Articles from Windstream Holdings

Windstream Wholesale, a leading provider in advanced network solutions, is pleased to announce the successful launch of a new network Point of Presence (POP) and the activation of domestic U.S. wavelength services at the DC BLOX Cable Landing Station (CLS) in Myrtle Beach, S.C. This milestone highlights the ability to offer up to 400G wave service from the DC BLOX site through Windstream Wholesale’s long-haul Intelligent Converged Optical Network (ICON), effectively addressing diverse traffic needs across its extensive domestic network.

Kinetic, a leading provider of residential fiber-optic internet service, announced the completion of more than 600,000 free Whole-Home Wi-Fi certifications since the technology’s launch, reaching customers across its 18-state footprint. Instituted almost two years ago, this installation process is part of Kinetic’s commitment to enhancing quality installation for customers, thus reducing future service calls.

Kinetic Business today announced the launch of Business Ready Internet, the company’s first all-in-one connectivity solution designed specifically for small businesses.

In an ambitious move to bring unparalleled high-speed internet access to more Americans and help bridge the Digital Divide, Kinetic’s latest pricing targets 1.1 million specific households within its 18-state footprint; the plan is less than a dollar a day (minus tax and fees).

Kinetic, a leader in residential and small business fiber-internet service, significantly upgraded its technology and infrastructure resulting in an increase in internet speed for more than 26,000 customers in 2024.

Windstream Services, LLC (“Services”) and Windstream Escrow Finance Corp. (“Escrow” and, together with Services, the “Co-Issuers”), each a subsidiary of Windstream Holdings II, LLC (“Windstream”), today announced the pricing of their previously announced offering (the “Offering”) of an additional $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of 8.250% senior first lien notes due 2031 (the “Additional Notes”) in a private offering exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The size of the offering increased from the previously announced $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount to an aggregate principal amount of $1.4 billion of Additional Notes. The Additional Notes will form a single class of debt securities with, and be fungible with, Windstream’s existing 8.250% senior first lien notes due 2031 (the “Existing Notes”). Upon completion of this offering, the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes will be $2.2 billion. The Additional Notes will be guaranteed on a senior secured basis by certain of the Co-Issuers’ direct or indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries who are guarantors of the Existing Notes. The Additional Notes will mature on October 1, 2031, unless earlier repurchased or redeemed in accordance with their terms prior to that date. The Offering is expected to close on December 23, 2024, subject to certain closing conditions.

Windstream Services, LLC (“Services”) and Windstream Escrow Finance Corp. (“Escrow” and, together with Services, the “Co-Issuers”), each a subsidiary of Windstream Holdings II, LLC (“Windstream”), today announced the commencement of an offering (the “Offering”) of an additional $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 8.250% senior first lien notes due 2031 (the “Additional Notes”) in a private offering exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Additional Notes will form a single class of debt securities with, and be fungible with, Windstream’s existing 8.250% senior first lien notes due 2031 (the “Existing Notes”). The Additional Notes will be guaranteed on a senior secured basis by certain of the Co-Issuers’ direct or indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries who are guarantors of the Existing Notes.

Windstream Wholesale, a leading provider of advanced network solutions, announced in October the successful completion of the world’s first 800 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) transatlantic service trial in partnership with Colt Technology Services and Nokia. This groundbreaking achievement was bolstered by the cutting-edge testing solutions and technical expertise provided by VIAVI Solutions Inc., ensuring a rapid and seamless deployment.

As the holiday shopping season kicks off this Black Friday, shoppers nationwide are gearing up to find the latest tech gifts for children. This year, the excitement over new gadgets is coupled with a growing concern for online safety, as highlighted by a recent survey conducted by Internet Service Provider, Kinetic. This survey, which involved 1,100 participants across 18 states, underscores a growing trend: consumers may be poised to prioritize cybersecurity features and parental controls when selecting tech devices for children.

Windstream Wholesale (WW), an optical technology leader in advanced network solutions, today announced its latest network expansion in Northern California at Hurricane Electric’s 48233 Warm Springs Rd., Fremont 2 facility—a premier data center in the Bay Area with connections to major regional and global networks. This 208,000-foot colocation facility is managed 24/7 and equipped with uninterruptible power sources.

