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Qwest Invested $10 Million In ZillionTV
For right to exclusively offer service in their footprint...

Qwest has repeatedly stated that they won't be getting into the IPTV game, instead relying on "over the top" video solutions for subscribers. Of course part of the reason they haven't gotten into IPTV is because they can't afford it; unlike Verizon and AT&T, Qwest lacks the ability to cross-subsidize such a build out with wireless revenues. Another reason is they seem more interested in cleaning up company debt in preparation for a possible sale, than investing seriously in massive IPTV upgrades (or serious next-gen broadband deployment).

With Qwest's "over the top" video plans in mind, the company has decided to invest millions into set-top broadband video service ZillionTV, according to Todd Spangler over at Multichannel News. In exchange for their ten million dollar investment, Qwest will get the exclusive right to offer ZillionTV service (but only in Qwest's footprint):
quote:
ZillionTV is currently expecting to launch commercially in the second half of 2010 with Qwest and other telco partners -- who would deliver the content over DSL broadband connections -- while the startup also pursues a direct-to-consumer strategy to expand the reach of its advertising-supported service. . .Qwest's investment in ZillionTV was referenced in a lawsuit filed in January against the startup by Albert Sandoval, a contractor who alleges ZillionTV cut him off after he questioned the company's claims and forecasts in investor presentations.
That lawsuit (available here for those interested) brings up a good question: why invest in ZillionTV? While the technology was overly hyped by bloggers when first announced, it has since stumbled, changed business models several times, laid off a third of its employees, suffered from launch delays, and is now being sued for management missteps and promises they allegedly couldn't keep. Is that a sound investment for a telco that can't really afford to upgrade its broadband network? We'll see. ZillionTV's latest vague launch date is sometime later this year.
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dvd536
as Mr. Pink as they come
Premium Member
join:2001-04-27
Phoenix, AZ

1 recommendation

dvd536

Premium Member

YAY for qwest

imagine video at 1.5mbps[what most people only qualify for]
and if you have qwest DSL imagine your speeds if you're watching TV!
*shudders*

ArrayList
DevOps
Premium Member
join:2005-03-19
Mullica Hill, NJ

ArrayList

Premium Member

Re: YAY for qwest

I thought that 1.5mbps was only on a good day when the stars are aligned etc...

Bob222
@qwest.net

Bob222 to dvd536

Anon

to dvd536
Well, out here in Minnesota we get up to 20Mbps down on Qwest, and up to 100Mbps down on Comcast. [folds arms smugly across chest]


TuxRaiderPen
A Warm Embrace
join:2009-06-02
Outer Rim

TuxRaiderPen to dvd536

Member

to dvd536
Qwest is trying to touch it's elbows to it's ears...
questionable1
join:2005-10-18
Phoenix, AZ

questionable1

Member

IPTV how i miss you

I remember IPTV as I was a Choice TV customer... I miss that service.. If I could get it back i would in a heartbeat. Video was Flawless. It was cheap 39.99 for 200+ channels and Showtime and HBO was on it. Great music channels.

Man I miss those days. oh and my internet speeds were only 3 meg max at that time but it didn't matter it was cheap service.

HunterZ
join:2003-07-16
Kent, WA

HunterZ

Member

Die

That's right, Qwest, dig that hole deeper!
hottboiinnc4
ME
join:2003-10-15
Cleveland, OH

hottboiinnc4

Member

Re: Die

And who do you plan on getting for service? Frontier? Fairpoint? You won't ever see VZ or even at&t.