Qwest launched a new campaign targeting its broadband customers with a suite of security and online backup services branded as Qwest @Ease. It’s a clever play on words considering the anxiety created by viruses, spam, scareware/malware, and hard drive crashes. “We’re not defining Qwest @Ease as a product or a service; instead, we’re defining it based on the experience it delivers. It’s a stress-reliever and a time-saver that is designed to enhance and protect the experience our customers have with their evolving home technology,” said Dan Yost, executive vice president of Qwest Mass Markets.
Qwest broadband customers get 2GB of automatic online backup service and anti-virus/anti-spyware service (powered by Norton) for free. They can upgrade their @Ease suite to include additional storage capacity, a home networking set-up/maintenance plan and an annual PC tune up. The upgrade for home networking and PC tune up is offered for $12.99/month ($9.99/month for PC Tune Up only). @Ease subscribers also get “personal tech team” 24/7 customer support as well.
These types of security suites are just about required these days for broadband carriers of all sizes. Qwest’s approach is a common one – offer a basic service for free, and then upsell more robust features.