Qwest Statement on FCC Forbearance Decision

On Feb. 20, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted Qwest’s "forbearance” petition, easing federal regulations of its long-distance service. In granting Qwest’s petition, the FCC recognizes the long-distance services marketplace has changed dramatically since the Telecommunications Act became law in 1996. Consumers today have a wide array of choices in long-distance providers, including cable, wireless and VoIP, all of which offer long-distance services. The Telecommunication Act’s Sec. 272 required Qwest and the other former Bell Operating Companies (BOCs) to run their long-distance operations separately for a period of time under lessened regulation, but even after this period ended, Qwest could not consolidate and simplify its operations without the relief it was granted by the FCC. The following statement is attributable to Gary Lytle, Qwest senior vice president for federal relations, on the FCC’s grant. "With this historic, unanimous vote, the FCC recognized that competition in Qwest’s service territory is thriving. We applaud the FCC for freeing us from legacy requirements imposed on our long-distance service that had hindered our ability to deliver service to customers. "Consumers benefit from the robust communications marketplace where cable, wireless, VoIP and other long-distance providers compete for their business. Residential, government, and business customers will realize improved services and cost savings as a result.” About Qwest Qwest offers a unique and powerful combination of voice and data solutions for businesses, government agencies and consumers – locally and throughout the country. Customers coast to coast are turning to Qwest’s industry-leading national fiber optic network and its Spirit of Service for quality products and superior customer experience. For more information on Qwest, and its various operating subsidiaries, please go to www.qwest.com. The Qwest logo is a registered trademark of Qwest Communications International Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries.