Qwest strikes service deals
Two companies commit to using Qwest's fiber-optic network to provide new, Internet-related telephone services.
Under the terms of the first deal, Internet service provider CAIS Internet has signed a ten-year contract in which Qwest will carry traffic for CAIS, as it expands its so-called OverVoice service, which currently is offered in only five cities, to some 130, the companies said.
A second deal calls for General Magic to use Qwest's network to roll out a forthcoming service known as Portico. The service will combine Net and traditional phone services, for example, by allowing users to access phone mail, email, computer files, and Net content via either a telephone or Web browser. Sunnyvale, California-based General Magic said Portico will be commercially available on July 30.