Qwest (News - Alert) Communications is upgrading its high-speed Internet services to 40 Mbps downstream and upstream speeds of 20 Mbps in a number of its key metro markets.

 

Qwest has started to roll out these services on a limited basis in certain locations within its fiber optic access footprint, including Denver, Tucson, Salt Lake City, and Minneapolis/St. Paul. In the coming months, Qwest plans to introduce these services to select areas within 23 markets, including markets in New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

 

This new product is offered to "qualifying customers" (those served by upgraded optical access networks and living close enough to a central office or remote terminal, as well as subscribing to Qwest voice service).

 

Connection speeds of 40 Mbps downstream with 5 Mbps upstream start at $99.99 a month for the first 12 months when combined with a qualifying home phone package.

 

Connection speeds of 40 Mbps downstream with 20 Mbps upstream, starting at $109.99 a month for the first 12 months when combined with a qualifying home phone package.

 

An introductory rate of $5 more a month is available for qualified customers with 7 Mbps, 12 Mbps or 20 Mbps speed tiers who upgrade to 5 Mbps upstream speeds.