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Qwest Gains Franchise in Salt Lake City

Qwest Communications International which has already been offering video service in three markets, was granted a franchise to deliver video service in one of its largest markets to date; Salt Lake City.

Local cable provider Comcast Corporation took exception to a provision that doesn�t require Qwest to build out service citywide unless it reaches 51 percent penetration.

The 15-year franchise was approved by a City Council vote of 6-1 November 17.

Qwest currently offers video service in the Denver suburb of Highlands Ranch, CO, and parts of Phoenix, AZ and Omaha, NE, using very high-speed digital-subscriber-line technology (VDSL). It also uses fiber-to-the-home architecture in Lone Tree, CO, and South Jordan, UT.

And the telco is also in negotiations with the Greater Metro Telecommunications Consortium -- which represents 30 communities, including Denver -- for a cable franchise.

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