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Kinetic vs. Quantum Fiber Internet Providers Compared

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Kinetic Vs Quantum Fiber

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Rosslyn Elliott

Written by Rosslyn Elliott - Pub. Jul. 27, 2023 / Updated Feb. 20, 2026

You are currently comparing:

Kinetic Vs Quantum Fiber

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Plans starting at: $24.99

Popular Package: 2 Gig

Download speeds up to: 2 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber & DSL

Call today & find the best Kinetic internet deals
1-833-718-3922

Plans starting at: $45

Popular Package: Up to 8Gbps

Download speeds up to: 8 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber

Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Kinetic Staff rating

4.2

Kinetic offers fast, reliable fiber internet

Kinetic, formerly known as Windstream, currently serves about 1.6 million customers in 18 states [1]. Kinetic provides fiber internet with blazing-fast, symmetrical speeds that equip you to do anything you want online [2]. Kinetic’s fiber internet offerings regularly go to speeds up to Mbps, which is a far faster internet speed than most households need! Kinetic also offers competitive pricing, given the high speeds you will get from its fiber connection. Most online customer reviews indicate that users are satisfied with their Kinetic fiber service.

PROS

Fast fiber at good prices No data caps, no contracts Kinetic is building out fiber infrastructure quickly

Cons

Fiber is less available in rural areas Extra fee for equipment rental Prices rise after promotional rates expire
Call today & find the best Kinetic internet deals
1-833-718-3922

Quantum Fiber Staff rating

4.3

Quantum Fiber brings superior internet speeds and reliability at an appealing price.

Quantum Fiber is a fiber-optic internet service originally developed by Lumen Technologies. On February 2, 2026, AT&T acquired Lumen’s Mass Markets fiber-to-the-home business (including Quantum Fiber) in an all-cash deal valued at $5.75 billion. The acquisition included consumer fiber operations in 11 states, adding more than 1 million fiber customers and over 4 million enabled fiber locations to AT&T’s network. Lumen retained its enterprise network infrastructure and copper-based services, while AT&T integrated the acquired fiber assets into its expanding fiber broadband portfolio.

PROS

Symmetrical fiber speeds No data caps or contracts Competitive cost-per-megabit value

Cons

Limited availability Some connections may be only FTTC Multi-gig plans not available in all service areas
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Kinetic Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
$200 rewards card
2 GigFiber InternetUp to 2,000 Mbps Only $69.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
$100 rewards card
1 GigFiber InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $49.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
300 MbpsFiber InternetUp to 300 Mbps Only $39.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
High Speed InternetDSL InternetUp to 100 Mbps Only $24.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Kinetic internet deals
1-833-718-3922

Quantum Fiber Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
Up To 8GbpsFiber InternetUp to 8,000 Mbps Only $165
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Up To 3GbpsFiber InternetUp to 3,000 Mbps Only $70
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Up To 1Gbps Fiber InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $45
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Up To 500MbpsFiber InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $50
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Up To 200MbpsFiber InternetUp to 200 Mbps Only $70
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Kinetic Pricing

4.0

Pricing is simple and transparent for fiber plans from Kinetic

Kinetic’s fiber internet prices are posted clearly for the whole world to see on their website. As soon as you click through to the state you live in, you will see prices posted, and those prices are consistent across states. We appreciate this transparency in pricing, which is not common among internet providers. Kinetic does not set data caps or require you to sign annual contracts for internet plans. That means you will not face unexpected overage charges or early termination fees. The first tier plan starts at for . Kinetic’s monthly plan prices are not as low as those offered by some other fiber providers, but many customers will be willing to pay for these symmetrical fiber upload and download speeds. There is an equipment rental fee for the lower-tier plans, but you may use your own router instead. You also have the option to purchase an additional advanced internet security plan, but the purchase is not required.
Call today & find the best Kinetic internet deals
1-833-718-3922

Quantum Fiber Pricing

4.5

Competitive, straightforward prices.

Quantum Fiber offers straightforward pricing that includes an autopay discount. Monthly costs are approximately $5 higher if you don't enroll in automatic payments. In most markets, the two primary plans available are the 500 Mbps and 1,000 Mbps (1 Gig) tiers. Multi-gigabit options—up to 2 Gig, up to 3 Gig, and up to 8 Gig plans—are available in select areas. All plans include free equipment rental during an initial period, unlimited data, and no contracts [7].

Value Analysis

When evaluating internet plans, the cost per megabit provides insight into true value. Quantum Fiber's entry-level 500 Mbps plan at $50 per month equates to 10 cents per Mbps—a competitive rate for fiber service. This pricing structure positions Quantum Fiber favorably against cable providers that may advertise lower introductory rates but dramatically increase rates after promotional periods end. Three potential cost increases:
  1. Equipment rental fees: Quantum Fiber provides free equipment during an "initial period." After this period ends, rental fees may apply. You can drop these fees altogether by using your own compatible router.
  2. Installation costs: Professional installation is currently free, though Quantum Fiber states this "could change in the future," and additional products or services might incur extra installation costs.
  3. Taxes and miscellaneous fees: Local and state taxes and regulatory fees may increase over time, beyond Quantum Fiber's control.

No Data Caps or Contracts

All Quantum Fiber plans include unlimited data, allowing unrestricted internet use within the acceptable use policy without overage fees or speed throttling. The absence of contracts means you can cancel or modify service at any time without incurring early termination fees.
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Kinetic Reliability and Performance

4.5

Kinetic offers multi-gigabit fiber speeds

Fiber internet provides the fastest and most reliable connection on the market. Kinetic's 1 Gig plan will exceed the bandwidth most homes need. Even very large households with multiple devices streaming or gaming simultaneously typically don’t need more than 1 Gig, thanks to the symmetrical speeds of fiber internet. Kinetic's offers a great value with Mbps.
Call today & find the best Kinetic internet deals
1-833-718-3922

Quantum Fiber Reliability and Performance

4.5

Symmetrical upload and download speeds and superior reliability during peak usage times.

Quantum Fiber utilizes fiber-optic technology, which provides two key advantages over cable and DSL: symmetrical upload and download speeds, and superior reliability during peak usage times. Symmetrical speeds mean your upload capacity matches your download speed. On the 8000 Mbps plan, for instance, you receive 8000 Mbps in both directions. This is valuable for video conferencing, uploading large files, livestreaming, and cloud backups.

Fiber-to-the-Home vs. Fiber-to-the-Curb

In most installations, Quantum Fiber deploys Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH), where fiber-optic cable runs directly to your residence. This provides the fastest possible speeds with full symmetrical performance. However, in some cases, Quantum Fiber may install Fiber-to-the-Curb (FTTC), where the final connection to your home uses coaxial cable. Even a short coaxial cable segment will reduce upload speeds compared to pure fiber. If you receive an FTTC connection, your download speeds may remain at the advertised levels, but your upload speeds will be slower than the symmetrical speeds typical of FTTH. Before installation, confirm which connection type your location will receive.

Performance Capacity

A gigabit fiber plan from Quantum Fiber supports about 10 devices simultaneously, enabling high-bandwidth activities (such as 4K streaming and online gaming) while maintaining smooth performance. The combination of low latency, high bandwidth, and consistent speeds makes fiber particularly well-suited for households with multiple heavy internet users.
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Kinetic Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

4.2

The equipment fee is optional; installation is free

You can rent Kinetic's WiFi Gateway for approximately $10.99/month--installation is included. The WiFi gateway is included with the Internet Max 2 Gig plan. You can also use your own router to avoid the fee. Make sure the router you buy is compatible. Be aware that ISPs also cannot provide tech support for customers’ personal routers. Kinetic also offers a Wi-Fi management tool for its own gateway that will allow you to change your settings without all the hassle of logging in to your router online. A Whole Home Wi-Fi tech installation is included with all fiber plans.
Call today & find the best Kinetic internet deals
1-833-718-3922

Quantum Fiber Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

4.0

Get free use of a  360 Wi-Fi mesh router or use your own router

Quantum Fiber provides its 360 Wi-Fi equipment at no additional cost during an initial period. This system includes a SmartNID ONT device and up to four mesh Wi-Fi pods. The number of Wi-Fi pods will be determined by your installation technician based on your home's size. Most equipment has Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, but Wi-Fi 7 is available in select areas. The mesh network architecture offers better coverage than traditional single-router setups. This is beneficial for larger homes or properties with thick walls that impede wireless signals. The 360 Wi-Fi system creates whole-home connectivity by placing pods throughout your space, eliminating dead zones and ensuring seamless handoff as you move between areas. This setup supports the high device counts and bandwidth demands typical of modern households.

