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Windstream vs. Centric Fiber

Whether you’re researching Windstream vs. Centric Fiber 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
Price: $39.99 - $99.99 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 2,000 Mbps
Internet Type: DSL, fiber, fixed wireless, and cable
Rating (Reviews): (87)

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Centric Fiber
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber
Rating (Reviews): (4)

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Windstream and Centric Fiber compete directly in approximately 0.00% of their service areas, with Windstream covering 8,666,574 people nationwide and Centric Fiber serving 44,645. Windstream primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; Centric Fiber specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Windstream and Centric Fiber's availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees

Windstream vs. Centric Fiber | Pros & Cons

Windstream Logo

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

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Centric Fiber Logo

Pros:

  • Gigabit speeds available
  • Extensive fiber network
  • Connects multiple devices simultaneously
  • Works with smart home devices

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Speeds fluctuate during peak usage hours
  • Performance depends on local infrastructure

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Windstream vs. Centric Fiber | Availability

Windstream and Centric Fiber 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 | Centric Fiber 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, Centric Fiber serves 44,645 residents in 61 cities and 24 counties in 2 states, with a presence in population centers such as Houston, TX; San Antonio, TX; and Dallas, TX.

Windstream has particularly strong coverage nationwide, where they serve 0 cities and 0 zip codes. Their Rural Coverage Ratio of 51 indicates they offers a balanced distribution of coverage across urban and rural areas..

Centric Fiber is prominent in State with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 44, Centric Fiber primarily serves urban areas, though still maintaining moderate rural availability.

Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about Windstream and Centric Fiber at your location, use our address search tool:

Windstream vs. Centric Fiber | Speeds & Technology

Windstream and Centric Fiber 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. Centric Fiber relies on fiber technology, which comprises 100.0% of their network, this is the only connection type they offer.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Centric Fiber offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,000 Mbps compared to Windstream's average speed of 807 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Centric Fiber delivers faster speeds in 0.00% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 100.00%, and slower speeds in 0.00%.

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, Centric Fiber's top-tier Fiber is available to 100.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Windstream vs. Centric Fiber | 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, Centric Fiber 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 Centric Fiber's compliance with federal transparency requirements.

Windstream Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Kinetic Internet 300$39.99 ($39.99 after 12 months)300 Mbps300 MbpsFiber
Kinetic Internet Basic$39.99 ($39.99 after 12 months)50 Mbps10 MbpsDSL
Kinetic Internet 100$50.00 ($50.00 after 12 months)100 Mbps20 MbpsDSL
Kinetic Internet 1 Gig$69.99 ($69.99 after 24 months)1000 Mbps1000 MbpsFiber
Kinetic Internet 2 Gig$99.99 ($99.99 after 24 months)2000 Mbps2000 MbpsFiber

Note: These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas.

Windstream Plans

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. Centric Fiber | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Windstream and Centric Fiber 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 Centric Fiber maintains a 3.75 / 5 rating from 4 reviews. Centric Fiber outperforms Windstream by 0.39 points in overall satisfaction. Windstream's best-rated service is their fiber offering at 3.86 / 5 stars, compared to Centric Fiber's highest-rated service, fiber, at 3.75 / 5 stars.

Windstream Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.86 of 5 stars

36

Cable

Cable: 3.00 of 5 stars

2

DSL

DSL: 2.98 of 5 stars

45

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 3.50 of 5 stars

2

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.

Centric Fiber Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.75 of 5 stars

4

Centric Fiber has an overall rating of 3.75 out of 5, with a total of 4 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them slightly higher than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Centric Fiber's ratings, their fiber service (100% of reviews) averages 3.75 / 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 Centric Fiber Internet Reviews page.

Windstream vs. Centric Fiber | 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.

Centric Fiber 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 Centric Fiber 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

Centric Fiber Service

Fee

Not Provided by Centric Fiber

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. Centric Fiber | Top Cities

Windstream serves 5,504 cities while Centric Fiber is available in 61 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

Windstream Cities

Charlotte, NC
  • Availability: 24.82%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 689 Mbps
Atlanta, GA
  • Availability: 5.25%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 992 Mbps
Lexington, KY
  • Availability: 94.71%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 570 Mbps
Cleveland, OH
  • Availability: 13.15%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,038 Mbps
Lincoln, NE
  • Availability: 93.13%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 388 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

Houston, TX
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 720 Mbps
  • Centric Fiber Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Stafford, TX
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 452 Mbps
  • Centric Fiber Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps

Centric Fiber Cities

Houston, TX
  • Availability: 0.23%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
San Antonio, TX
  • Availability: 0.59%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Dallas, TX
  • Availability: 0.13%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Austin, TX
  • Availability: 0.14%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Conroe, TX
  • Availability: 1.72%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps