DENVER -- June 23, 2004 -- Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) today advanced its leadership in delivering voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) solutions by launching a national VoIP solution that gives business customers valuable, flexible features to improve their communications while simplifying their telecom environment. The solution, called Qwest OneFlex(TM), is another step in Qwest's strategic deployment of nationwide VoIP capabilities for both business and residential customers.
Qwest OneFlex is a reliable, network-based solution that leverages Qwest's national IP network to give customers a single-source solution comprising local and long-distance voice service as well as high-speed Internet access. With OneFlex, businesses simply use a Qwest iQ Networking(TM) connection for all their communications -- the only additional equipment required at the customers' premises are VoIP phones, ensuring that customers don't have the hassles of managing and purchasing complex premises-based VoIP equipment.
OneFlex allows customers to tailor their services to meet their business needs. By using a Web interface, customers can simply 'point-and-click' for features such as conference callings, adding new users, setting-up voicemail and hundreds of others. Because Qwest OneFlex is a network-based solution, customers can concentrate on managing their own businesses without having to worry about managing their complex telecom equipment or dealing with multiple providers. Also, OneFlex easily integrates with customers' data communications, providing them with increased efficiency, simplicity and cost-savings.
Qwest OneFlex will be available to business customers in Boise, Idaho; Denver; Minneapolis; and Phoenix in mid-July.
Qwest will continue to expand OneFlex to additional markets in 2005.
"Voice over IP is here to stay. Qwest is the only company that has everything to deliver an industry-leading VoIP solution to customers including an all IP nationwide network, hosting centers and dedicated Internet access solutions," said Barry Allen, executive vice president, operations for Qwest. "Qwest is poised to lead the industry because we're delivering real VoIP solutions and have been for years."
For more than two years Qwest has been strategically implementing VoIP technology in its nationwide and local networks to lay the foundations for high-quality, cost-effective VoIP solutions for residential and business customers. Today's announcement underscores Qwest's commitment to VoIP now and in the future.
"Qwest's business-class VoIP solution is an important announcement for the industry," said analyst Mark Winther, vice president of worldwide telecommunications at IDC. "This is the first nationwide offer of this kind and the fact that the technology resides entirely on Qwest's own network will go a long way toward satisfying customers' demand for quality of service."
Qwest OneFlex leverages technology from industry-leading companies IBM, Sonus Networks and Sylantro Systems. IBM is supporting the design and implementation of essential back-office functions for Qwest OneFlex with its open standards-based technology, IBM Service Provider Delivery Environment (SPDE) to provide a customer experience that is high-quality and operationally smooth. Sonus Networks, the market-leading VoIP infrastructure provider, partnering with Sylantro Systems, is providing its leading application feature server to integrate technology that enables customers to select hundreds of features to complement their businesses and create a more efficient work environment.
Qwest VoIP B-Roll is available starting at 7 a.m. Eastern time. Members of the media, click here www.thenewsmarket.com/qwest to obtain broadcast-standard video digitally, by tape or satellite via the APTN Global Video Wire.
About Qwest
Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) is a leading provider of voice, video and data services to more than 25 million customers. The company's 46,000 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.
