JQH broadens Internet contract with Windstream

Springfield-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts has chosen Little Rock, Ark.-based Windstream Corp. to provide high-speed Internet support services to 44 additional hotels. Currently, Windstream serves 29 JQH Hotels properties.

In the deal, Windstream will outfit hotels with wireless access points, switches and other networking equipment, remote-access monitors, and take Web help calls from hotel guests and troubleshoot network issues. Windstream also will provide high-speed Internet services for conference and trade centers at several Embassy Suites hotels, according to a news release.

The terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"Windstream has proven to be a valued partner to our organization, by providing network monitoring services, upgrading outdated networks and effective program management," said Mike Morgan, JQH Hotels vice president of information technology, in the release. "Because of their responsiveness and innovative solutions, we are confident they can service the needs of our company now and into the future."

Publicly traded Windstream Corp. (Nasdaq: WIN) provides network communications, broadband, phone and digital TV services. The company posted 2011 earnings of $172.3 million, compared to $312.7 million in 2010.

As of 10:28 a.m., the company's shares were trading at $9.59, compared to a 52-week range of $9 to $13.25.