The Inside Track

Low Speed QMOE coming soon...

Dave Laskowski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:48:25 +0000

We have learned that on December 16th, Qwest plans to roll out a special low speed version of Qwest Metro Optical Ethernet (QMOE) which is designed to be a T1 replacement service. Pricing will not be made available until December but we anticipated price for 3Mbps/3Mbps to be less than $300 per month.

The initial rollout will be in the following areas:

Omaha, NE
Tucson, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Flagstaff, AZ
Yuma, AZ

* Additional rollouts coming in 2010

Service speeds will be 3Mbps, 5Mbps, and 7Mbps and will be symmetrical with equal upload/download speeds. This product has an (11) business day install interval and will not require engineering studies or funding requests. Qwest will provide a simple prequal tool that shows this product as available or not.

We have also learned that Qwest plans to introduce auto-acceptance for all 100 mbps QMOE circuits and below. Under auto-acceptance, billing will commence immediately where the port is available for service and the due date is reached. Auto-acceptance will be added in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming on an interstate and intrastate level.

Qwest is also expected to lower pricing for standard 5 and 10Mbps QMOE when low speed qmoe is released.

Here is an example of how one service provider plans on supporting this service:

Mammoth Networks has QMOE service provider ports on order in these areas which will support low speed QMOE ( in addition to standard QMOE ). Mammoth is unique due to their ability to bridge just about any type of network service on a layer-2 basis ( Qwest DSL, ATM, Frame, Private Line, and QMOE) into a single network!

TIP: If you are an Internet Service Provider located within the Qwest 14-state footprint, this could be a great product to target business customers with a replacement for T1 based Internet.

How to order QMOE:

CTG3, is a Master Agent for both Qwest and Mammoth Networks and provide streamlined ordering and fast provisioning on all new QMOE requests. To receive pricing simply send quote requests to quotes@ctg3.com or visit us on the web at www.ctg3.com.

Looks Like Money Can Grow on Trees!

Dave Laskowski — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:48:21 +0000

Sell a new Qwest IQ databundle or IQ data bundle pro (all port types) with a minimum of three locations and earn a $1200 minimum spiff.

Terms and Conditions
Submit eligible leads through the QRP Mid Markets Hotline – 866-417-5820 or by contacting your Mid Markets QRP Representative and be sure to provide them your CTG3 salesID.

Qualifying transactions must be closed between October 1 and December 31, 2009 to qualify for the Qwik Ca$h SPIF.

Must be Mid Markets customers with a total Telco spend greater than $1,500

Total SPIF payout per customer account is $4,000.

Orders must be placed into the QRP by December 31, 2009. Orders submitted to the QRP Mid Markets Referral Desk after December 31, 2009 do not qualify for SPIF payout. Transaction must result in closed purchase with valid order number(s) by January 15, 2010 to be eligible.

Qwest reserves the right to recover SPIF payments, including by way of offset against normal recurring commission payments, in the event the related customer billing does not meet all eligibility requirements.

New locations on existing iQ Networking accounts do not qualify.

Referrals must be non-channel integrated to be processed through QRP Mid Markets desk.

Multi location deals closed outside of the Mid Markets Referral Desk do not qualify for SPIF.

CCI issues SPIF disbursements as well as all 1099 Tax information.

Funds in program are limited. Payouts will be treated on a first come, first served basis.

Check Q.Partner regularly for information and updates.

QBPP reserves the right in its sole discretion to amend or change these rules and conditions at any time, as well as terminate any incentive program. Every effort will be made to notify participants of any changes in rules and conditions. QBPP may end this SPIF at any time; and is dependent upon funds availability. Exception claims made outside of program period will not be accepted after January 15, 2010 and will be considered only if funds are available.

Qwest Metro Optical Ethernet

Dave Laskowski — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:46:15 +0000

If you are looking to sell or purchase Metro Ethernet, then you will want to view our multi-media presentation. Click here to learn about this exciting new services from Qwest.

The Inside Track - May 27th, 2009 - Qwest promotion for PRI and DSS

Dave Laskowski — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:57:56 +0000

Qwest has announced a new promotion for Primary Rate ISDN and Digital Switched Service (DSS) which offers rates as low as $525 for PRI and $425 for DSS. This promotion runs from May 26th through August 21st 2009. In addition to the new promotion, Qwest has introduced new permanent rates for Primary Rate ISDN in selected rate centers in AZ,CO,IA,ID,MN,ND,NE,SD,UT. The rate is based on if you are in a eligible rate center and if you are in group 1 or 2. These rates can get as low as $500 per month. Just send your npa/nxx to quotes@ctg3.com and we will tell you which rate structure applies to your location.