Windstream Enterprise today announced the addition of Talkdesk Express™ to its Contact Center as a Solution (CCaaS) portfolio. Purpose-built for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the new omnichannel solution, powered by Talkdesk, delivers affordable enterprise-grade contact center technology to help these businesses fuel revenue growth and increase customer satisfaction.

Windstream, a provider of advanced communications services, has again been recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, the Military Friendly® program, and the Military Times’ Best for Vets program for its initiatives to recruit, employ and retain military veterans.

Windstream Enterprise (WE), a leading IT managed services provider, announced it was recognized as the 2024 Cato Networks Service Provider Partner of the Year. Windstream was honored during the Americas Partner Awards ceremony at the 2024 Cato Networks Americas Partner Summit in Las Vegas.

Kinetic, a leading provider of affordable residential and small business internet, sponsored an eGaming tournament Oct. 15 at Hazard Community Technical College (HCTC) for 150 students. Partnering with Kentucky Rolling Video Games, a mobile video game theater, the tournament featured Kinetic’s 99.9%* reliable internet, allowing players to compete for 20-minute intervals on various Mario Kart™ tracks.

Kinetic, a leading provider in residential and small business fiber broadband solutions, completed a new nearly $1 million fiber internet build for 300 homes and businesses in the Doniphan area.

Kinetic Business, a leading fiber internet provider and a Windstream brand, today announced a new line-up of internet, phone and collaboration solution bundles specifically tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized business (SMBs) that want an enterprise-grade internet and unified communications experience with the simplicity and affordability that growing businesses need.

Windstream Wholesale, an optical technology leader in advanced network solutions, Colt Technology Services (Colt) and Nokia today announced the successful completion of a world-first 800 Gigabit Ethernet (800GbE) service trial connecting London with Chicago across an 8500km subsea and terrestrial route over the production network. The trial showcased innovative power-saving networking technologies from the three global tech businesses to test the boundaries of next-generation wavelength, capacity, speed and latency between two of the world’s largest financial trading hubs.

Fiber internet provider Kinetic, a leader in residential and small business high-speed internet, is celebrating its first anniversary of the Digital Literacy Program, which was first offered throughout five Bullitt County libraries. In honor of this anniversary, Kinetic is proud to now offer the free courses to all libraries, schools, colleges, community centers, and other public community partners.

Windstream Services, LLC (“Services”) and Windstream Escrow Finance Corp. (“Escrow” and, together with Services, the “Co-Issuers”), each a subsidiary of Windstream Holdings II, LLC (“Windstream”), today announced the pricing of their previously announced offering (the “Offering”) of $800 million aggregate principal amount of 8.250% senior first lien notes due 2031 (the “Notes”) in a private offering exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Notes will be guaranteed on a senior secured basis by certain of the Co-Issuers’ direct or indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. The Notes will mature on October 1, 2031, unless earlier repurchased or redeemed in accordance with their terms prior to that date. The Offering is expected to close on October 4, 2024, subject to certain closing conditions.

Windstream Services, LLC (“Services”) and Windstream Escrow Finance Corp. (“Escrow” and, together with Services, the “Co-Issuers”), each a subsidiary of Windstream Holdings II, LLC (“Windstream”), today announced the commencement of an offering (the “Offering”) of senior first lien notes due 2031 (the “Notes”) in a private offering exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Notes will be guaranteed on a senior secured basis by certain of the Co-Issuers’ direct or indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries.

Fiber internet provider Kinetic has made 77% of Florida’s Hamilton County, or 4,509 homes and businesses, “fiber ready,” meaning residents who were previously unserved or underserved are now eligible to upgrade to one of the nation’s fastest broadband services.

Windstream Services, LLC (“Services”) and Windstream Escrow Finance Corp. (“Escrow” and, together with Services, the “Co-Issuers”), each a subsidiary of Windstream Holdings II, LLC (“Windstream”), announced today the results of its previously announced solicitation of consents (the “Consent Solicitation”) from registered holders (each a “Holder” and collectively, “Holders”) of their outstanding 7.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (the “Notes”) for the adoption of certain amendments (the “Proposed Amendments”) to the indenture under which the Notes were issued, dated as of August 25, 2020, among Windstream Escrow LLC, Escrow, the guarantors from time to time party thereto (the “Guarantors”) and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”) and notes collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”), as supplemented by the first supplemental indenture, dated as of September 21, 2020, between the Co-Issuers, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent and the second supplemental indenture, dated as of March 3, 2022, between the Co-Issuers, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent (together, the “Indenture”). The Consent Solicitation was made upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Consent Solicitation Statement, dated September 11, 2024 (the “Consent Solicitation Statement”).

