to me. Please investigate this company. I know from other people in this area that they have had many problems with them too. Thank you for your time and attention.
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2015
First, I lived in another city. The internet we had at first was called Lexcom. Through them, we had 20+ MBPS of service. Windstream took over, and said we would keep the same speeds, and prices, but we were not able to get more than about 1 MBPS. We had to move from where we were, and ended up having to get Windstream again. We moved next door to our parents, and they said that they had Windstream for years, but never had higher than 0.5-1 MBPS, and they were paying for the fastest internet speed.. When we called, they told us that we could get 6.0 or higher. So we decided to try it. They were right, took nearly a week and a half, but we did get 6.0 MBPS for about 3 weeks.
During this time, our parents found out how fast our internet was, at the same price too, and they called about it. They were told that the speed they were getting was the fastest they could get, until they said we were next door getting 6.0. At that point, their attitude changed. After 3 weeks, our internet would cut out, slow down to 0.05 MBPS, or would be random as to when it would work. Our parents had the same problem. We have lived in this area for going on 3 years now, and the internet through Windstream is horrible. The internet is cutting out all the time, it slows down to a crawl, or it goes up and down. Sometimes, when doing a speed test, it will jump from 0.05 MBPS to 6.0 about a dozen times during the test run.
If we call, then they do something on their end, and it will work for a little bit. But after a day or two, it will do it again. And they have tried to tell us that it is our modem, or router and have replaced it over 5 times. They said it was in the lines, and that they will need a tech to fix the problem. But before the tech comes out, they reset things on their end, and it starts working while the tech is here.
One of the techs is a friend of mine from school years ago. He gave me his cell number, and said when it messes up again, don't call Windstream again, but call him. He will come down on his own time and check it out. He did, and saw what it was doing. He reset the modem, and it started working for about 5 mins. He told us what they are doing is restricting our internet. When we reset it, it will work till the restriction kicks in. Then the internet will slow way down, or will go out. Before they send someone out, they are removing the restriction, so that it looks fine before they get there.
He just called up his manager, and told him that he is trying to fix a problem for a customer, and asked if they could remove the restriction on the line for him. A few moments later, the internet worked fine. It worked at a little over 6 MBPS for almost a week and a half. Then it messed up again. I called him, on his cell again, and I heard him in the background with his manager asking him to remove the restriction on our internet. A few moments later, and the internet was fine for another week. They are scamming customers out of money. We can't go to another internet provider unless we use sat. And that is too expensive here. Our internet is so bad here, I had to type this in a word document, and copy paste it into this section. I had to reset the internet, multiple times, just to get to this part.
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2015
We live in the country but Windstream was available and happy to get at my wallet. At first the internet provided was not bad. It wasn't fast but it was there. Couldn't watch Netflix but did watch online short videos. Then it became poorer and poorer. So slow that I wouldn't even try to watch youtube videos. It took all night to download an application that was only 87 MB. All night.
Then our internet started dropping connectivity. At least 15 times an hour. I called, and called, and called them. Essentially it seemed that their feeling was "Too bad so sad and have you paid your bill this month?" We now have a great new wireless company. They aren't the fastest but they are reliable and the internet has only dropped during severe storms. Also as an aside, their telephone service out there is horrible too. You can always know when it's rained near our homes (more than one is affected) as the noise in the phone makes it almost impossible to hear anyone. And yes I've called and called and "too bad, so sad, have you paid us this month?" Still trying to figure out a new hardline phone provider.
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2015
Unfortunately, I don't have a practical option beyond Windstream. Cable is my only other option, but where my PC is it is impossible to get a cable there. It would mean tearing out thousands of dollars of inlaid paneling. I have to make a choice as Windstream is intolerable. Their service is absolute garbage. Most speed tests put my average speed at 500, but it isn't even a consistent 500. Bounces to 10,000 then down to 20. It hangs up after downloading 3 seconds of an 8 second video clip. They keep telling me unplug your modem. Up yours Windscam!
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2015
If I had another choice I would not go with Windstream. There is a lot of intermittent service for a week every month. Every time I call they try to tell me it's a malfunction of my laptop, iPad, or Blu-ray. They always, always try to shift blame. If I had another choice I would never have Windstream. They are such a disappointment.
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2015
I have been a Windstream customer for many years and have been with them from dial up to dsl but now the so called 6m is now getting slower than their only dial up used to be. I called customer service and was told that where I live it is only going to get worse and they do not plan to make any upgrades or changes for at least the next 2 years. I told her I was paying for 6 and she told me they can still charge me the same amount because the contract says "up to 6" so even if you are only getting .01m you will still be charged for 6m???
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2015
Internet speed drops from 22 mb to 3 mb every night between 9-11. Called and talked to Victor to explain issue. I was to told that they can only guarantee speed over a wired connection not wireless. I said it really doesn't matter. The issue is every night. Then I was told it's because everyone is online at that time. Argument started about the difference between DSL and cable internet. Our DSL line comes from 30 ft away from our house, there should be no lag and further more it shouldn't matter how many people are online at the same time especially not at 9-11 pm. Most families are going to bed at that time. After being talked down to, I asked Victor for his last name so I could write a complaint and he told me that was personal information and would not tell me.
For how much money we pay for crap internet and then get talked to like that from customer service is very upsetting. Windstream really needs to fix some of these issues and really look into the kind of people they have representing their company.
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2015
I recently subscribed to Windstream over the phone. I was told that my bill would be $44.95 per month for internet and phone service. I asked "what happened to the $29.99 internet that was advertised on the TV?" The representative, Joel, told me that I was getting the high-speed internet so that was why it was higher. He also told me that Windstream also kept my modem checked and my wires for $10.00 a month. So Instead of it being $34.95, it was $44.95. I told him that I did not want the protection on my modem, since I owned it. Windstream was supposed to come that Tuesday to install it, no one showed up or called. I called them 3 times and got different answers and was told my case was escalated to the next level and someone would be in touch with me. They finally showed up the next EVENING. The rep installed everything and said have a good evening and left.
I have not been able to watch a full movie on Netflix and my internet keeps freezing up every hour. After a few days I received my first bill... for $112.00! What? So I called them and told them I was having problems with my "high-speed" internet and couldn't understand the $112.00 bill. I wanted to disconnect the service. The lady told me that I had the low internet speed and she was sorry that it wasn't working for me. She agreed to waive the $45 activation fee and take the modem shield ($10) off my bill. Since I told them I didn't want it anyway, I agreed. She said she would upgrade my internet speed to 3 mbps. I asked her how much would that cost. She told me $5 more per month. After she adjusted my bill, it was $57.66 for the month. So later on that night, as well as the next day, I still had internet issues. It was still reading at a 1.50 mbps.
I called them AGAIN and was told that because of my distance from their device that I couldn't get the 3 mbps speed. I was told that the rep that installed my internet wrote that in the notes that he downgraded my internet speed because of the issue. No one asked me if that was ok with me. I would have not even installed it because this low speed is like not having internet at all! Now I have to call them again to cancel because that rep said I need to talk to another department to get the extra $5 charge off my bill. I'm calling in the morning to cancel the whole service! WINDSTREAM SUCKS!! I never received any paperwork, so therefore there is no order number to put in the bottom box. I will put my account number though.
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2015
While paying for high speed internet, I have never gotten it. Sometimes it so slow you can't use it. One employee said I was too far from the main line. If it rains we usually have a very slow connection. It would seem to me Windstream should be liable for making false promises and never keeping them.
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2015
I'm paying for 6mb internet service and only receive 0.63-3.13mb speed tested. I was told my monthly fee would be 42.00 month but its $63.00 month. Windstream claims because of fees and taxes yet I'm being charged for a phone line. I called and complained and was told I have to pay for a phone line to receive DSL service. Windstream is a criminal business and if I knew how to bring about a class action lawsuit against them I would. Every time I call to complain I get a different answer for the same questions! I got nothing in writing from them so I'm stuck unless I terminate their lousy services! Buyer beware of Windstream... Worst in the world and they lie!
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2015
I have Windstream and have called them 13 times in the past 2 wks due to slow almost nonexistent Internet speeds. I cannot watch an HBO on demand movie for more than 12 sec without it stopping to download more. The person I spoke to 5 days ago said she sees on her end I'm having speed issues and was sending a tech out in a day or 2. Today I talked to a very rude man who told me he cannot run a speed test on their end and he cannot send a tech out until a speed test had been run (I cannot hook my tablet or phone directly to the modem).
When I asked about the previously scheduled tech appointment I was told they called and I told them they were not needed and everything was working. Well I am in bed with a bad back and have not left the house in 2 wks. I have no record of any phone call made from Windstream - only the calls I've made top Windstream. I did not talk to a tech at all. Horrible horrible service and decent chance of being talked to rudely.
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2015
I've had internet and phone service for about 6 months. Phone service don't work right and internet bad. My bill is 44.00 month but I'm charged 88.00 monthly. They told me cause of fees. This is not right to be charged double in fees.
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2015
I can't believe that companies can continue to operate today with how Windstream is conducting business. I'll try to hit the main points of my complaint with them below, but be very, very cautious when signing up for any "bundled" packages with them and you had better get any offer they provide in writing before agreeing to it. In April of 2015, I called in to ask about getting only high speed DSL installed at my lake house. I spoke with a very friendly gentleman by the name of Mike. He told me that it would be $45/month for DSL only, but they were offering a special "bundled" package that would cost me $61 per month for Dish Network, long distance phone and DSL service after all taxes and fees.
I figured that was a great deal and agreed to the bundled deal that he offered. Unfortunately, they didn't send me anything in writing and only did the confirmation via the recorded phone call. Needless to say, my bills have been much higher than the agreed package that I verbally signed up for. They keep varying each month from $97-$115. I've sent emails to their customer service department and spent hours on the phone with their billing department without getting anywhere. I'm to the point where I want them to remove everything and I'd be better off without any of it. Lastly, they claimed that I would receive 12 MBS on the high speed internet. I've never gotten anywhere close to that and the service crawls along extremely slowly. Don't even think about watching a YouTube video.
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2015
Probably the worst phone internet service in the country. WiFi goes out 20 times per day. Call to complain said they would send someone out to check. Never showed. Cannot hear customer service when you call them. They need to be put out of business asap.
Reviewed July 31, 2015
I have been reading reviews on here concerning Windstream dsl and I too feel the pain. I live on a road in Pike County Ga. that crosses over into Upson County where Windstream is located in the city of Thomaston. For whatever reason Windstream has managed to forge some sort of monopoly on this 1 road concerning landline usage. When I first had internet installed at this location I quickly found out that Windstream was all I could receive dsl wise and it was not high speed by any stretch of the imagination. After dealing with their sorry service I switched to satellite internet and have had that for the last few years. However with satellite there is a data cap and I now need continuous internet due to some changes here at home.
I am now FORCED to go back to Windstream and something has to give. My sister lives next door and she has had Windstream as well over the years and just the other day I ran several speed tests on her dsl and got NOTHING close to what they claim and what they claim to provide is sorry to begin with. 3 mb down and 1 mb up is like going back to dial-up. I am now sitting here typing this and cringing at the thought of having to switch back to these people but what else can I do? I have called other companies that claim they can come into Pike County and Molena especially but as soon as they get this address I hear the same story: "We are sorry sir but we are not allowed to come into that area due to restrictions." What restrictions??? How can Windstream get away with this? If there is anything that can be done I am willing to stand with others to get this done. This power trip these people are on has to be brought down.
Reviewed July 24, 2015
Windstream internet is a monopoly in our rural area, they could care less about the product they deliver. I am paying for 3 megabits, quite often it is less than 1! I have been a customer for about 15 years, I have called in numerous complaints, no help from them! Perhaps a class action lawsuit would get their attention. Let's get together and make them deliver what we are paying for!!! This is America, they should not be able to cheat people with impunity.
Reviewed July 21, 2015
I called Customer Care several time and they determined my modem had a short in it. I call to get a replacement, and am told I now have to pay a monthly rental free for new modem. Also, no help in getting the slow speeds resolved.
Reviewed July 20, 2015
I have had Windstream for as long as I can remember. We upgraded a few months ago to the 24 Mbps Plan. The first few weeks I was lucky to break 15Mbps download. I am lucky to get .8 Mbps upload speed. Good job Windstream.
Reviewed July 19, 2015
I pay for a service and should ping at around 20ms. I am pinging at 1197ms. Upload speed should be .60mbps I am at .08mbps. Download speed should be 3.0mbps mine is .33mbps. I have been calling since 12/2014. I have gotten credits applied, be persistent, but nice. The people that answer the phones work at a call center & not for Windstream. If you let them know that you are not mad at them, but Windstream & ask to talk to a supervisor you can get a credit. The first time I got a credit for a couple days without service the supervisor told me that she would give me a $20 credit, because by the day would have been like $6.00. So today, I got 50% off my bill. I told him that I should get the whole month and he said he could not credit my account. He meant by that much. I said at least 50% off. He did it. I don't have a choice on house phone & internet where I live so I have to fight with this service.
Reviewed July 12, 2015
What happened is that Windstream customer service rep. had my work order wrong, when technician came out for installation. Monthly internet and phone (bundle) price -- I was promised that it would be no higher than $58.68 per month. That was a Lie and very misleading!! My monthly bill is way too high now. I cannot afford to pay it!! I have supposedly spoke with a supervisor numerous times and it's the same crap each time, nothing resolved. I told them I will broke whatever contract I don't know. I didn't sign anything. No one gave me anything!!
The technician did not know what he was doing. I had to make more than 15 calls before I could get the service right. No phone for three (3) days after the installation and it is not right. This company sucks. The service is still not right. It's not High Speed internet -- supposed to be and is definitely not!! So at this point Windstream is terrible and so is their service. I would not recommend to anyone!!
I am a very dissatisfied customer. I have already spoke to the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and my Attorney so I want this whatever taken care and there will be no more $$$ money given to you. I know your service and employees aren't professionals and you could never get recommended to anyone from me!!! Sincerely and Promising.
Reviewed July 12, 2015
For many years we have been experiencing slow on/off so-called high speed internet service and paying too much for it. We have complained over and over to customer service and have yet to get any results. Can't even stream a movie without interruptions. We have no other providers that service this area or we would have switched long ago. We have been paying for high speed internet but obviously have not been receiving what we have been paying for.
