Kinetic by Windstream Internet for Seniors
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866-477-1896
SeniorLiving.org is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews. Read our Editorial Guidelines here to learn more about our review process and to learn more about how we are compensated.
866-477-1896
Kinetic by Windstream provides a wide range of services, including dial-up, DSL, cable, and fiber-optic internet. DSL is an affordable internet option in most regions, especially rural regions, and can deliver speeds faster than most satellite and fixed wireless plans. If you’re looking to download precious videos from the family group chat and FaceTime the grandkids, Kinetic’s fiber plans are excellent choices. Your internet provider shouldn’t get in the way of your ability to keep in touch with family and friends.
Prices and speeds vary by location, but you can find plans ranging from $37 per month for speeds up to 200 Mbps to just $67 per month for ultra-fast speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, which could power an entire office. Kinetic keeps their customers’ best interests in mind and offers a wide variety of plans to meet their needs.
Read on as we get into Kinetic’s internet plans, prices, how to get the best deal, and more!
FYI: If you suddenly change your mind or are unhappy with the service, Kinetic has a 30-day money back guarantee.
Pros About Kinetic by Windstream
- Depending on where you’re located, get one or three months free for Kinetic Gig internet plans.
- Kinetic Secure Packs, an internet security package from Kinetic, includes parental controls, content filtering, and protection from identity theft and viruses.
- Free professional installation for plans with speeds of 25 Mbps and higher.
- If you cancel your internet service within 30 days, you can get a full refund.
Cons About Kinetic
- Offers and deals are conditional and don’t apply to everyone.
- Depending on your location, Kinetic by Windstream cannot guarantee speeds or uninterrupted, error-free service.
- There is limited nationwide availability.
- If you do not return the modem upon canceling your service, Windstream can charge a $100 fee.
Kinetic by Windstream is a great internet provider, especially if you’re not sure exactly what you want yet. You can try out their service for up to 30 days and, if you don’t like it, get a full refund. Plus, Kinetic by Windstream is one of the more affordable internet providers on the market. That said, plans are not available nationwide. If you want to review some great alternatives to Kinetic by Windstream, check out some of our favorite internet providers below.
Is Kinetic by Windstream Right for Me?
Kinetic by Windstream is a great internet provider, especially if you’re not sure exactly what you want yet. You can try out their service for up to 30 days and, if you don’t like it, get a full refund. Plus, Kinetic by Windstream is one of the more affordable internet providers on the market. That said, plans are not available nationwide. If you want to review some great alternatives to Kinetic by Windstream, check out some of our favorite internet providers below.
Kinetic’s Internet Plans and Speeds at a Glance
| Plan | Price | Download speeds (up to) | Data cap | Simultaneous connected devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinetic 200 | $37 per month | 200 Mbps | Unlimited | 5-6 devices |
| Kinetic 400 | $47 per month | 400 Mbps | Unlimited | 7-8 devices |
| Kinetic 500 | $57 per month | 500 Mbps | Unlimited | 8-10 devices |
| Kinetic Gig | $67 per month | 1000 Mbps | Unlimited | 10+ devices |
Remember, internet speeds, plans, and prices will vary by location.
The Breakdown: Kinetic’s Internet Plans for Seniors
Kinetic 200 for Light Internet Users
The Kinetic 200 plan with download speeds up to 200 Mbps is an entry-level internet plan that could power regular usage of Facebook, Netflix, and FaceTime in a household of five to six users for just $37 per month with no contract required. Unlimited data means there will not be any caps on your usage and you won’t experience any reduced speeds. On the contrary, the most common issue is not speed, but the lack of range. To combat this, many people purchase a range extender to reach the nooks and crannies of their homes.1
Quick tip: Check out our list of the best internet providers for seniors to compare Kinetic to other top companies.
Kinetic 400 or 500 for Streamers and Large Households
If the grandkids visit often and you need to accommodate more users, jumping up to 400 or 500 Mbps will let you handle a household of seven to 10 users. These plans also have no contract or termination fees, and they are powerful enough for advanced use. Users in your home can stream movies, exercise videos, or video games; download large files at lightning speed; and attend Zoom sessions simultaneously. Keep in mind that plan prices and speeds vary by location.
