Qwest Signs Five Year Reseller Agreement with Verizon Wireless (Updated)

Update: More specific information on the agreement has surfaced thanks to a transcript of the earnings call held this morning. As part of the agreement, Qwest will no longer use its brand to sell wireless service and will use Verizon Wireless branding throughout its retail footprint.  The service provider also expressed interest in implementing Verizon’s future LTE network once it becomes operational, furthering its intentions to merge its existing IP backbone network with Verizon’s network.

In a press release solicited today, regional landline, internet, and wireless communications provider Qwest has announced an agreement to offer Verizon Wireless products and services, as well as work with the provider on bidding for government and large-scale business contracts involving development of converged solutions such as a unified voicemail box and integration of Qwest’s IP infrastructure into Verizon’s wireless data network for business and government customers.

The current billing system used by Qwest will be replaced by Verizon’s platform and is expected to be integrated at an undisclosed timeframe, but once it is complete customers will be able to bundle Qwest and Verizon Wireless services on one invoice while customers will soon be able to purchase Verizon Wireless products of interest at Qwest retail stores and kiosks.

One thing that remains to be seen is whether Qwest will continue to use its current brand for wireless service or use the Verizon Wireless brand, as Qwest formerly resold Sprint service and products under its own brand.

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.