Reviewed July 9, 2015
Windstream Cable in Georgia is terrible. They're the only cable company around, so If you ever need any service, plan to wait at least 3-4 days before a tech comes to your home. Always consistently bad. Enough is enough. I'm switching to Dish.
Reviewed July 9, 2015
When I signed up May 15th 2015, I signed up for 3 Mbps service. The first few weeks I was lucky to break 2 Mbps. It has systematically dropped since then to where now, no matter if it's 3 AM or 3 PM I am getting a very consistent 1.3 Mbps for over a week now. I have called twice to complain and I get the same story every time. "Well let's do a speed test". Ok, let's do that... again. I run my own speed tests using XFINITY online. Trust me, it's a solid 1.3 Mbps. I'm supposed to pay these people $53 a month (after all the fees and taxes) for 1.3 Mbps speed?? I don't think so. Today is my last day with this BS. TWC will be over tonight to install.
Reviewed July 8, 2015
I ordered service on 06/30. They contacted me and told me service date was 07/08. So happened that I could not get the service I ordered in my area so they put my account on hold. How they booked it and didn't know they had it I cannot understand. They forgot to tell me that so when I called today to get an eta I was told it was rescheduled for 07/27. Needless to say I cancelled the order and booked a better date with Xfinity. The supervisor pretty much blamed me because they "tried" to call me and tell me this at some point but I didn't get any message. An all around fail on their part to keep a customer of 2 yrs. I have experienced several other issues with them before so I shouldn't be surprised. If you use this company brace yourself for anger and frustration and broken commitments.
Reviewed July 6, 2015
I have been using Windstream internet for over 20 years and it is incredibly slow and unreliable. I have complained so much about it now that I have just about gave up. They always tell you the same thing... restart it and it will be fine. There are no internet alternatives for our area and I think Windstream knows it.
Reviewed July 4, 2015
Horrible experience with this company. Had FDN and they bought that company and it went downhill - outage and problems with connections, had to send employees home several times. They offered credits and then never lived up to giving them. Had to threaten them with lawsuit before I could change carriers even though I was out of contract. Lost my email name, just a bad company. Would not recommend them to anyone. They intentionally made it difficult to change carriers, while billing continued. I memorized the call script they used because of calling each time.
Reviewed July 4, 2015
We moved to a more rural town about six months ago. Previously we had mediacom and UVERSE as Internet providers. We pay 50% more for internet 25 miles away from our last home and can barely use it. It is always loading. We are supposed to have a speed of 3 but never have it. The Internet kicks off so many times, that most often we just get tired of fighting it and give up. We wait to go to friends or family's houses in the larger towns because constantly reloading is so frustrating. We would love to go with someone else but Windstream has a monopoly so companies like AT&T can't come out this way. Our government needs to step in and allow a free market! Maybe then we would get the service we are paying for!
Reviewed July 4, 2015
We have had Windstream for several years and have never been satisfied with the speed of the internet. It works great for about 2 days after they come and fix it. We are tired of having to reset our internet several times a day just to speed it up. Anytime a storm comes through we might as well call Windstream and schedule a time for a worker to come out and fix it. We live in a world where we can talk to our cell phones and they will respond to what we say. So don't you think we should live in a world where Internet access isn't limited?? We pay for the performance of a dependable internet connection. So why shouldn't we, the customers, be happy? Sorry, but I have not been pleased with Windstream wireless. And I would never recommend anyone else to invest in it.
Reviewed July 3, 2015
We had Windstream for about two months and we were never able to get on. And when we called to complain, they we couldn't get through because the automated system asks for the phone number and we didn't bundle phone and internet and it would take my cell number. And when the guy came to install it, he cut some wires and banged on the telephone pole. I was like, "what does he think he's doing?" And then after all that, we got a bill of $128 for internet we couldn't use.
Reviewed June 30, 2015
I don't even get 3.00Mbps at my PC, inside my house. I've called and complained before and 3-4 days later I either get a call to disconnect the router and reconnect it. The message says to call them back if it doesn't solve the problem. I've had a tech come by and he says that unfortunately, Windstream has no plan/intent to update their outdated equipment here and slightly over 3 Mbps will be the best that he can get me. He says that about a mile away, they have updated some of the equipment and that those residents get about 6Mbps. He called his supervisor and was able to bump me up to 3.12 for a few days then it went south again. It's not an occasional thing. It's everyday and yet we have NO other choice. My son in Florida says that I should want about 20-30 mbps. Windstream should get out of this business and sell donuts instead.
Reviewed June 24, 2015
I use the i-net everyday. Morning, night, all the time. Download stuff, upload stuff, basically I do whatever I want on it. It has not let me down. It comes on all the time and to be honest, I like Windstream for the price. Plus we home phone for free. They're not that bad, really.
Reviewed June 23, 2015
They keep selling service to new clients meanwhile not fixing or updating the system. We are on an antiquated copper system and I have been paying them for 18 years and I'm told they have no plans on fixing anything. They are a terrible company that hopefully gets bought out. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY. Get satellite if you can't get cable. Unless you like paying for something you WON'T get.....
Reviewed June 21, 2015
Do NOT choose Windstream as your provider. We live in rural North Texas and were told this was our only option, not true. To proof the lack of service I've gone to speedtest.net and taken a screenshot. OH WAIT, I can't download anything. I will INSIST on a penalty-free exit from Windstream NASCAR sponsor. Oops I mean Windstream Internet Providers.
Reviewed June 16, 2015
Intermittent service. They will only test from the local office to your home. All of the layer 2 and 3 issues are ignored. They only make an effort when they have competition in your area. Waiting for the competition to arrive. I know people will drop them once the competition gets here.
Reviewed June 16, 2015
Tech support had me do their speed test that only measures the connection from the local office to my modem. They refuse to verify the latency in their network. I am a retired Windstream employee and I know this problem has been here for years. They only respond if they have competition in your area. Can't wait until there is some here.
Reviewed June 16, 2015
WINDSTREAM has not given us good service since the day we got it. I tried several things (restarting,moving box etc.) to help but our internet shuts off constantly when we are in the middle of watching Netflix or using the computer. I would not recommend this service to ANYONE!! I am beyond frustrated with this company and I will be taking my business elsewhere.
Reviewed June 9, 2015
I've been with Windstream for about 5 years now, in the beginning I got my 3 mbps internet speed. But since then, it has dropped to 0.1-2 mbps on a average day. They say this is because of people streaming movies, and that they are sucking up all the broadband! Then why don't they upgrade their ancient technology. There's at least over 600 homes where I live yet they still provide awful and slow internet and outrageous prices for what we are getting. And if you are a online gamer like me, well consider never being able to play online.
The latency with Windstream is 400-500 on a daily basis, (that is like satellite internet). You may think well this is just a malfunction with some of your equipment and we can fix it, they can't. I have 2 friends on Windstream, and we all have terrible speeds and terrible latency. If it was a modem problem, then why do we get our actual speeds at like 3am when no one is on?!?! If you're not a Windstream user, but are thinking about getting Windstream... please save yourself from this **. Expect Facebook to take 3 minutes to load up. And a movie stream from Netflix to take 4 hours for a 1 hour movie. And if you're a gamer, expect to lag around so bad you can't even do anything. Windstream offers a 30mb dedicated line for 250 a month, I'm tempted but scared it's still going to be terrible. But it's my only option.
Reviewed June 4, 2015
Should be a Negative Zero Star. BE WARNED - I paid $80 per month for internet service that rarely worked. PLEASE DO NOT BUY THIS INTERNET SERVICE. They are a ripping folks offs and what they are doing should be illegal. My internet service frequently did not work. My internet service rarely worked after 6pm each day. I signed up for the $44.99 solo internet package... After that all the fees my bill was $77.81 per month. For the last three months of service, my internet did not work at all and I reported this on three different occasions. No technician was sent out over a two week period and there was no record of me contacting customer service each time I reported my concerns. Customer service was rude, rude, rude and they have no system in place to capture and record customer problems to ensure they are resolved. They thought I was lying each time I called and kept asking who did I talk to...
Also no discount was given for those months where I did not receive service. They wanted their $$$$$ and I paid it. Please understand that WINDSTREAM should NEVER be an option for you and your family. They are a terrible, terrible, terrible company.
Reviewed June 2, 2015
Windstream horrible internet service up and down sloooooow! Going with different company contract ran out. Had my toll free numbers ported over, Windstream ported all toll free numbers but ONE (1). They had to keep the account open so we did not lose that number. So now they charge me for that month and now they want to stick me with an extra 30 days because that is what the contract states, but the contract does not state they are idiots. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR CUSTOMER NO SERVICE THEN GO WINDSTREAM. LIKE THE NAME SAYS NO WIND NO INTERNET STREAM.
Reviewed June 2, 2015
This company is a scam. How it isn't underwater with lawsuits by now I don't know. I pay for and EXPECT 12mbps, I get 0.8-2 mbps most of the time. With ping over 1000ms. As a gamer, this is MADDENING. We need to petition and boycott this company. Anyone with me?
Reviewed May 31, 2015
I agree completely with Catherine of Hiawassee, GA on May 17, 2015. If there's a storm, there is interrupted or no Windstream service. Consistently. Sometimes there is service interruption on sunny days. Where are the results of the won law suit? We North Georgians have not seen any change in service.
Reviewed May 27, 2015
Windstream is a bad internet provider. They bill their customers a premium price but will not reinvest to better their poor service. They charge me for 10 megs per second but I get less than 1 mbps. I'm currently in the middle of a giant outage - no service for two days. Now it's bad enough. I have no internet at home but I might not get paid this Friday because my bookkeeper across town can't do payroll! Clyde Texas 7 year customer.
Reviewed May 21, 2015
I have been with Windstream when they were ALLTEL out of Little Rock, Arkansas. They had thousands of lawsuits that so many that Jimmy Carter at his town hall meeting refused to get into the problem. I have to agree with everyone of these reviews, while reading them everyone is exactly what I have and I'm still going through my phone bill - goes up every month. This month it went up $2.00 more.
I have unlimited long distance but some idiot at Customer Service told me the the calls are free but they have a tax on them of course. This is the first time in 40 years that I have heard this. Everyone is going to cell phones so we have to take up the slack. As soon as I can get my cell number spread around, I will be going to cell, and dish for internet and still save money.
Windstream is a bunch of crooks. "Jesse James had a gun" they don't need one and the BBB are also useless - why would they bite the hand that feeds them? And the same goes with the FCC - they are useless, send them some fresh donuts and coffee and they might get their feet off the desk and help you. Get away from these poor excuse for a phone and internet so-called company. Let's all keep on their ass anyway everyday. Don't let the idiots rest.
Reviewed May 17, 2015
After making an online payment I have now waited 5 days to get my long distance service turned on. Windstream takes a long time to process paper checks by mail and so the long distance was turned off. I made a payment immediately, almost seconds after and called them to explain that the phone system did not accurately reflect the shut off notification. They turn the service OFF before the update the phone system. Nice. So I said, "hey the check is in the mail, as always, customer for 30 years, can you turn this on I have a medical emergency." Customer service said "no, we won't." I was shocked, talked to supervisor who went on to lecture me for 3 minutes, even though the bill was already paid. Phone service did not get turned on, however, and next day I try to call Dr. and no service.
I spent another hour on the phone, got another 10 minutes of lectures but NO PHONE. Next day, another hour on the phone, another 10 minutes of a little punk telling me "Well I have to pay my bill so why don't you?" Next day, no service so I made the payment again. Next day, no service! I won't call and waste another hour and get another 10 minute lecture. I will cancel my service - both phone lines.
Reviewed May 17, 2015
Our internet speed fluctuates with the wind and with less rhythm than the tides! Yet twice a day between the hours of 8 am to 12 am and 8 pm to 10 pm, I can count on the speed dropping to a sub par/sub acceptable leave - not what I signed up for! I live in a rural area of the North Georgia Mountains where we have been given no choice but to carry Windstream as our IPS provider. Monopoly? You got it! Where is the class action lawsuit? I know a whole county that would be more than happy to jump on board. Anything to not drop a movie on Amazon to a "loading" page or a show on Hulu to "retrieving" 10 times a half hour!!!! I really hate Windstream... Please contact me if you are a willing attorney!
Reviewed May 13, 2015
Do not, I repeat, do not get internet service from this company. When I signed up I selected the 12 Mbps speed option for $60 a month. When I finally got a service technician to come turn my internet on (2 weeks after my scheduled appointment) my internet was so slow and useless I could not even send an iMessage from my iPhone. After a month of weekly phone calls and another month of daily phone calls my internet was finally functional enough to MAYBE check my Facebook...forget streaming Netflix or playing video games. Eventually my internet started to run at a decent speed, on a good day, but those days are far and few apart. At least one (usually closer to 3 or 4) times an HOUR my internet turns off completely and stays down for a good 5-10 minutes. It does not matter how many times I call, what I say or who I talk to my issues have never been resolved since I began my service 9 months ago.
Was this lack of service reflected on my bill? Absolutely not, it was quite the opposite actually. My bills started at the price stated when I signed up. Came to about $67. Within the last few billing cycles my bill has jumped to $98 for no reason. Anytime I call about this issue no one can seem to tell me why this is and will not lower the charge. All the while my bill says "Max. speed internet, 12 Mbps" and my daily speed tests show me I am receiving slower than dial up. As I am writing this, my internet has been down for 2 hours that I know of and I am on hold with Windstream customer for the past 40 minutes and I have not heard a human voice in that amount of time. Do not use this company. They will charge you for services they don't provide and not own up to the fact they are ripping you off.
Reviewed May 7, 2015
Windstream is seriously behind in technology. I pay for 12mbps and the only time I can obtain that speed is between 3am-8am. The rest of the time I can only get between a 1-3mbps. I admit that Windstream has corrected the disconnect issue though my internet was out for over a month at one point. I cannot see how they are unable to reinvest into their technology. I'm sure if another provider ever came into the area, then they would lose a lot of business.
