HIWIRED AND WINDSTREAM TEAM UP TO PROVIDE ONLINE COMPUTER TECH SUPPORT TO INTERNET CUSTOMERS
HiWired’s Innovative Tech Support Solutions for ISPs Enhances Customer Relationships and Drives New Revenue Streams
Needham, Mass., July 28, 2008 — HiWired, Inc.,
a leading provider of technology support solutions to Internet Service Providers (ISPs), retailers,
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and direct-to-consumers, today announced that it is teaming
with Windstream Communications (NYSE: WIN), a phone, high-speed Internet and digital TV provider,
to provide online tech support for Windstream’s Internet customers. Windstream TechHelp, powered
by HiWired, will offer an instant tech support help desk for consumers needing assistance with set-up,
repair or any question regarding PCs or other peripheral devices.
HiWired, which was awarded an Editor’s Choice rating for online tech support services by PC Magazine,
works with national and regional ISPs across the U.S. to drive new revenue streams, improve customer satisfaction
and loyalty, reduce call center costs, and differentiate brands through friendly, effective tech support offerings.
Windstream’s selection of HiWired to provide 24/7 online tech services to its customers is further
affirmation of HiWired’s leadership position as the premier technology support solutions provider for ISPs.
"Service providers like Windstream know that deep customer relationships are the key to growth and success,"
said Kurt Scherf, vice president and principal analyst at Parks Associates. "Solutions offered by companies
such as HiWired are important in not only helping to resolve customer support issues by providing premium levels
of service and personalized attention to their customers."
Headquartered in Little Rock, Ark., Windstream Communications offers phone, high-speed Internet and digital
TV services to residential and small business customers in rural and suburban markets in 16 states. Windstream
customers can reach HiWired’s certified technicians by calling 1-877-353-5678 or logging on to
www.windstreamtechhelp.com for a live chat session. Technology
experts can assist with PC and peripheral set-ups and repairs for a low monthly service fee or on a one-time basis.
"Windstream TechHelp offers customers instant help for computer-related issues, including diagnosing
and repairing slow performing computers, setting up a wireless network, installing new software or connecting
to an MP3 player," said Roger Woziwodzki, vice president of strategic business development for Windstream.
"With their extensive experience in the service provider space, HiWired was able to map out an effective
and flexible playbook to go to market quickly to meet our customers’ needs."
HiWired takes a consultative approach to working with its ISP customers, working to understand their business
and developing the right strategy, products and programs to meet their goals. Through their work with ISPs
across all regions of the country, HiWired has developed a flexible engagement model that delivers unique
programs to each of its service provider customers, helping them to enhance their brand and improve customer loyalty.
"Internet service providers need to offer more than a compelling price point to stay competitive,"
said Singu Srinivas, president of HiWired. "Companies like Windstream, with a focus on customer relationships,
are increasingly offering a portfolio of value added services for their subscribers and remote tech services are an
important part of their strategy. We’re very excited that our flexible engagement model, which has achieved
a 94 percent-plus satisfaction rating nationally, will help Windstream customers to get the most out of their
technology investments."
About Windstream
Windstream Corporation is an S&P 500 company that provides voice, broadband and entertainment services to
customers in 16 states. The company has approximately 3.2 million access lines and about $3.3 billion in annual
revenues. For more information, visit www.windstream.com.
About HiWired
Founded in 2004 by IBM services veterans Singu Srinivas and Michael Wexler, HiWired provides technology support
services to retail, ISP, and other partners across North America. The company also provides technology support
services directly to consumers and small businesses via www.HiWired.com.
HiWired’s service was awarded an Editor’s Choice rating by PC Magazine in a July 2008 review.
Through its remote technology management services, HiWired makes it simple for customers to utilize, enjoy and
integrate their technology. HiWired offers incident-based and ongoing remote technical support for customers
struggling with technology tasks ranging from setup of new computers and digital devices to problem-solving
with more complicated technology and networking configurations. For more information visit
www.HiWiredInc.com.
Media Contacts:
Cheryl Delgreco
Media Strategies
617.723.4004
cdelgreco@msipr.com
Liora Bram
Media Strategies
617.864.3931
lbram@msipr.com
David Avery
Windstream
501.748.5876
david.avery@windstream