Kinetic, a leading provider of affordable residential and small business internet, is excited to announce the activation of its high-speed fiber Gigabit service in the Poyen area. This significant milestone is part of Kinetic’s ongoing commitment to delivering state-of-the-art internet solutions to communities across the region.

Windstream Services, LLC (“Services”) and Windstream Escrow Finance Corp. (“Escrow” and, together with Services, the “Co-Issuers”), each a subsidiary of Windstream Holdings II, LLC (“Windstream”), today announced that the Co-Issuers are soliciting consents (the “Consent Solicitation”) from registered holders (each a “Holder” and collectively, “Holders”) of their outstanding 7.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (the “Notes”) for the adoption of certain amendments (the “Proposed Amendments”) to the indenture under which the Notes were issued, dated as of August 25, 2020, among Windstream Escrow LLC, Escrow, the guarantors from time to time party thereto (the “Guarantors”) and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”) and notes collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”), as supplemented by the first supplemental indenture, dated as of September 21, 2020, between the Co-Issuers, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent and the second supplemental indenture, dated as of March 3, 2022, between the Co-Issuers, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent (together, the “Indenture”).

Kinetic and AT&T are teaming up to combine the unparalleled strength of AT&T’s fast, reliable and secure 5G network1 with the exceptional 99.9% network reliability of Kinetic High-Speed Internet2.

Windstream Wholesale, an optical technology leader in advanced network solutions, today announced an expansion in the Boston area at CoreSite’s state-of-the-art data center (BO1) located at 70 Inner Belt Rd., Somerville, Mass. This 253,000-square-foot facility enhances Windstream Wholesale’s ability to deliver robust, low-latency connectivity solutions to a growing customer base in the region.

Kinetic, a provider of residential and small business internet across 18 states, is proud to partner once again with Lexington-based tech incubator, Awesome Inc.

Residential and small business internet provider Kinetic is working with local law enforcement and other agencies after an incident of vandalism that occurred earlier this month in Hazard.

Downtown Lexington’s Gatton Park on the Town Branch will have free public Wi-Fi provided by fiber-internet provider Kinetic in a nearly $1 million, multi-year deal to be the park’s exclusive Wi-Fi provider.

A trusted source helping consumers make informed decisions about products and services, CNN Underscored, has named Kinetic “Best for High-Speed Internet” after comparing 22 internet service providers.

In a demonstration that underscores the resilience and capacity of fiber optic networks, Kinetic’s technicians significantly increased the speeds of the complimentary internet for PGA players, spectators, and businesses here across this 203-acre golf course.

Kinetic officials are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone found guilty of charges related to Kinetic copper-cable thefts in the areas around Clay County, Ky.

Windstream, a provider of advanced communications services, is proud to help sponsor the 2024 National Veterans Wheelchair Games, which take place July 25-30 in New Orleans.

Due to the extensive damage done by a May 21, 2024, tornado across Adair County, there’s a long road ahead to make this community whole again, which is why Kinetic is investing $250,000 to replace destroyed communications infrastructure with a buried fiber optic solution.

Windstream Wholesale, an optical technology leader in advanced network solutions, today announced the expansion of its Beach Route Dark Fiber Alliance. The alliance now welcomes a new partner, South Reach Networks (SRN), which significantly extends Windstream Wholesale’s reach by adding a new segment from the Jacksonville, Fla., Cable Landing Station to Miami. This extension adds 360 miles of dark fiber, bringing the total alliance route mile count to 1,400.

To bridge the digital divide, the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) announced it will award Kinetic $4.4 million to bring high-speed fiber internet to unserved areas in two counties.

In a May 2024 memo to the State of New York’s Department of Public Service, the New York Office of Telecommunications bestowed its “Excellent Service Quality” commendation to Kinetic’s New York operations, in the annual report of Local Telephone Companies.

For the fifth consecutive year, Kinetic, an award-winning leader in high-speed broadband internet for both residential and business customers, proudly announces its partnership with the PGA TOUR’s ISCO Championship, set to take place at the prestigious Champions at Keene Trace Golf Club in Nicholasville on July 11-14.

In a move to provide the best possible digital experience, Kinetic today made public Project Glass Echo, a transformative initiative aimed at increasing internet speeds for 33,000 current customers at no additional cost to them.