Reviewed May 6, 2015
Over the last several years, my internet speed with Windstream has ranged from 0.5mbps to 2mbps, when my family has paid for 3mbps. Over the years, we have requested that this to improve, but the constant disconnects and maddeningly slow internet in all hours a day never ends and all they can say is that "it is within tolerance". This is a sad excuse for the fact that this is a terrible company that monopolizes on areas that other providers won't touch. Windstream takes rural areas and because the lack of competition, it raises their prices very high and then dishes out a ** service with low quality and stability.
Reviewed May 1, 2015
For three years Windstream has been stalling about fixing the internet speed. WHY?
Reviewed May 1, 2015
I started with the 3 Mbps service and it never was fast enough to do anything so I upgraded. Now I have the 12 Mbps service. I had to do a lot of research to finally understand the difference between Mbps and MBps. 12 Mbps is 1.5 MBps. Talk about shock. I had to double check the Windstream webpage to make sure that they had advertised it like that. Also after extensive service calls and three replacements of modems at my expense due to over working the thing, I went to Best Buy and purchased a better router modem. Before I bought it my speed was 2.8 Mbps up and .1 Mbps down. Now on a clear day early in the AM with no fog and the birds are roosting I get 1.5 Mbps down but my up is still bad low, like .4 Mbps. Now that is with nothing else going. Once the day gets started my speed starts falling. Windstream is the only internet service provider in this area. If I had a choice I'd change.
I was told about a 10 day outage in my area at least 10 times during the LET'S GET THIS FIXED phase of time but now I'm just looking for some cable system to build in my area. Soon as I can I'm getting out from under Windstream - scam, dirty, don't care about customers, don't take service calls as priority. I had a service rep hang up on me. When I called back she said the line must have dropped due to fact as I was on cell phone. I was sitting still in my home where I have full bars. Here's to hoping for a better tomorrow.
Reviewed May 1, 2015
Have never experienced internet service like this. All anyone can do on the days they need the internet PRAY for a sunny day or a crystal clear night for good service. Any other time is like trying to light a match in wind storm. Windstream expects their money every month for a full month of service when the customer only gets half the month. Wonder why? Big companies like Windstream need to keep one thing in mind. The customer is what keeps them in business.
Reviewed April 30, 2015
I have been a Windstream customer for almost 4 years. It has been an extremely frustrating experience. I work from home, and the internet is the sole means of doing my job. On average, Windstream has had some sort of outage at least once a month, and many times twice a month. Not only is that mind boggling in this day of high demand technology, but their attitude toward getting problems resolved is lackadaisical. The last time I called to report an outage, they told me that it would take 3 days for them to resolve it. 3 days!!?? And I was not the only person impacted. It was the whole neighborhood. Oh.. and it gets better. So, I called in the next day to check on status and see if they could get someone to resolve the issue sooner.
They told me the issue had been resolved and the ticket closed!! WHAT??? They didn't even confirm with their customers, AND the internet was still down!! So, here I am again (and my whole neighborhood), April 30, 2015, with no internet. I called at 8:00 a.m. this morning, and they are still down. Every time there is an issue and I have no service, I have to commute to a location 15 miles away and work from there. I am disgusted with their service, but they are a monopoly in my area. I have looked for a formal way to issue a complaint, but to date have not been successful. I guess if you are a monopoly then customer satisfaction doesn't really matter. If you have a choice, DO NOT pick Windstream. They are HORRIBLE in availability, reliability and telling you the truth about problem resolution. Rant over.
Reviewed April 30, 2015
Resetting internet 2-4x day to use, mostly unsuccessfully. We stream, not excessively, main usage is 2 cell. To diagnose problem we hardwired & the Ethernet cable doesn't connect properly to comp, rep told us GO BUY OR BORROW A COMPUTER TO COMPLETE THE DIAGNOSTIC & refused to assist further.
Reviewed April 26, 2015
I'm gonna be fair. Fair at reminding Windstream I've called repeatedly the last two months, practically at least once a day, sometimes more due to while online, it STOPS! I can't do anything. If I'm on YouTube, it will stop playing video and occasionally I see a message below, "Want to know why you're having problems with your internet click here!" So I do to read a message that the problem is with Windstream service over 45 miles from me! I've had 2 men come, one said it was a "card." Some on phone said it was my computer. Both of them, plus my neighbors two. Sure. Not!
Reviewed April 24, 2015
The best thing I can say about Windstream is they are horrible. I've had it for a year now. Despite being sold 12Mbps internet for less than $60/mo (price for life guarantee), I consistently received less than 1Mbps for over $70/mo. After fighting for months about it I reported to BBB and FCC and magically I got through to them and started getting closer to 5Mbps (still not even half of what I'm paying for). I still pay over $70/mo for it...
Speaking of that, let's talk about price for life. Apparently they used the life of a house fly because EVERY single month my price has increased by at least a few cents. No big deal now but that adds up over thousands of customers for many years. On top of all the internet connection randomly resets several times a day and many times now I've lost internet completely. Somehow it always happens when no techs are available for several days so I periodically go almost a week without internet...and they don't even credit me for it. This is the worst ISP I could possibly imagine and they're lucky my only options are this or satellite.
Reviewed April 24, 2015
I live in a rural community and reasonable internet is hard to find. Windstream seems like the best choice until you need anything other than to pay your bill. The customer service is appalling and abhorrent. They make fraudulent charges to customer accounts. I called to cancel my service and it was conveniently not noted in my account. They knew I had moved and wouldn't receive any correspondence from them. Then happily continued to charge me. When i became aware of the bill, I called to report the error. Of course they couldn't help because there was conveniently no note of my cancellation. I am disgusted and appalled with Windstream.
Reviewed April 20, 2015
Over the past couple weeks, ending today on 20 April, 2015, I have had over 26 internet connection drops with Windstream. They told me the last time I called that the router seems fine, however this is a rep on the phone doing a check from wherever she is. So they cannot see my router and the light going off every 20-minutes or so. It takes forever to get a real operator on the phone and after finally talking to one, and after she has drilled me with questions and has made 20 wrong assumptions about my competence instead of their equipment, they transfer me to another person, and the entire ridiculous charade starts all over again . Their service is horrible, their equipment faulty. I am disgusted with them, as are thousands of other customers in sites too numerous to name concerning Windstream's incompetent service.
Reviewed April 19, 2015
Windstream is the only ISP in my area. When I bought this house, I knew Windstream was the only available ISP, but they told me they could do 3Mbps. After moving in and waiting several extra days after my scheduled install date, I finally got my internet hooked up. I was so happy until the moment the technician left, and I tried to use my internet. It was like using dial-up! I called several times to try and get the issue resolved, and they just say "that's just how it is in your area". Are you kidding me?! Just how it is?! Why did they tell me they could provide something they knew they couldn't? How is this even legal? I can't even stream Pandora radio during the day. It has been 5 years of dealing with these idiots, and I finally put the house up on the market. The world runs on the internet, and Windstream does not provide that.
The thing I don't get is that data is so cheap nowadays. Fiber is cheaper to run and more reliable than this garbage twisted pair phone wiring that has been on these poles, not being serviced, since the beginning of time. If I ever met the owner of this company.... Honestly, if this is your only option for your area, look elsewhere. I'm going to suffer a loss on my house, but I do not care. I need the internet. It would be faster to load the information I want to send out on 3.5" floppies, put them in the mailbox, wait the 3-5 business days to have them arrive at their destination, and have them mailed back to me with the information I requested than use this garbage I have now.
Reviewed April 14, 2015
We were completely disappointed in their managed firewall solution and when we have tried to get away from it they took two months to get us change paperwork and now it has been over four months since they have the change order and have done nothing to fulfill our requests. Nothing. The company has not updated me even once on progress, assigned a PM or escalated the problem in anyway despite email every two weeks. We are still stuck with their awful overpriced managed firewall. We have had numerous over billing incidents, too many to go into. The account needs to be watched every month. The charges change on every bill. In my 30 years in the business they are the worst I have worked with.
Reviewed April 11, 2015
So living in KY my wife and I use Dish services for our TV. I will say that Dish is pretty good overall. When we asked about internet services we were told Wind Stream internet is who they are affiliated with. I CAN NOT STAND Wind Stream. Currently we are in the process of looking for other options. Their internet service is completely junk! Never works properly, extremely slow, and constantly CUTS OFF! It is as if they are still linked to that annoying squealing sound that sounds like a fax machine crap. Going to school I am on the computer A LOT. The page will just vanish, lock up, and I constantly lose the connection.
On top of all of that, when we spoke to the lousy costumer service women about it, they pretty much blew us off and told us we had to call some number to have it looked at. That's funny, I thought that customer service was suppose to be there to help with issues and questions??? Now I have to call and wait on hold, set an appointment, get transferred twice, talk to a machine, then finally talk to a dude named ** with an Arabic accent whom I can't understand while he reads a fricking Q card to try and help me! (Can you tell I hate wind stream)
DO NOT waste your money and time. Our bill is higher all the time, it is never the same. I promise you they will be SURE to get their money and or cut you off if you're late a day or so on your payment. CAN NOT stand them, about to drop them, never going back. Don't waste your time and money! If you do, remember that I warned you.
Reviewed April 10, 2015
We pay for 3 Mbps, and rarely connect at even 2 Mbps. Most of the time we are connecting around 0.5 Mbps, and very often my connection is 0.04. Windstream's response is very poor, usually blowing me off completely, sometimes being downright rude, and sometimes feeding me their generic message. They state that some areas are due for upgrades, and that the area I live in is not slated for any upgrades for the next year, so I will have to just accept the fact that my internet may only be good for checking email.
I asked why I am paying for high speed internet, if their explanation is I should be fine with dial up speeds. They then reread their pre-prepared statement about some areas being slated for upgrades, etc. They just keep repeating that. When I asked to decrease the rate I pay, they say that they can only do that if I agree to a cap of 1 Mbps speed. They are the worst company ever. If I had any other internet options, I would pay 10 times as much for it, just to avoid this poor customer service and lack of care.
Reviewed April 6, 2015
I have the "high" speed internet that Windstream offers. I would like to say that it is awful. I can't even have many devices using the wifi at once or it will crash instantly. This internet provider has always been awful for us and many more that have it. We are supposed to get 12 Mbps and we don't even get 1. Why pay for something you're not getting? This is the only internet provider that I can get in my area. Windstream's service is just plain out terrible. I don't recommend it to anyone.
Reviewed March 31, 2015
We have had service with Windstream for over a year and have had nothing but bad experiences. The customer service techs are not knowledgeable nor are they helpful. We connect maybe 25% of the time. Our modem is RIGHT by the computer and less than 10 feet from any other device used. Still, we always get bumped out because of slow connection. Can't watch videos, they buffer A LOT!! They have sent a tech out twice in the past 3 months yet nothing has changed. Will be on the search asap.
Reviewed March 31, 2015
I moved on Black Friday of 2014. I called Windstream on November 26th to tell them to transfer the services to my renter starting December 2nd. Well, they didn't transfer my service until DECEMBER 9TH, even though I told them to transfer DECEMBER 2ND. So when I got a bill in December, I called and they fed me some line about the final bill not being done yet, so they couldn't figure it out for me. They said when the final bill generated, they could help me. Well, no final bill was ever generated and sent to me. And yesterday, I got a letter in the mail from a collections agency from Windstream! Windstream is claiming that I owed them for a month of service, when I wasn't even living there anymore! And when I had said to transfer service to my renter!
I called them today, and they claimed that they had sent 3 letters in an attempt to collect before they sent me to collections. I have never received anything from Windstream since that first bill for December, when I wasn't living there anymore. Amazing that that bill reached my new address, but not one of those letters they claim they sent reached my new address. And I had my mail forwarded starting December 1st, so I know it wasn't the Post Office. So now I have a ding on my credit because I was sent to collections. I have never made a late payment on ANY of my bills, including Windstream. I had perfect credit paying history until these morons screwed that all up. And when I asked why no effort was made to contact me, they said they don't call or email to get their money. So now I have this ding on my credit because they can't get their heads out of their butts long enough to operate a business the right way.
Oh, and my renter said that she had issues with transferring the service into her name, so she ended up having to cancel it and start a new account. When my husband and I lived at the house, we were able to stream Netflix most of the time. But when my renter started a new account, Windstream downgraded her to 1MBPS. They are now capping all new customers at 1MBPS, so my renters can't even use the internet, let alone stream Netflix. I cannot understand for the life of me how they can get away with that. If they would ever upgrade their systems (you know, use fiber optics instead of phone lines), there wouldn't be any such issues with volume overload. Instead, they just keep the same, outdated, archaic system; and continue to sell these overloaded lines to new customers and slow everything down for all their other customers.
I don't understand how they can even run a business like this. I don't understand why other internet companies won't service where Windstream services (Zito Media actually runs down the street in front of the house, but they won't run a cable the 200 feet to the house so my renters could have Zito internet). And I don't understand how they haven't been sued yet. I keep praying for the day when I hear that Windstream is having a class-action lawsuit brought against them, but it hasn't happened yet.
If you are thinking of buying a house or a business space, make sure that someone besides Windstream services it. Even with all the bad rap that Time Warner gets, they are exponentially better than Windstream. I've had TWC for three months now, and every time I call, they are polite and helpful and get my issue resolved within 10 minutes. I've only had to call twice, once about our bill, and once about our phone line. Both times were a night and day difference from Windstream.
I will emphasize this: DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN TO AVOID DOING BUSINESS WITH WINDSTREAM. On this website, out of 93 reviews, 88 were a 1 star out of 5; 6 were 2 stars; and only 1 was a 5 star (and I am pretty sure that was a Windstream employee who was told to give it a good review). That should tell you everything you need to know about whether you should use Windstream. I know my top criteria for buying a house in the future will be whether Windstream services it. And if it does, I will not buy that house, even if it's the deal of the century.
They lie about their services; they lie about their practices; and the only people who get hurt are their customers. Customers who don't even choose them, but are forced to use them because they are the only company that services certain areas. They need to be held accountable; they need to be held to a certain level of ethical standards and common practices.
