Qwest Uses 'Horsepower' to Complete High-Tech Connections for USDA Forest Service

Qwest ultimately delivered voice and data services that enable theUSDA Forest Service to link multiple offices via voice over IP (VoIP).The company also developed a 24-hour emergency response team to helpthe customer with communications through the busy fire season.

Qwest used horses to install the network connections in the areabecause the Coconino National Forest is home to endangered species andarchaeological sites. Technicians also performed the installation inpartnership with USDA Forest Service archaeologists and biologists tohelp preserve these delicate forest resources.

"The Qwest team respected the environment and found a creative wayto make the installation of modern communications services work for usdespite the environmental challenges," said Doug Denk, USDA ForestService. "The Coconino National Forest is one of the most diversenational forests with landscapes ranging from the Red Rocks of Sedona,to Ponderosa Pine Forests, to alpine tundra. The sensitive areas weencountered were mountains, canyons, creeks and streams, and we wereespecially impressed with Qwest's 'cable-wrangling' skills."

"Qwest has experience delivering service in challengingsituations, and this is a great example of what Qwest does forcustomers in the Spirit of Service," said Tom Richards, Qwestexecutive vice president for the business markets group. "We use manynontraditional methods of delivering service to customers --helicopters, snow cats and now horses are all part of our customerservice cavalry."

Qwest also provides voice and data services to other federalgovernment agencies such as the Department of Treasury, the NationalScience Foundation, the Department of Energy, the Department of Labor,the Department of Justice, and the Federal Aviation AdministrationTelecommunications Infrastructure (FAA FTI). Qwest ranks in the top 50of the 2006 "Top Federal Prime Contractors" as ranked in theWashington Technology.

About Qwest

Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q), through itsoperating subsidiaries, is a leading provider of high-speed Internet,data, video and voice services. With nearly 40,000 employees, Qwest iscommitted to the "Spirit of Service" and providing world-classservices that exceed customers' expectations for quality, value andreliability. For more information, please visit the Qwest Web site atwww.qwest.com.