Media Contact: 
Randy Clarke, (202) 418-2500
randy.clarke@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

COMMISSIONER STARKS STATEMENT ON WINDSTREAM BANKRUPTCY FILING

WASHINGTON, February 26, 2019—FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks offered the following statement on Windstream Holdings, Inc. yesterday filing petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S.  Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York: 

It’s concerning when one of the nation’s largest internet and voice service providers files for bankruptcy.  Windstream provides critical 9-1-1 service and I will be monitoring the situation closely to ensure that there are no disruptions.  Windstream also provides broadband service to over 1 million customers across the U.S. and it is essential that their interests are represented and protected as the company reorganizes.  I will also be watching to ensure that Windstream makes proper use of the millions of dollars in Universal Service funding it receives and that it meets all broadband connectivity and other commitments related to that funding.  I’m sure that this process is unsettling for Windstream’s customers and employees, so I am glad that Windstream took immediate steps to ensure that it can continue to operate.


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Office of Commissioner Geoffrey Starks: (202) 418-2500
ASL Videophone: (844) 432-2275
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @GeoffreyStarks
www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/geoffrey-starks  

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).