DirecTV will tap network services from Qwest Communications as part of a plan to help the DBS provider deliver local HD television content.
The three-year deal leverages Qwest’s recent $107 million acquisition of OnFiber Communications, a company that operates an all-optical network that delivers Ethernet and Sonet transport services in 23 U.S. metros. The network provides speeds up to 10 Gbps. Qwest closed that deal in August.
“While we worked with OnFiber to deploy network services in Denver, Los Angeles and Washington state, Qwest is now providing a critical piece of that infrastructure in California,” said DirecTV VP and GM Don Jones.
Under the agreement, Qwest will provide DirecTV will access to the telco’s “QWave” optical wavelength services to transfer TV and movie content.
The newly-minted network deal also expands the business relationship between the two companies. Qwest already bundles DirecTV services with its voice, data and wireless offerings.