We have added some new features to www.NPANXX.net which can come in handy. This site is unique since it allows you to lookup npanxx by address. Now you can also enter the npaxx or CLLI code and find out who the telephone company is and lots of other information. I recorded a quick demo of how to use the site which you can view by clicking on this link: http://screencast.com/t/WcjMEiVOP

Bandwidth Builders is rolling out a new commission plan next month which introduces some significant increases in commissions for business services. For example, if you sell (5) business lines with long distance and DSL it is possible to make $725.00 on a single deal paid within 30-60 days after the sale.

If you are an ISP in one of the 14 states that Qwest provides Internet services over DSL, private line, ATM, Frame relay, QMOE, etc., then make sure you review your Qwest bills for local sales taxes. As an ISP you are eligible for a special exemption under the Internet Tax Freedom Act . For more information about this, visit www.InternetTaxFreedom.com
NOTE: NM, ND, SD, and some locations in CO excluded from exemption

To signup for a no cost audit of your Qwest services, click on the following link: http://audit.ctg3.com. This site has a lot of useful information about how you can save money on your telecom services as well.

Mammoth Networks now provides IP bandwidth over QMOE in the Denver and Seattle markets. Mammoth is also getting ready to deploy QOS for VOIP services which ride over their QwestDSL network. If your company offers VOIP this is a great reason to use Mammoth for both DSL and upstream IP bandwidth. Stay tuned for more information about this.

TMC has lowered Qwest IP pricing for 200mps and above if ordered over QMOE to $22 per meg. Since the service comes directly from Qwest this is a Tier-1 service at a fantastic price. The minimum commit is 40mps which is available for $24 per meg. I am going to be attending the TMC advisory council meeting next week and will share what I learn after I get back.

That's about it for now!

Keep in mind that if you need pricing requests orQMOE engineering checks, just send request to quotes@ctg3.com.

Dave Laskowski
CTG3 - Managing Partner
425-458-4070 Voice
425-696-1337 Fax

Blog: http://ctg3.squarespace.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/davelaskowski
URL: http://www.ctg3.com

The Inside Track - May 8th, 2009 - Trim your telecom expenses

Dave Laskowski — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:59:16 +0000

With the economy in a slump I thought it might be a good time to remind our customers that we are available to perform inventory audits on your Qwest service accounts to make sure you are not spending more than you need to on the services your are being billed for. We recommend scheduling a periodic review of your accounts every 12 months if possible. If your company has not used CTG3 before, this is a great way to get started with us.

We have a designed an easy way to sign up for an account review at http://audit.ctg3.com. We have also published (10) tips for ways to save money on your current services as well so take time to read even if you do not signup. Keep in mind that our primary expertise is with Qwest but we can also take into account other carriers for dedicated Internet service since we have a lot of attractive cost saving options in this area. Read more about this at http://audit.ctg3.com.

We recently joined WISPA (Wireless Internet Service Provider Association) as a vendor partner. Even though we do not deal with wireless ourselves, I thought it might be good for us to offer our capabilities in the "wired" world to this group since they could have a demand for upstream dedicated internet and connections between POPs. Check out their website at www.wispa.org.

Now some good news for our Bandwidth Builder ISP partners, Qwest will now allow you to remain on the line with your residential customer orders (hooray!). For business orders you do not need customer on the phone assuming you have LOA on file with them. We have posted a quick reference guide on how to use the Bandwidth Builders / Qwest call center on our website at www.bandwidthbuilders.com in the support section or click here for the direct link.

We are getting nice traffic on our www.npanxx.net site. This site helps you find the valid "LEC" npa/nxx by entering physical address. If you have suggestions on new features that should be added to the site just email them to me and I will consider making the changes. We have added lots of other useful telco sites on our website at www.ctg3.com. Just click on "Telco Links".

There are still lots of questions about the recent deregulation of Qwest ATM, Frame, QMOE, and SST OCx services. Keep in mind that standard pricing remains the same and the only difference are the contracts that we use. I had a inquiry from one of our customers asking if FUSF charges would disappear like they did when DSL went un-regulated. Sorry to say the answer is no because unlike DSL which is considered an information service, ATM and QMOE are still considered telecom services.

We have heard Qwest is beta testing low speed QMOE in Denver. As reported earlier this year, speeds will be 3,5,7mbps. No information or pricing is available so this is just a heads up.

Qwest will be coming out with a new PRI promotion later this month so stay tuned. Also remember that we can now provide PRI service over the Qwest OneFlex product as well. Just remember that since this is a VOIP service, we do not recommend using it for modem related services.

More carrier choices for IP Bandwidth over QMOE - Mammoth Networks now provides IP bandwidth over QMOE in the Denver and Seattle markets. Internap has Denver QMOE market and will be soon adding capability in the Seattle market. TMC has lowered Qwest IP pricing for 200mps and above if ordered over QMOE to $22 per meg. Since the service comes directly from Qwest this is a Tier-1 service at a fantastic price.

