MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 2, 2006--In the spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Qwest announced today that its "Ringing Pink to Fight Breast Cancer" initiative raised $5,000 in Minneapolis for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. In Minnesota, Qwest partnered with Steve Hutchinson, guard of the Minnesota Vikings, in the month-long event. The program, designed to engage men in the fight against breast cancer, partnered with high profile males in four of Qwest's states to raise $40,000 for the Komen Foundation and remind men that they play an important role in the fight against the disease.

"Ringing Pink to Fight Breast Cancer" is a new program Qwest began last month to support the Komen Foundation. Hutchinson received a new pink Katana phone from Qwest to make calls to important women in his life - wife, mother, sisters and friends. The calls were to remind them it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month and of the importance of detecting breast cancer early through self exams and mammograms. Qwest contributed $100 to the Komen Foundation for every call Hutchinson made from his Katana phone during the month of October, up to $5,000.

"Qwest is proud to have support for the campaign from Steve Hutchinson," said John Stanoch, Qwest's president for Minnesota. "We hope this program, along with his support, will bring an added level of awareness among men about the positive impact they can make in the fight against breast cancer."

Other markets participating in Qwest's "Ringing Pink to Fight Breast Cancer" effort included Seattle, Phoenix and Denver. Additional celebrity support came from: John Lynch, safety of the Denver Broncos; Vic Lombardi, Denver's CBS 4 sportscaster; Mike Holmgren, coach of the Seattle Seahawks; Matt Hasselbeck, quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks; and Tod Leiweke, CEO of the Seattle Seahawks.

The launch of the "Ringing Pink" initiative follows a recent announcement by Qwest to extend its support to the Komen Foundation through the proceeds from sales of Qwest and SANYO pink wireless phones. The program, which began in June, has been extended through Dec. 31, and includes two pink phone models. Ten percent of all retail sales of the pink phones through Dec. 31 will be donated to the Komen Foundation, up to a maximum donation of $150,000. The new pink phones by Qwest and SANYO are available at all 100 Qwest retail locations in Qwest's 14-state service area. In addition to Qwest retail locations, the new phones will be sold at Qwest call centers and online at www.qwest.com

The new Cherry Blossom Pink Katana phone and Fun Phone in Misty Rose from Qwest Communications and SANYO offer the latest features and technology, including dual LCD displays, built-in cameras with digital zoom, superior battery performance, Bluetooth (R) Wireless Technology and SANYO's high-quality external speaker phone. Not only are these phones slim and sleek, they are pink, and serve as an everyday reminder of the dedication and commitment of Qwest, SANYO, the Komen Foundation and consumers to winning the fight against breast cancer.

About Qwest

Qwest offers a unique and powerful combination of voice and data solutions for businesses, government agencies and consumers - locally and throughout the country. Customers coast to coast are turning to Qwest's industry-leading national fiber optic network and its Spirit of Service for quality products and superior customer experience. For more information on Qwest, and its various operating subsidiaries, please go to www.qwest.com

About the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, the Foundation is an international organization with a network of more than 75,000 volunteers working through local Affiliates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure(R) to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. A global leader in the fight against breast cancer, the Foundation fulfills its mission through support of innovative breast cancer research giants, meritorious awards and educational, scientific and community outreach programs around the world. Through fiscal year 2005, the Komen Foundation, together with its Affiliate Network, corporate partners and generous donors, has invested $630 million in breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs. For more information on breast health or breast cancer, please visit the Komen Foundation's Web site at www.komen.org or call the Foundation's National Toll-Free Breast Care Helpline at 1.800.I'M AWARE(R).

The Qwest logo is a registered trademark of Qwest Communications International Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Copyright Business Wire 2006

Qwest Communications International

Qwest Communications International

Qwest offers a unique and powerful combination of managed voice and data solutions for businesses, government agencies and consumers - locally and throughout the country. Customers coast to coast are turning to Qwest's industry-leading national fiber optic network and its Spirit of Service for quality products and superior customer experience. Qwest is a participant in Networx, the largest communications services contract in the world, to provide leading-edge voice, data and video services. For more information on Qwest, and its various operating subsidiaries, please go to www.qwest.com. For information about the products and services Qwest is offering in the Networx contract, visit www.gsanetworx.com. The Qwest logo is a registered trademark of Qwest Communications International Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries.

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