In the town of Concord, North Carolina, residents have discovered an exciting opportunity in the form of Kinetic by Windstream, which offered fiber optic internet plans. The standout options are the 500 Mbps plan with a base price of $39.99 per month, delivering incredibly fast symmetrical speeds of up to 500 Mbps for both uploads and downloads; and the 1 Gig plan with a base price of $69.99 per month delivering up to I Gig (1,000 Mbps) of download and upload speeds. The real game-changer, however, was the absence of data caps, ensuring users wouldn't face data overage fees or reduced speeds.

Windstream's fiber optic connection at 500 Mbps is robust enough to support up to 10 devices simultaneously, making it ideal for households with multiple gadgets. The plan's upload speeds are an impressive 15 times faster than cable, making it a favorite among content creators and remote workers.

The top-tier 1 Gig plan offers a mind-blowing 1,000 Mbps (1 Gig) for both downloads and uploads. With seamless streaming, reliable connections for 15-20 devices, and upload speeds that outperformed cable by 20 times, this plan is perfect for avid streamers and online gamers.

Fiber optic internet is delivered by the fiber optic cables to an Optical Network Terminal device that a Kinetic technician will install outside your home. An Optical Network Terminal (ONT) is a modem that uses light waves to communicate with other devices on an optical network. The ONT converts data from digital to analog form and vice versa, then sends it across the network. The ONT is connected to the Termination Point (TP) via an optical fiber cable. It connects to your router using an Ethernet cable and converts light signals from your TP's fiber optic line into electronic signals that your router can understand. The ONT is installed with Fios service typically in your garage or basement or outside within a few feet of your home's power box.

Kinetic will also provide you with a fiber WiFi router for inside your home. In essence, a router is a device that provides WiFi and enables your devices to connect to the internet. For fiber optic internet, the router connects to the ONT and broadcasts the internet signal to devices such as computers, phones, and tablets. The router creates a local area network (LAN) that facilitates communication between devices and the internet. It works by forwarding data packets between devices and assigning a local IP address to each device. Additionally, it uses built-in antennas to create and communicate with the home WiFi network.

A fiber router differs slightly from a router that works with DSL, cable, and satellite connections. It operates at higher speeds and offers greater reliability. Fiber routers transmit pulses of infrared light through optical cables made of glass fibers. This design allows fiber routers to carry data at extremely high speeds, surpassing what non-fiber routers can support.

You have the option to rent Windstream's router or use your own, but it is essential to check with Windstream first to ensure your router will be compatible with the type of internet connection your plan offers.

Plan prices will increase after the first 12 months but on the plus side there are no contracts. The plan prices quoted require AutoPay (a $10 discount) to simplify the billing process. Equipment rental, taxes and fees are extra.

Windstream service is available in parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas. In particular, coverage is more extensive in Georgia, Iowa and Kentucky.

In those locations where fiber optic service is still pending, which tend to be more rural areas, Windstream can offer DSL internet options. This is internet signal over phone lines. For those whose options are primarily DSL Windstream is a very strong contender because Windstream has managed to significantly increase the slow DSL connection speeds typically associated with phone-line internet. The Windstream DSL network can deliver speeds of 25 Mbps or higher to most of its customers; and, two thirds of customers can get DSL speeds up to 100 Mbps. That is indeed very fast DSL. Windstream plans are less expensive than satellite or fixed wireless internet and do not have contracts or data caps.

If you live in an area serviced by Windstream do yourself a favor and put Kinetic by Windstream internet on your short list for potential internet service providers. You’ll be glad you did.