Regional telephone operator US WEST plans to invest more than $3 billion
in capital improvements to make high-speed wireless Internet service a
reality for both business and residential customers in 1999.
As part of a broad plan to accelerate the rollout of its wireless service,
US WEST plans to speed deployment of fiber and other upgrades across its
14-state region, to expand its ADSL offerings and integrate Internet
services into its Personal Communications Services wireless offering.
“For US West, 1999 promises to be a breakthrough year–one that brings
together the freedom of wireless and the power of the Internet for
customers at home or at work,” said Solomon Trujillo, US WEST chief
executive officer and president.
“A year from now, customers will look back in disbelief at how fast things
have developed. Customers will see the convenience of regular phone
service, the power of the Internet and the freedom of wireless integrated
as never before.”
In 1999, the company plans expand its ADSL service available in the 40
cities now served. US WEST hopes to make the offering available to 50
percent of its customers in those cities, up from the current 30 percent
reach. By year’s end, officials hope to have more than 20,000 high-speed
Internet users.
The company will also be deploying a combination high-speed Internet, phone
and television offering in Phoenix in 1999.
