Some services, like wireless, are still available for other potential providers.Qwest’s commitment to make a $6 million donation of cash and services seems to have resulted in the Democratic National Convention Committee naming the company as the official – but not necessarily “exclusive” — telecommunications provider for the Democratic convention here in August.
A DNCC spokesperson announcing that Qwest was named the “official telecommunications provider for the 2008 Democratic National Convention” did not mention the contribution.
DNCC spokeswoman Natalie Wyeth said it is committee policy not to discuss specific financial deals with suppliers.
But while Qwest is the official supplier, it apparently isn’t the “exclusive supplier.”
Wyeth said:
“We will be working with other companies in different capacities that are technically related.”
Asked if this meant there still might be a role for Level 3 and Comcast to provide some services, Wyeth said:
“We don’t comment on any specific companies. But wireless services, for instance, are something that will not be provided by Qwest. We’re in discussion with several companies.”
The DNCC release announcing Qwest’s victory didn’t mention the company’s financial pledge at all. It said,
“As the official telecommunications provider, Qwest will provide wireline voice and data services, including high-speed Internet, for the DNCC, delegates and more than 15,000 members of the media expected to visit Denver for the Convention. Qwest also will supply the cabling for voice and data services for the DNCC and media at the Pepsi Center, site of the 2008 Democratic National Convention.”
