Qwest new high-speed Internet now available

Qwest Communications’ new 40 Mbps high-speed Internet service is now available in Maricopa.

The new fiber-optic network doubles the company’s current fastest connection, delivering download speeds of 40 megabits and upload speeds of 20 megabits.

“These are among the fastest upload speeds available in the nation,” said Qwest Communications’ spokesman Mark Molzen. “We’ve been listening to what residents in Maricopa want and we’re responding to this demand.”

Qwest Communications has been building the infrastructure for the past three to six months, Molzen said.

Qwest’s new network also gives high-speed Internet customers access to more than 18,000 wireless Internet locations, which can be found in restaurants, coffee shops and bookstores across the country. “We understand people want Internet anywhere they are,” Molzen said.

“Broadband providers have primarily focused on download speeds because, until recently, the Internet has been mostly a source for content, especially online video. Now, as more people create and share their own content, upload speeds have become increasingly important,” said Amy Lind, IDC Research Manager, Consumer Broadband and Mobile Services.

With the higher speeds will come new pricing packages. The entry-level package will allow existing Qwest customers with either 7 megabit download service to upgrade their upload speed to five megabit for an additional $5 a month.

A new standalone 40-down and five-up service will cost $99.99 a month and the 40-down 20-up service will cost $109.99 per month. Both pricing rates are for 12-month introductory service dependent upon being tiered with a home-phone package.

“This is all about perfecting the customer experience by anticipating their needs and delivering products and services that often exceed expectations. By delivering the speeds customers want, we are able to complement their lifestyles with new capabilities that will enhance their broadband experience,” said Neil Cox, executive vice president of Qwest Communications Product and IT.

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