Windstream Communications has what I consider one of the worst websites I’ve ever had the displeasure of doing business on. If you’re an existing customer, there’s no way to upgrade any service you currently have with Windstream. You cannot access billing and support services through one account. You have to create one account for billing and another account to access online support, even though they are both on the same website.

If you email Windstream through their online support, don’t hold your breath waiting for them to reply. You’ll turn blue in the face and likely pass out. Windstream claims on their website support page that they will respond to your email within 24-48 hours. Well, it’s going on six days and counting since I emailed them my query about upgrading my high speed internet service … and not a word back from them.

Don’t bother using Windstream’s website to find answers to questions you may have about service costs. They are as bad as the cellphone companies, DISH, and DirecTV when it comes to providing pricing information to consumers. Windstream provides only their introductory pricing that applies only to new customers. You won’t really know what it will cost you until the bill arrives.

If you’re an existing customer, then Windstream.com is basically worthless for anything except viewing and paying your bill. And if you decide to bundle your DISH subscription through Windstream, beware that you will not be able to access any of the extra DISH Network online programming. That requires a DISH Network online account number, which you won’t be able to obtain since you cannot simultaneously have an account registered on Dish.com and have the same account bundled through Windstream.

When it comes to online service, Windstream.com is anything but smooth sailing.

UPDATE: Dish now allows Windstream bundled customers to register and access Dish online content if you have a Dish account number. If you can’t find this account number on your Windstream bill, contact Dish Network and get it from them.