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Windstream vs. Mediacom

Whether you’re researching Windstream vs. Mediacom 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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Mediacom
Price: $14.99 - $140.00 / mo.
Speed: 25 - 2,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable, fixed wireless, and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (84)

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Windstream and Mediacom compete directly in approximately 5.09% of their service areas, with Windstream covering 8,666,574 people nationwide and Mediacom serving 6,874,112. Windstream primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; Mediacom specializes in cable connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Windstream and Mediacom's availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

Windstream vs. Mediacom | 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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Mediacom Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Offers discounted intro pricing
  • Wide range of plan options
  • Unlimited data

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited fiber availability
  • Customers report dissatisfaction with pricing

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Windstream vs. Mediacom | Availability

Windstream and Mediacom 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 | Mediacom 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, Mediacom serves 6,874,112 residents in 2,270 cities and 407 counties in 22 states, with a presence in population centers such as Des Moines, IA; Minneapolis, MN; and Springfield, MO.

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..

Mediacom is prominent in nationwide with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 32, Mediacom 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 Mediacom at your location, use our address search tool:

Windstream vs. Mediacom | Speeds & Technology

Windstream and Mediacom 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. Mediacom relies on cable technology, which comprises 97.7% of their network, with fiber available in less than 1% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Mediacom offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 987 Mbps compared to Windstream's average speed of 807 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Mediacom delivers faster speeds in 27.32% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 30.47%, and slower speeds in 42.21%.

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, Mediacom's top-tier Fiber is available to 0.6% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Windstream vs. Mediacom | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Windstream and Mediacom, sourced directly from FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband labels to ensure transparency and accuracy. We've included both promotional and standard rates for each provider to give you a complete picture of what you'll pay over time. Plan availability and exact pricing may vary by location.

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

Mediacom Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Xtream Connect$14.99100 Mbps20 MbpsCable
Internet 250$49.99250 Mbps10 MbpsCable
Internet 500$50.00 ($99.99 after 12 months)500 Mbps20 MbpsCable
Internet 1 Gig$65.00 ($110.00 after 24 months)1000 Mbps50 MbpsCable
Internet 2 Gig$85.00 ($140.00 after 24 months)2000 Mbps100 MbpsCable

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

Mediacom 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. Mediacom | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Windstream and Mediacom 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 Mediacom maintains a 3.08 / 5 rating from 84 reviews. Windstream outperforms Mediacom by 0.28 points in overall satisfaction. Windstream's best-rated service is their fiber offering at 3.86 / 5 stars, compared to Mediacom's highest-rated service, fiber, at 3.71 / 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.

Mediacom Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.71 of 5 stars

7

Cable

Cable: 3.01 of 5 stars

68

DSL

DSL: 3.25 of 5 stars

4

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 3.25 of 5 stars

4

Mediacom has an overall rating of 3.08 out of 5, with a total of 84 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Mediacom's ratings, their cable service (81% of reviews) averages 3.01 / 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 Mediacom Internet Reviews page.

Windstream vs. Mediacom | 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.

Windstream Service

Fee

Equipment (gateway) rental

$10.99

Professional installation fee (if applicable)

$35

Activation fee

$60

Mediacom Service

Fee

Modem rental (if using Mediacom modem)

$14.00

Standard installation (professional)

Waived (free self-install)

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. Mediacom | Top Cities

Windstream serves 5,504 cities while Mediacom is available in 2,270 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

Moultrie, GA
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 1,111 Mbps
  • Mediacom Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Des Moines, IA
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 836 Mbps
  • Mediacom Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Newton, IA
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 1,635 Mbps
  • Mediacom Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Valdosta, GA
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 1,015 Mbps
  • Mediacom Avg. Speed: 812 Mbps
Cairo, GA
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 1,363 Mbps
  • Mediacom Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps

Mediacom Cities

Des Moines, IA
  • Availability: 89.89%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,001 Mbps
Minneapolis, MN
  • Availability: 6.26%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,014 Mbps
Springfield, MO
  • Availability: 95.65%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Columbus, GA
  • Availability: 81.97%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Cedar Rapids, IA
  • Availability: 98.79%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps