Windstream 2014 Annual Report Download - page 82

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 2QOLQHEDFNXSservices: Our online backup service allows consumers to back up and restore important files through the
Internet. Additionally, our backup services provide consumers with the ability to store and share files on network-based
storage devices. Files can be accessed from any computer with an Internet connection.
Consumer voice services include basic local telephone services, features and long-distance services. Features include call waiting,
caller identification, call forwarding, as well as various other offerings. We also offer a variety of long distance plans, including
rate plans based on minutes of use, flexible or unlimited long distance calling services.
We offer consumer video services primarily through a relationship with Dish Network LLC (“Dish Network”). We also own and
operate cable television franchises in some of our service areas. Our video offerings allow us to provide comprehensive bundled
services to our consumer base, helping insulate our customers from competitors.
We sell and lease certain equipment to support our consumer high-speed Internet and voice offerings, including broadband modems,
home networking gateways and personal computers. We also sell home phones to support voice services.
Carrier
Carrier services provide network bandwidth to other telecommunications carriers. These include special access services, which
provide access and network transport services to end users, and Ethernet transport up to 100 Gbps. Carrier services also include
fiber-to-the-tower connections to support the growing wireless backhaul market. In addition, we supplement our business services
with wholesale offerings of voice and data carrier services to other communications providers and to larger-scale purchasers of
network capacity.
Wholesale
We provide switched access services to long-distance companies and other local exchange carriers for access to our network in
connection with the completion of long-distance calls. We also receive compensation from wireless and other local exchange
carriers for the use of our facilities. Certain Universal Service Fund (“USF”) revenues are also included in our wholesale revenues.
Other
Other revenues include USF surcharges and other costs passed through to our customers, certain consumer revenues in areas where
we no longer offer new service, and other miscellaneous revenue streams.
SALES AND MARKETING
In order to best serve our customers, we have separate, dedicated business and consumer sales and marketing organizations.
%XVLQHVV6DOHVDQGMarketing
Our business sales and marketing team lead the development and implementation of smart solutions and personalized service to
our enterprise and small business customers. Our business sales organization is extensive, including over 188 business sales offices
throughout the United States and 2,311 sales employees focused on meeting the needs of our business customers. Our sales and
marketing approach is supported by our wide array of products and services delivered over our extensive fiber transport network,
leveraging other providers where necessary.
Business sales and marketing are conducted through:
 the direct sales force, which accounts for the majority of our new sales;
 our account management team, who also supports existing customers by advising and assisting them with their
communications needs;
 our business call centers, which provide customer service and also generate new sales and upgrades;
 our indirect sales channel, which partners with third-party dealers who sell directly to customers; and