Qwest Offers Standalone Broadband

Qwest Communications International Inc. today said it would begin offering broadband access to customers even if they don’t subscribe to Qwest phone service.

Denver-based Qwest says the standalone DSL service complements its plan to offer Internet-based phone service in 14 states by the end of the year. Internet phone, or VoIP, customers won’t need a local phone line, only a broadband connection.

“Qwest is the first of the major local phone companies to offer DSL even if the customer doesn’t have other phone services,” says independent analyst Jeff Kagan. “This is also a complete departure from the current competitive strategy of the other Baby Bells but it makes a lot of sense and is a sign of things to come.”

Says Qwest Chairman and CEO Richard Notebaert: “Customers are telling us that they want greater flexibility when it comes to selecting communications services, which is why we decided to offer DSL with no phone service.”

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