Qwest Communications Enters Memorandum of Understanding in Consolidated Securities Action

News Releases

November 1, 2005

DENVER, Nov. 1, 2005 - Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with plaintiffs in the consolidated Qwest putative securities class action. The settlement class will consist of those who purchased Qwest securities between May 24, 1999 and July 28, 2002. The MOU requires the parties to enter into a settlement agreement provided that certain additional documents are prepared by plaintiffs as soon as reasonably possible.

Under the terms of the contemplated settlement agreement, Qwest would pay a $400 million cash settlement in three installments: $100 million would be paid within 30 days of receiving preliminary court approval of the settlement; $100 million would be paid within 30 days of final approval of the settlement; and the remaining $200 million would be paid by January 15, 2007, plus interest at 3.75 percent on the $200 million between the date of final approval of the settlement and the date of payment. Arthur Andersen, a co-defendant, will be contributing $10 million to Qwest to settle the plaintiffs? claims. The contemplated settlement agreement and related documents that will be filed with the court are subject to a number of material conditions, including court approval.

Additionally, the settlement agreement can be terminated under certain circumstances, including in the event that the SEC elects not to distribute to the putative class members the $250 million penalty that Qwest has already committed to pay to the SEC ($125 million of which has already been paid and the remaining portion to be paid in December, 2005), and if securities purchasers claiming losses of a specified amount seek exclusion from the settlement class.

If a final settlement agreement is concluded pursuant to the MOU, all claims in the litigation would be dismissed against Qwest and all other defendants in that lawsuit except Joseph P. Nacchio, Qwest's former chief executive officer, and Robert S. Woodruff, Qwest?s former chief financial officer.

By entering into the MOU, neither Qwest nor the other defendants admit wrongdoing or liability.

About Qwest

Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) is a leading provider of high-speed Internet, data, video and voice services. With approximately 40,000 employees, Qwest is 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.