Telephone companies are looking to use software and hardware from Microsoft Corp. to bring new digital television services to consumers. IPTV, or Internet Protocol Television, "basically enables telephone companies now to deliver a digital TV entertainment experience," said Kevin Johnson, group vice president for worldwide sales, marketing and services for Microsoft. Johnson was in Denver on Tuesday, speaking to students at the University of Denver.

Johnson would not say whether Microsoft was in discussions with Qwest, but Qwest officials said they are looking for new options for their customers. "We are very interested in providing TV services," Qwest spokeswoman Silvia McLachlan said. "It's something we continue to evaluate. Customers love the integration of voice, data, video (services) and like one bill." Qwest already offers television service -- Qwest Choice -- to a total of 46,000 subscribers in Highlands Ranch and the Phoenix area. Qwest also sells DirecTV and sells packages of TV, telephone and Internet service to customers in its 14-state region.