Kinetic by Windstream Internet for Seniors: Reviews and Prices
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October 29, 2024
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Offered through Windstream, a telecommunications company, Kinetic gives users in rural areas some of the fastest internet speeds around. While the exact speeds of Kinetic internet – and their prices – will vary based on location, they’re definitely a great internet option that seniors should consider. What’s more, they don’t hit you with overage charges or any other limits on your internet usage.
FYI: If you’re looking to change your internet provider to something more affordable, be sure to check out our guide to the best internet for seniors.
Kinetic by Windstream Internet Pros and Cons
Kinetic by Windstream Internet – Pros
- No annual contracts: Kinetic does not require you to lock into any long-term contracts in order to subscribe to their internet service.
- Ultra-fast internet speeds: Especially when compared to other rural internet providers, Kinetic offers some of the fastest speeds, making them ideal for those who use the internet for heavy streaming and gaming.
- No data limits: Kinetic will neither throttle your internet speeds nor hit you with overage charges for using large amounts of data.
- Bundled discounts: When purchasing a Kinetic internet plan, you can get discounted rates on television or phone services.
Kinetic by Windstream Internet – Cons
- Prices vary by location: With Kinetic, the only way to get accurate pricing information for your area is to contact them directly. Prices will vary widely from place to place. Additionally, Kinetic currently offers internet in only 18 states.
- Price hikes: Currently, Kinetic offers promotions that, in some cases, give you free internet for the first three months; however, prices will rise to normal rates after the first year.
Alternatives to Kinetic
If you live outside of Kinetic's service area, then we recommend one of the following home internet providers, each of which offers fast speeds at affordable prices.
Windstream Internet Plans and Prices
| Plan | Monthly Price* | Activation Fee | Download Speeds | High-Speed Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinetic 200 | $37-$75 | $50 | Up to 200 Mbps | Unlimited |
| Kinetic 500 | $47-$80 | $50 | Up to 500 Mbps | Unlimited |
| Kinetic Gig | $57-$90 | None | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Unlimited |
*Prices will vary based on location and current deals.
Kinetic Internet Senior Plan
Kinetic does not currently offer a specific plan or discount for seniors; however, we think that their Kinetic 200 plan is an ideal option for older adults. With speeds of up to 200 Mbps, it provides more than enough bandwidth for multiple simultaneous internet users, and this plan can cost under $40 per month.
Alternatively, eligible adults can purchase Kinetic internet through the Lifeline Assistance program. For qualifying low-income individuals, Lifeline can give you a monthly $9.25 discount on your Kinetic internet service. To learn more about this program, take a look at the FCC Lifeline Guidelines.
Kinetic Internet With TV
Kinetic internet subscribers also have the option of bundling their internet service with a television package. To stream Kinetic TV, you’ll have to either buy a streaming device for $74.99, rent a cable box for $5 per month, or simply use the service’s app on your smart TV or another device. Home phone service can also be added to your internet plan for $20 per month.
Kinetic TV With Internet Prices
| Plan | Price when Added to Internet | Channels |
|---|---|---|
| Kinetic TV Local | $20 per month | 20 |
| Kinetic TV Select | $75 per month | 65 |
| Kinetic TV Preferred | $85 per month | 160 |
How to Purchase Kinetic Internet
To purchase Kinetic internet, you’ll want to start by visiting their website. Here you’ll be able to enter your home address and find out if Kinetic currently offers service in your area. Once you confirm that they service your area, you’ll have to call them to find out which internet plans they offer near you and how much they cost. This step is very important because the exact plans and prices will vary greatly based on location. For example, we were given a quote of $37 per month for Portland, OR; however, we’ve heard of people elsewhere being offered even cheaper internet.
Regardless of the plan you choose, the next step will be to choose your Kinetic equipment. You can either use your own router and modem, or pay $10 per month to rent this equipment from Kinetic. Additionally, you’ll also have to pay a $50 activation fee on Kinetic’s first two plans. They waive the fee on their Gig plan.
Kinetic by Windstream Internet Speeds
In some areas, Kinetic is rolling out fiber internet, which allows you to get the fastest speeds. Currently, this is mostly confined to urban coverage areas. Otherwise, you’ll be using DSL or cable-based internet. While DSL is faster than satellite internet, it’s not quite on par with fiber internet providers like Cox, Verizon, or Spectrum.
Did You Know: Want to learn more about satellite internet providers? Be sure to read our guides to Viasat internet for seniors and Hughesnet internet for seniors.
Kinetic Internet vs. Spectrum
| Kinetic by Windstream | Spectrum Internet | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $37 per month | $49.99 per month |
| Price Increases | After the first year | After the first year |
| Speeds | 200 Mbps – 1 GB | 200 Mbps – 1 GB |
| Data Caps | None | None |
| Long-Term Contracts | Not required | Not required |
| Activation Fees | $0-$50 | $9.99 |
Bottom Line
While it’s only available in 18 states, Kinetic by Windstream Internet is one of the best options available for seniors. Their 200 Mbps plan can cost well under $40 per month, and it provides all the speed you need to stream television on multiple devices and use the internet all at the same time.
For many rural users, satellite internet is the only other viable option; however, satellite internet generally has slower speeds of well under half of what Kinetic offers. So if you don’t have access to one of the major fiber internet providers like Verizon or Cox, then Kinetic is worth a shot.
To learn more about our favorite internet providers for seniors, be sure to check out our reviews and guides:
Kinetic by Windstream Internet – Frequently Asked Questions
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What type of internet is Kinetic by Windstream?
Depending on your location, Kinetic by Windstream offers dial-up, DSL, cable, and fiber-optic internet; however, their fiber-optic service is highly limited as of 2021.
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Are Windstream and Kinetic the same thing?
Kinetic is a brand of Windstream that offers internet and television service, similar to how Xfinity offers cable and the internet under the Comcast brand.
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How much is Kinetic internet after 12 months?
After the first 12 months, Kinetic Internet 200 will rise from $37 per month to $55 per month. Similar incremental price changes occur on all of their plans; however, the exact amounts will vary by plan and location.
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Does Kinetic internet require a phone line?
Most Kinetic plans are DSL-based, meaning they use the phone wires in your home to send the internet. This means you’ll need a phone line; however, Kinetic is expanding their fiber service, which does not require a phone line.