Windstream Introduces "Cash for Clunkers” Program for Communications Equipment

Windstream Corp. (NYSE: WIN) is making it easy for business customers to utilize state-of-the-art telecommunications equipment through its new "cash for clunkers” program for communications equipment. Starting today, business customers will receive an automatic 15 percent rebate up to $5,000 now through the end of the year on the purchase of any Nortel Business Communications Manager or Software Communications System product to replace existing equipment.

This limited time program, which offers the most benefit for small and medium-sized businesses, offers Nortel’s award-winning unified voice and data solutions that provide fast, easy and integrated communication. The latest telecommunications equipment makes collaboration easier, speeds decision making and shrinks costs.

"We have an opportunity for a true win-win situation with our business customers by giving them a bottom-line incentive to trade up for state-of-the-art phone and data equipment,” said Ric Crane, Windstream executive vice president and chief marketing officer.

Through Windstream Financial Services powered by TAMCO, business customers will now be able to acquire a unified communications solution through a single provider with no capital outlay. For those qualifying finance customers, the two-month security deposit is waived, adding to the overall customer bottom-line savings.

"Because of the high cost of purchasing technology, and leasing options that don’t allow for scalability, Windstream offers customers not only a near zero acquisition cost, but allows for customers to pay only for what they use,” said Crane. "Over time our customers’ needs shift. The Windstream solution scales with them.”

Windstream will also install the new equipment and dispose of traded equipment, making it a seamless, painless transition to the most up-to-date phone and data equipment available in the market. To qualify for automatic rebate, customers must agree to have Windstream dispose of traded equipment. Maintenance and extended warranty options are also available. For more details, contact your Windstream representative or visit www.windstream.com/business/clunkers.

About Windstream

Windstream Corporation is an S&P 500 company that provides phone, high-speed Internet and high-definition digital TV services to customers in 16 states. The company also offers a wide range of IP-based voice and data services and advanced phone systems and equipment to businesses and government agencies. The company has approximately 3 million access lines and about $3.1 billion in annual revenues. Windstream is ranked 4th in the 2009 BusinessWeek 50 ranking of the best performing U.S. companies. For more information about Windstream, visit www.windstream.com.