Does Kinetic Offer a Senior Internet Discount?
Kinetic does not offer a senior discount; however, they offer government-mandated discounts to low-income households that reside in the 18 states that it provides service. Furthermore, none of Windstream's plans have long-term contracts or data caps. With that flexibility, you can cancel or change your service without being charged an early termination fee, which makes it easier to find the best plan for you.
Money-saving tip: Kinetic has teamed up with Lifeline, a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet services. Windstream applies a Lifeline discount to make accessing the internet more affordable for low-income households.
Is Kinetic by Windstream Available In My Area?
Kinetic provides service in a limited number of states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. As of January 2021, the provider has a total of 589,000 locations.2
Quick tip: If you’re new to internet plans and providers, visit our internet buyer’s guide for seniors. We cover tips for getting the best deal, top providers, internet safety tips, and more!
Kinetic is available to only 3 percent of U.S. residents, mostly those who reside in rural areas. This indicates Kinetic’s commitment to regions with low population density. For comparison, Cox Communications has even less coverage but is available to twice as many people due to its coverage in major cities like San Diego and Phoenix.
Kinetic Bundles to Get the Best Deal
Kinetic offers several bundles that include TV and phone service. For just $65 per month, you get high-speed internet with speeds up to 200 Mbps for all your devices and unlimited phone service; your bill will stay the same no matter how much you chat with your family on the phone. If you’re looking for more entertainment, Kinetic also offers bundles with DIRECTV.
Pro Tip: Kinetic makes it easy to bundle services so that when the grandkids come over, everyone is covered. The home suite includes Kinetic internet, unlimited phone service and calling, and Kinetic Secure.
How Does Kinetic Compare to Other Internet Providers?
Charter Spectrum is a comparable provider to Kinetic, but the better service will boil down to whether fiber or cable is offered in your area. Spectrum is also the second-largest cable internet provider in the country and covers more areas of the U.S. than Kinetic by Windstream. However, watch out for large price hikes on all plans after 12 months.
On the other hand, Kinetic’s fiber services represent a good value. For example, Kinetic 500 is available at $57 per month and increases to $75 per month after 12 months, whereas Spectrum’s 500 Mbps plan starts at $69.99 per month and increases to $94 per month after 12 months. Moreover, Kinetic’s 1000 Mbps service is $67 per month3, while Spectrum’s is $110 per month.
The Bottom Line on Kinetic by Windstream
Kinetic is best for people who live in rural areas. As you get closer to cities and suburbs where fiber-optic is available, you get more bang for your buck, with faster speeds for lower prices. The base speed of 200 Mbps is affordable and can accommodate five to six devices, which would be perfect for a family of light to moderate users or a couple of heavy internet users. Windstream offers unlimited data, low equipment and installation fees, and no contracts. They also have a strong record of fewer major outages than competitors such as Xfinity and Spectrum.
Moreover, Kinetic has led multiple initiatives to meet community needs, such as helping Kentucky businesses struggling with COVID-19 expenses, launching a Black Business Support Fund to support black-owned businesses, and fundraising to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.4 All in all, Kinetic is an affordable provider with a variety of options for most older adults.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kinetic Internet
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Do I have to commit to a contract when I sign up for Kinetic Internet?
None of Kinetic’s internet plans require contracts. There is no cancellation fee if you decide to terminate or change your service, so you can find the plan that works specifically for you.
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What are the installation and equipment fees for Kinetic Internet?
Installation is done by appointment at no extra charge.
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Does Kinetic have data caps?
Nope! Every Kinetic internet plan comes with unlimited data. That means you won’t have to worry about Kinetic abruptly reducing the speed of your service or capping it altogether.
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Is Kinetic a satellite or cable internet provider?
Kinetic provides a range of services, including dial-up, DSL, cable, and fiber-optic internet, depending on what is available in your location.
ConnectCalifornia. (2021). Is 200 Mbps Fast? Understanding Internet Speeds.
Windstream. (2021). Kinetic by Windstream Ends 2020 with 60,000 More Broadband Customers and Expanded Gigabit Network.
BROADBANDNOW. Windstream Internet.
Windstream. (2021). Kinetic by Windstream Ends 2020 with 60,000 More Broadband Customers and Expanded Gigabit Network.