DENVER, and REDMOND, Wash. — June 5, 2006 — Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) and Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq “MSFT”) today announced a collaboration to create and deliver innovative services to Qwest broadband customers.
As part of the new agreement, the companies will expand their current relationship for MSN® services and offer custom, co-branded Windows Live™ services to customers, making Qwest the first U.S. communications company to announce plans to offer Internet service provider (ISP) services with Windows Live services.
“Qwest is dedicated to providing customers with the best total high-speed Internet experience. Qwest will offer its customers improved, more personalized Internet experiences through Windows Live services,” said Dan Yost, executive vice president, product and marketing for Qwest. “By working with Microsoft, an established an pre-eminent leader in Internet solutions, Qwest has further solidified that commitment.”
“Windows Live is designed to help people get the most out of their time online by bringing together their relationships, information and interests all in one place,” said Martin Taylor, corporate vice president of Windows Live and MSN marketing at Microsoft. “We’re thrilled that by working with a leader like Qwest, we can deliver these services to customers in the seamless way they expect.”
The companies plan to develop new and improved integrated communications and personalized services on the new Windows Live services platform. The companies plan to offer the following benefits to customers:
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Safety. With Windows Live OneCare™, customers who are on Windows® XP-based computers will get not only automated anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall security features, but a comprehensive and updated PC care service to help keep their PCs* healthy and running well.
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Flexibility. Customers will be able to make the Internet their own by personalizing their Qwest and Windows Live home page experience much more quickly using Microsoft tools and gadgets that make it easy to customize content for their individual needs.
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Connectivity. With co-branded Windows Live Messenger and Windows Live Mail services, customers will be able to manage rich communications and stay in touch with people.
Qwest High-Speed Internet Service provides great value for customers with super-fast performance (up to 5 Mbps) and MSN Premium included at no additional charge with Windows Live services in the future. The availability of new options for wireless home networking available and speeds up to 89 times faster than a dial-up connection make this a great time to upgrade to Qwest High-Speed Internet Service with MSN Premium. Qwest is currently offering 1.5Mbps high-speed Internet service starting as low as $26.99.
About MSN and Windows Live
MSN attracts more than 465 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering compelling programmed content experiences to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Windows Live, a new set of personal Internet services and software, is designed to bring together in one place all the relationships, information and interests people care about most, with enhanced safety and security features across their PC, devices and the Web. MSN and Windows Live will be offered alongside each other as complementary services. Some Windows Live services entered an early beta phase on Nov. 1, 2005; these and future beta updates can be found at http://ideas.live.com. Windows Live is available at http://www.live.com. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com. MSN worldwide sites are located at http://www.msn.com/worldwide.ashx.
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.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
* Windows Live OneCare system requirements:
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Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2); Internet Explorer® 6 for Windows XP SP2; PC with 300MHz or higher CPR speed; 256 MB of RAM and 550 MB of available hard disk space; 56Kbps or faster Internet connection
Microsoft, MSN, Windows Live, OneCare, Windows and Internet Explorer are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
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.
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