Kinetic, a leading provider of high-speed broadband communication in Georgia, is proud to mark the 10-year anniversary of its support for the Habersham United Way, a relationship built on the shared goal of empowering and uplifting communities.

Kinetic has been awarded an $11.9 million grant to significantly expand its fiber-optic network in Clarion County, Centre County, and Erie County, Pennsylvania, by the end of 2026. This expansion will bring gigabit internet speeds to nearly 2,400 previously underserved and unserved locations.

Kinetic marked a decade of participation in a local tribute similar to the solemn "Flags In" Tradition before Memorial Day each year to honor the nation’s fallen veterans, a tradition that originated 76 years ago in 1948. This year, Kinetic's veteran employee resource group, WINVets, led the charge in organizing flag events across two communities, Greenville, S.C., and Nancy, KY.

Senior Airman Cody Hoffa, a local Hastings technician for Kinetic high-speed internet, was recognized as the 2023 Airman of the Year for the Air National Guard (ANG) 155th Maintenance Squadron (MXS).

Windstream Enterprise (WE), a leading IT managed services provider, today revealed the results of a new research study conducted by Forrester Consulting which concludes that enterprise leaders and their organizations are more capable of achieving digital transformation initiatives when leveraging partnerships with an IT managed services partner.

Kinetic Internet Provider technicians install a new telephone pole, May 15, 2024, in the city of Barnsdall. This placement marks the onset of a critical restoration effort for this Osage County community of more than 1,000 people in the wake of an EF-4 tornado, May 6. Photo by Kinetic’s Paige Sanders.

In an ambitious move to bring unparalleled internet speeds and reliability to more Americans, Kinetic’s latest offer targets 200,000 specific households within its 18-state fiber footprint.

Windstream Wholesale (WW), an optical technology leader in advanced network solutions, today announced two significant milestones in its network expansion strategy. Firstly, its dark fiber Beach Route is available for immediate customer access to fiber from the Jacksonville, Fla., cable landing station (CLS) to the Myrtle Beach. S.C., CLS to Raleigh, N.C. Secondly, Windstream Wholesale has formed an alliance with Mid-Atlantic Broadband, Tilson Infrastructure, and SummitIG to extend the dark fiber offering north from Raleigh to Richmond and Ashburn, Va.

Windstream, a provider of advanced communications services, has been named a VETS Indexes 5 Star Employer as part of the 2024 VETS Indexes Employer Awards. The award recognizes the organization’s commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing, and supporting veterans and the military-connected community.

In a move aimed at reducing the impact on neighborhoods and homeowners' landscapes, Kinetic has enhanced its fiber installation quality through the acquisition of over 50 small drop plows totaling an estimated $2 million investment.

Windstream Enterprise, a leading IT managed services provider, announced it earned three prestigious Stevie® awards in the 2024 American Business Awards. Windstream took the Gold for its Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solution, powered by Cato Networks; Silver for its Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) solution, powered by Talkdesk, and Bronze for its IT Managed Services portfolio.

Today, a new survey report by Kinetic Business, the leading provider of fiber-based broadband and voice connectivity for small businesses across an 18-state footprint, emphasized the importance of internet speed and reliability for day-to-day operations and the overall success of U.S.-based small businesses.

About 16,000 locations in Lowndes County, Ga., will be able to get high-speed fiber internet for the first time, due to a $39 million public private partnership.

Kinetic employees continue to give back to the communities they serve, promoting connection and involvement through local engagements right alongside residents. Chris Campbell, who has worked with Kinetic for 28 years, has found his calling volunteering with numerous organizations in his local area, just two hours from his hometown.

In a significant achievement underscoring its popularity and reliability among users, the Go Kinetic app surpassed 72,300 positive reviews with an overall 4.8 sentiment on the Apple Store and more than 24,600 positive reviews on the Google Play Store. This milestone is a testament to the app's comprehensive capabilities that offer Kinetic customers unprecedented control and convenience in managing their Kinetic internet account and connected home environments.

Kinetic continues to stand out among the competition as a contender for rural high-speed broadband and affordability, according to two April 2024 Newsweek announcements: “Best for Affordability” and “Best High-Speed Rural Internet Provider.”

