Qwest and Microsoft Expand Strategic Relationship for Dial-Up and High-Speed Internet Services

Strategic Insights -

Qwest Communications International Inc. announced a multi-year, multimillion dollar agreement with Microsoft Corp. to provide local dial-up Internet access to MSN subscribers via Qwest's nationwide Internet Protocol-based network. This expands MSN's capacity and enables even more consumers to access MSN's Everyday Web. Qwest will also supply high-speed dedicated Internet access links to Microsoft Internet data centers in the U.S. and Europe, as well as to London through KPNQwest, Qwest's European joint venture with Dutch telecommunications company KPN.

Key Takeaways:

  • Qwest will provide local dial-up Internet access to MSN subscribers via its nationwide IP network, with more than 1 million dial ports by the end of this year.
  • Qwest will supply high-speed dedicated Internet access links to Microsoft Internet data centers in the U.S. and Europe, as well as to London through KPNQwest.
  • The agreements will increase the capacity of MSN Internet Access and expand MSN's ability to deliver its service to a rapidly growing user base.
  • Qwest will provide 24x7 operational management services for the network and its equipment, as well as customer service related to network operations.
  • Lewis O. Wilks, Qwest's president of Internet and multimedia markets, stated that this agreement marks another major step in Qwest's strategic relationship with Microsoft.
  • Ted Kummert, vice president for MSN Internet Access in the Consumer Group at Microsoft, stated that the relationship with Qwest enables even more consumers to access MSN's Everyday Web.

Statistics:

  • Qwest will have more than 1 million dial ports by the end of this year.
  • Qwest's nationwide IP network spans over 25,500 miles in North America.
  • KPNQwest, Qwest's European joint venture with KPN, will operate an 11,800-mile high-capacity European fiber optic, Internet-based network when completed in 2001.
  • KPNQwest has a 19,000 km fiber-optic network connecting 46 cities throughout Europe.

Sources:

  • "Qwest Announces Agreement to Provide Dial-Up Services for MSN and High-Speed Links to Microsoft Data Centers in U.S. and Europe," Qwest Communications International Inc., May 17, 2000.
  • "About Qwest," Qwest Communications International Inc., 2000.
  • "About KPNQwest," KPNQwest, 2000.