MARCH 30, 2020 — LITTLE ROCK, Ark.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Windstream, a leading provider of advanced network communications and technology solutions, announced today that its network continues to perform well even as usage has increased significantly as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The company has seen an approximately 50 percent increase in voice traffic and an approximately 30 percent increase in data traffic since mid-March. These increases are well within the company’s defined network operational tolerances.
“Our network is well equipped to handle the higher usage given our past modernization efforts that migrated Windstream to scalable, robust equipment and IP/Ethernet services,” said Tony Thomas, president and CEO of Windstream. “We fully understand how critical our role as a communications provider is during the coronavirus health crisis, and I’m proud of all that our team members, especially our front-line technicians, are doing to keep our customers connected.”
Windstream uses a highly resilient network architecture to provide reliable services to customers. Services are delivered over multiple platforms, including a nationwide IP network, proprietary cloud core architecture and a local and long-haul fiber network spanning approximately 150,000 route miles.
As many companies across the U.S. have shifted to remote workforces, Windstream Enterprise’s OfficeSuite UC® product has been instrumental in keeping businesses working. Both HD Meeting® minutes and participants have increased sharply, but overall OfficeSuite network traffic is running at approximately 50 percent of capacity.
The company also has established a dedicated team to accelerate the delivery of critical services and install additional network capacity for businesses and wholesale customers experiencing spikes in demand.
Additionally, Windstream provides Kinetic broadband service to consumers and small businesses in rural areas in 18 states. As more individuals work from home and attend school online, the increase in overall broadband traffic is well below Windstream’s maximum network capacity.
Consumers experiencing in-home WiFi challenges as a result of increased use of devices in the home should contact Windstream about available speed upgrades or to talk to technical support specialists who have remote tools to analyze WiFi performance.
