Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Uses Qwest for High-Speed Data Networking Services

Qwest will provide metro optical Ethernet services of bandwidth upto 100 Mbps, and 20 private routed networks between Blue Cross'soffices and a state-of-the-art Qwest CyberCenter(TM). Also, Blue Crosswill install dedicated iQ Networking(TM) ports at three sites usingbandwidth up to OC-192.

"This is an extensive, strategic project for Blue Cross that willgive us business continuity in the event of a disaster," said MikeMcKuras, vice president of technology infrastructure services, BlueCross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. "Qwest is our strategic partnerfor this effort because they were able to offer us the significanthigh-speed bandwidth to make this project work and because theyunderstood our needs and developed a specialized plan to help us."

"We've been working with Blue Cross since 1996," said ThomasRichards, executive vice president, business markets group for Qwest."We are thrilled to have expanded our relationship and been chosen todeliver the massive data networking infrastructure to support thiscustomer's business plan. Qwest is one of only a few companies withthe capability to serve customers with extremely high bandwidthrequirements."

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, with headquarters in theSt. Paul suburb of Eagan, was chartered in 1933 as Minnesota's firsthealth plan and continues to carry out its charter mission today: topromote a wider, more economical and timely availability of healthservices for the people of Minnesota. A not-for-profit, taxableorganization, Blue Cross is the largest health plan based inMinnesota, covering 2.6 million members in Minnesota and nationallythrough its health plans or plans administered by its affiliatedcompanies. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is an independentlicensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, headquarteredin Chicago. Visit www.bluecrossmn.com.

About Qwest

Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) is a leadingprovider of high-speed Internet, data, video and voice services. Withapproximately 40,000 employees, Qwest is committed to the "Spirit ofService" and providing world-class services that exceed customers'expectations for quality, value and reliability. For more information,please visit the Qwest Web site at www.qwest.com.

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