Qwest offers CPE packages to wholesale customers

ORLANDO – Qwest Communications said this week at the Competitive Telecommunications Association conference here that it would offer customer premises equipment bundles to wholesale customers. Qwest will provision, install and maintain equipment ranging from routers to PBX systems through the program, which is targeted to small and medium-sized businesses.

"They get our purchasing power and our experts, and it’s much more convenient to deal with one service provider," said Qwest spokeswoman Claire Maledon.

The program is similar to a program the carrier has in place for retail customers, said Teresa Taylor, executive vice president for wholesale markets, who moved over from a similar position in the retail unit in April. "In the first couple of months in this job, I spent a lot of time in the field, and I kept hearing about the need for this. The light bulb went on."

Taylor said many businesses walk away from customer premises equipment because they find it overwhelming to deal with multiple providers. But she added that Qwest isn’t "looking to drop ship equipment." The key driver behind the program is the service element of the bundle.

"All of the money is in the maintenance," Taylor said.