Qwest begins installation of new fiber optic cable; system serving Sacramento, Reno and Salt Lake uses latest technology fiber

Business Wire, June 4, 1996

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 4, 1996--Qwest Communications announced today that its SP Construction Services division has begun the installation of fiber optic cable between Roseville, Calif., Reno, Nev., and Salt Lake City, as the next segment in its national network expansion.

The fiber cable utilizes the latest, non-zero dispersion shifted fiber which is ideally suited for wave division multiplexing. This translates to lower rates for users as a result of lower unit transmission costs than older, standard single mode systems.

The new system is being installed in high density polyethylene conduit previously installed by SP Construction Services. The conduit system is buried along railroad right-of-way and, is thus far less susceptible to cuts from various sorts of activity which can affect systems installed aerially or buried on roads or other public rights-of-way.

The system will be further protected by Qwest's national Call Before You Dig (CBUD) center located at its Denver headquarters. The CBUD center monitors any construction activity on the rights-of-way where Qwest has installed fiber systems and, should the need arise, dispatches technicians to locate and protect the cable.

According to Qwest's president and chief executive officer, Douglas Hanson, this new segment is being installed for use in the Qwest network and for another national, facility-based carrier's network.

"This is an example of how the competitive industry works together to create low-cost, highly reliable fiber systems that ultimately provide low-cost communications networks for businesses and consumers," said Hanson. "The primary business of SP Construction Services is to construct systems for the long-distance industry; many of the leading U.S. telecommunications carriers use our systems for their cost effectiveness and reliability."

The new system is a part of a major west-east link in the network currently under construction which Qwest is building for itself and other carriers.

Qwest designs and constructs fiber optic networks; manages its own nationwide long-distance network; offers long-distance services to commercial users, primarily small- to medium-sized businesses; and is a premier "carriers carrier," providing network transmission facilities to other long-distance companies.

CONTACT: Qwest Communications

Tony Brodman, 303/291-1470