Windstream Moves Up Vertical Systems Group Ethernet LEADERBOARD Rankings

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Feb. 25, 2016 -- Windstream  (NASDAQ:WIN), a leading provider of advanced network communications, today announced that it has been named one of the top Ethernet providers in the United States by the analyst firm Vertical Systems Group. The designation, part of the analyst firm’s annual Carrier Ethernet LEADERBOARD rankings, is the result of Windstream’s continued capital investments in its fiber networks that allow it to offer both higher-quality services and services in new markets.

“We are honored to be included in the Ethernet LEADERBOARD rankings because it validates the investments we have made to improve the quality and availability of our Ethernet services,” said Joseph Harding, chief marketing officer of Windstream. “We committed to our customers that Windstream would continue making improvements to the reliability, scalability and efficiency of our networks and this accomplishment shows we are providing the advanced services our customers need.”

Vertical calculates port shares using the base of enterprise installations of Ethernet services, plus input from surveys of Ethernet providers. The LEADERBOARD threshold is 4 percent or more of billable port installations.

"Demand for Ethernet services remains strong, especially in the segments of the market where Windstream is targeting its strategic services," said Rick Malone, principal of Vertical Systems Group. "This is Windstream's inaugural appearance on our LEADERBOARD, and the company's continued investments in its fiber networks should put it in solid position for next year as well."

Windstream offers Ethernet services to carriers and directly to customers in a number of industries, including banking, financial services, education, healthcare, government, hospitality and retail. Windstream’s Carrier Ethernet service is MEF CE 2.0 certified, and it is architected to offer 1G and 10G ENNI ports, single- and multi-mode fiber interfaces, end-user Ethernet speeds from 3M to 10G, and Ethernet over Copper (EoC) or fiber transport (EoF).

Vertical Systems Group’s Carrier Ethernet LEADERBOARDs are the industry’s foremost benchmarks for measuring Ethernet Service Provider market presence. The full Ethernet LEADERBOARD rankings can be found on Vertical’s website.

About Windstream

Windstream Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:WIN), a FORTUNE 500 company, is a leading provider of advanced network communications and technology solutions for consumers, small businesses, enterprise organizations and carrier partners across the U.S. Windstream offers bundled services, including broadband, security solutions, voice and digital TV to consumers. The company also provides data, cloud solutions, unified communications and managed services to business and enterprise clients. The company supplies core transport solutions on a local and long-haul fiber-optic network spanning approximately 125,000 miles. Additional information is available at windstream.com. Please visit our newsroom at news.windstream.com or follow us on Twitter at @WindstreamNews.

Windstream Media Contacts:
Michael Teague, 501-748-4898
[email protected]

Jeremy Story, 720-984-2730
[email protected]