Qwest Forges Agreement With Satellite TV Providers for Bundled Services

Denver-based Qwest Communications International [NYSE: Q] has signed strategic marketing agreements with Hughes Electronics’ [NYSE: GMH] DirecTV and EchoStar Communications [Nasdaq: DISH] to make satellite TV services available to its customers in single family homes in a number of Western states served by Qwest’s residential phone network. Qwest expects to rollout these services to more markets throughout the remainder of 2003 and into 2004.

This joint marketing thrust represents the first step in the process to bundle video with Qwest’s high-speed Internet access and other communications services. Additionally, the partners are exploring ways to further enhance this relationship with next-generation services, as well as migrating to a more integrated model in the first half of 2004 where Qwest will be the primary interface for various customer interactions including service and billing.