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Frequently Asked Questions

When will you start building in my area?

We are building in a total of 12 zones across Tippecanoe County. Construction is scheduled to begin in the first zone in January 2023 and in the last zone in June 2024. Through concurrent, overlapping construction, we project that construction will be complete in August 2025.

How do I order service?

If our build map shows that service is available where you live, or you’ve received a notice that service is available, you may order service at order.wintek.com.

What speeds do you offer?
We presently offer three service packages, all of which include unlimited usage with no data caps.
What can I expect during the construction process?
Construction is typically a six-month process from the start of construction in your area to the availability of service in your home.
Are there costs for for building the fiber line to my home?

Because we offer fiber-to-the-home internet, we must complete what’s called “drop construction” — which brings the fiber from the main line along the road to your home. The drop constrruction will bury the fiber line underground on your property.

A connection specialist will visit your property, consult with you and establish a connection plan. You will see and sign off on this plan before any drop construction begins.

For Wintek customers that don’t have Tipmont electric service, there is no fee for drop construction of 1,000 feet or less from a mainline to your home. For connections that must exceed 1,000 feet to be successful, a fee will be incurred. The fee will depend on the length of the connection over 1,000 feet.

Any fees required will be disclosed when you receive your plan from your connection specialist.

What is Fiber to the Home (FTTH)?
Fiber to the Home is the installation and use of fiber-optic cables that carry digital information right to your home or business. FTTH is more efficient than traditional broadband technologies like DSL or cable. By using fiber-optic technology, your internet connection is more reliable and has a virtually limitless capacity.
What are the benefits of Fiber to the Home?

Reliability
Fiber is more reliable than DSL and cable. Because fiber-optic cables are made from glass, they do not receive the noise and interference coaxial cables often receive. This means you’re less likely to experience signal interference from inclement weather and distance.

Bandwidth
As innovation continues and the uses for high-speed internet continue to grow, fiber is the only technology with the capability to support the needed bandwidth.

Future-Proof
Once fiber cable is installed, it can be upgraded by replacing electronics on the end rather than replacing the cable itself. As electronic components are upgraded, the same cable you had before can support new bandwidth capabilities.

Increased Home Value
According to research by the FTTH Council, fiber increases the value of a home by 3.1%. Using Tippecanoe County statistics, that translates to an additional $7,750.

What is bandwidth, and why does it matter?
Bandwidth is the rate at which data can be transmitted in a fixed amount of time. Your bandwidth determines the efficiency and speed of your internet connection. As innovation continues, our need for better bandwidth is growing. Today’s typical household is dependent on fast, reliable internet to support devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, personal assistants, and 4K and HDTV.
What makes Wintek different from other providers?

We are local
Wintek has been locally owned and operated in Greater Lafayette since 1973. During this time, we’ve always believed in using technology to improve the quality of life for residents and businesses in our community. As part of this commitment, we are continuing to invest in FTTH infrastructure that will meet the bandwidth needs of today and tomorrow.

Premium customer service
At Wintek, we offer what big-box providers can’t — premium customer service tailored to you. When you call us, there’s no frustrating call center or automated system to navigate. Your call is always answered by one of our knowledgeable network technicians based right here in Greater Lafayette. They will help you understand the different components of your FTTH network and provide recommendations that help you get the most out of your Wintek service.

Punctuality
We understand you have a lot on your plate. If a service call is necessary, our technicians will schedule an appointment that works for you and arrive right on time. No 4-hour windows or wondering if your provider will ever show up.

Speed
With Wintek FTTH, you’ll always have the same internet speed. Fiber-optic cables are run from each customer’s home to our backbone cable. You’ll never have to share a cable with a neighbor or suffer during high-usage periods.

Monitoring
Wintek monitors our network 24/7 to ensure the best performance for your connection.

Direct Peering
Wintek has direct peer connections with Amazon, Netflix, Apple, Google, Facebook, Purdue University and more. When you visit these sites, you never leave our network, meaning you’ll see improved network performance and speed.

Do you have any hidden fees or contracts?

Wintek prides itself on bringing you hassle-free internet — which means no hidden fees, no fine print, no gimmicks and no contracts. Indiana also does not tax internet service, either, so the price listed is the price you’ll pay each month.

An additional fee may apply if you require a mesh unit to extend WiFi signal range, which would be discussed prior to activating service.

Do you offer telephone services?
Wintek does not offer telephone services.
Do you offer pay TV services?

Wintek does not offer traditional pay TV services. (e.g., satellite or cable). However, streaming over your blazing-fast Wintek connection means you can keep all your favorite channels and series, find some new favorites, and save money in the process!

Wintek’s starting speed of 250Mbps/250Mbps is more than enough to stream HD or 4K movies and TV on multiple devices.

Plus: The monthly cost of one streaming service is much lower than what you pay each month for cable or satellite TV. That means you can likely choose two to three streaming services and still save money.

If you’re not sure where to start with streaming, we’ve got a tool for that, too! Just go to streaming.wintek.com, answer a few questions about your favorite shows, channels and preferences, and we’ll recommend the right streaming services for you!

Can I pay my bill online?
Yes. Our SmartHub account management system allows you to view and pay your bill online, sign up for auto pay, and set billing notifications.
What would I see on my first bill?

Wintek bill cycles collect payment for the forthcoming month of service, so your first bill would include:

  • Prorated charges for service in the month of installation
  • Full charges for service in the month following installation

Wintek offers free installation, so there will be no such charge on your bill.

What are the local hours for support?

Our local support team is available 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday.

Will I talk to a real person if I need support?

If you call during the business hours above, you will always reach a live person. If you require emergency assistance after hours, an automated attendant will provide the option to page an engineer. You may also email your request, and we will respond promptly upon the resumption of regular business hours.