Windstream to Drop DSL Service to SMBs in Parts of 25 States

Windstream plans to discontinue DSL service it provides to residential and SMB customers in CLEC territories across 25 states.

According to a filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the service is being provided on equipment that is “at the end of life, it is no longer supported by vendors and replacement would be cost prohibitive.” It is being canceled in three stages based on customer location starting next month and concluding in February.

All residential and SMB customers have been notified by mail, Windstream said.

“Affected customers will not be unduly harmed because they are being provided ample notice of the discontinuance and customers have comparable options at comparable rates from other providers serving these states,” it said. “As outlined herein, Windstream will take reasonable steps, to the extent that is able, to assure that the discontinuance of this service is not unduly disruptive to the present or future public convenience and necessity.”{ad}

Service will be discontinued in certain locations in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. Windstream provides the service to about 300 customers.

Windstream has asked for FCC permission to discontinue a number of legacy services this year. In June, it submitted a filing to discontinue a number of operator-assisted services across its ILEC and CLEC territories in 18 states.

This is just the latest news from the business-communications giant that impacts partners. Earlier this year, it notified a percentage of its SMB customers with sub-$1,500 accounts that it is raising rates on deals that are costing it money.