Qwest Announces Change to Management Retirement Benefits; Freezes Management Salaries for 2010

DENVER--(Business Wire)--
Qwest Communications (NYSE: Q) today announced that effective Jan. 1, 2010, the
company will no longer provide future pension benefit accruals for active
management employees under the Qwest Pension Plan and the Qwest Nonqualified
Pension Plan. Active management employees who participate in the company`s
defined benefit pension plan will retain their accrued pension benefit, as
earned through Dec. 31, 2009, and are eligible to receive their vested accrued
benefit when they leave Qwest.

Additionally, the company announced it will not award a merit increase to
management employees in 2010.

"It is important for us to reduce costs, in part through the steps we are taking
with the pension and management salaries, yet maintain competitive benefits and
compensation for our employees," said Edward A. Mueller, chairman and CEO of
Qwest. "By continuing to match employees` contributions to our 401(k) plan,
provide solid health benefits and not reduce salaries, we believe we are better
positioned for future success."

The company expects the change to the Qwest Pension Plan to result in annual
savings of approximately $60 million, and the 2010 salary freeze is expected to
save the company about $35 million in 2010. Along with other changes to employee
health-plan and life insurance benefits, total savings would amount to
approximately $100 million in 2010.

Retirees, former employees and employees covered by collective bargaining
agreements with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) are not affected by this
change.

About Qwest

Customers coast-to-coast turn to Qwest's industry-leading national fiber-optic
network and world-class customer service to meet their communications and
entertainment needs. For residential customers, Qwest offers a new generation of
fiber-optic Internet service, high-speed Internet solutions, as well as digital
home phone, wireless service available through Verizon Wireless and DIRECTV
services. Qwest is also the choice of 95 percent of Fortune 500 companies,
offering a full suite of network, data and voice services for small businesses,
large businesses, government agencies and wholesale customers. Additionally,
Qwest participates in Networx, the largest communications services contract in
the world, and is recognized as a leader in the network services market by a
leading technology industry analyst firm.

Forward-Looking Statement Note

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: access line losses due to increased competition, including from
technology substitution of our access lines with wireless and cable
alternatives, among others; our substantial indebtedness, and our inability to
complete any efforts to further de-lever our balance sheet; adverse results of
increased review and scrutiny by media and others (including any internal
analyses) of financial reporting issues and practices or otherwise; rapid and
significant changes in technology and markets; any adverse developments in
commercial disputes or legal proceedings; potential fluctuations in quarterly
results; volatility of our stock price; intense competition in the markets in
which we compete including the effects of consolidation in our industry; 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; changes in the outcome of future
events from the assumed outcome included in our significant accounting policies;
our ability to utilize net operating losses in projected amounts; and continued
unfavorable general economic conditions, including the current financial crisis.
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 and other statements to reflect events or
circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events. By including any information in this release, Qwest does
not necessarily acknowledge that disclosure of such information is required by
applicable law or that the information is material.

The marks that comprise the Qwest logo are registered trademarks of Qwest
Communications International Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries.

Qwest
Media Contact:
Diane Reberger, 303-992-1662
diane.reberger@qwest.com
or
Investor Contact:
Kurt Fawkes, 303-992-0029
kurt.fawkes@qwest.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009