Windstream Wholesale (WW), a leading provider of fast and flexible advanced optical solutions, today announced its expansion to two prominent data centers, Ascent and Stack, located in Alpharetta, Ga. This significant integration stems from successful collaboration with a major global financial solutions provider.

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) has named Windstream the winner of its 2024 PVA Veterans Career Program Award.

Kinetic, a leading high-speed broadband internet provider, is pleased to announce the completion of its fiber broadband internet construction in Mount Pleasant, N.C. To commemorate this milestone, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on April 12, 2024, at Kinetic’s central location in downtown Mount Pleasant.

Windstream Enterprise (WE), a leading IT managed services provider, has been selected by the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise Cleveland Guardians for its managed software-defined wide-area network (SD-WAN) services to achieve a dedicated and simplified cloud network connection. Windstream’s services bolster their IT performance, so it can use today’s data-intensive sports applications without latency or interruption, giving the team and its faithful fans, a competitive advantage in the MLB.

Fiber-broadband provider Kinetic joined state and local officials at a local ribbon cutting at the Beaver County Courthouse today to announce a new, state-of-the-art fiber network that will provide ultrafast internet to 250 customer locations in the county.

In an industry where connection and quality of service matter most, Arkansas-based Kinetic was recognized and honored by Forbes Home for its “Best Rural High Speeds” in the recent article “Best Internet Options for Rural Areas of 2024.”

Windstream Wholesale, an optical technology leader in advanced network solutions, today announced the completion of two pivotal route enhancement projects using FLEX DWDM (FLEX) technology, bolstering connectivity across Virginia. These enhancements are part of a broader initiative to upgrade capacity across Windstream’s Nationwide Intelligent Converged Optical Network (ICON) to provide top-tier service to its customers.

Windstream has been named a Top Women Employer for 2024 by DiversityComm magazine.

Arkansas high-speed internet provider, Kinetic, has started construction on a second fiber broadband expansion project in Grant County, Ark.

Windstream Enterprise (WE), a leading IT managed services provider, today unveiled Secure Flex Premium, a comprehensive suite of advanced technology solutions powered by Fortinet® (NASDAQFTNT) that provides a fully customizable cybersecurity infrastructure aimed to address the current and future network security needs of each unique customer. Through a bespoke technology package built upon one’s existing on-premises, hybrid or cloud environment, Secure Flex Premium provides large enterprise clients with one solution—backed by a dedicated team of managed services experts—to manage, control and optimize their complete and desired IT ecosystem.

In honor of Black History Month, Kinetic is once again proud to announce that the Kinetic Black Business Support Fund is now accepting applications for the 2024 season.

Windstream Wholesale, an optical technology leader in advanced network solutions, today announced a significant milestone in the construction of its new dark fiber route. The "Beach Route" stretches 651 route miles across a unique path down the East Coast of the United States and consists of 864-count buried fiber. The northern section, covering 459 miles from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Savannah, Georgia, is now complete, equipped, and ready for immediate service.

State and local officials joined with fiber-broadband provider Kinetic to break ground on a $21 million, state-of-the-art fiber network that will provide ultrafast internet to more than 4,000 rural customer locations in Lee County.

High-speed fiber broadband provider Kinetic is sponsoring tech-minded girls and boys in fourth through 12th grades participating in intense, sports-like robotics competitions.

Windstream has activated a new network path from Lincoln to Dallas, providing an additional layer of reliability and protection against outages impacting 911 services and broadband provided by Windstream in Nebraska.

Kristi Moody, executive vice president, general counsel and chief compliance officer for Windstream Holdings, today was elected to the board of directors of USTelecom | The Broadband Association.

Technology and consumer electronics website CNET has bestowed its “Best of” accolade on Kinetic as the “Best for Fast DSL Internet Speeds.”

Forbes Home, a division of Forbes that aims to help homeowners make smart financial decisions for their homes, has named Kinetic one of the “10 Best Internet Providers of 2024” for the second consecutive year.

Windstream Wholesale (Windstream), an optical technology leader in fast and flexible advanced solutions, and Cisco (NASDAQCSCO), the worldwide technology leader of secure connections, today announced the industry’s first successful transmission of a 1 terabit per second (Tbps) wavelength over a 1,100-kilometer link across multiple routes on Windstream’s Intelligent Converged Optical Network (ICON).

Windstream Wholesale, a leading provider of advanced optical technology solutions, has announced a game-changing network intelligence tool within its iconnect customer portal empowering users to design their own wavelength routes.