Qwest snuggles up to DirecTV

Qwest Communications today said it will roll out an integrated DirecTV package in early 2005 that represents the telcos closes relationship yet with a direct broadcast satellite provider.

Under terms of the strategic marketing alliance, Qwest will act as the single point of contact for sales, installation, billing and service for DirecTV in the carrier’s 14-state local serving region. Previously, Qwest sold both DirecTV and DISH Network services, though it hasn’t provide a single bill nor acted as a first-level contact for service questions. Both DBS providers also handled all installations.

“[Under the new deal], we’ll be able to provide more of a one-stop shopping experience,” a Qwest spokeswoman said.

The company will continue selling DISH service to customers that request it but will likely discontinue that relationship when its contract runs out next year.

Qwest’s plans put it in line with SBC, which is launched an integrated package with DISH Network earlier this year. The carrier reported in its second quarter earnings that it had sold more than 100,000 packages in a three-month period with little marketing. Both Verizon and BellSouth are selling DBS service, though neither has integrated their back end systems to the extent of Qwest and SBC.