Rep. Collins Responds to Windstream Bankruptcy Filing

U.S. Representative Doug Collins said Windstream’s bankruptcy filing Tuesday is a reflection of the Company’s history of taking advantage of customers and taxpayers.

In a prepared statement Wednesday, Collins said Windstream has routinely promised Internet speeds they know they can’t deliver and failed to provide consistent broadband service while continuing to receive substantial federal tax breaks.

“Despite it’s bankruptcy status, the burden of Windstream’s financial problems cannot fall on the shoulders of taxpayers who depend on their services to access the Internet,” he said.

Windstream CEO Tony Thomas said the Company is working with Citicorp Group to secure funding to keep it afloat while they fight the judge’s ruling.

Collins said Windstream must continue to meet its obligations under the Connect America Fund to provide broadband service to rural communities like northeast Georgia.

“Since I first took office, I have received hundreds upon hundreds of complaints from Ninth District residents regarding virtually every aspect of Windstream’s service in Northeast Georgia. Businesses have been unable to operate efficiently because of unreliable service. Students in rural areas fail to gain access to high-speed internet they need to complete their school work at home. Despite repeated efforts to prompt Windstream to address these issues, they continue to fall short,” Collins said.

In February 2016, Rep. Collins requested information from Windstream after receiving hundreds of complaints of unsatisfactory and substandard service from Windstream customers in the Ninth District.

In April 2016, Rep. Collins sent a letter to Windstream CEO Tony Thomas to follow up on previous concerns and emphasize the growing number of complaints from Windstream customers.

In May 2016, Rep. Collins met with Windstream CEO Tony Thomas to discuss the ongoing issues with Windstream service in Northeast Georgia.

In June 2017, Rep. Collins introduced the Gigabit Opportunity (GA) Act to incentivize providers to expand broadband infrastructure to communities that lack high-speed access.

In this session of Congress, Collins introduced the Connect America Fund Accountability Act to hold providers accountable.

“I continue to believe increased competition spurs improvement, which is why I’ve introduced the Connect America Fund Accountability Act to hold providers accountable,” Collins said. “I remain committed to holding carriers like Windstream accountable, and working to expand broadband access in Northeast Georgia and beyond.”