Neb. PSC Clears Settlement Ending Windstream 911 Outage Probe

Windstream promised it would spend $1 million on network reliability and diversity to resolve a Nebraska Public Service Commission investigation into three recent 911 outages that occurred during a five-month period (see 2401230048). Nebraska commissioners voted 5-0 at their Wednesday meeting for an order approving a stipulated agreement between the PSC and Windstream dismissing the matter (docket 911-078). Under a 911 remediation plan, Windstream would upgrade backup power and increase redundancy with an additional third network path for traffic into and out of Nebraska. Moreover, the carrier agreed that a third party should audit and assess network reliability and engineering. The agreement “provides for civil penalties if Windstream does not complete the agreed upon enhancements and improvements by the end of 2025,” Nebraska PSC Chair Dan Watermeier noted. “While we appreciate Windstream’s willingness to work with us, we will continue to monitor the company’s progress to confirm that it is complying with the agreement.” Windstream is “pleased that we were able to amicably resolve this matter,” said Trent Fellers, Windstream vice president-state government affairs for Nebraska. “While we have already taken significant steps to improve our network, Windstream believes the measures outlined in the remediation plan are prudent and will further strengthen our network in the state.” Last week, the Nebraska PSC tentatively scheduled Nov. 4-5 hearings in a separate investigation into a widespread Lumen 911 outage from 2023.