Professional Installation

Quantum Fiber currently provides free professional installation. The internet provider has noted this "could change in the future," and customers requiring additional products or services may incur extra installation costs. Professional installation ensures proper fiber-optic connection, optimal equipment placement for your home's layout, and immediate resolution of any technical issues. The installation process:
  • Running fiber-optic cable to your home (FTTH) or to the curb (FTTC)
  • Installing the SmartNID ONT
  • Positioning mesh Wi-Fi pods throughout the home
  • Testing connection speeds and performance
  • Explaining system features and troubleshooting resources
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Kinetic Experience & Support

4.0

Kinetic improves its customer experience

In 2025, Kinetic only ranked in one region--the South--scoring 554 points out of 1000, which was below the regional average of 576 [4]. Kinetic received acknowledgement from Forbes Homes in 2024 as a Best Internet Provider, offering, "Exceptional customer service and technical support [5]." They were also awarded "Best High-Speed Rural Internet Provider" by NewsweekVault in 2025 [5]. Kinetic offers all the usual amenities of a major ISP for customer service. Customers can chat online with a rep or call by phone for billing or technical support. Phone hours are open six days a week for billing support and seven days a week for tech support [5]. Overall, we recommend Kinetic fiber internet. This provider will give you a reliable, strong, and super-fast connection.
Call today & find the best Kinetic internet deals
1-833-718-3922

Quantum Fiber Experience & Support

4.0

Quantum Fiber satisfaction scores below fiber industry average

According to the 2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) report comparing internet providers, Quantum Fiber scored 71 out of 100 points—a 7% decline from the previous year. This places Quantum Fiber four points below the fiber industry average of 75 [3]. The 2025 ACSI data also indicated that overall fiber provider scores decreased by 1% year-over-year across the industry [8]. The J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study did not differentiate between Quantum Fiber and CenturyLink DSL, instead reporting combined results for Lumen Technologies. In the West, where Quantum Fiber has its strongest presence, Lumen Technologies ranked last with a score of 511 out of 1,000. This combined scoring methodology means CenturyLink's lower-performing DSL service likely impacted the overall rating. If you compare fiber and DSL services within the Lumen portfolio, the ACSI shows Quantum Fiber's fiber service scores 16 points higher than CenturyLink's DSL offerings. This gap showcases that fiber customers report better experiences than DSL subscribers. The 7% satisfaction decline and below-average ACSI score suggest Quantum Fiber has customer experience downfalls regardless of its technical advantages. Issues affecting its customer experience ratings likely include installation delays, equipment problems, billing discrepancies, and customer service responsiveness. Reddit backs this up, with some users frustrated with Quantum Fiber's reliability: "The speed is great, consistent 550mbps up and down, but it is so unreliable" [9]. Other subscribers report a more positive experience, but do note that they are utilizing their own equipment instead of the Quantum Fiber-supplied equipment: "Love [Quantum Fiber], just get your own wifi equipment" [10]. Despite the below-average satisfaction scores, Quantum Fiber remains a strong technical choice where available. The combination of fast symmetrical speeds, unlimited data, no contracts, and competitive pricing creates genuine value.
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Kinetic FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit KineticFiberInernet.com.
You can get Kinetic fiber internet in 18 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas.
No, Kinetic does not place data caps on their internet plans.
Yes, you can use your own router. Just check in advance with Kineti to be sure your specs are compatible with your planned service.
Call today & find the best Kinetic internet deals
1-833-718-3922

Quantum Fiber FAQ's

Quantum Fiber is available in 18 states across the U.S., including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington. To find out if Quantum Fiber is available at your address, enter your zip code here or call 1-833-440-3174.
Yes, Quantum Fiber allows you to connect multiple users and devices simultaneously. Whether it's for work, school, or entertainment purposes, you can connect and use multiple devices on the same internet connection.
Yes, Quantum Fiber provides Wi-Fi service. With Wi-Fi, you can enjoy wireless connectivity in your home, allowing you to connect your devices without the need for wired connections. The maximum internet speed available for Wi-Fi may vary depending on your location and your internet plan.
Quantum Fiber's benefits include matching upload and download speeds up to multi-gigabit levels, no data caps, and month-to-month service with no long-term commitments required. Additionally, setup and modem costs are included in your plan at no additional fee.
Yes, Quantum Fiber is excellent for gaming. Its symmetrical speeds and fiber-optic connection deliver low latency and stability for competitive online play. The unlimited data means you won't hit caps during gaming sessions or large game updates.
Plans start at $[prov-lopr nation="yes" provider="quantum-fiber"] for [prov-loprsp nation="yes" provider="quantum-fiber"] Mbps and go all the way up to $[prov-hipr nation="yes" provider="quantum-fiber"] for speeds of [prov-hiprsp nation="yes" provider="quantum-fiber"] Mbps.
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Kinetic Accolades

