Qwest Communications (NYSE:Q) said on Tuesday that it will no longer provide wireless service as of Oct. 31, as the company looks to shut down that part of its business and push the remaining subscribers to its partner, Verizon Wireless.
The Denver telecommunications company, one of three remaining Baby Bells, announced plans to ditch its wireless unit last year as it began a transition of its wireless customer base to Verizon Wireless, a joint venture between Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone Group PLC.
Qwest wireless, which is giving its customers 60-day notice of the service shut-off, said there is no termination fee for ending its wireless service and any phone number can be carried over to a new provider, such as Verizon Wireless, before the Oct. 31 cut-off date. The company said that in September and October Qwest customers who have not changed wireless service providers will be routed to Qwest customer service representatives to be reminded of the shut-down.
The Denver-based Qwest, who earlier this year explored a sale of its long-distance network but canceled the idea after failing to get what it called a fair offer, has been suffering from the recession and fierce competition from cable and wireless alternatives.
Qwest shares are currently trading down $0.03 at $3.82 in NYSE.
Leave a Reply