Reviewed March 18, 2015
When I set up my account, I was quoted and agreed to get Windstream Highspeed internet for $56.99 a month for life, plus $25 for the first 3 months for the modem then minus $12.00, which brought the agreed upon amount to $69.99 + taxes and fee's for the first three months, then it would go down to $44.99. To my disbelief my very first bill was $121 and change, I called and explained to one of their CSRs of my dilemma and he explained to me that the promotion I agreed to had since expired and I was not getting the promotional price I agreed to, instead I was getting no promotional pricing. He adjusted my bill to $61 for the hassle and stated my next 2 bills would be around $71, due to the modem still needing to be paid off, then would go down $25.
My second bill was $111 and change, I once again called and spoke with another CSR that showed no comments from my first call and after getting nowhere with the CSR, that was saying she couldn’t adjust my bill, had to speak to a supervisor and finally got another credit on my bill down to $82 and paid it. I was again told my bill would stay around the $82 until the modem was paid off, then would go down $25. My third bill comes in at $92 and change, I did not feel like having to make yet another call to their customer service dept, paid the bill and went on.
I just received my fourth bill and it is $82.00. I call their customer service dept, the CSR I speak with again states there are no comments from my previous calls. The CSR was at first acting as if she was as stated above, and the additional $32.01 is all taxes and fee's. Long story short, after discussing the issue with this CSR for 20 minutes she says she over looked something on my account and I was supposed to be getting a promotional price of $39.99 for the highspeed internet and gives me a $30.00 credit to my account, which makes my 4th bill $52.00. I have paid this bill. She again states my bill should stay around this price for as long as I have Windstream due to their life time price guarantee.
Reviewed March 16, 2015
I had this as my ISP for 12 years since it is the only in my area. I was suppose to be getting 3.5Mbps, but only receive about .12. Been happening for 3 years now, and they refuse to fix the problem. I asked for a lower bill, it was a no. I said to come check the lines, they said it wasn't the problem. So here I am paying for a service I don't have.
Reviewed March 13, 2015
This service is not that great. My boyfriend and I had this internet for 3 months because we thought that was the only internet provider we could get where we live and every month the bill is a different price and the speed is horrible. When you try to call them, they don't help you at all. We have other bills to pay, not a $200 internet bill. They said they sent out our February bill but never did and I keep all the bills, called to get some help, they did nothing but say, "well you want us to send you a copy of the bill, we sent it to the post office, it's not really our problem." And they said you want to pay it today. So disappointed in this internet service.
Reviewed March 9, 2015
I am supposed to get "up to" 3 Mbps internet speed. That's the best they offer in my area. That's bad enough, but I don't even get that. I am luck to get 1 Mbps. Most of the time I don't get 0.5 Megs per sec. I run a small farm and I depend on the computer many things. I also keep a local phone service through Windstream. In the year I have been on my farm, I have not been able to use my phone service to communicate with my customers. There is so much static on the line that I have to use my cell phone.
I call and complain and ask for it to be fixed several times per month but to no avail. On two occasions, I was lucky enough to get a technician sent out (They were supposed to send one out every other time also, but the tech never shows up.). On both occasions, when he did show up, he told me he could not find a problem and would come back the next day and continue working on it. He never showed back up (both times). If I had another option I would use them. So much for a free market.
Reviewed March 9, 2015
We are trying to upgrade our T1 equipment, and had in fact put together an order with Windstream in August with our account manager, but had to hold off due to the expense. Last week I called our account manager and found she is no longer with the company, and that our account manager now is "sales" (i.e. we don't have one??) Then after 30 minutes on hold with Sales, I was forwarded to a voice mail, left a message and never was called back.
Then I followed up with the woman who had told us she was our "main point of contact" for the original order and she told me I had to contact Sales. She referred me to someone without giving them ONE iota of information, and I spent this past week trying to describe what we need and even forwarded all the information about our previous order. He then told me there was not much we could do and asked if we had tried Time Warner. Unfortunately, that isn't an option for us or we sure would go with them instead!
Reviewed March 7, 2015
I lose signal at least once a day sometimes 2 or 3 times a day! I called them, and they wanted to send me a new modem and charge me 6.99 a month for it! I can't afford a higher bill so I said I would just switch to a different service! They said they would knock five dollars off my bill for 6 months if I stayed with them! But still does not solve problems! How can they charge for a new modem when I have had this problem ever since I had their service? And would this solve the problem?
Reviewed March 6, 2015
My husband and I have recently bought a home in Adamstown Pa. We had gotten The Dish because we can't get cable. We had seen a commercial for internet through them and my husband called. They explained that is was through Windstream. We didn't think much of it because our phone at our old house was through them and we never had any problems. Until now... First it started with having to get an active phone line. They were supposed to come January 12 2015 to hook up the phone. We got a call that they had to do it the next day because of an ice storm we had gotten. No big deal. Well January 13th came and went and we never saw anyone from the phone co. My husband called and they said that they would send someone out in a day or so.
When the guy showed up he said it was only connected at the substation and not here. He fixed the problem and all was fine. We had a house phone and DSL. That was until February 12th. The internet didn't work. We thought it was a router problem, because the house phone had a dial tone. But my husband called and was informed that the internet was shut off due to non-payment. We had never gotten a bill. They told him we owed them $358.20! They transferred him to about 4 different people and no one had any answers for anything. Then someone told him that it was $123.46. I found out that there was a $45.00 activation fee and thought "well ok".
So we made a payment over the phone on February 14th for $123.46. Well, the same day we got a bill of sorts that was dated February 13, 2015 for $100.80, and if it's not paid by March 4th 2015 they would suspend our service again. But we had just paid $123.46 on the 14th. So on February 21 2015, I sent out a check for $100.80. Now here it is - March 6th and we just got a phone call from them saying we owe them more money! We still haven't gotten an actual bill. If you go to their service manager I can't sign in or create an account because I don't have the required information to validate anything. What it shows is that the bill is 305.64 but it won't let me see what it involves or includes.
We got the lower speed so we figured our bill would be maybe $80.00 a month, maybe a little more. But over $300.00 a month? What are we paying for, the whole neighborhood? When you try to talk to anyone that works there, they are rude and condescending. They say they will help you set up payments. My bill shouldn't be that high that we need to set up payments. I'm thinking they can stick their internet, along with their phone service where the sun doesn't shine. We can't keep paying those kind of prices! Especially without seeing a bill for what it involves. Where is the money going?
Reviewed March 6, 2015
I've had the internet for 2 months, and I think I've called them more than 15 times already, no lie. I've been working with them to improve my internet to the best of the capabilities, but it's just so unreliable. Most of them are were not willing to investigate issues either, relying on a 10 day outage in my area as "that must be the problem". After everything has been resolved, I am sitting at 12mbps and a 768kbps upload, and it's just nasty. I cannot do anything during the day with my internet, seeing as I'm guessing other people are also using the internet in the neighbor. Streaming or gaming is just at its worst. It's one of those situations where you don't want to pay for such crappy service, but what do you do?? I guess I'll have to wait till 8 or 9pm everyday to use my internet seeing as there's no options to upgrade the service in my neighborhood anytime soon.
Reviewed March 4, 2015
Worst customer support I've ever experienced. Long hold times, and the woman at Windstream couldn't have been anymore snotty or rude. Still waiting for our router login information as the ticket was routed to the wrong department.
Reviewed March 3, 2015
I live in a rural area in Alabama and Windstream is the ONLY company you can use. I pay for 3GB download and only receive 500MB to a 1GB connection download speeds (No matter what time). When addressed with Windstream, their service rep said that there is no way to resolve the issue because by service is a flexible service from 1 to 3 GB but that I am receiving a great deal at 49.99 per month (I see advertisements all the time for 30.00 a month for 12 GB internet here). Sadly no other vendors will come out to the area and compete against them. So I am stuck paying for crappy internet at double the cost that does not work half of the time and a service provider that does not care because it holds the market on rural areas. Why will more companies not move out to these rural areas and give windstream a run for their money or why can't the company provide the service in which they are advertising? Someone needs to put a stop to them!
Reviewed March 1, 2015
I have been a Windstream high speed internet service customer for about 4 years. During this time, more so in the last year, service is equal to 0.68 download speed (confirmed by Windstream tech's) vs. the 3.0 HS I am paying for. It amounts to buying 3 lbs of steak and only getting 0.68 lbs put in the bag. I even asked for a reduced service fee, or a rebate on non-delivered service. I have been given every excuse they can come up with. The connection always drops multiple times each minute. No matter how many times I call, they do the same thing they did the last 5 times. Still no fix. If Windstream only had some sort of competition.
Reviewed Feb. 26, 2015
Problems with long distance. Called, they had trouble fixing. I found another provider and called to cancel. Guess what - they cannot cancel. Their "retention team" will call in two business days. Then they will continue to bill for another 30 days after disconnection.
Reviewed Feb. 25, 2015
I have been a loyal customer to Windstream for almost 3 complete years. Initially we were bundled with Dish and when Dish no longer bundled with them we kept their service because we enjoy being a loyal customer to good businesses. We had issues with our WiFi connection and notified them multiple times of this issue. They informed us that the WiFi in our connection was in fact experiencing issues and that they were building a new "tower" in our area to get their clients out there better connection.
When I asked for a discount until it was fixed they informed me that I could receive a SMALL - ONE TIME credit to my account. I agreed and waited for the issue to be resolved. This issue was never resolved. They told me I was "not paying for WiFi but only the internet which worked fine when hooked up to a modem."
However if this was the case why did their representatives inform me that I needed a higher speed for my multiple devices? Why did they not inform me that in my area, the WiFi was not working for customers and henceforth I would not benefit by purchasing a much more expensive package? Needless to say we are unfortunately going to cancel our service with Windstream. I do not recommend them to anyone. When we called to get our last bill waived they informed us there was nothing that they would do because we did not report a problem in the last three months. Why should we have to call and inform them of something they admit they are aware of? I then find out from multiple neighbors they experience the same issues and are told the same things. Just be aware Windstream is not willing to work with their clients even when they are WELL aware that it is their fault, not ours.
Reviewed Feb. 25, 2015
We have to "reset" our internet at least a few times a day--drives me crazy!! Many times it is out when it rains. Call support, might be four days later. Problems never solved. I would love to "count" on being able to do skype calls for my business appointments!
Reviewed Feb. 23, 2015
I have been with Windstream for about 3-4 years & it just sucks. I was supposed to have 3 Mbps but after a week and a half of changing their install date (Jake) showed up about 8:30-9:00 that night to install my internet! Oh after they took my $125 or so fees for the install and router/modem. Well when he gets done he tells me that I can only get 1.5 Mbps. So I figure half the speed, half the price... NOT. They tell me that they're the same price! I said “No way. So if I go to buy a damn Pinto I will get a Ferrari for the same money?” They said no! Well no refunds and I'm on the phone with them every day or trying to fix it but still haven't years later!
I pay almost $100 month! I live in the country and no other internet can get here but them and they know it. So they ** me every month because they know we're going to bend over and spread our ** and say give me some more! With no lube I might add! They know we got to take it or do without! What happened to competition??
Reviewed Feb. 19, 2015
I have been complaining about internet speed for a year - I was advertised 10 mbps. I was told by an agent that I am paying for 3 mbps but I am actually getting 0.4. They have oversold internet in this area but are continually selling internet for this area. They are selling services that they cannot provide.
Reviewed Feb. 18, 2015
Every time we have added a customer service ticket because of lack of service, their response is always the same. "There's nothing wrong with your service it is working fine." Really, no phones, no internet and it's fine? However, for the first time, I got, "your account is held up in traffic", I suggest you upgrade? My contract is over 5/28/15. I am canceling and will never recommend or do business with this company again. This has been the worst 2 years dealing with them. They were the only choice for where we are located. I did learn a lesson, before moving your offices anywhere, find out what your options are for providers. If it's Windstream, look for new space.
Reviewed Feb. 18, 2015
So Tuesday of last week, Windstream was supposed to come out to my house and change the modem along with moving it upstairs and boosting our internet speed, and so far all that has happened is recorded messages from them saying that it is delayed to another day. It has been over a week now and they still have yet to come and whenever I call them, all I get is the, "Sorry I understand your frustration and that we expect them to come later today," mumbo jumbo that they constantly keep saying. I keep taking days off of work to stay home so I can be here when they get here, but all that happens is at 3:30, I call just to find out that they never intended to show up today. I have lost money from not going to work just so I could be here for something they are a week late in doing and it seems like I am going to have to wait another whole week.
It feels like they don't even care at all probably because they really don't care, but I have been a customer with them for 12+ years and it has yet to change. If you are thinking about switching to Windstream, I majorly recommend that you select a different company because you will get nothing but frustration and anger from them. They have no respect to the customer, otherwise, they would actually do their job when they are scheduled to do so.
Reviewed Feb. 17, 2015
Very rarely do I receive even a third of the internet speed that I am supposed to be getting from Windstream. In our area, Windstream is the only option and the best package amounts to 3Mb speeds. In over a year and a half I have never experienced over 1.25 Mbps download speed and the vast majority of the time I am getting anywhere from 0.20-0.60 Mbps. My family and I have called on numerous occasions and spoken with a number of representatives who tell us the same thing: there is nothing they can do at the moment; a grid is down and needs replacement; we will be sure to work on this as soon as possible and have one of our team investigate/fix what is wrong.
It is very disappointing to be paying for a service and not receive anywhere near what is supposed to be provided. As I mentioned we, unfortunately, have no other options available in my area and I am sure that the lack of fear for competition keeps Windstream from fixing any problems they have here. I wholly recommend that if you are searching for an ISP and have other options available that you consider them. None of my complaints have been heeded and it doesn't look like they will be anytime soon.

Reviewed Feb. 16, 2015
We have had very poor telephone and Internet service since day one and calling the company is a joke. If one is lucky enough to catch a repairman on the neighborhood you might luck out but again calling the company is a joke.
Reviewed Feb. 7, 2015
We have consistently been receiving poorer and poorer service from Windstream. Multiple phone calls to correct the problem (we pay for 3 Megabits, and usually get around 0.1-0.5 at best). For the longest time this only occurred during peak hrs (6-10 PM), however now it is all day. How can a company get away with this legally? If I went to a grocery store and paid 10$ for a 10 oz steak, and walked out with a 1 oz steak for my 10$, I would be able to do something about it. How is this possible?
