Don't walk, RUN from this company…read more
I have used this company for my landline (yes, I still HAD one of those) for many, many, many years as well as had internet with them several years ago. There are numerous issues with the landline and some months, days go by without a dial tone. If it rains you can bet that you will no longer have service (phone or internet). The equipment is old and since there are so few of us out this way, they absolutely will not upgrade. On one hand, I understand that. On the other, we are paying for a service that is not provided, and definitely no discount is provided.
Since they will be doing away with service out this way completely in a couple years (not that it has been communicated officially), my parents and I both chose to transfer our phone numbers to a different company. Plus I finally got my parents to switch internet companies since much of the time they would have to come over and take my hot spot back to their house just so they could get online.
I started the transfer process on my phone 2/27/2026 from Windstream and had my parents call to start theirs the same day. Weeks went by and there was issue upon issue. My new phone company had to get involved and escalate the issue on their end. They did say they have a lot of issues with Windstream with other customers as well.
Both lines had Family Bundles that could only be removed by the new company emailing Windstream. My parents bundled phone, internet, and satellite with them so maybe that's why it was on their account. I, on the other hand, had canceled internet with them years ago since I work from home and need reliable internet. So was that the reason for the Family Bundle? It doesn't appear anywhere on my bill nor do I know what it is. Once the Family Bundle was removed, my parents transfer was able to go through....mine, not so much.
Now they wouldn't take my zip code. The phone number I had with Windstream is the same and only phone number that has ever been used as a landline for this house. Same with the address. Nothing has changed. Yet, Windstream, had TWO zip codes for my house. The second zip isn't on my bill; funny how the bill managed to find me before I had it emailed. And yes, the billing and service address are and always have been the same.
It took three weeks to get them to transfer my number out (my parents just over 2 weeks). Again, I understand that there might be issues since it's a landline transferring to a cell; I didn't expect it to happen overnight. However, it took three weeks.
I chatted online with someone earlier this week at Windstream to make sure that I was completely done and my account would be closed. I asked when I might receive the final bill and about how much it would be. I was told Thursday (tomorrow) and around $60 for the final bill.
I logged on and saw my final bill ($80) and even though I transferred out before the new month began (3/16/2026), I now have the privilege of paying for another month (until 4/15/2026) for a service that I no longer have with Windstream.
I always felt so sorry for the tech that would have to come out and try to fix the line/internet due to the many, many phone calls because of issues over the years. They knew there were issues and would apologize because they couldn't fix it. They would try their best.
If you are in an area where Windstream is your only option, I'm sorry. I've been there and done that and am so glad to be done.
Update: Only after this review...I emailed customer service, at their request, in response to my review. She did actually reverse the charges to my account since I was being charged for a month where I would receive NO service from Windstream. I do appreciate that. However, since I am a responsible adult and pay my bills, I sent the payment due the day before her response. They have since cashed the check. What are the odds that I will get that money back?
New update: Still have not received my refund, but over the weekend (today is 4/20/2026), I got both an email and a text reminding me that my bill is "due" in May. I logged on and of course have a negative balance! It's been over a month now and nothing! They can certainly take your money quickly, but giving your money back is a totally different story.
