Qwest launched qHome, their unified communications (UC) platform, in their Colorado markets. The UC platform was developed in conjunction with Microsoft and offered free to customers who subscribe to both Qwest home phone and DSL services. “qHome brings Qwest home phone and Qwest High-Speed Internet services together in ways that allow people to simplify their lives,” said Qwest product director Ken Rambo in a company statement. Features include:
- qMessaging – See who is calling the Qwest home phone line and listen to voicemails through Windows Live, and see the ten most recent voicemails and calls logged.
- Preferences – Manage certain call detail preferences, voicemail features and Qwest Choice Home phone features online.
- Quickcall – Manage contacts in one place through Windows Live. Use a personal computer to initiate a call on the Qwest Choice Home phone line.
- Announcement – Updates about qHome and Windows Live.
- My account – View Qwest account status and links to contact Qwest customer service, schedule repairs and more.
The move follows similar landline enhancement strategies from AT&T and Embarq. It also highlights the attempted migration of unified communications from an enterprise application to a consumer one. The jury is still out on whether consumers find true value in these services. Will they help ILECs slow landline losses?
