By Josh Long

Windstream Corp. recently raised rates for some residential phone and broadband Internet packages.

A spokesman for the company, Scott Morris, emphasized that the rate increases would not impact current customers unless they asked for a change to their service.

The new prices affect customers who subscribe to broadband and unlimited phone bundles as well as high-speed Internet and so-called Local Measured Service packages. Local Measured Service is an offering for individuals who want Internet service but make relatively few calls and includes unlimited inbound calls and local outbound calls at 10 cents per minute.

For unlimited voice and 3 megabytes per second (Mbps) broadband bundles, prices have climbed from $49.99 to $52.99 per month. The unlimited voice and 6 Mbps package remains the same at $54.99.

There is good news for customers who want the highest tier package: The unlimited voice and 12 Mbps bundle is now $2 cheaper at $57.99 per month.

All the rates for the residential high-speed Internet and Local Measured Service bundles have increased. The 3Mbps package has climbed $8.00 from $39.99 to $47.99 while the 6 Mbps bundle has risen $5.00 from $44.99 to $49.99. The 12 Mbps package has only increased $3.00 from $49.99 to $52.99.

As reflected in a DSLReports.com forum, some people werent thrilled about the price increases.

47.99 for 3 MBPS,” wrote one person from Garrettsville, Ohio. How can this be justified? My buddy a town over gets 2.0 mbps through att for $21.99 a month.”

Morris of Windstream said, “This is an extremely competitive business and we always strive to provide competitive rates.”