Regional telecommunications provider Qwest Communications International Inc. expanded its nationwide wireless voice service to residential and small business customers in Las Cruces, Alamogordo and Clovis, N.M. Qwest said customers who select the new plans as part of their bundled telecom offerings would see additional savings, as well as have access to one-number service and the company’s Voice Mail Link integrated voice mail service. Qwest’s nationwide wireless offering is part of the company’s mobile virtual network operator agreement with Sprint PCS, which allows Qwest to offer nationwide calling plans as part of its bundled services. Qwest previously offered regional wireless plans using its own network, which was recently sold to Verizon Wireless for more than $400 million.
Nortel Networks Ltd. said it has signed a two-year extension agreement with Dobson Communications to deploy GSM, GPRS and EDGE equipment. This follows Nortel’s completion of Dobson’s EDGE deployments in 16 states across the nation. Both companies also agreed to conduct field testing of UMTS equipment in early 2005. Dobson said it plans to upgrade its network quality and coverage in a number of markets, including in Northern Michigan and other specific markets in response to predicted increased wireless traffic over the next two years.
SBC Communications Inc. said it will begin providing access to its FreedomLink Wi-Fi service at 10 state parks in Michigan as part of the state’s MiWiFi project designed to provide wireless Internet access for Michigan residents and travelers at docks, rest areas and welcome centers around the state. The initial launch will include coverage at Ludington State Park, Mackinac Island State Dock, New Buffalo Welcome Center, Coldwater Welcome Center and Clarkston Rest Area by October, with the service expanding to Charles Mears State Park, Sterling State Park and East Tawas State Dock when those locations re-open in April. SBC noted the service would be available for $8 per a 24-hour session or for $20 per month for access to its more than 2,300 Wi-Fi locations nationwide with a one-year term commitment.
