Windstream Communications, a provider of voice and data network communications, and managed services, to businesses in the United States has received nearly $175 million annualy for seven years for ongoing support from the Connect America Fund (CAF) to expand and support broadband for over 800,000 of its rural customers in 17 states. The Connect America Fund support will enable Windstream to deliver broadband at speeds of at least 10 Mbps for downloads and 1 Mbps uploads to over 404,000 homes and businesses in its rural service areas nationwide where the cost of broadband deployment might otherwise be prohibitive.
The CAF subsidizes the expansion of high-speed Internet to rural areas where market forces alone can’t support expansion. Other national and regional Operators that are offered the funding include Frontier Communications $283 million, CenturyLink $514.3 million, AT&T $484 million and Verizon $143.9 million.
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler
Windstream’s decision to accept support from the Connect America Fund will greatly benefit its rural customers by expanding robust broadband in their communitiesThe Connect America Fund is delivering on its promise of ensuring that all Americans have access to the opportunities provided by modern broadband service, no matter where they live.
