EchoStar, Qwest to end DBS marketing pact

A subsidiary of EchoStar Communications has decided to let a DBS marketing deal with Qwest Communications die on the vine.

Qwest, in a deal with EchoStar Satellite LLC announced last July, agreed to bundle in EchoStar's digital television service in Colorado and Nebraska. The telco signed a separate deal to market DirecTV services in Phoenix, Tucson and Seattle.

"We have recently formed several other partnerships with telecommunication companies that have demonstrated significant financial commitment and a desire for long-term partnership that provides beneficial bundled service for our joint customers," said Nolan Daines, senior vice president, Alliance Management Group, the broadband division of EchoStar.

EchoStar, which will honor its current deal with Qwest, said it plans to seek and expand relationships with other telcos. The DBS provider also has co-marketing deals in place with CenturyTel and SBC Communications.