DENVER, April 26, 2004 ? Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE:Q) today became the first incumbent telecommunications carrier in the nation to adopt the position that true Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) traffic terminating on the public switched telephone network (PSTN) will be free from access charges. Additionally, Qwest also plans to begin offering local services to VoIP providers that will allow them to serve customers in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.

True VoIP includes only enhanced services, as defined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Enhanced services require a broadband connection ? such as DSL or cable modem ? and an Internet protocol (IP) conversion of the underlying transmission. True VoIP offers consumers new, innovative telecommunications services, and they do not include standard telephony services that use IP simply as a transmission medium between switches.

?With the growing popularity of broadband communications services, we feel it is important to identify solutions that help accelerate the deployment and delivery of VoIP to customers across the U.S.,? said Steve Davis, Qwest senior vice president, public policy. ?Enabling the broad deployment of true VoIP services ? free from access charges and technology constraints ? is good for customers, good for the industry and it makes good business sense for Qwest.?

Qwest will also begin offering new local services to VoIP providers. Qwest will allow true VoIP providers to purchase primary rate interface ISDN circuits (ISDN-PRI). ISDN-PRI is a local exchange service that uses ?enhanced T-1? facilities and allows providers to serve multiple channels within a single broadband connection. For the first time, VoIP providers will have direct access to the PSTN and will be able to avoid historically regulated fees, such as access charges.

While Qwest is adopting this policy within its local service territory, the company is also urging the FCC to adopt similar rules nationally. IP services have been the telecommunications industry?s fastest growing segment because the lack of regulation has allowed the marketplace to drive innovation and value.

About QwestQwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) is a leading provider of voice, video and data services to more than 25 million customers. The company?s 47,000 employees are committed to the ?Spirit of Service? 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.

This release may contain projections and other forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results. Readers are referred to the documents filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically the most recent reports which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the duration and extent of the current economic downturn in our 14-state local service area, including its effect on our customers and suppliers; access line losses due to increased competition, including from technology substitution of our access lines with wireless and cable alternatives; our substantial indebtedness, and our inability to complete any efforts to de-lever our balance sheet through asset sales or other transactions; any adverse outcome of the SEC's current investigation into our accounting policies, practices and procedures and certain transactions; any adverse outcome of the current investigation by the U.S. Attorney's office in Denver into certain matters relating to us; adverse results of increased review and scrutiny by Congress, regulatory authorities, media and others (including any internal analyses) of financial reporting issues and practices or otherwise; further delays in making required public filings with the SEC; rapid and significant changes in technology and markets; any adverse developments in commercial disputes or legal proceedings, including any adverse outcome of current or future legal proceedings related to matters that are the subject of governmental investigations, and, to the extent not covered by insurance, if any, our inability to satisfy any resulting obligations from funds available to us, if any; potential fluctuations in quarterly results; volatility of our stock price; intense competition in the markets in which we compete including the likelihood of certain of our competitors emerging from bankruptcy court protection or otherwise reorganizing their capital structure and competing effectively against us; changes in demand for our products and services; acceleration of the deployment of advanced new services, such as broadband data, wireless and video services, which could require substantial expenditure of financial and other resources in excess of contemplated levels; higher than anticipated employee levels, capital expenditures and operating expenses; adverse changes in the regulatory or legislative environment affecting our business; and changes in the outcome of future events from the assumed outcome included in our significant accounting policies.

The information contained in this release is a statement of Qwest's present intention, belief or expectation and is based upon, among other things, the existing regulatory environment, industry conditions, market conditions and prices, the economy in general and Qwest's assumptions. Qwest may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in Qwest's assumptions or otherwise. The cautionary statements contained or referred to in this release should be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that Qwest or persons acting on its behalf may issue. This release may include analysts' estimates and other information prepared by third parties for which Qwest assumes no responsibility.

Qwest undertakes no obligation to review or confirm analysts' expectations or estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

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