Qwest Launches IP Voice Termination Services for Wholesale Customers

Business Wire, Oct 25, 2004

DENVER -- Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) today announced a termination service for wholesale customers carrying Internet protocol (IP) voice traffic. Qwest IP Voice Termination Service will help Voice over IP (VoIP) providers leverage Qwest's broadband, telephony and VoIP expertise to terminate voice calls nearly anywhere in the world while taking advantage of IP technology.

Traditionally, IP voice calls underwent three transition steps while traveling across a long-distance backbone: IP to time division multiplex (TDM), back to IP for traveling long distances, and then back to TDM for termination on the telephone network. Besides being inefficient, this process required providers to purchase and manage expensive gateway equipment.

With Qwest IP Voice Termination Service, wholesale customers can hand over IP voice traffic directly to Qwest, which will transport it across its OC-192 network and terminate the calls to the public phone network. Qwest manages all the gateway equipment and ensures the traffic receives an additional level of protection from malicious users. The solution is efficient and cost-effective for wholesale customers, while still providing the highest levels of security. To use Qwest IP Voice Termination, customers need only an IP connection to the Qwest network.

"This service shows our commitment to our wholesale customers and highlights Qwest's overall commitment to VoIP," said Teresa Taylor, executive vice president for Qwest wholesale service. "We know the industry is moving toward IP voice and it's essential for Qwest to deliver products for our wholesale customers who are leveraging VoIP. Qwest's expertise in long distance and our all-IP network make us the natural wholesale provider of IP termination services."

Qwest IP Voice Termination offers wholesale customers the following benefits:

--Domestic and international termination in more than 250 countries

--Fast re-route capabilities on Qwest's IP network

--Session border control for increased security

--Service level agreements for transport services

--24x7 network monitoring and management

About Qwest

Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) is a leading provider of voice, video and data services. With more than 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.

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