Call today & find the best Kinetic internet deals
1-833-718-3922

Quantum Fiber Accolades

Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Kinetic Customers Review

4.0
Pricing
4.0
4.5
Reliability & Performance
4.5
4.2
Equipment, Installation & Features
4.2
4.0
Customer Experience & Support
4.0
4.2
Overall Rating
4.2
Peggy Morgan
3.8
from Greenbrier, AR on March 2026
When I started with Kinetic my bill was $30 then it went up to $67 and now it’s $97!!! I’m on social security and I’m 78 years old I can’t possibly pay that much for internet I don’t know what to do!!!
Dianne L
1.0
from Ball Ground, GA on February 2026
The Internet stays down more than it stays up and the speed is slow. It's also expensive. I really don't understand how they can charge for a service that is not really provided.
Krista G
1.0
from Morehead, KY on January 2026
I thought switching to Windstream was going to be a good choice but was I wrong. The service is awful. It literally goes out at least once a week. I don't have cell phone service where I live so we depend on that internet for our phones to work. They told me the price was going to be around $30 cheaper than what I have to pay now. Also, the gentleman that I had to speak with when setting the service up was anything but a gentleman. He was rude and didn't want to explain anything, he was hard to understand when he spoke. This whole experience has just been awful. The only good part about this was when the service was being set up. His name was Adam and he was great. But other than that, I am looking for different service and would not recommend Windstream to my worst enemy.
Jeanne Kaufman
5.0
from Osceola, IA on November 2025
They were great to work with
PHILINA Bishop
2.8
from Falls Of Rough, KY on October 2025
Every month my bill seems to go up I just got a new bill for $142 last month I paid $112 I use to pay $94 a month this is for Internet that goes out daily constant reboot. No English speakers. Doesn’t like to really help customers. Did not tell me or even let me know my bill was going this high. Now I won’t pay it so I have to go with home phone and Internet and I don’t have cell service where I live.
Call today & find the best Kinetic internet deals
1-833-718-3922

Quantum Fiber Customers Review

4.5
Pricing
4.5
4.5
Reliability & Performance
4.5
4.0
Equipment, Installation & Features
4.0
4.0
Customer Experience & Support
4.0
4.3
Overall Rating
4.3
Dean O
3.0
from Phoenix, AZ on March 2026
The price rose significantly over time, it cost too much.
Anthony J
1.5
from Gilbert, AZ on March 2026
I’m extremely disappointed with this internet service. I’m paying for a 3 Gbps plan, but in reality, I’m only getting around 197 Mbps, which is nowhere close to what was promised. The signal quality is very poor and inconsistent, making it difficult to rely on for everyday use. For the price I’m paying, I expected fast and stable internet, but instead I’m dealing with slow speeds and weak signal coverage. I’ve tried to address this, but there has been no real improvement. I would not recommend this service to anyone looking for reliable high-speed internet. Definitely not worth the money.
Pete Lewkowicz
1.0
from Naples, FL on March 2026
This company has the worst customer service. I don’t care how good the internet is or the price, it’s not worth the aggravation of dealing with this lousy company. I guess I should have known when At@t took over!
1.8
on March 2026
I can't express how sorry this lousy internet is since day one it was a problem I hate it here so much please before its too late do fall for there trap PLEASE ITS TEERRABLE OVER HERE
Fred Reynolds
1.8
from Apple Valley, UT on February 2026
I have had this "service" for 1 month, I have had to call three times about my payment. Everytime I call I get a non English speaking nitwit who apparently can't figure out how to provide service, they won't let you talk to anyone who can speak English. Their a.i. robot is worthless you may as well chat with your dog. In short I would rate their overall performance as f,;ked up worst company I have ever dealt with in 66 years. Only plus they have is pricing, if you can't recieve service it is worthless also. Dumb asses
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323