- If AT&T (NYSE:T) is allowed to raise rates for last-mile services -- wholesale, special access rates -- then small and midsized business could be hurt, Windstream (NASDAQ:WIN) is telling the FCC.
- Windstream has built its own big fiber network, but is dependent on renting "last mile" copper services from carriers like AT&T in many cases.
- "Business consumers -- including the small- and medium-sized businesses that drive economic growth and job creation, state and local governments, schools and non-profit health care providers -- will be hurt significantly if the IP transition deprives them of their choice of integrated communications solutions because the large incumbent LECs can raise prices for critical last-mile transmission," Windstream said in its filing.
- Windstream's arguing for continued access to certain loops after an incumbent local exchange carrier makes such a transition.
- Windstream stock is up 3.3% today, rebounding from a 52-week low hit in the closing minutes yesterday.