QWEST DOUBLES THE NUMBER OF JOBS IN SOUTH DAKOTA

Company Announces 277 Jobs to Sioux Falls

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., March 2, 2005 - Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) today announced the opening of a customer sales and service center in Sioux Falls, S.D. In the next several months, Qwest will hire 277 new employees to fill the positions.   

"While Qwest counts it a privilege to serve customers throughout America, it is especially gratifying to work within the kind of enlightened regulatory and business-friendly climate enjoyed by the citizens of South Dakota," said Qwest Chairman and CEO Richard Notebaert. "Such an environment fosters growth and Qwest is pleased to participate in that progress. We look forward to mobilizing this significant addition to our South Dakota workforce – and to the additional opportunities we'll now have to demonstrate our Spirit of Service."

"I am very pleased that Qwest has chosen Sioux Falls as the site for a new customer sales and service operation," said South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds. "Qwest could have put the operation anywhere, but they chose South Dakota because they understand the value of hiring our citizens, who have great skills and a great work ethic. In an era when some companies are outsourcing jobs to other countries, I am pleased that Qwest is ‘Smart Sourcing to South Dakota.’"

The new sales and service center is part of Qwest's Spirit of Service™ initiative to effectively meet customer demand in the competitive market and provide a consistently high-quality customer service experience. The center will handle calls from Qwest customers throughout the company's 14-state local service region. In addition, employees in the center will focus on delivering complete and personalized service to Qwest customers.

"With the help from the state, Qwest is doubling the number of employees in South Dakota," said Larry Toll, Qwest president for South Dakota. "I'm pleased that we will be making Sioux Falls home to this new Qwest operation. These jobs will extend the rich heritage of excellence that is the backbone of our Qwest Spirit of Service."

Sioux Falls was selected as a location for the call center not only because of the outstanding facility, but also because of the people. The Sioux Falls area has a substantial workforce with considerable experience in the telecommunications industry.

The hiring process will begin in April, and the sales and service associates will go through an associated training program. Positions will also be available for a center director, supervisors and support personnel. Many of the positions will be represented by the Communications Workers of America and will include a benefits package.

Qwest will offer opportunities to apply and interview for positions in the coming weeks. Specific details concerning the hiring process will be announced at a later date.

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