Windstream lures Lexington, Ky. TWC customers with dual, triple play bundles

Windstream has formally launched its Kinetic IPTV service in Lexington, Ky., offering consumers an alternative set of dual and triple play broadband, voice and data bundles that they only could get from local cable provider Time Warner Cable (NYSE: TWC).

The service provider said that over 50,000 Lexington customers are eligible to get Kinetic service that leverages its existing ADSL2+ and growing VDSL2-enabled fiber-to-the-node (FTTN) last mile hybrid fiber and copper networks.

Eligible customers can purchase Kinetic TV in three configurations -- a standalone service or as part of either a double or triple play bundle.

It is offering multiple pricing layers within its dual play of TV and Internet bundle and the triple play bundle designation. Under Bundle 1, which includes TV and Internet, it is offering three tiers: Basic for $59.98; Select for $104.98; and Preferred for $124.98.

With the Bundle 2, a triple play bundle of TV, Internet and phone service, customers also have three choices: a Basic package for $64.98; Select for $109.98; and Preferred for $129.98.  

Pricing for a standalone TV-only service begins at $39.99 a month.

Leveraging Ericsson's (NASDAQ: ERIC) Mediaroom platform, all of the bundle rates, which vary based on channel selection, include a number of features such as high definition channels, free whole home DVR, wireless set-top box and video on-demand.

Lexington is the second market where Windstream offers its IPTV service.

Previously, it launched the service in Lincoln, Neb., where it priced the service beginning at $59.98 for a basic TV and Internet bundle and topping out at $129.98 for a premium triple-play package including a top-end TV bundle, high-speed Internet and voice service. Windstream also offers HD programming at no extra charge.

The timing of these launches come as Windstream is working to revamp its last mile network to deliver higher speed services to consumers and small businesses under its $250 million Project Excel initiative, which is focused on enhancing its last mile network by installing VDSL2 network equipment to support up to 100 Mbps in more of its rural markets.

Upon completion, Project Excel will enable Windstream to deliver 25 Mbps to 54 percent and 50 Mbps to 30 percent of its rural markets.

For more:
- see the release

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