Qwest and Microsoft Sign New Contract, Extend Strategic Alliance for High-Speed Internet Services in the U.S.

June 6, 2006; 01:55 AM

Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) and Microsoft Corp. announced a collaboration to create and deliver innovative services to Qwest broadband customers.

As part of the new agreement, the companies will expand their current relationship for MSN(R) services and offer custom, co-branded Windows Live(TM) services to customers, making Qwest the first U.S. communications company to announce plans to offer Internet service provider (ISP) services with Windows Live services.

"Qwest is dedicated to providing customers with the best total high-speed Internet experience. Qwest will offer its customers improved, more personalized Internet experiences through Windows Live services," said Dan Yost, executive vice president, product and marketing for Qwest. "By working with Microsoft, an established and pre-eminent leader in Internet solutions, Qwest has further solidified that commitment."

"Windows Live is designed to help people get the most out of their time online by bringing together their relationships, information and interests all in one place," said Martin Taylor, corporate vice president of Windows Live and MSN marketing at Microsoft. "We're thrilled that by working with a leader like Qwest, we can deliver these services to customers in the seamless way they expect."

The companies plan to offer new and improved integrated communications and personalized services on the new Windows Live services platform. The companies plan to offer the following benefits to customers:

-- Safety. With Windows Live OneCare(TM), customers (1) will get not only automated anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall security features, but a comprehensive and updated PC care service to help keep their PCs healthy and running well.

-- Flexibility. Customers will be able to make the Internet their own by personalizing their Qwest and Windows Live home page experience much more quickly with Microsoft tools and gadgets that make it easy to customize content for their individual needs.

-- Connectivity. With co-branded Windows Live Messenger and Windows Live Mail services, customers will be able to manage rich communications and stay in touch with people.

Qwest High-Speed Internet service provides great value for customers with super-fast performance (up to 5Mbps) and MSN Premium(R) included at no additional charge. With new options for wireless home networking available, and speeds up to 89 times faster than a dial-up connection, there has never been a better time to upgrade to Qwest High-Speed Internet with MSN Premium(R).

Qwest is currently offering high-speed Internet service starting as low as $26.99.

About MSN and Windows Live

MSN attracts more than 465 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering compelling programmed content experiences to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Windows Live, a new set of personal Internet services and software, is designed to bring together in one place all the relationships, information and interests people care about most, with enhanced safety and security features across their PC, devices and the Web. MSN and Windows Live will be offered alongside each other as complementary services. Some Windows Live services entered an early beta phase on Nov. 1, 2005; these and future beta updates can be found at http://ideas.live.com. Windows Live is available at http://www.live.com. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com. MSN worldwide sites are located at http://www.msn.com/worldwide.ashx.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

About Qwest

Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q), through its operating subsidiaries, is a leading provider of high-speed Internet, data, video and voice services. With nearly 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.