EchoStar Communications (DISH) announced that it has elected not to pursue expansion of its marketing relationship with Qwest. Instead, EchoStar will seek to expand relationships with current and future telecommunication partners that focus on meeting customer demand for single-bill, bundled services. The company said that it would continue to honor its current, year-old relationship with Qwest, in which Qwest has agreed to sell DISH Network satellite TV service to Qwest's customers through the end of the multi-year contract.
"We have recently formed several other partnerships with telecommunication companies that have demonstrated significant financial commitment and a desire for long-term partnership that provides beneficial bundled service for our joint customers," said Nolan Daines, senior vice president, Alliance Management Group, the broadband division of EchoStar. http://www.dishnetwork.com
- In July 2003, Qwest Communications announced strategic marketing agreements with Echostar and DIRECTV.
- EchoStar's announced telco partners include SBC Communications, CenturyTel, and Sprint's Local Telephone Division.
- EchoStar's DISH satellite service serves more than 10.1 million satellite TV customers across the U.S.
