Windstream to stop offering new residential services in the Cavalier footprint

Windstream (Nasdaq: WIN) sees that the value of the assets it bought from PAETEC, including the former Cavalier and Intellifiber properties the latter purchased last year, lies in the business services arena.

And with an intention of becoming what Windstream spokesman David Avery calls a "formidable nationwide business provider," it should come as no surprise that the telco is going to stop offering new residential services in the Cavalier territory come January.

It will, however, maintain services for existing residential customers under the Cavalier brand. Business services will fall under the Windstream brand. Existing residential customers will still be able to order new phone lines and add new calling features, but if they move they'll need to sign up with local ILEC Verizon (NYSE: VZ) or a cable operator for service.

"The decision will not affect existing service to customers or their ability to add services like a second line or additional calling features," Avery said in an e-mail to FierceTelecom. "If a current customer requests to move their existing service to a new location, then they will need to select another communications provider to provide the new service at the new location."

Avery added that the change will effective on or about Jan. 9.

Similar to the move it just made in PAETEC's Rochester, N.Y. headquarters, Windstream will also lay off 70 employees in the Richmond, Va., area. Primarily, the job cuts will be in sales, operations and accounting.

For more:
- Richmond Times Dispatch has this article

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