Windstream Corporation is an independent ILEC based in Arkansas that was created when Alltell (now Verizon Wireless) decided to spin off its local telephone division and merge it with VALOR Communications Group in 2005.

To offset ongoing losses in its traditional landline voice business, Windstream has set out on a path to transform itself from just another local telephone company and into a broadband and data company. That broadband and data mission has led Windstream to conduct a number of strategic acquisitions over the past three years, including independent ILECs D&E Communications, Lexcom and Iowa Telecommunications; CLECs including NuVox Communications and Norlight Telecom; regional fiber provider Kentucky Data Link; and a hosted provider, Hosted Solutions.

Unlike its fellow ILECs AT&T and CenturyLink, Windstream has been more conservative not only in its M&A approach, but also on the product front offering traditional consumer services (traditional voice, DSL and satellite TV) and a growing base of business and wholesale services (Ethernet, IP/VPN, managed services and fiber-to-the-cell site).