Windstream Dismisses Wireless Concerns About Its Targeted CLEC Discontinuance Bid
Windstream rejected as "unfounded" the objections to its request to discontinue CLEC local exchange and DSL services to a total of about 300 customers in 23 states. The discontinuance "is intended to address a small number of locations served by…
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end-of-life equipment where upgrades are cost-prohibitive and customers have alternative wireline service providers from which to choose," the telco replied Wednesday in docket 16-399. The FCC received more than 160 comments on Windstream's discontinuance application, with many saying consumers would be forced to rely on wireless services (see Ref:1612280029]). Windstream said the vast majority of commenters weren't its customers and wouldn't be affected by the discontinuance of services over equipment no longer supported by vendors. It also said the discontinuance won't result in the elimination of wireline services, as most commenters allege: "As a CLEC, Windstream is one of many providers offering wireline service in these areas. In fact, Windstream leases last-mile facilities from the underlying incumbent local exchange carrier (‘ILEC’) to provide the Services it is seeking to discontinue. The ILECs are providing and will continue to provide wireline service to affected customers. Windstream’s proposed discontinuance is not intended and does not result in customers having to rely solely on wireless services." A Wireline Bureau public notice said the discontinuance would be deemed granted in some states on Monday and others on Jan. 19 and Feb. 20 absent further commission action. A recent CenturyLink discontinuance application faced similar concerns about wireless service and radio frequency emissions (see 1611280031). The concerns "are based on the false premise that the proposed discontinuance will somehow affect CenturyLink’s provision of traditional telephone service or other landline-based consumer services. It will not," said a Dec. 6 CenturyLink filing, which noted the frame relay and ATM services to be discontinued were data services provided to enterprise customers. The FCC took no further action in docket 16-383 to block CenturyLink's application.