Qwest Federal, State and Local Government Business Lauded in Leading Industry-Analyst Report

DENVER.- Compass Intelligence, a leading high-tech and telecommunications market research firm, recently completed a competitive profile of Qwest Communications’ (NYSE: Q) federal, state and local government businesses and concluded that “Qwest has proven itself to be a top performer of global telecom services, even against its larger competitors.”

In the report, Qwest’s leadership in the public sector is highlighted by its current relationships with more than 50 federal agencies and 10,000 states, cities, counties, school systems and Native American governments.

The report heavily features Networx, the government program under which all federal agencies will procure communications systems, including voice, data, IP and video, over the next 10 years. Qwest is one of only three companies globally to win a position on both Networx Universal and Networx Enterprise.

According to Compass Intelligence, Qwest’s ability to win federal contracts under Networx is boosted by valuable pricing. Compass Intelligence states that “Qwest is also expected to gain an edge through innovation, both in its own technology and in its provisioning.”

“This report confirms our position among the industry’s tier-one carriers and reinforces the quality of the advanced services that ride on Qwest’s national MPLS network,” said Tom Richards, executive vice president, Qwest business markets group. “Both of Qwest’s government services divisions are growing, and we expect that to continue as we show customers everywhere how they can benefit from our Spirit of Service commitment.”

Compass Intelligence analyzes Qwest’s position vis-à-vis major industry competitors. It indicates that Qwest has made “advancements in its existing portfolio” and its offerings are “up to par.” It also emphasizes the benefit Qwest’s government experience brings to enterprise customers seeking similar innovation in technology and implementation services, including self-help portals that track ordering, service and support functions.

“Our laser-focus on serving our customers flawlessly is what truly differentiates Qwest,” Richards continued. “It’s gratifying to see that prestigious industry analysts like Compass Intelligence are witnessing Qwest’s commitment to customers, too.”

For more information about Qwest’s government solutions, please visit www.qwest.com/government.