SkyWi President Says Qwest Cost His Firm Customers

SkyWi President Says Qwest Disconnection Over Business Dispute Cost His Firm Customers' Trust

(AP)  The president of a New Mexico internet and telephone provider says he fears his company has lost its customers' trust after Qwest Communications disconnected its service last week.

The state Public Regulation Commission ordered Denver-based Qwest to restore service to customers of SkyWi Inc., an independently owned and operated Internet service provider.

Qwest disconnected about 10,000 customers over a $1.7 million debt it says is owed by SkyWi.

SkyWi president Jack Leach says some of his customers switched to different providers after losing their connection last week.

SkyWi does business under its own name and through subsidiaries ZiaNet and OnConnect IP.

The company's customers include banks and hospitals.