Qwest Communications International announced it is offering a free email service that allows users to receive and reply to emails from any mobile phone capable of sending and receiving text messages, without any special software or harware required.

The mobile email service uses flipMail technology developed by Teleflip, following an exclusive deal between Qwest and Teleflip. The flipMail technology unifies the email and Internet networks with cell phone networks, offering a secure and free service that allows anyone to send or receive email as text message to/from virtually any cell phone. Messages that users choose to receive from this service will contain a sponsor message.

The new email service offers a special contact management feature that enables users who subscribe to mobile email through Qwest to use their Windows Live contact list to select only the contacts they would like to receive emails from on their wireless phone. Users can then easily manage their preferences through simple site controls, decide which senders' messages they want to have forwarded to their wireless handsets, specify how often they receive new messages and decide how much of a message's total length they receive on their phone.

"Qwest wants to simplify customers' lives by helping them access more communications and entertainment services in a single place", said Frank Simanson, vice president of Product at Qwest. "With this mobile email service, customers get a customizable and intuitive way to communicate while on the go."

Qwest's mobile email service is compatible with all SMS-enabled phones. There is no charge to sign up for the service, but standard text messaging fees apply for all emails received on mobile phones. Qwest customers can sign up for the free mobile email service here. All they need to do to register is provide an email address and their mobile phone number.