That's about it for now!

Keep in mind that if you need pricing requests orQMOE engineering checks, just send request to quotes@ctg3.com.

Dave Laskowski
CTG3 - Managing Partner
425-458-4070 Voice
425-696-1337 Fax

Blog: http://ctg3.squarespace.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/davelaskowski
URL: http://www.ctg3.com

Qwest de-regulating ATM, Frame relay, QMOE, SST‏

Dave Laskowski — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:43:08 +0000

Qwest is in the process of mailing letters to customers who own ATM, Frame Relay, QMOE, and SST OCx private line regarding the FCC decision in Jul 2008 which eliminates dominant-carrier regulation of certain interstate services. Since most of our customers are ISPs / Service Providers who have one or more of these services, I thought I would give you a heads up about this before you get the letter.

First of all, let me say that we do not expect any negative impacts to our customers, in fact it will likely result in some positive benefits over the coming year. The biggest impact will be that we will be using different contracts for the services which are being affected. Since Qwest is removing the "legal" info from the tariff website, they will need to replace it with a master service agreement which is called IPLANS (Interstate Private Line and Advanced Network Services) agreement. Qwest is also sending customers a copy of the month-month IPLANS agreement in case their service is not on a term plan. Assuming Qwest gets approval (which we expect), the effective date for this change will be April 15th, 2009.

We do not expect standard pricing to change for these services but this could lead to better pricing for large deals over $5k MRC in value which we run through offer management.

Here is a complete list of the Qwest products being de-tariffed:

· Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
· Frame Relay ( 256k and higher )
· Local Area Network Switching Service (LSS) (grandfathered)
· Synchronous Service Transport (SST) -including EoS
· Self-Healing Network Service (SHNS) -including EoS
· GeoMax
· Qwest Metro Optical Ethernet (QMOE)
· HDTV-Net

Regarding how we will be dealing with contracts:

Customers will need to sign new contracts -the Agreement and product-specific Service Exhibits and Pricing Attachments before you can make changes to existing M2M or term contracts, install new QC data products ordered prior to de-tariffing, place new orders for any of QC data products listed above.

You will need to sign a contract amendment to add a new Pricing Attachment for each subsequent service ordered under an existing product-specific Service Exhibit. And will need to sign a contract amendment to add a new product-specific Service Exhibit (and Pricing Attachment) to order a different QC data product.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact your CTG3 account manager and we will be happy to share any information we have about this with you.

Dave

Dave Laskowski
Senior Partner - CTG3
(425) 458-4070
dave@ctg3.com
www.ctg3.com

Updated Bandwidth Builders presentation

Dave Laskowski — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:24:28 +0000

I created an updated presentation on Bandwidth Builders.

http://www.bandwidthbuilders.com/FileLibrary/presentations/bbPresentation/bbpresentation.html

..enjoy!

TMC invites CTG3 to be member to 2009 advisory council

Dave Laskowski — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 04:22:27 +0000

Well, we must be doing something right. TMC has also asked us to be a member of the 2009 Agent Advisory Council. Our first meeting will be during the 2009 Channel Partner Conference in Las Vegas.

PS: Let me know if you plan on attending this show and if you would like to get together.

dave

Qwest invites CTG3 to be member to 2009 advisory council

Dave Laskowski — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 05:30:00 +0000

Qwest has asked us to serve again on the 2009 Advisory Council. I will try to keep my blog updated after each of our meetings this year.

dave

****

The Qwest Business Partner Program Advisory Council is a group of Business Partners that represent a diverse set of business models, regions, and sales expertise. The role of the council is to advise, recommend, and inform QBPP sales leadership on issues facing our Partners and to help create solutions that benefit the program and its member Business Partners. Updates on the Advisory Council's topics and progress will be published on Q.Partner for your reference.

How Can You Interact with the Council Members?
The Advisory Council members have agreed to be the "voice" of our Partners, and are open to hearing dialogue from the Qwest Business Partner community. We encourage your dialogue with the Council, however please use discretion in handling your comments and frequency of communications

Internet Basic for Bandwidth Builders

Dave Laskowski — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:37:43 +0000

Qwest has introduced a special product for Bandwidth Builder partners called "Internet Basic". This service is less expensive than the standard Qwest MSN offering but only provides Internet access and no email accounts.

The service is available to residential customers in speeds of 1.5-20mbps including the new Qwest Fiber to the Node service (FTTN). The service is billed directly to the end user with a special discount code on the account.

This can be a great solution for service providers who sell applications such as VOIP and email and need to provide high speed Internet to their customers at a discounted rate. All sales of this service are also eligible for Bandwidth Builder commissions which provides upfront spiffs for each DSL orders.

For more information visit: www.bandwidthbuilders.com