MATTHEWS, N.C., Sept. 29, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Windstream
(Nasdaq:WIN) local telephone customers in the 919 area code should
begin using the area code in addition to the 7-digit telephone number
when placing local calls beginning Oct. 1. The move to 10-digit dialing
is due to the recently approved 984 area code that will cover the same
geographic area as the 919 area code.

"Windstream encourages customers to start using the area code for local
calls starting Oct. 1 to get familiar with the concept of 10-digit
dialing before the dialing procedure becomes mandatory next spring,"
said Stacy Hale, vice president in charge of Windstream operations in
North Carolina.

Customers will be required to use the new dialing procedure for all
local calls starting March 31, 2012. Windstream can assign numbers with
the 984 area code for new telephone lines or services beginning April
30, 2012.

Some automatically dialed calls, such as life-safety systems, alarm and
security systems and call forwarding settings, may require
reprogramming to include the new dialing procedure.

The switch to 10-digit dialing will not affect the cost of local phone
calls.

Long-distance calls are unaffected by the new area code. Callers need
to dial 1 plus the area code and 7-digit telephone number whenever
placing long-distance calls from the 919 or 984 area code. Emergency
calls to 911 also remain the same and do not require the area code.

For more information about the dialing changes, go to
http://news.windstream.com or visit the North Carolina Public Utilities
Commission website at www.ncuc.net.

About Windstream

Windstream Corp. (Nasdaq:WIN), headquartered in Little Rock, Ark., is
an S&P 500 communications and technology solutions provider with
operations in 29 states and the District of Columbia and about $4
billion in annual revenues. Windstream provides IP-based voice and data
services, MPLS networking, data center and managed hosting services and
communication systems to businesses and government agencies. The
company also delivers broadband, digital phone and high-definition TV
services to residential customers primarily located in rural areas and
operates a local and long-haul fiber network spanning approximately
60,000 route miles. For more information about Windstream, visit
www.windstream.com.

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


CONTACT: Media contact:
         Scott Morris, 501-748-5342
         scott.l.morris@windstream.com