Qwest will provide a broad range of data, direct Internet access (DIA), Web hosting and voice communications services. Qwest was awarded a contract to supply the state of Maryland Internet access for the new fiber Network Maryland. Maryland state agencies also will be able to host Web sites in one of Qwest’s 16 secure, state-of-the-art CyberCenters(SM), which have direct access to Qwest’s 113,000-mile, global broadband network. Among the organizations Qwest has signed agreements with are the California State University (CSU) system, the University of Missouri system, the state of Louisiana and the Cherry Creek (Colo.) School District.

The continued increase in public-sector contracts demonstrates the reliability and performance of Qwest’s network and network-related services. More and more government entities are realizing that Qwest is a one-stop solution to their communications needs and are outsourcing accordingly, said Joel Arnold, Qwest executive vice president of global business markets. We also believe that Qwest’s commitment to next-generation network development, such as Internet2 connecting more than 180 universities to develop tomorrow’s Internet demonstrates our dedication to providing the best communications services in the future.

Last week, Qwest announced that it is providing the world’s most powerful fiber-optic network with capacity of 40 gigabits per second — capable of transferring the entire contents of the public Internet within two hours for the National Science Foundation Distributed Terascale Facility program. The Qwest-built network will allow some of the world’s most prestigious researchers to share information and solve complex scientific problems such as life-threatening illnesses and global warming.

SOURCE: COMPANY PRESS RELEASE