Gauging the Need for Speed: Qwest Reveals Secrets

DENVER--(Business Wire)--
Increasingly, companies are conducting business online, opening
digital storefronts and connecting multiple office locations with
advanced networks. But how much bandwidth is enough to keep up with
the competition?

"In today's competitive business environment, companies large and
small need to evaluate their current bandwidth needs to effectively
serve customers," said Ken Smith, vice president, Qwest Business
Markets Group. Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q)
recently broadcast a Webinar entitled "Does More Bandwidth Make Sense
for My Business," as one presentation in a series of online
informational forums for assessing a business' technology needs and
identifying leading communications industry trends nationwide.

"Most of the mid-sized businesses we work with want to transition
to one voice and data network, and are surprised at how cost-effective
and seamless the transition really is," Smith added. During the
presentation, attendees from across the United States indicated that
their slow network speeds are a major concern. And more than 42
percent of the audience agreed that budget constraints were the
biggest source of anxiety when considering the addition of bandwidth.

To help customers make essential decisions about their broadband
needs, Qwest offers the following tips:

-- Consider your current bandwidth. Does your business have a Web
presence? Have customers or employees complained about slow
response time or connection speeds? Are you planning to add
new applications? Do you intend to drive additional traffic to
your Web site? Is your business growing rapidly?

-- Understand the source of potential bandwidth bottlenecks. Do
you have multiple users? Are a variety of applications
competing for bits and bytes? Do you have a dedicated Internet
connection? Converged solutions are available to dynamically
allocate bandwidth to support both voice and data, such as
Qwest OneFlex(R) Integrated Access.

-- Examine your business' technology objectives. Identify your
existing and future goals for the use of technology, including
user and transmission needs, and compare those against your
available options.

-- Evaluate your current network capabilities. Are they falling
short of your needs? Take inventory of your current voice and
data circuits. Review your monthly bill in-house, and then
with a communications provider to understand how to manage
costs more effectively.

-- Educate yourself and your company's IT decision makers about
the need for speed. Don't hesitate to ask your service
provider what your options are.

"High-bandwidth applications are not just for large enterprises.
Cost-effective, high-value solutions - with customer service support
included - are available for companies of all sizes and are especially
important for growing businesses," advised Smith. For a free
consultation of your current network needs, call Qwest at 1
800-472-0643 or visit www.qwest.com/business.

FOR THE MEDIA: Ken Smith is available for interviews. The
photograph is available for re-use.

Qwest Communications International Inc.
Stephanie Walkenshaw, 303-992-2352
stephanie.walkenshaw@qwest.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008