Reviewed Feb. 3, 2015
Internet is down 25% of the month every month. There are no other providers in our area so we have to deal with this lack of service.
Reviewed Feb. 2, 2015
Lost DSL continuity. No customer support. 10 different phone numbers busied out. A call to Windstream HQ in Little Rock ended with voice mail dead-end. Website (via mobile phone 4G) gave no announcement. "Chat" went off to limbo for more than 1 hour after DSL was restored.
Reviewed Jan. 29, 2015
I have caught them multiple times adding fees and double-charging my account with them. Even when working out a payment plan with their "financial services" department, they won't keep their end of any agreement. When confronted about this in person in one of their customer service/bill pay centers, I was called a liar. They proceeded to procure a hastily printed out "payment sheet" that really had nothing on it involving this dispute other than showed that I had clearly made all my arranged payments. Stay away from this company if at all possible, they will do anything in their power to overcharge and intimidate you into paying them more money, even if you have already paid your bills up to date.
Reviewed Jan. 28, 2015
Everyone in my area complains about Windstream, & everyone online does the same. Maybe it's just because I've lived in a semi-rural area my whole life, but in my experience so far (around 1.5 years, since I moved & they became the only option), Windstream is no better or worse than anyone else out there. I've had AT&T, Charter, & Comcast, & I got roughly the same from each of them: 3-5 mbps on average (with the fastest package, I think usually up to 10 mbps or so advertised), a 1+ day outage a few times a year (usually during winter), & American customer service representatives that are no more or less helpful than Indian reps, but are at least easier to communicate with.
On a purely ethical basis, I absolutely despise all ISPs with a passion for creating an obviously-corrupted oligopoly that has caused the richest, most powerful nation in the world to have middle-of-the-range internet speeds (with internet arguably being the most important form of communication in our society). So for that, I'd be more than happy for Windstream & every other ISP to go bankrupt & be replaced by whatever Japan & South Korea are using, but for now we're all stuck with glorified cow excrement. Tough luck.
Reviewed Jan. 16, 2015
It is hardly a week that goes by that we lose our internet and when we call windstream about it, all we get is a statement that they are aware of the problem and they are (doing the best they can) and that they DONT have any plans to correct the problem at this time, however we are still obligated to pay for their lousy service. All I want is EXACTLY what I am paying a monthly fee for: hi speed service and a everyday service 24/7 not 12 hr/6 days sometimes. Today, after several different people on the phone, NO satisfaction.
Reviewed Jan. 16, 2015
Moved to the city 7 years ago and had my internet service moved to my new residence. I subscribed to the faster service they had at the time but never did get full speed. When it rained my speed went slower than dialup. They tried several times to fix problem but was never able to fix. They could never tell me what they were gonna do to rectify this problem. They acted dumbfounded.
Reviewed Jan. 15, 2015
Why are we forced to pay extra for Windstream's "faster" 25 mbps speed internet but continue to receive 2-5? I am so sick of the same ol' we're so sorry for the delay "excuses". However, nothing appears to be improving. In 2013 they promised better performance after the hub station received its super upgrade (In Nassau County FL). But two years later and the speed has done nothing but decline even worse. Too bad I can't dock the bill for all the inconvenient times I've had to go to McDonalds just to get my email and attachments while waiting on Windstream.
Reviewed Dec. 30, 2014
After many complaints to Windstream to get to the bottom of the very poor and inconsistent Internet speed of 1 mbps to 3 mbps, I filed a complaint to the FCC. I received a written reply from Windstream to my complaint. It was worded in a professional manner. But the letter surprised me. In a very blunt but in a rather respectful way it told me that due to where I live, that Windstream would not be upgrading the service in my area in the future. And that speeds would not get any better. And that they would recommend that I look elsewhere for Internet service if I was not happy with theirs. They even recommended Dish network for satellite Internet.
This type of reply could only come from a company large enough to not worry itself about customers that they know will most likely do nothing and have very little or no other options to receive this product from another supplier. The letter should have just read, "Tim sorry about your luck. We know your not happy but get over it. It is not going to get any better. So quit bothering us. You should be thankful that we are offering service that is better than dial up. We would also like to say that if you don't like it, go somewhere else. But we know you won't because every other option will cost 3 times as much. We thank you for being such a valued customer and look forward to serving you in the future."
Reviewed Dec. 17, 2014
I have called to complain about my service because I cannot even go to my garage (and we spend a lot of time there), which is connected to the house and I lose my Wi-Fi. We are always having outages. We are out of service a full day sometimes and still get charged. Windstream does not help you when you call and last forever to get to talk to a person. And yes they just tell you they can't do anything about. That is not acceptable. We pay hard earn money for this service.
Reviewed Dec. 16, 2014
Windstream "internet", if you want to call it, that is the most UNreliable internet provider I have ever dealt with and I deal with them quite frequently working in the Information Technology field. My internet service has literally been out in days, yes days not hours. How does an ISP let an entire town go offline for that long? They're never in a hurry to fix anything and will only credit you for the time the internet was down, completely overlooking the GIANT INCONVENIENCE of not having something you pay for. I would NOT recommend Windstream for anything.
Reviewed Dec. 15, 2014
Windstream is the only option I have for internet access where I live. I am required to have a landline which only adds to my frustration. I don't need a landline and I really don't want one. I am paying approximately an additional $12 per month because of the taxes associated with a landline. I contacted Windstream to find out about having my landline cut off to eliminate the telephone portion of my taxes and was told that my price would remain the same and they still would have to charge me the phone taxes even if I didn't have it. My Windstream bill is almost $74 per month. For all intensive purposes, I am paying almost $74 per month for internet service!! Outrageous! My only alternative for internet is Satellite Internet which is metered and on top of that expensive. Worse than Windstream. I contacted another internet provider and was told Windstream has exclusive rights to provide service in my area. Isn't that a monopoly? They are getting richer while I am getting poorer. They have virtually no competition which is keeping the prices high. How can they get away with that?
Reviewed Dec. 7, 2014
Windstream purchased our telecommunications infrastructure 13 years ago. Almost immediately, our neighborhood lost functional land line service. We live in a steep valley with limited access to mobile service and no cable, digital TV, or access (in my location) to satellite signals. I would daily drive or climb up on the nearby mountain to call Windstream on my mobile phone (please note that I am an older woman with a heart problem and may need EMS). I was told to stay home on the targeted service day. I am a teacher, called a substitute many times and no one EVER showed up. The land lines usually work now, but DSL service is intermittent. I need internet service for media connectivity and school work. I have had techs out here repeatedly, but the service just gets worse and worse. They once told me to use the service during the day because too many people use it at night and in the evenings, causing a bandwidth problem. One star is way too much.
Reviewed Dec. 3, 2014
This company has over charges me multiple times and when I try to contact customer service it is extremely hard to reach any consumer service help. WORST AND MOST UNPROFESSIONAL COMPANY I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED.
Reviewed Nov. 30, 2014
I am currently paying $35.00/month for "High-Speed" Internet service. I'm paying a supposed "flat rate" of $35.00/month for $5.00/month service. I pay for 12mbps = I get 1.5mbps. I've made numerous complaints (or at least attempted to) towards Windstream Communications before. I say attempted because I'm always on hold for more than half of my day, so I hang up. I'm tired of paying so much for so little. I'm going to contact the FCC for legal closure on the matter. I am certain that I am not the only one experiencing such shoddy service from this company. I'd rate it a -∞/5 if I could. Do not purchase Internet service from this company. Just get a 4g plan from Verizon or AT&T and setup a hotspot. It's cheaper anyways.
Reviewed Nov. 30, 2014
We have been a customer of Windstream for well over 10 years. I would say the first 5 years were fine, however these last five years have been nothing but trouble. We've complained numerous times and have always been told it's on our end. At their suggestion we've changed the modem and router so many times it's ridiculous. We've also upped our GB plan. We're now paying for 12GB and, if we're lucky we may get 4. Usually it's around 1.5 to 2. My son called them again last night and they pretty much told him not to call them again, they are "working on the issue" - Really?? I mean, it's only been 5 years.
Reviewed Nov. 27, 2014
I've been with this provider for three months, and not a SINGLE damn day have I gotten my actual advertised speed(s), even for what I'm paying for! I'm supposed to get a MINIMUM, as they say, of 6 MBP/S and a maximum of 12 MBP/S. **. FOR THE PAST THREE MONTHS I'VE BEEN BREATHING FUMES OF 10-20 KBP/S. A FRACTION OF A SINGLE MEGABYTE.
I've called and called and called over and over again, complaining about my problem. These drunk, inbreed hillbillies don't give a single look to a customer's complaint. Now you might say, "Oh, why didn't you just switch providers?" I wish it was that easy. Given that in Ohio, and some other States, there isn't a lot of High-end, Mainstream providers (e.g. Cox, Comcast) so they just shoo away your complaints, sit back and relax. In other words, you can complain all you want, but not a single damn thing will actually happen because they know you won't actually leave, you have no other internet provider to go to. Ah! AND I'M PAYING FULL PRICE. 10-20 KBP/S FOR $47.95 IS THEIR OFFER AND TO WHICH I'VE INVESTED IN.
You might think, "Why is their internet speed so low?" It's because these children oversubscribe their "DSlam" (What provides their internet). I'll put it in an analogy. A Dslam is a Pool where people come to swim in. The more people come to the pool (Subscribe), the less space you have to swim (Speed). So as numbers increase in a Dslam, the numbers in speed decrease. AND THIS IS AN EASY FIX! The company can BUY ANOTHER Dslam (pool). That way people can be spread evenly throughout the Dslam(s). But one problem! WINDSTREAM CANNOT AFFORD DSLAMS! You'd THINK since their Dslam is overwhelmed with subscribers that it would allow them to purchase a second, but no, Windstream is a stubborn child that doesn't want to share his toys. In all, Windstream is the absolute biggest mistake I have ever dealt with so far. Choosing Windstream is pure hell.
Reviewed Nov. 25, 2014
I recently moved into a complex that has en exclusivity contract with Windstream; ergo, I have no options. High speed internet is not the speed they promised. The $36.99 monthly fee has turned into a $53.23 monthly payment. That is, almost $15 of surcharges no one mentioned to me. Phone service is bad and when you manage to talk to someone, they are rude and defensive.
Reviewed Nov. 21, 2014
I received an outrageous bill (over $600). They "claimed" I hadn't return my Dish equipment even though I had an email confirmation where Dish network had, in fact, received their equipment. The customer service rep was supposed to return my call and I left her five messages only to never hear from her again. I am still getting this bill in the mail. Worst customer service I've ever dealt with... Beware of doing business with! Please don't use their service!!!!!!!
Reviewed Nov. 20, 2014
I live in Sanford NC. I have had trouble with my service for the past 2 years. At the last report, a Technician informed me that my service was sent to my neighbor's house and that's why my service was so sporadic. When this issue was resolved I requested some type of credit to my account, I was offered $15.00. I was not asking for much to begin with but that was an insult. I have paid $1200.00 for internet service that I really did not receive for 2 years. The customer support stated she could go as high as $25.00. I asked to speak with a supervisor but was denied. Now I will shout to the mountain tops. I live in a rural area and have really no other options with internet service.
Reviewed Nov. 17, 2014
For 3 months I have noticed a lag in Internet speed. I signed up through Directv as a package however had to contact Windstream myself according to Directv. I have sent several emails to the Windstream customer relation department asking for an explanation as well attaching the performance test results from their own website. I agreed on 6mbps service however I am receiving less than 1mbps. To date, after 3 weeks, I have received 1 response advising they are looking into the issue. I have since registered a complaint with the FCC. I have requested credit from Windstream for the difference in what I'm paying for versus what I'm actually receiving however, no response received. I've checked various websites and see this company has a bad reputation for overselling what they can actually provide. Due to my contract with Directv I am stuck!
Reviewed Nov. 11, 2014
So I moved to an area where Windstream is the only option for internet service. If I didn't have to have it for work I would never, ever use their service. From day one we have had problems. First the tech who came out was unable to complete the install, instead telling me he had to come out the next day. Two days later he came by at 6 pm to finish up - never received one single phone call letting me know when he was going to be coming. When I tried to call and get an estimate, I was told that they had no way of knowing when he would be able to come by. Our modem had to be re-installed after two weeks of service - even then the tech who installed said he was setting it up so that we would never have to call them for a modem reset. At this very moment I am currently on hold with them over their fun billing techniques - I am being double charged for services, but it's ok they are going to reimburse me for them.
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2014
I just noticed on our bill that Windstream has been charging me for a software/security suite (advance security pack 25G) that I never signed up for or used. When I talked to them they told me that they have been charging me $9.99 for the last 18 to 20 months. I told them I never authorized any add-ons and I wanted a rebate of all charges. They told me that they would only refund for the last month and that it was my responsibility to catch unauthorized charges. We are in our mid 70's and my wife pays the bills so I seldom see the monthly statements and she was not aware of the added on charges specifically just that our bill was getting bigger.
I decided to stop a monthly charge from Dish network for service call insurance and while looking at the statement I saw the Windstream charge for $9.99 and immediately called them. I reiterate I do not have any of their package programs installed. I received an email from them many months ago offering this service but I did not sign up for it or even answer their email. The total charges for this amounts to over $200 and I want them to refund this but they have not responded to my request or returned my call as requested to speak to a supervisor. I have been a customer of Windstream for over 10 years and always paid on time. PS I'm paying $49.99 per month including a $5 surcharge for "max speed" which is a laugh as internet speed is slower than ever.
Updated review: Nov. 15, 2014
The problem with them has been resolved, so I want to give them a better rating.
Original Review: Oct. 29, 2014
I have had a lot of bad experience w/ you. You do not seem to care about people like me.
Reviewed Oct. 27, 2014
We are a medical clinic. We have been working with Windstream since 7/2014 with several night, weekend and during operations outages. Communication within the company departments is at ultimate low. Accountability is non-existent. The AllWorx equipment is defective which was provided by Windstream. Windstream will not repair or replace the defective router. If you try to cancel the contract, they will hold you liable for $40,000k equipment which doesn't function properly. Do yourself a favor and seek services somewhere else unless you need unreliable service and many weekend and night trips back to the office to physically reboot the router, because you are not going to receive help from Windstream and they can't reboot it remotely...
