Qwest Communications International Inc. and DIRECTV Inc. on Thursday announced a strategic marketing alliance that will allow Qwest to offer digital satellite TV services to residential customers across the West.
Beginning in the first quarter of 2005, Qwest will market and provide front-line customer support for DIRECTV and incorporate the co-branded digital TV service as part of its suite of bundled communications services, the Denver-based phone company announced. Qwest said it will offer bundled discounts on certain combinations of DSL and DIRECTV services.
As part of the pact, DIRECTV and Qwest plan to market Qwest’s DSL services to DIRECTV customers. Qwest and DIRECTV also have a separate agreement by which Qwest provides DIRECTV service to apartments and other multi-dwelling units.
Last month, EchoStar Communications Corp. said it decided not to pursue expanding a marketing agreement with Qwest. Qwest has been selling DISH Network satellite TV service under a multi-year contract.
Qwest has not released the number of customers who have subscribed to DISH Network or DIRECTV services.
