New Fiber Optic Network Connects Schools With High-Speed
    Bandwidth, Enabling District-Wide Access to Online Testing
                       and Educational Tools

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., June 19, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Richmond Public
Schools is bringing high-speed Internet bandwidth to 58 locations
across the district--reaching every classroom--with the installation of
a new fiber optic network from Windstream Corp. (Nasdaq:WIN). The
district now has one of the most robust communications networks in the
state of Virginia.

A press conference will be held at 10:30 a.m. EDT on June 19 at
Henderson Middle School, 4319 Old Brook Road in Richmond, Va., to
officially announce the new network.

The 87-mile fiber optic wide area network (WAN) enables all schools
within the district to conduct online and standardized state testing
simultaneously without sacrificing bandwidth or Internet speed at any
location. In addition, Richmond Public Schools can now take advantage
of the benefits that a high-speed network offers educators--from
enriched curriculum and new educational resources to ongoing
professional development and administrative uses.

"Richmond Public Schools remains committed to providing innovative and
cutting-edge solutions that enrich the educational experience of our
21st century learners," said Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Dr.
Yvonne Brandon. "Our partnership with Windstream enables us to
strengthen our technological infrastructure and enhance classroom
instruction. We are thrilled about the opportunities this new fiber
optic network will provide for our teachers and students."

Fiber optic networks are the most advanced communications networks
available today. Fiber optic cable is often said to be "future proof"
because of its near-limitless capacity and ability to transport vast
amounts of data without sacrificing speed or reliability when connected
to a communications network.

"As a large school district with numerous locations, Richmond Public
Schools needed a network that offers every student equal access to
online state testing and other educational resources," said Don
Perkins, vice president of Business Marketing at Windstream.
"Windstream's fiber optic network enables this high-speed Internet
access by allowing the district to reliably and efficiently transmit
large amounts of data over long distances."

Windstream has a nationwide fiber optic network spanning 115,000 route
miles across the country. With an unparalleled mixture of metro,
long-haul, and diverse routes, Windstream's fiber network delivers
high-capacity capabilities and a robust portfolio of advanced data,
voice, and network services to offer customers a higher quality, more
efficient, and more reliable overall experience.

The Richmond Public Schools fiber project was funded, in part, through
the E-Rate program, which is administered by the Universal Service
Administrative Company (USAC) and provides financial assistance for
eligible K-12 schools and libraries in the United States to obtain
cutting-edge telecommunication and Internet services.

About Windstream

Windstream Corp. (Nasdaq:WIN) is a leading provider of advanced network
communications, including cloud computing and managed services, to
businesses nationwide. The company also offers broadband, phone and
digital TV services to consumers primarily in rural areas. Windstream
has more than $6 billion in annual revenues and is listed on the S&P
500 index. For more information, visit www.windstream.com.

The Windstream Corporation logo is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7044


CONTACT: Media Contacts:
         
         Windstream:
         Alice Hartnett
         704-845-7381
         alice.hartnett@windstream.com
         
         Richmond Public Schools:
         Felicia Cosby
         804-780-7100
         fcosby@richmond.k12.va.us