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2014
I own a business that has been open 2 years and use the phone and internet. When I set a time for them to come out and install at my house and at the office the day they were supposed to show up they didn't. This happened twice for both places. After it was installed I have had nothing but problems. The internet is very slow and the phone goes out at least three times a month. I have called to get it fixed and always get told it will be a few days before someone can get out there. I have had to use my cell phone to do all my calls. I ended up canceling my service at my house but am stuck in a contract for my business. If you have any other options go with someone else. These people do not care about their service or their customers. I wish I could get Comcast here, I would give them a shot.
Reviewed Sept. 22, 2014
My internet would not work. I made numerous calls and even had service technicians come to my residence. Finally after about 3 months and still extremely poor service another service technician made an appointment to come to my home. I had to take off of work all day to be available for them. I confirmed they were still coming a few days before the appointment and again the actual day they were to come. Each time I was told they would be there. They never showed up and never called. My calls to the service center were to be returned by a supervisor but they never called. Very poor internet service and company with bad service. Stay away from this company.
Reviewed Sept. 6, 2014
This company makes Cox Communications look good!!!! As soon as I get my bill so I can find out what my account number is, I'm dropping Windstream like a hot potato. Save yourself a lot of aggravation, find another company!!!!
Reviewed Sept. 5, 2014
I attempted to obtain service from Windstream. I signed up online, on 9-1-14 and the following day received an email stating that they needed more information and I need to phone them. I did so, and gave them all the information that was requested on 9/3/14. I was informed that they could not provide internet in my area. I informed them that a neighbor has internet service and it was through them. The rep I was dealing with stated that he would have to do some checking but would return my call in a few minutes. When I hadn't heard from him by 9/4/14 I called the company again. I spoke to a different rep who informed me that I would be able to get the internet, he supposedly set up the work order for "Friday" and issued me a phone number. He did state the number may not be mine but they would have a valid number for me when they did the installation.
Therefore, I waited all morning on the installer to show. When he had not come by 1 pm, I called to see if there was a time they expected his arrival. At first they couldn't find an order. I gave them the phone number I had received the day before, and it was issued to another address. After looking, the agent came back on the phone and stated they were waiting for a fax from me. I was not aware of a needed fax, and it was at that time I was informed of the need for proof of residency. I have not ever dealt with a company so independent that they don't care if they get customers or not. I canceled my order as I felt they did not want my business.
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2014
Been with Windstream since the switch in my area from Alltel. I was happy finally no more dial-up, started with a 3MB connection. At the start, I could only get 347 kbs. I was told they was upgrading the area and my DSL would improve. That was in 2009, still saying upgrades are coming. They are not coming. I wish I could switch to a different company but can't. To all people thinking about Windstream, don't fall for what they say!!!!
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2014
My organization has had Windstream landline/internet for only about 6 weeks. I have had to call or internet chat with a Windstream rep probably 15-20 times. Sometimes it's the landline; other times it's the internet. Sometimes both don't work. We have had a couple of violent storms, and I do understand storm damage. But probably 10 or 12 times, at least, it has been blue, clear skies here in Whitney, TX.
Last time I called, the service tech changed out the modem and fixed a short in our phone line (about 10 days ago). Then last night I had no internet and the landline was very scratchy sounding. When I call to report these outages and ask why my service is so poor, they just apologize all over themselves and offer no response. This is a very small town but I will be doing research to see if I can get a different provider. This is unacceptable for the price we pay each month.
Reviewed July 14, 2014
All I can say is that if you have another choice, DO NOT choose Windstream. We are paying for high speed internet and getting worse than dial-up service. Cannot get them to fix the problem which has been ongoing for about 3 months, so we are paying for a service we are NOT receiving!! Get standard answers and no resolution. Last download speed test was 0.0!!
Reviewed July 3, 2014
If you have them file a particular complaint 3X times, they will comp you free subscription time (IE take money off your bill). It's the only way to combat their lack of ability and failed delivery of services.
Reviewed May 28, 2014
My wife & I have been Windstream customers for ages. We have to be because we live in rural Upstate NY and have no other ISP. Currently we have from what I've been told by several customer service reps & techs the "new" modem/router with the little antenna in the back. Since last fall we have been having issues with our connection, constantly getting kicked off and having to "reboot" the wireless router by unplugging it for several minutes. This does & does not work since 5 minutes after it’s done were offline again. I moved the router so that it was out in the open and even with my wife and I 25 ft away and in plain sight of it, we still get kicked off.
I found the box that it came in and it was shipped to me on the 29th of December 2010!!! Windstream tells me that it should be working perfectly and they don't feel it’s the issue. I was told last night that if I wanted a replacement that it would cost me $75.00, but if the unit just stopped or the power light was red, I could get a replacement one under my coverage. You know what I think I just saw the light go red :) Did anyone else see that??? They want to come out to my home and check inside the house, I know all the lines are good and I know what's going to happen. The repairmen is going to hook up a new modem/router. Nobody can give you a straight answer when you call, just excuses - the weather, sun spots, that's normal for outages. Next they'll blame it on aliens.
Reviewed May 3, 2014
I have had Windstream Internet for some time. The speed is very poor and not even close to what I am paying for. It disconnects regularly. I called customer service and was informed that it was completely normal to lose internet service a few times a day and I should be ok with that. The maximum speed they offer in my area is 1.5 MB/sec and I'm nowhere close to that. They said I should just call back regularly to see if they offer anything better. I just have no alternative. I called Dish Network and they said they don't offer it in my area. That makes no sense to me.
Reviewed April 21, 2014
I live in Toccoa, GA and my business is in Eastanollee, GA. We have been in Toccoa for 16 years and in Eastanollee for 7 years. Consistent DSL does not exist. When I have internet issues, it is a constant battle getting help. Usually it ends up they have to switch something at office. A lot of times, it is an outage in our area. The internet at the house is extremely slow most of time. I'm paying for 3mbs but most of time barely gets 1-1.5. At shop I'm paying for 6; don't really know what I get. When it works, it's fast enough for our purposes. When I had 3 it wasn't. I realize the people on the help line are just doing their job and I feel for them, but the fact is I've been paying for a service for years that has never been reliable.
Today I'm using my Verizon phone as a hotspot so we can have internet and that's another 30 dollar charge. We are sorta stuck because when contract come up for renewal our commissioners didn't do anything about it. I've been told Windstream has badly oversold their broadband. I don't know if it is true or not. I do know the repairmen are friendly and knowledgeable but they can only do so much.
Reviewed April 9, 2014
As many others have mentioned, we live in an area where we do not have many options. My Husband and I both work from home, so having a steady, and reliable internet connections is ESSENTIAL. We have been with Windstream since December, and not one solid week has gone by without experiencing internet problems. We have lost a lot of money, as well, due to the internet continually dropping.
Though we have found Customer Support to be polite, they have not found a solution, or even a reason, for why they cannot provide the service we are paying for. We started out with High Speed, which was promised in our area (12) but were told that we should try half that speed to resolve it (6). The problem keeps happening, and each time a tech comes out, tells us they found the problem, fixed it, and we should be good to go. The internet eventually has the same problem again.
I have been with other companies, and they have continually improved their service, while we were with them. After researching online about this, I see we are not alone, and that frustrates me even more. I am wondering, why it is that people have been dealing with this, from Windstream for so long? Why is it that instead of improving their service, they seem to be EXACTLY the same, after all this time? PLEASE make it better, Windstream!
Reviewed Feb. 27, 2014
Remember the commercial "Where's the Beef". After months of talking with Windstream and wasting hours upon hours of time restarting, shutting off, turning on and talking with some who know nothing about the issue other than what they read on their screen, "Where's the Beef". I am paying for up to 3 megs of service. I am told that as long as they provide 65 - 70% of that speed then they feel that they are doing well. Wow, wouldn't we all like to get paid a 100% for giving 65% effort. Well it gets better; between 5 PM - 1: AM, my internet slows to .45 - .69. I have received so many explanations; it will be fixed by the end of the year, you have too many devices using the service, we are working on the problem. DEFINE WORKING. Is that thinking about the problem is working on it or is there a plan to upgrade your total system.
Heaven knows that you are collecting lots of money each month and providing little for it. I thought that I made great headway once when after two plus hours on the phone, they deducted some money from my bill. Now I was told that they would do this for a certain time period, but later I discovered that it was for one month. When I called again on this and after many transfers, I was told that when they fixed the problem then they would deduct money retro to when the problem was reported!! WHAT.... Unfortunately, like most of you, I too am in an area where the only other solution would be satellite which could be very costly.
How can Windstream continue to operate in this fashion? Simply because we continue to pay for their so called service. "Where's the beef". We are paying for 100% and getting 30%- 40%. Windstream will continue this practice until we take a stand through publicity, outside intervention or we the consumers decide that we need to take action.

Reviewed Feb. 23, 2014
We live in rural Arkansas and Windstream internet is about our only choice. We have used this provider since 2012 and had fair internet speed until a few months ago. We recently added Netflix only to find our internet too slow to stream it without constantly rebuffing. We were promised very fast internet, but when testing it very often, we find it running at .15 to 1.2 especially at night. In windstream's defence, I have seen it hit 3.0 one time in the early morning hours. Often during the early afternoon I can stream movies with little or no interruption. I have contacted windstream twice only to be told they are aware of the problem and are working to solve same; however, they have no estimated time of repair. Meanwhile, I must continue paying a high price for very low service.
Reviewed Feb. 20, 2014
I just tried to call Windstream to find out what services they have for DSL in my area. Nothing has changed with this company. These people are the only option for internet service in my area, other than cellular service. The only reason this is a one star rating is because I want to make sure it is posted. It is not representative of the service, which doesn't rate at all! About 1 1/2 years ago I disconnected from Windstream after having service nightmares. They have the worst customer service I have ever experienced. I ended up having to go through the State Attorney General's office in order to talk to anyone at the company that would work on figuring things out! Every time I tried to cancel they transferred me to the people that talk you into staying before they will cancel your service. In order to talk to these people you will remain on terminal hold. I finally just stopped paying and after sending me bills for about a year, the service was turned off.
Reviewed Feb. 10, 2014
We have been paying for 12 meg internet speed and on average get about 6 and it drops every evening to .6 to 1.5. We try to watch Netflix or Hulu and it continually freezes or drops.
Reviewed Jan. 17, 2014
We have had Windstream Internet service since 2010. It started out at 3 MBS, then within a year we were offered 6 MBS. No real problems the first year and after suffering through slow speeds, was elated to get 6 MBS. Well, not long after that we started having major issues, line drop, page stalls, extremely slow speeds and total lock ups. We have had technicians out at least 6 times over the past 3 years to try and correct problems. They've replaced the modem 4 times (wanting to charge me once for a bad modem), rerun lines and, things get fixed for several days then the degradation begins again.
I've found most of the phone based services to be worthless. The latest area technician is lazy and seems to know less than I do. Over the past month we have experienced speeds as low as .38mbs averaging .58mbs. Very frustrating. I finally called and was told they would write up a service ticket to have a technician make a visit. That was 3 weeks ago and not a word. It is a very rare day when we get the 6 Mbs we were guaranteed, very rare. By the way, that is the highest they offer in my rural area even though I was promised 12mbs last January by the end of last March. I suppose it wouldn't matter because I see folks with that experiencing the same speeds I do. Many have said a good 3rd party modem improves things a bit, but Windstream will not support it, i.e. they will blame your modem for everything!
We have no other options as many on their service. Sure I can get satellite, or cell based Wi-Fi, but then I would have to pay several hundred a month to use the net the amount we do. I feel Windstream is a scam. I have lodged formal complaints with various agencies to no avail. Frustrated, pissed, and don't know what to do about it! They should be put out of business. But then I'd have nothing as we used to be Sprint, but they sold this territory to Windstream because the infrastructure is old and probably too expensive for a decent company to want to deal with it!
Reviewed Jan. 11, 2014
I have had Windstream "high speed" internet service for several years but did not realize how ludicrous the description is until I subscribed to Netflix and started to pay attention to my internet speed. It is supposed to be 6 mbps - it was only 2 until the technicians came to my house at least 5 times and replaced every modem and wire out to the street. It worked for about 2 months and now here I am again - I am back to 1 mbps and I have to wait 5 days for them to show up to fix it. I have never in all my life experienced such poor service from a company. Unfortunately, this is all that is available where I live, but they lie, cheat and are totally disdainful of the customer.
Reviewed Jan. 9, 2014
Have been Cavtel Internet subscriber and now Windstream took over Cavtel. Have had no internet since before Thanksgiving. Contacted more than five Windstream technicians and went through reboot, etc. Sent new modem, did not resolve. Told by Windstream that my problem was being sent to highest level Windstream technicians for resolution. Finally sent fax and email to Jeffery R. Gardner, President and CEO of Windstream. Reply that he would look into problem, resolve problem and get back to me. This was on 01/07/14. Still have no internet. Beyond disgusted and frustrated. Filed with Better Business Bureau. Still being charged for nonexistent internet service.
Reviewed Dec. 30, 2013
I am not new to broadband service. I first acquired Adelphia High Speed Internet service in 1999. From that time on until 2007, I had used Adelphia for internet service with no problems. In 2007, Adelphia was purchased by Time Warner and I continued using Time Warner's internet service until February of 2013. During those 14 years of having cable broadband, I've very few issues, maybe 3 days total down time due to weather. Now, with all of that said I would also like to make note that I am a certified computer technician, network administrator and computer programmer. Needless to say I am very knowledgeable with computers. Not an average by any means.
Now here is where my story about Windstream begins. I started using Windstream's high speed internet service in February of 2013. I switched from Time Warner because of Windstream's price guarantees and at the time it seemed like a great deal considering I was guaranteed 12Mbps service for $55.00 per month for life. So I jumped on the offer and started service. Their technicians came to my home as any other technician would; they were friendly and courteous and they did their job as they should have. Before they left they ran a speed test and confirmed that I was getting 12Mbps speeds. I too confirmed that with my own personal test sites. I was satisfied and they left.
