Windstream vs. Alaska Communications
Whether you’re researching Windstream vs. Alaska Communications internet service at your current address, comparing internet options for potential locations, or just researching alternatives, this detailed comparison will help you understand which provider best suits you.
| Windstream |
|---|
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| Price: $39.99 - $99.99 / mo. |
| Speed: 10 - 2,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type: DSL, fiber, fixed wireless, and cable |
Rating (Reviews): (87) |
| Alaska Communications |
|---|
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| Price: Unavailable, please see site for details |
| Speed: 10 - 2,500 Mbps |
| Internet Type: DSL, fixed wireless, and fiber |
Rating (Reviews): (1) |
Windstream and Alaska Communications compete directly in approximately 0.00% of their service areas, with Windstream covering 8,666,574 people nationwide and Alaska Communications serving 428,273. Windstream primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; Alaska Communications specializes in DSL connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Windstream and Alaska Communications's availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.
Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees
Windstream vs. Alaska Communications | Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Fast upload speeds
- Service available in rural areas
- Offers discounted intro pricing
- Wide range of plan options
Cons:
- Limited service availability
- Installation fees apply
- Contracts required for best pricing
Pros:
- Fast upload speeds
- Fiber service available
- Compatible with standard Wi-Fi devices
- Multiple payment options available
Cons:
- Limited service availability
- Limited fiber availability
- Speeds fluctuate during peak usage hours
Windstream vs. Alaska Communications | Availability
Windstream and Alaska Communications have distinct coverage footprints across the United States. Our interactive map shows exactly where each provider offers service and where they overlap, helping you understand your options.
Both Providers Available | Windstream Available | Alaska Communications Available | No Coverage
Windstream currently offers internet service in 5,504 cities and 713 counties across 19 states, reaching approximately 8,666,574 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Charlotte, NC; Atlanta, GA; and Lexington, KY. By comparison, Alaska Communications serves 428,273 residents in 58 cities and 11 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Anchorage, AK; Fairbanks, AK; and Juneau, AK.
Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about Windstream and Alaska Communications at your location, use our address search tool:
Windstream vs. Alaska Communications | Speeds & Technology
Windstream and Alaska Communications utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.
Across their service areas, Windstream primarily delivers internet through DSL, available to 96.4% of their customers. They also offer fiber to 50.4% of their coverage area. Alaska Communications relies on DSL technology, which comprises 89.7% of their network, with fiber available in 13.8% of their service locations.
In terms of potential speeds across the country, Windstream offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 807 Mbps compared to Alaska Communications's average speed of 232 Mbps.
The availability of each provider's fastest technology varies significantly by location. Windstream's premium Fiber service reaches 50.4% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Alaska Communications's top-tier Fiber is available to 13.8% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.
Windstream vs. Alaska Communications | Plans & Pricing
Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Windstream, sourced directly from FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband labels to ensure transparency and accuracy. Unfortunately, Alaska Communications has not complied with FCC requirements to provide their broadband label data, limiting transparency and the ability for consumers to make direct comparisons.
We've included the available Windstream plan details below to help you understand their offerings while we await Alaska Communications's compliance with federal transparency requirements.
Windstream Internet Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinetic Internet 300 | $39.99 ($39.99 after 12 months) | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | Fiber |
| Kinetic Internet Basic | $39.99 ($39.99 after 12 months) | 50 Mbps | 10 Mbps | DSL |
| Kinetic Internet 100 | $50.00 ($50.00 after 12 months) | 100 Mbps | 20 Mbps | DSL |
| Kinetic Internet 1 Gig | $69.99 ($69.99 after 24 months) | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Kinetic Internet 2 Gig | $99.99 ($99.99 after 24 months) | 2000 Mbps | 2000 Mbps | Fiber |
Note: These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas.
