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Windstream vs. Midco

Whether you’re researching Windstream vs. Midco 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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Midco
Price: $59.95 - $499.95 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable, fixed wireless, and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (31)

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Windstream and Midco compete directly in approximately 0.81% of their service areas, with Windstream covering 8,666,574 people nationwide and Midco serving 2,421,665. Windstream primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; Midco specializes in cable connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Windstream and Midco's availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

Windstream vs. Midco | 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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Midco Logo

Pros:

  • Gigabit speeds available
  • Offers discounted intro pricing
  • Wide range of plan options
  • Customers praise connection speeds

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited fiber availability
  • Installation fees apply

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Windstream vs. Midco | Availability

Windstream and Midco 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 | Midco 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, Midco serves 2,421,665 residents in 1,020 cities and 143 counties in 5 states, with a presence in population centers such as Minneapolis, MN; Sioux Falls, SD; and Fargo, ND.

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..

Midco is prominent in the West North Central region with service to 1020 cities and 716 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 34, Midco 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 Midco at your location, use our address search tool:

Windstream vs. Midco | Speeds & Technology

Windstream and Midco 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. Midco relies on cable technology, which comprises 61.7% of their network, with fiber available in 13.0% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Midco offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,572 Mbps compared to Windstream's average speed of 807 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Midco delivers faster speeds in 2.31% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 1.10%, and slower speeds in 96.59%.

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, Midco's top-tier Fiber is available to 13.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Windstream vs. Midco | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Windstream and Midco, 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

Midco Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Midco Internet 250$49.95 ($59.95 after 12 months)100 Mbps20 MbpsCable
Midco Internet 500$59.95 ($69.95 after 12 months)200 Mbps30 MbpsCable
Midco Internet 750$69.95 ($79.95 after 12 months)500 Mbps40 MbpsCable
Midco Gig Internet$79.95 ($89.95 after 12 months)1000 Mbps50 MbpsCable
Midco Fixed Wireless Internet 100$99.95 ($119.95 after 12 months)100 Mbps20 MbpsFixed Wireless
Midco Fiber Internet 5 Gig$499.955000 Mbps5000 MbpsFiber

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

Midco 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. Midco | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Windstream and Midco 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 Midco maintains a 3.74 / 5 rating from 31 reviews. Midco outperforms Windstream by 0.38 points in overall satisfaction. Windstream's best-rated service is their fiber offering at 3.86 / 5 stars, compared to Midco's highest-rated service, cable, at 3.83 / 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.

Midco Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.33 of 5 stars

3

Cable

Cable: 3.83 of 5 stars

24

DSL

DSL: 4.00 of 5 stars

1

Midco has an overall rating of 3.74 out of 5, with a total of 31 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them slightly higher than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Midco's ratings, their cable service (77% of reviews) averages 3.83 / 5 stars, lower 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 Midco Internet Reviews page.

Windstream vs. Midco | 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

Midco Service

Fee

Installation

$100

Wi-Fi equipment rental

11

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. Midco | Top Cities

Windstream serves 5,504 cities while Midco is available in 1,020 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

Minneapolis, MN
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 152 Mbps
  • Midco Avg. Speed: 2,570 Mbps
Zimmerman, MN
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 118 Mbps
  • Midco Avg. Speed: 2,294 Mbps
Cambridge, MN
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 162 Mbps
  • Midco Avg. Speed: 1,977 Mbps
Becker, MN
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 134 Mbps
  • Midco Avg. Speed: 2,655 Mbps
North Branch, MN
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 171 Mbps
  • Midco Avg. Speed: 2,399 Mbps

Midco Cities

Minneapolis, MN
  • Availability: 10.87%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,713 Mbps
Sioux Falls, SD
  • Availability: 98.82%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 2,523 Mbps
Fargo, ND
  • Availability: 96.27%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 2,171 Mbps
Lawrence, KS
  • Availability: 90.90%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,831 Mbps
Bismarck, ND
  • Availability: 97.80%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 2,323 Mbps