Several days later I started having problems. It wasn't anything major at first, maybe a brief intermittent pause here and there in my connection, but it was noticeable. Days and weeks went by, things would be fine, then I started to experience problems more and more. As time went on it kept on getting worse and worse and I started looking into the problem myself. I started accessing the routers and noticed that I was dropping connection quite frequently. I thought maybe the router they provided me was going bad, so I tried another Windstream router, same thing. I even went as far as setting up one of their routers in bridged mode with my expensive Cisco router and even that didn't cure the problem. I even tried using different computers, wireless adapters, but no matter, the problem still existed.
Over the months it was becoming the normal thing, just to expect downtime. Their phone technicians were worthless, so no matter how many times I called, I would always get the same treatment (unplug your router, reboot, restart, do this, do this, do that, etc.). The real problem lies within their network. Their telephone lines are 30+ years old, their drops are corroded, their switches are old and most importantly they don't supply enough bandwidth to their CO's and their systems. They also oversell their bandwidth too. They have way too many people sharing the service. They of course tell you that when you use their service you are on your own dedicated connection, but that's not true at all.
Regardless of what their technical issues are, from their lack of quality service I have lost thousands of dollars and downtime in my business. If you are thinking about obtaining Windstream high speed internet, Don't. It will be the biggest headache and mistake you have ever encountered.
Reviewed Nov. 11, 2013
I called this morning concerning internet connection problems/slower than normal service speeds (MUCH worse than the normal latency issue and speeds of 1-1.5 that we normally have) that have been occurring over the last month to 2 months. The technician named Misty emp # ** (after acknowledging that we were having drops of service about 20-30 minutes apart and speeds of 0.2) still refused to troubleshoot further or get a technician to my location. I tried to explain that our router was moved a few months ago to a different line and that we have had trouble on this line ever since.
I explained that our latency issue has been going on for the last 9 years of service but we have always had at least 1-1.5 speeds and we have never had constant dropping of internet. However, she would not listen and said we can't get a technician no matter what happens because our line has been flagged for latency issues. I tried to explain that just because you have latency issues it doesn't mean that you can't be experiencing other issues with the line. But, she would not listen to me. I asked for her supervisor and she told me that she was unavailable today. So, I told her that I wanted to speak to any supervisor so she transferred me to Evan emp # **. Evan was absolutely terrible to me. She would not listen to a word I said and told me that if I didn't like the service I could switch to another carrier. She then proceeded to laugh at me on the phone and when I called her out for laughing she tried to blow it off.
I tried to explain the same information to her as I did the previous technician but she wouldn't listen. She just kept telling me the same thing... either switch to a different provider or deal with it. She then stated that repairs were going to be completed soon on our lines. I told her that was a lie and I knew that there were no plans in the next year to complete repairs in my area because I had spoken with upper management months ago about this.
When she realized that I knew that she was lying she then backtracked and said they were EVENTUALLY going to repair our service area. I explained that it is ridiculous to inform customers that repair is going to occur when you have no actual date for that to happen (they could tell everyone that their service is going to be repaired because upgrades will EVENTUALLY happen for all customers). I then told her that I was requesting a technician to come and look at the line and check the service here and that I would pay out of pocket if they found it to be an issue that was my problem. However, she denied my request to pay outright for a technician as well.
I don't understand how they can get away with refusing service to a customer when I am clearly stating that there is something ADDITIONAL and ABNORMAL going on with our service in ADDITION to the already diagnosed latency. Windstream "flagging" my account basically means that I can't get help no matter what additional issues are going on with my service and I am beyond frustrated. I have been a loyal customer for 10 years with this company and they should not be able to treat customers this way. They seem to take advantage of people who live in rural areas and have no other choice for service.
Reviewed July 24, 2013
It's hard for me to explain my anger toward this company as I have been a loyal paying customer for 6 years now. When we first signed up, everything was fine but many years down the road we noticed our speeds got slower and slower and we always had the 12 Mbps package. We called several times to them but got the same excuse about a latency outage. I sure hope this company burns to the ground, because what pisses me off is that they're the only internet service provider in the entire area we live in.
We are about to set up a lawsuit against them and hopefully we can get something done about it. As of right now, Windstream is knocking 10 dollars off our monthly bill for the crappy service. We also ran several speed tests over a course of 1 month and we never even reached 70% of our actual speeds. On average the download speeds were 20-80 kb/s which are as slow as dial-up internet.
Reviewed June 30, 2013
I worked from home for a year and a half using Windstream as my ISP. Although I had intermittent problems with them, there were no other ISP options in the rural area where I live. In March 2013, I was no longer able to continue working at home because I could no longer stay connected for more than a few minutes at a time. My options were to report into the office, meaning an hour and twenty minute drive time each way or move to my daughter's house during the week and work from her home. For nearly two months, I made the drive to work while continuing to try to resolve the problem with Windstream. I spent countless hours on the phone with them (most of it on hold) and was offered a different reason/excuse each time. The customer service reps for the most part were rude and unhelpful. Then in May, I was finally told the truth: latency issues which would not be repaired until maybe 2014.
At that point, I chose to move in with my daughter. This situation has created a major hardship for me. I do not understand how a company is permitted to continue this practice of charging their consumers for a service they ARE NOT PROVIDING. I have to work and was fortunate to be able to begin working from home when my office closed down so that I didn't have to make the unreasonable drive to the new office. Windstream has put me in this position. My life is constantly in upheaval. Every week on Monday, I pack up to drive to my daughter's house, which is 2 hours away, and work from her home for the week. On Friday, I pack up again and drive back home for the weekend. Why should a company be permitted to jeopardize someone's livelihood? I agree with the complaints stating that at the very least, consumers need to be compensated for the time they were promised certain service/speeds and were not given it; however, the biggest problem/issue is that THEY NEED TO PROVIDE THE PROMISED SERVICE.
Reviewed June 30, 2013
I have spoken to Windstream on several occasions and all I am ever told is that they are working on the problem, but have no date for resolution! This is only made worse by the fact that they offer no credits or cost reductions for the inconvenience. Furthermore, they have admitted to me that they have oversold this entire area of Eastern Kentucky!!
Reviewed June 4, 2013
I have had DSL for several years. Originally, 1.5 worked fine, no problems. Then I moved up to 3.0, had it for nearly a year, no problems. Then they oversold their services. They have not been able to provide me with even dial-up speeds 90 percent of the time. They still want their pay but they continue to advertise services that they do not have the equipment to deliver. They have known this and continue add customers they can not handle. I am tired of paying for nothing and I am tired of getting no feedback from them with any information as to when this problem will be resolved.
I do not understand why the state of Texas allows them to continue their false advertisements and lying about what they can provide when they know they have not the capacity to deliver. I keep calling them and they say they will email me or call me back, and no one does or has. Why does the state allow this company to rip people off? I have been paying for a service they have not provided for over a year. There are many more just like me. In Texas, we are not provided with any other means. They are the only provider allowed in this area.
Reviewed May 30, 2013
I have the misfortune of being a new Windstream customer. I signed up for 12 Mbps, and I average 1 Mbps and even less. I've only had the service 2 weeks and they claim it's a latency issue and there is nothing on the schedule to correct it for my service area - and everyone I've spoken to has said it's been this way forever and they've complained and complained. What I want to know is, how are they getting away with this in numerous markets? Where is the government agency who regulate telecoms? This is not only poor service; it is fraudulent to sell a service they are not providing and likely will not provide in our lifetimes. There needs to be government intervention and a class action lawsuit. Windstream is not going to fix their endless problems when they can keep collecting off the poor buggers who are forced to use their inferior service because there is no competition. How can any of this even be legal?
Reviewed May 6, 2013
Windstream issued their new 5200 modem/router combo. I called for help to connect one silly operator, who said that my computer system (XP) will not work with this item. Then she had the audacity to tell me I need to get a new machine and operating system. Be aware that before this with their modem and a third party router, Linksys, everything worked well. I hung up from dealing with a dumb idiot. I called back and got another agent. He seemed to know more and that 1st one. He was able to get me to connect to the internet. That was 3 days ago. I tried to print today and could not. I did everything in setting up, configuring and checking the printer company info and more. I shut it down, started it and all the things anyone in second line of IT support would do.
I called Windstream to tell them of the problem and setup. The person told me that was not his job to fix my printer issues and that was the printer company. 2nd setup, the person told me that he has no skills to fix the problem. I asked for a second line of support and he told me he is transferring me to them. Then he hung up on me. 3rd call with another setup, the person and her excuse was I would need to call on Monday between 7-7 to pay for support as it is not her job to fix this issue. Everything worked before these jokers wanted to transfer to the so-called new gadget. I am not a beginner in it. I am an expert, but not in individual gadgets that are proprietary hardware. Can anyone help me? It is a Brother mfc6490cw wireless printer.
Reviewed May 5, 2013
I feel violated as a consumer and paying customer with Windstream. I continue to have an issue with a latency problem with the service I pay for. Representatives in customer service are telling people that the issue is being corrected! Now that implies that in a reasonable and timely manner, the issue will be fixed! No! It means within in a year! What if I told Windstream that I will not be paying my bill and when they demand payment, I will say, "Sometime this year, I plan to pay you!" Do you think that would be acceptable? I don't think so! This would be theft! Well, Windstream customers who have not figured this out yet, you are being robbed and lied to. Beguilement is leading someone to believe a false conclusion. Sad thing is that a supervisor will not talk to you about this ongoing issue. They leave this dirty business to the representative on who answers your phone call. I find this unacceptable! Feel at liberty to copy and paste this post if you have experienced similar problems.
Reviewed April 29, 2013
I agree with every post I've read about this issue here and I got to say, Keith of Greensburg, KY, you really hit the nail on the head. I totally hear you! We too are paying for Hulu Plus and Netflix streaming video, which is now hopeless. Sometimes, I can't even ping their server. So what are we all going to do? I'm delighted to see that others are keeping screen captures of speed tests. I use http:**. I put the Windows time window up next to it, and do a ctrl-shift-print screen, then paste it into Word, but Wordpad would do. Also, I recommend going to the modems advanced diags and doing the same. I also log stuff like download speed, F4 failure and weather conditions in a table. Latency outage is just greed as seen from within Windys spin factory.
I have found their tech support people very competent, however. As someone who has given tech support to clients and for clients over the phone professionally, I just got to say don't vent. Be patient. I can't see how it can profit them to send a boom truck out here into the backwoods with a guy to replace my interface box and router. It must have cost them hundreds. It worked for an hour. It's interesting how it fails all weekend long. They don't want to mess up their business customers so they fool around from Friday night to Monday morning. Yes! Yes, class action! We need a lawyer.
Reviewed April 28, 2013
Starting about April 6th, we began to have abrupt, prolonged, spotty outages on our 3 mbps DSL. This has gone on for 3 weeks now. We have a F@st 1704 router. When the guy came to hook it up, he said that way out here we are too far from the nearest switch to get that fast. But that we could do about 2.5 mbps. I said, "Hook me up, I'll be happy with 2!" Until this month I was contented with my ISP, but in the last 3 weeks I've made so many calls to their tech support that I know 18003471991... 1... 1... 2... by heart.
I am also recently retired from my own computer service, where we did lots of modems, cables, switches, routers, custom servers, mainframes. I used to walk into a place with my briefcase full of tools and say I'm the guy from IBM or Cisco. I know a thing or 3 about all this stuff. I also know when I'm being cheated. I am way out at the end of the line in the hills of KY. I'm now keeping a log of our throughput and the output from the modem's diagnostics, which shows a consistent ATM OEM F4 fail on the segment and end to end pings, and sometimes a default gateway ping fail. I very much doubt this problem is specific to us. It is likely affecting thousands.
Please respond promptly. I have made a few lawyer friends around here while doing computer stuff and 3 or 4 of them might just like to take this on. They too have to have Windstream.
Reviewed April 26, 2013
This company just lies about everything. They never do what they say or deliver what they promise. They rely on the fact that they are the only service available in the small towns they serve. We have had intermittent DSL service with them for over two years. At first, we had the promotional package. It was terrible, so I let them talk me into the upgraded service. They promised the speed upgrade would solve the problem. Of course, it was a lie. In our town, everyone I know that has Windstream DSL is unhappy with them. They are the only game in town, so they simply do not care. I have never dealt with a more dishonest company in my life. If you have an option, avoid these crooks.
Reviewed April 3, 2013
This has got to be the worst communications/internet company ever. My work has been without internet for nearly 6 months now and every time we call to get this resolved, we are given the runaround by untrained employees. I am sick of this and have elected to call and find other places for us to get internet through because I can't even check my e-mails at work unless I use my iPhone! This is ridiculous. I'm filing a complaint with the BBB and whoever else will listen. My company should not be charged for the ** service it has not received during the past 6 months. If best, the internet worked consistently for 2 weeks (but it was slow and horrifically bad) then went right back out. You're costing us money and either you will recoup the cost of lost sales or you will fix the damn internet!
Reviewed Feb. 21, 2013
I am paying for my 3mb and still only getting less than 1mb on the $49.99 bundle. What a rip off. After calling weekly, still no help and all they say is the Internet is free on the bundle for life so they can't give me a credit. There should be something we can do about this so-called outage that’s been going on for years. Here is one of my speed tests.
Reviewed Feb. 5, 2013
No Internet at all, I cannot find any DNS servers or the name does not exist. I called tech help, no help, they said I needed to reconfigure the POS modem, again! I am tired of this. It’s been ongoing for months now. We all need to bombard the FCC with complaints. Go to FCC.gov and file complaints, go to the local media, everything that can be done, should be done. They are despicable! And they do not care! Do not use Windstream, get a HughesNet satellite system, or do without for less frustration.
Reviewed Jan. 27, 2013
I called Windstream tonight complaining about slow internet speeds. I'm paying for 3.0 and barely get 1.8. I was told a trouble ticket would be entered to investigate the problem. My brother phoned them from his house down the road a few minutes later to complain and was also told it was a "latency problem" as well as another neighbor. Obviously, Windstream is selling products, in this case internet speeds, that they cnnot deliver. I agree that something has to be done, but where do you start?
