How to Cancel Windstream (Kinetic) Internet in 2026 — Complete Guide

Updated 2026-03-03 · 6 min read

Cancel Windstream Internet

1. Call 1-800-347-1991 (residential customer service)
2. Say "I want to cancel my internet service"
3. You'll be routed to a retention specialist — expect offers to stay
4. Be firm: "Please process my cancellation. I've already arranged alternative service."
5. Confirm your final bill date — ask if service continues through the billing cycle
6. Get a confirmation number — this is your proof of cancellation
7. Ask for equipment return instructions

Early Termination Fee

• Windstream contracts typically carry an ETF of $200 (prorated by months remaining)
• Month-to-month customers: No ETF — you can cancel anytime
• Moving? If Windstream doesn't serve your new address, the ETF should be waived — provide proof of new address
• Speed not as advertised? Document speed tests over several days. Consistent underperformance can be grounds for ETF waiver.
• Repeated outages: If you've had multiple service tickets, reference them when requesting an ETF waiver

Equipment Return

1. Photograph all equipment with serial numbers visible
2. Return: modem, router, power supplies, ethernet cables, coax cables
3. Windstream typically provides a prepaid return shipping label
4. Pack equipment securely — you're liable for shipping damage
5. Get tracking and keep the receipt
6. Return within 30 days of cancellation to avoid equipment charges

Windstream Services You Might Have

• Kinetic Internet (DSL): 10-100 Mbps — legacy copper network
• Kinetic Fiber (Gig): Up to 1 Gbps — newer fiber infrastructure
• Kinetic Secure: $5/month — antivirus and identity protection add-on
• Phone service: VOIP or traditional landline — often bundled
• WiFi extenders: $5-10/month rental — mesh WiFi hardware

Alternatives for Rural Areas

Windstream serves primarily rural areas where options are limited. Here are the best alternatives:

• T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: $50/month — works surprisingly well in many rural areas with T-Mobile coverage. No contracts.
• Starlink: $120/month + $599 equipment — available everywhere, good for truly rural areas. 50-200+ Mbps.
• Verizon LTE/5G Home: $35-60/month — if Verizon has coverage in your area
• Fixed wireless providers: Local WISPs (Wireless ISPs) serve many rural communities — search "fixed wireless internet [your county]"
• HughesNet/Viasat: Satellite internet — available everywhere but high latency (not great for gaming or video calls)

Negotiate Before Canceling

• Windstream retention offers typically include 20-40% discounts for 12 months
• If on DSL, ask about fiber availability at your address — might solve your speed complaints
• Request free equipment upgrades — newer modems often improve speeds on the same plan
• Mention competing offers: "T-Mobile Home Internet is $50 for 5G. What can you do?"

After Cancellation

• Watch your bank statement for 2-3 months post-cancellation
• Windstream should refund any security deposit within 30-60 days
• If charges continue, call with your confirmation number
• For unresolved disputes: FCC complaint at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov forces executive response within 30 days
• Keep cancellation confirmation and equipment return receipt for at least 12 months

Bottom line: Call 1-800-347-1991 to cancel. If you're in a rural area with few alternatives, negotiate hard before canceling — Windstream would rather discount your service than lose you entirely. Always photograph and track equipment returns.