Graybar Electric Company, a distributor of electrical and communications products, is integrating its voice and data service using a high-speed wide-area network designed by Qwest Communications International.

Qwest’s converged broadband network, with its underlying optical connectivity, will provide Graybar with a fully redundant, self-healing voice and data platform to better transmit and retrieve business information.

Qwest will also install dual entrance fiber rings directly into the company’s corporate facilities. The fiber system is designed to minimize network downtime and is ideally suited for handling Graybar’s mission-critical data networking traffic. Qwest’s network will also deliver voice service to more than 160 Graybar offices throughout the US.

Steven Becker, vice president and chief information officer for Graybar, said: The need for extra bandwidth was the primary driver, but cost savings and service quality were certainly huge factors in our decision to seek a solution from Qwest. Qwest’s network helps us streamline our communications, increase our productivity and enhance our service platform.

Teresa Taylor, executive vice president of Qwest Business Markets Group, said: By consolidating technology on a single managed platform, companies like Graybar can increase bandwidth and operational efficiency without substantial upfront investment. In today’s challenging economy, customers are looking to Qwest’s portfolio of solutions for exceptional service and value.