Reviewed Jan. 21, 2013
Sometime in October, I called to increase internet speed from 3m to 12m with Windstream. The tech came out and said only 6m was available to me and he could only get 5m at the time of visit. Shortly after that, our speed dropped to below 1m. My children got internet devices for Christmas and we are unable to use them. Not only can we not download games or movies, but I cannot open attachments to any of my emails. I have called repeatedly since Christmas to complain and am always told it is a latency problem in our area. No one can tell me when it will be fixed. I stay on the phone for at least 30 to 45 minutes each time I call and get no answers, only excuses. I have been told that a credit will appear on my next bill. If it indeed does, that will be nice but I still do not have internet.
I am now even more concerned as I read reviews and find out this is not just in my area, but in other states as well. I was led to believe it was in my county, not my country. My other concern is they still advertise and add customers to an already overloaded internet system and charge all of us for a service we are not getting. How can this be legal? You should not pay for a service and not get it. Someone please do something.
Reviewed Jan. 15, 2013
I have been reading the other comments on this subject and it seems like Windstream has never provided 12mbps service to anyone. I am paying for 12 and get anywhere from 1.5 to 6 or 7 on a great day. I usually get around 3.0. I have been told a few stories that don't add up according to everyone else. They told me that the latency outage was first reported in September 2012, but it sounds like it has been going on a lot longer than that. They tell me that the engineers are working on it, but have no estimated fix date. They won't tell me just what exactly they are doing about it. I am considering contacting the Attorney General's office about this. I was going to contact the KY AG's office, but it looks like this is not isolated to KY so I was thinking the US AG's office should look in to it.
I think I am going to try to talk to Windstream's business office first and try to get a refund for the extra charge for 12mbps service and a lowered bill until they fix it. It sounds like that might be an exercise in futility, but I have to give them that chance first. I'll repost on here what happens with that. This has been a very frustrating process already.
Reviewed Jan. 14, 2013
Should this not be a class action lawsuit? We got the same story. I upgraded to 12mbps and they could not deliver. We went with 6mbps. Wow! Latency outage after hours on the phone. I was told over-usage in my area. How can you sell bandwidth you can not provide? Class action!
Reviewed Dec. 30, 2012
The speed is exactly as others have posted. I can’t get 1 Mbps and they keep calling me wanting to upgrade to 6 Mbps. I asked them what is the max speed my line has, and they then tell me it is less than the three I am getting now. These people are the worst, but like most have stated here, there are no other choices.
Reviewed Dec. 19, 2012
We were experiencing slow speeds on our DSL service. Windstream representatives said we just needed to upgrade, so we switched DSL service from 1.5 to 3.0. We are paying for more speed, but we are lucky if we get the old speed! Windstream has not been able to provide the speed promised. These past weeks, our internet speed is great every morning. It gets intermittent throughout the day until it's near nonexistent by evening. Last night I finally phoned, I gave my information to two Windstream service representatives and was sent to the third one. When she asked for all my information yet again, I gave my phone number, then I stated, "I called to complain about my nearly nonexistent internet. I've been transferred three times. Do you really think I'd have gotten to you if I wouldn't have already given all my proper information to the other two Windstream representatives? Really!"
Windstream representative then asked about the modem, as I was telling her the make and all. I let her know they blamed the crappy service on the modem for over a year until we finally replaced it, but the services hasn't changed at all. We still have to phone in every few weeks. Windstream representative then had me type codes into the computer command prompt, and ended by telling me my Network Interface Card wasn't working. My next question to her was "Then why does the internet work every morning just great?"
Reviewed Dec. 11, 2012
Terrible service - We are locked into a contract with Windstream and have had several outages. Their response time is terrible. They do not respond to request for credits, which are stated in our agreement. They do not return phone calls or emails requesting someone contact us to discuss the issues and loss of business we have experienced.
Reviewed Oct. 14, 2012
This company doesn't even deserve one full star. I've been in a latency outage since November 2011. After literally countless phone calls to Windstream, technicians coming out to check lines, several modems, several filters, several excuses, insane amount of modem resets, finally a Windstream rep tells me there is a latency outage. Then phone calls involved several false dates of completion. It was only on dslreports.com that an online Windstream rep looked into the matter and told me it was scheduled to be completed in 2013. Yes, the year 2013.
I have a huge folder full of SpeedTest results showing how we receive 30% or less of the service we pay for on a daily basis the majority of the time. Only after 1 or 2am is when our speeds might actually hit closer to 3.0mbps. Before those ridiculous hours of the day, do not play online games, do online homework, sell/trade stock online, stream YouTube or Netflix, or anything of importance at all. I decided to start complaining to the BBB and the FCC, both of which only forwarded a complaint letter to the Windstream offices, but didn't actually do anything beyond that from what I can tell.
I've never seen a company so hated and so low rated than Windstream and still remains in business. It has to be because they've strategically placed service areas where they could be the only game in town. Therefore, all of these complaints do not scare them because they have no competition. Satellite internet? Been there, done that. 700-1000ms latency does not fit in anywhere this day and age. It amazes me that the government lets a publicly traded company like Windstream run wild however they like. In small areas like mine, Windstream can oversell their service to as many people as they like, create huge latency outages by not having the proper equipment to keep up so no one gets close to what they pay for, not care the least bit about it, and take two whole years (supposedly the estimated date of 2013) to eventually getting equipment upgrades. Avoid Windstream at all costs. If you have another DSL provider to choose from in your area, it doesn't even matter who it is - go with them.
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2012
Windstream bought into my small town and advertised fast internet speeds and excellent phone service. They advertised 12 Mbps download speed, and I signed up to find out I was too far for their equipment to receive that speed. They then claimed I could receive 6 Mbps download. In December 2011, from mid-morning through midnight, my speeds dropped to below 1 Mbps download. Apple TV and Netflix would barely run due to buffering. I was told it was due to outdated equipment, which would be promptly replaced, and the problem solved. After over twenty-five complaints, six promised repair dates, nothing is resolved. Tech support is very nice but absolutely does nothing but false promises. It is now October 2012 and nothing is resolved. I have paid for 6 Mbps download for over 10 months with only 1/5 the service provided. I believe that Windstream is willing to ignore me and continue to take my money.
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2012
We used our internet service for our television viewing, so we upped our service from 3mbps to 6mbps (had been very slow, thought this would solve the issue). The speed was great for a very short time, then became slower and slower. I would call in to complain. Our speed would increase again for a short time, then gradually dial back down. During peak times (evenings), our speeds have been under 1mbps download speed. I have been calling to complain and while the reps have been very polite, I am still getting nowhere. The equipment they provide is also very unreliable. In three years, we have had 3-4 modems and 2 modem/router combinations provided or replaced by Windstream due to malfunction or being outdated (though just purchased). We live in a rural area, so our options for DSL service are extremely limited. I would advise anyone to avoid this company if at all possible.
Reviewed Sept. 26, 2012
We pay for 6.0 Mbps from Windstream and we only get about 0.19 download speed on Speedtest.net every day in the evenings. We contacted everyone we could at Windstream and went up the ladder as far as we could go. They finely admitted they have a problem with slow DSL speeds and outdated hardware. They told us we would just have to live with the slow speed. Windstream is cheating all their customers by charging for a service they cannot or will not provide. They suck!
Reviewed May 31, 2012
From the beginning, I had a 1.5MB DSL connection on a second dedicated phone line. Then for the last few months, Windstream's sales group had been bugging me to increase my speed, through a "special offer". They would raise my speed to 6MB for $5 less per month (current monthly bill would drop from $61 per month down to $56). So, my response was "Okay, let's do it!" I received my new bill today, and it was $93.00. And after an hour or so on the phone with customer service, they're saying they will put everything back the way it was, and reinstate my $61 monthly rate but I will still have to pay the $93! I am an old man living on a fixed income, and for people in Windstream's sales group to misrepresent things this like this is very disturbing! If next month’s bill is not back to where it should be, I will be saying goodbye to Windstream in favor of my local cable company!
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2011
I called to get Internet service for all over the house wireless. We had DSL and they sold us another product that does not work. I am trying to get them to fix it. Our business number is **. They need to call us first so we can be there in five minutes. I need to get this job finished or given a credit.
Reviewed Feb. 19, 2011
My mom called me to ask me a question about her internet service through Windstream. I know next to nothing about computers. She wasn't connecting to the internet and called tech support. The woman she talked to asked her if she had a router and she, said she didn't know what that was. The woman laughed at her and she was directed to talk to another person who tried to sell her tech support for about $12/month. She said tech support was supposedly included in the service she had and the guy said he wouldn't help her if she didn't buy it. I (knowing next to nothing about computers) was able to get her back on the internet over the phone! This woman laughed at her and sent her to the sell this dummy more junk line. I hooked up her internet a year or two ago and called Windstream for help, because I don't know how to do this stuff, as stated. The guy I talked to was so rude because I didn't understand what sort of cable he was talking about. I tried to file a complaint with BBB and it said there was no company by that name.
Reviewed Feb. 1, 2011
Call me and I will explain. I am having problems with captcha not being recognized. I had the service for 7 months from May 19th to January 21st and I never had the internet activated. The company is still making me pay for it. For those months, I never signed a contract either. Two cases are still open with PUCO and OH Attorney General's Office company, making me look like an idiot.
Reviewed Jan. 29, 2010
Windstream's $49.99 for life promotion is grossly misleading. I’m about to sign up myself and I spoke with my parents who signed in December. They stated that with taxes and other miscellaneous fees their bill is $70 and no one had told them about the "fine print" when they signed. I again checked Windstream's website, billboard, both which have no fine print, and finally got thru to a customer representative who stated that's the way it is. Isn't this sort of advertisement illegal? Turns out they duped my senior parents and their senior neighbors. Please contact me if a class-action lawsuit results for this misleading advertising. My parents don't subscribe to the internet currently. Economic consequences: their bill is about double what they were expecting on their retiree fixed income, which in turn has caused unwanted stress.
Reviewed June 10, 2008
I am purchasing 3Mb of service and I am receiving only 58-100kb of DSL service. I have called them numerous times, once everyday for a week, to try to get the problem resolved. It has been this way since January of 2008. They keep saying it is a latency outage and equipment is being upgrade and will be fixed as soon as possible. They have been saying this for the entire 6 months. The speed testing was done from their recommended website. They have given me credit for the slow times, but they have a monopoly on the Cable company too, since they own them also. they refuse to bring Cable broadband into the county as long as they have dsl which requires phone service also provided by them.
I run contract work from my home involving VPN connections to my clients. They are costing me increased time in performing my task. It is reducing the amount of work I can perform in one day and therefore making it appear that I am not performing my duties to my customers.
Reviewed Sept. 26, 2007
On August 19 (estimate) I contacted Windstream to establish DSL for my home, as they are the only option for high speed internet for my location. I was given a turn on date of August 23. On August 24, I still did not have DSL service, but the telephone began to ring with wrong numbers (never wanted the telephone and don't use it, but was told I needed it to have DSL). I called Windstream to find out what was going on and they told me that they were not able to complete the order in initial time period, but our new turn on date was August 30. I questioned that, but they said it would probably be sooner.
August 30 came and went without the DSL being turned on and wrong number phone calls continued. I contacted Windstream again and learned that their PINS/PEGS were full, which is why it had not been turned on, but they were in the process of installing further ones. I asked why I had not been contacted either time this delay had been established and was told that the notes indicated that somebody called, but there was no answer and no answering machine. This is an out-right lie, because the number they are to call has voice mail. At this point I got a little more agressive because I was on vacation and needed to complete important tasks. The customer service representative gave me a dial up number to call in the mean time.
I attempted to dial that number and received a message that the phone line had been disconntected. I called back from my land line and the next customer service representative gave me two more numbers to try. I again ended my call with them and hooked back the phone line to my computer. After attempted to dial both the new numbers, I received the same message. Being smart, this time I called Windstream from my cell phone. After almost an hour it was determined that my phone service had never been turned on either... even though I had been receiving wrong numbers for over a week and called Windstream from it. By the end of the coversation we were told that phone service would be turned on by 7am the next day. Big surprise, the phone service did not get turned on until 2 days later.
So now we have dial up that is extremely unreliable. We may have to attempt to dial 10-20 times before a connection actually establishes. We received a bill for roughly $90 and for what? I sent in a complaint ticket through their website a few weeks ago that boasts a 24 hour response time and it took them almost a week to finally give me a call. We have communicated with them repeatedly as it has now been over a month since the original turn on date and requested a phone call back from somebody that can actually try to get things going for us and have NEVER received a call back. My wife spoke with them on Monday 9/24 and was finally told that they were going to have the service on by noon that day. Big surprise, she called about 5pm and now was told that they still do not have a slot available to set us up and there was no documentation of her calling earlier in the day. She once again requested a phone call back and even now, 9/26 have not heard one word from them.
We have requested them to send us a return mailing label for the modem, so we can just forget about this headache and not have internet service at all again, but have not received it yet. As for the $90 bill we received, they have reversed enough charges to get it around $47 because of the charge for the modem that we have yet to be able to use and want returned unless service can be granted to us by 10/1/07.
I have a real hard time believing that in the community, nobody has cancelled service or been shut off in a month and a half. Windstream has been unresponsive, unethical (in setting up service for somebody that they know cannot get service in the area due to over crowding), and continue to lie about when they are going to have service established for us. I am a consumer who would like to have DSL service and unfortunately they are my only option and they seem to be well aware of it and do not seem to care to provide service at an appropriate level.
I want my service turned on or a return mailing label for their modem by 10/4/07. I am tired of dealing with this company already and have not even used their service yet. I also want that remaining $47 reversed from my account, as I have not used the service yet. I would like a formal apology from an officer of the company and an acknowledgement that they are in the wrong. In addition, if service is not on by 10/4/07, the phone line needs to be shut off, as we do not need a phone line if we do not have DSL. If by some miracle the service is turned on by the 4th, I also want it acknowledged that I indicated I did not want to be held to a contract when I originally set up the service. The CSR indicated that wasn't a problem, but there was still mention of it in the booklet I received with the modem.
Kinetic Company Information
- Company Name:
- Kinetic
- Year Founded:
- 2006
- Address:
- 4001 Rodney Parham Rd.
- State/Province:
- AR
- Postal Code:
- 72212
- Country:
- United States
- Website:
- www.gokinetic.com