Internet Telephony: Qwest Communications and Switchboard to Offer Web-Based Calling Services - Qwest Communications International, Switchboard - Company Business and Marketing

EDGE, On & About AT&T, April 5, 1999

Qwest Communications International Inc. and Switchboard, Inc., the popular Internet subsidiary of Banyan Systems Incorporated, announced Monday an agreement that allows customers to automatically place calls from the Internet. Qwest will be providing web-based click-to-conference technology as well as other Internet-based communications services via Switchboard's web site at www.switchboard.com. The new services offer customers a user-friendly environment to easily locate and contact individuals and businesses across the U.S.

The agreement calls for Switchboard and Qwest to jointly market a suite of Internet-based communications services to Switchboard's local merchant advertisers to promote electronic-commerce activity. These services will allow businesses to enhance their web sites with links providing toll-free connections customers can use to transact business, receive customer support or make inquiries. Switchboard will also be offering customers the ability to sign up for Qwest long distance calling plans.

"Communications services will play a large role in helping many local merchants initiate e-commerce activities. Our agreement with Qwest represents another critical element in the execution of our local merchant strategy focused on delivering new and innovative solutions which help bring together merchants and consumers," stated Dean Polnerow president of Switchboard.

"Online directory sites such as Switchboard are essential as they enable users to maximize the power of the Internet as a communications vehicle," said John Taylor, senior vice president of consumer markets for Qwest. "Qwest is pleased to be working with Switchboard to deliver valuable web-based communications tools for businesses and consumers."

Switchboard (www.switchboard.com) is one of the leading white and yellow pages directories on the Web and among the 40 most visited Web destinations according to Media Metrix, the foremost Internet traffic monitoring service. More than 40 million times each month, Switchboard helps consumers find the information they need, whether it is locating a long lost friend or the nearest restaurant, hotel, or automobile dealer. Switchboard is the 1998 winner of the Local Internet Service Award for best national directory service. Offering comprehensive information, unmatched speed and innovative features, Switchboard is the on-line directory selected by Alta Vista, Bell Atlantic and GeoCities. Switchboard Incorporated is a majority held subsidiary of Banyan Systems, Inc.

Qwest Communications International Inc. is a leader in reliable and secure broadband Internet-based data, voice and image communications for businesses and consumers. Headquartered in Denver, Qwest has more than 8,000 employees and 80 sales offices in North America, Europe and Mexico. The Qwest Macro Capacity Fiber Network, designed with the newest optical networking, will span more than 18,500 route miles in the United States when it is completed by mid-1999, and the additional 315-mile network route recently announced will be complete by the end of the year. In addition, Qwest and KPN, the Dutch telecommunications company, are forming a venture to build and operate a high-capacity European fiber optic, Internet Protocol-based network that has 2,100 miles and will span 9,100 miles when it is completed in 2001. Qwest also has nearly completed a 1,400-mile network in Mexico. FMI: www.qwest.com.