Most households with 3-5 users need download speeds of at least 100 Mbps for smooth streaming, video conferencing, and everyday internet usage. Larger households or those with heavy users (gamers, 4K streamers, or remote workers) should consider plans with speeds of 300 Mbps or more for optimal performance.
Any prices listed are the base service rates and may not include additional charges such as equipment fees, installation costs, or other service-related expenses. For a comprehensive view of all potential charges, refer to our Fees & Details section below.
Windstream vs. Alaska Communications | Customer Ratings & Reviews
Compare how real customers rate Windstream and Alaska Communications based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.
When comparing customer satisfaction, Windstream earns an overall rating of 3.36 / 5 stars from 87 customer reviews, while Alaska Communications maintains a 4.00 / 5 rating from 1 reviews. Alaska Communications outperforms Windstream by 0.64 points in overall satisfaction. Windstream's best-rated service is their fiber offering at 3.86 / 5 stars, compared to Alaska Communications's highest-rated service, fiber, at 4.00 / 5 stars.
Windstream Ratings & Reviews
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
Cable
DSL
Fixed Wireless
Windstream has an overall rating of 3.36 out of 5, with a total of 87 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.
Looking deeper into Windstream's ratings, their DSL service (52% of reviews) averages 2.98 / 5 stars, higher than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.
For detailed reviews, visit our Windstream Internet Reviews page.
Alaska Communications Ratings & Reviews
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
Alaska Communications has an overall rating of 4.00 out of 5, with a total of 1 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them slightly higher than other internet providers nationwide.
Looking deeper into Alaska Communications's ratings, their fiber service (100% of reviews) averages 4.00 / 5 stars, equal to their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.
For detailed reviews, visit our Alaska Communications Internet Reviews page.
Windstream vs. Alaska Communications | Fees & Details
Beyond advertised monthly rates, additional fees and service details significantly impact your total internet costs. The tables below outline equipment charges, installation fees, contract terms, data caps, and other important factors to consider when comparing these providers. Understanding these details helps you avoid unexpected costs and choose the plan that offers the best overall value.
Alaska Communications has not provided standardized fee information through their FCC broadband label data. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess their true service costs beyond advertised rates. For current fee information, we recommend contacting Alaska Communications directly or reviewing their terms of service documentation.
Windstream Service
Fee
Equipment (gateway) rental
$10.99
Professional installation fee (if applicable)
$35
Activation fee
$60
Alaska Communications Service
Fee
Not Provided by Alaska Communications
When comparing internet providers, remember that advertised prices rarely tell the complete story. Equipment fees alone can add $10-15 per month to your bill, while installation charges, early termination fees, and data overage penalties can significantly increase your total cost of service. Consider these additional costs alongside monthly rates when determining which provider offers the better value for your specific needs.
Windstream vs. Alaska Communications | Top Cities
Windstream serves 5,504 cities while Alaska Communications is available in 58 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.
Windstream Cities
- Availability: 24.82%
- Avg. Download Speed: 689 Mbps
- Availability: 5.25%
- Avg. Download Speed: 992 Mbps
- Availability: 94.71%
- Avg. Download Speed: 570 Mbps
- Availability: 13.15%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,038 Mbps
- Availability: 93.13%
- Avg. Download Speed: 388 Mbps
Overlapping Cities
Windstream and Alaska Communications don't compete in any cities.
We still compare these non-competing providers because many of our users are researching internet options for different locations—whether for an upcoming move, a second home purchase, or simply to understand regional differences in internet service. This comparison helps you evaluate both providers based on the same criteria, giving you valuable insight regardless of where you currently live.
Alaska Communications Cities
- Availability: 97.64%
- Avg. Download Speed: 218 Mbps
- Availability: 95.27%
- Avg. Download Speed: 826 Mbps
- Availability: 95.84%
- Avg. Download Speed: 62 Mbps
- Availability: 97.27%
- Avg. Download Speed: 58 Mbps
- Availability: 98.85%
- Avg. Download Speed: 14 Mbps
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