Qwest Introduces New Solution to Alleviate Wireless Network Congestion

Qwest Adaptive Broadband Increases Bandwidth Capacity at Reduced Costs

Oct 26, 2010

DENVER – Oct. 26, 2010 – Qwest Communications (NYSE: Q) today unveiled an innovative approach for wireless service providers (WSPs) to adapt to the increasing demand for cell tower bandwidth while simultaneously decreasing their connectivity cost per megabyte. With the introduction of Qwest® Adaptive Broadband™, Qwest Wholesale customers now have a “bridge” from their legacy infrastructures, with their limited bandwidth and high unit costs, to emerging technologies, which offer more bandwidth and lower unit costs. Qwest® Adaptive Broadband™ provides a flexible and seamless migration path that lets WSPs upgrade at their own pace and as capacity needs require.    

KEY FACTS

• Wireless data traffic is expected to double every year through 2014 driven by the proliferation of smart phone devices and associated mobile applications.
• In order to avoid network congestion, WSPs are significantly augmenting the bandwidth that connects their cell sites to the switching network by upgrading their existing connections to fiber-based Ethernet technology.
• The solution provides WSPs improved pricing on high-bandwidth and cost-efficient Ethernet connections with total-spend discounts.
• Qwest® Adaptive Broadband™ also speeds the delivery of these Ethernet connections to cell sites via simplified contracting, ordering and construction prioritization.
• Under Qwest's Fiber to the Cell (FTTC) initiative, the company is building out fiber to customer cell sites and expects to serve approximately 2,000 sites by the end of the year.  

SUPPORTING QUOTES

Roland Thornton, executive vice president, Qwest Wholesale
“The explosion of smart phones, mobile devices, netbooks and other applications requires backhaul providers like Qwest to keep pace with consumer demand for next-generation services. As a wholesale network provider to many wireless companies, Qwest is ensuring there is ample bandwidth to support today’s network demands while anticipating the speed and capacity needs of tomorrow.” 

Dr. Judy Reed Smith, chief executive officer and founder, ATLANTIC-ACM
“According to our new Metro Carrier Report Card, wireless carriers have significant need to increase their bandwidth capacity. Qwest has responded to this need by partnering to minimize the economic impact of conversion from copper to fiber. Qwest is well positioned to deliver its fine-tuned products with its award-winning provisioning, network performance and customer service.”

SUPPORTING RESOURCES

• Press Release: Qwest Wholesale Takes Carrier Excellence Awards from ATLANTIC-ACM
• Press Release: Qwest Helps Verizon Wireless Build the First LTE Network in the Western United States by Delivering Fiber to the Cell Site

About Qwest Wholesale
Qwest Wholesale delivers a robust suite of data/IP and voice solutions to a wide range of customers, including national and international carriers, Internet service providers, resellers, cable, wireless and content service providers, enhanced service providers, incumbent local exchange carriers and competitive local exchange carriers. Wholesale customers around the world rely on Qwest's state-of-the-art national fiber-optic network to meet their growing communications needs. For more information about Qwest Wholesale services, and to learn more about Qwest Wholesale’s commitment to perfecting the customer experience, please visit Qwest.com/wholesale.



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