MVNO Qwest looks to change carrier agreement

“We need a wireless partnership that is different than the one we have today,” [Chief Executive Ed] Mueller said. “We have a hole in wireless.”

Qwest provides multiple communications services, including landlines, cable TV, and broadband Internet. But because of the fall-off in landlines and the increased speed of broadband, many of their services have been slumping. They’re looking to wireless to fill that void. Analysts aren’t sure whether Qwest will seek a better deal with Sprint, or will look elsewhere for wireless reselling. Given Sprint’s current problems, giving a better deal to Qwest might not be atop the priority list. At the end of 2006, Qwest’s wireless service had 2.1 million subscribers. This gives them a sizable chunk of Sprint’s 7.7 million MVNO customers, so maybe Sprint does have some incentive to help them out here. [Reuters]]]>