Changes are always afoot in the telecommunications space, and service provider Qwest Communications
Along with hundreds of thousands of direct customers, Qwest may be the latest to give Sprint Nextel
Qwest knows what several "virtual operators" have learned over the past few years -- it's tough to make a buck when you wholesale in the super-competitive wireless market. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) like Disney Mobile (subsidiary of Walt Disney
Wireless subscribers are valuable assets to a company, and Qwest is no doubt angling for some sort of deal that would better realize this value to shareholders without having to put large sums into wholesale minutes. And while Qwest has remained tight-lipped about potential new partners, Verizon has announced that it is in talks with the company.
With the current deal expiring in early 2009, a partnership with another carrier would be yet another blow to Sprint Nextel, as it continues to hemorrhage subscribers of its own. But Sprint's desire to retain customers gives Qwest the advantage, so it's well-positioned to be looking at its options now.
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