The companies announced a five-year agreement last week in which Qwest will transfer 1 million wireless customers to Sprint PCS' national network. The carriers did not discuss financial details.

Qwest is operating a regional wireless Code Division Multiple Access network in its 14-state region. But that network has been on the chopping block for more than a year, says Roger Entner, an analyst at The Yankee Group.

"They had one offer [before the deal with Sprint PCS], but it was less than stellar," Entner says. Now Qwest is looking to offload its network and wireless spectrum while holding onto its customers.

Qwest is working closely with Sprint PCS to develop a plan to migrate users to Sprint PCS' network, says Annette Jacobs, executive vice president of consumer markets at Qwest. Users will be offered Qwest-branded national calling plans that also will include Sprint PCS Vision wireless data options.

Qwest customers could buy these services directly from Sprint PCS, but the carrier plans to offer service bundles that will let users receive one bill for local land-line voice and wireless services, Jacobs says.

The carrier has not offered specific calling-plan details, but business users should expect plans that offer volume discounts for all Qwest services. Entner also says some users might prefer to deal with Qwest customer service. Typically, Sprint PCS is not ranked as one of the top wireless providers when it comes to customer service, he says.

And while Qwest hasn't offered pricing details, Entner also says Qwest's wireless service rates might be more economical for some customers.