Windstream S-8 POS Registration of securities for employees (post-effective amendment)

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 of our reports dated February 19, 2013, relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appear in Windstream Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Little Rock, Arkansas

September 4, 2013