DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 19, 2006--The Colorado Bar Association will be awarding Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) tonight with its "Donald W. Hoagland Award" -- an annual honor from the association recognizing outstanding leadership in the development, support and ongoing efforts in pro bono representation.

"Qwest is at the forefront of Colorado corporations in providing pro bono legal work to our state's communities," said Gina Weitzenkorn, chairwoman of the Colorado Bar Association's Availability of Legal Services Committee. "The structure of their program has made it easier for members of the Qwest Law Department to become involved, and that's directly helped hundreds access legal services they would have otherwise missed."

Qwest's program, which was established in 2003 under the leadership of Rich Baer, Qwest general counsel, consists of a variety of initiatives that serve diverse legal needs. The company has partnered with several Colorado groups in an effort to channel its legal talents to underserved populations. Those groups include Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, The Gathering Place, Rocky Mountain Immigration and Advocacy Network and Colorado Legal Services.

"Our law department has been involved in hundreds of matters over the past three years, with participation growing each year," said Baer. "We feel honored to work with such worthy groups and such deserving clients. And, I am very proud of our lawyers and staff. Simply put, they have made a difference."

The award will be presented at the Colorado Bar Association's Local Perspectives and Initiatives Conference being held at the Warwick Hotel.

Qwest's pro bono initiatives have received recognition from other quarters. In January, Qwest's Law Department was awarded the "2005 We CAN" award by The Community Action Network, a Denver Bar Association committee, for its community service work. The Colorado Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel honored Qwest in February with its 2005 Pro Bono Achievement Award.

About Qwest

Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q), through its operating subsidiaries, is a leading provider of high-speed Internet, data, video and voice services. With nearly 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.

Forward-Looking Statement Note

This release may contain projections and other forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results. Readers are referred to the documents filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically the most recent reports which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: access line losses due to increased competition, including from technology substitution of our access lines with wireless and cable alternatives, among others; our substantial indebtedness, and our inability to complete any efforts to de-lever our balance sheet through asset sales or other transactions; any adverse outcome of the current investigation by the U.S. Attorney's office in Denver into certain matters relating to us; adverse results of increased review and scrutiny by regulatory authorities, media and others (including any internal analyses) of financial reporting issues and practices or otherwise; rapid and significant changes in technology and markets; any adverse developments in commercial disputes or legal proceedings, including any adverse outcome of current or future legal proceedings related to matters that are or were the subject of governmental investigations, and, to the extent not covered by insurance, if any, our inability to satisfy any resulting obligations from funds available to us, if any; potential fluctuations in quarterly results; volatility of our stock price; intense competition in the markets in which we compete including the likelihood of certain of our competitors consolidating with other providers; changes in demand for our products and services; acceleration of the deployment of advanced new services, such as broadband data, wireless and video services, which could require substantial expenditure of financial and other resources in excess of contemplated levels; higher than anticipated employee levels, capital expenditures and operating expenses; adverse changes in the regulatory or legislative environment affecting our business; changes in the outcome of future events from the assumed outcome included in our significant accounting policies; and our ability to utilize net operating losses in projected amounts.

The information contained in this release is a statement of Qwest's present intention, belief or expectation and is based upon, among other things, the existing regulatory environment, industry conditions, market conditions and prices, the economy in general and Qwest's assumptions. Qwest may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in Qwest's assumptions or otherwise. The cautionary statements contained or referred to in this release should be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that Qwest or persons acting on its behalf may issue. This release may include analysts' estimates and other information prepared by third parties for which Qwest assumes no responsibility.

Qwest undertakes no obligation to review or confirm analysts' expectations or estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements and other statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

By including any information in this release, Qwest does not necessarily acknowledge that disclosure of such information is required by applicable law or that the information is material.

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

Copyright Business Wire 2006

Qwest Foundation

Qwest Foundation

The Qwest Foundation is dedicated to enriching the lives of customers and the communities we serve. It's more than just caring; it's a commitment to making a difference. The Qwest Foundation awards grants that generate high impact and measurable results through community-based programs in the area of pre-K through 12 education. We encourage you to learn more about the Foundation and request funding for your program. Qwest® is a leading provider of voice, video and data services across America and the world. For more than a century, homes and businesses have relied on our dependable dial tone connection. We value the strength and vitality we help bring to the communities where we live, work and play-through tens of thousands of volunteer hours donated by employees and retirees, our foundation contributions and numerous other avenues. In communications and community, our goal is to lead.

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