Qwest to Offer Windows Live Services

Qwest said Tuesday that it had signed a new contract with Microsoft that would make it the first company to offer co-branded Windows Live services to its customers.

Several Windows Live services would be made available, including Windows Live OneCare, and a co-branded Windows Live home page, Windows Live Mail and Windows Live Messenger. Qwest had previously offered a branded version of MSN Premium to its customers.

High-speed DSL service from Qwest starts at $26.99 USD per month, and is available in speeds of up to 5 Mbps. Qwest says that customers will be given a choice of staying with MSN Premium, which includes McAfee antivirus, or migrating to Windows Live.

"Qwest will offer its customers improved, more personalized Internet experiences through Windows Live services," said Dan Yost, executive vice president, product and marketing for Qwest. "By working with Microsoft, an established and pre-eminent leader in Internet solutions, Qwest has further solidified that commitment."

Representatives for Qwest said that it had considered other platforms before settling on Windows Live. The fourth biggest telecommunications company, Qwest serves approximately 1.7 million high-speed customers.