DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE via COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Oct 20, 2004--Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) today announced that it is now selling Qwest Choice(TM) DSL at 97 Office Depot retail locations throughout Qwest`s 14-state local service territory.
Customers visiting Office Depot stores can determine if Qwest`s high-speed Internet service is available at their home and can order the service at the store immediately. In addition, customers can learn about the benefits of Qwest Choice DSL with MSN Premium, which combines a high-speed Internet connection with important features such as virus scanning, firewall protection and premier content.
''Qwest is always looking to give customers new, convenient shopping options for high-speed Internet service,'' said Jim Vogel, vice president of sales for Qwest. ''By bringing Qwest DSL into 97 Office Depot locations, we can continue to make it easy for customers to do business with Qwest online, on the phone and in person.''
To ensure that customers enjoy the same service, product information and expertise they can find at Qwest retail stores, Qwest ambassadors will train Office Depot service representatives on the features and benefits of the Qwest high-speed Internet service. Qwest ambassadors also will provide customer sales assistance for Qwest DSL during certain peak store hours and will manage merchandising and collateral materials for most stores.
''At Office Depot, we strive to offer customers the best and broadest array of Internet service provider options available to them,'' said Robert Dunlop, merchant for technology solutions at Office Depot. ''By including Qwest in the mix of broadband service provider options available through our stores, we are offering our customers a reliable high-speed service with premier content at an affordable price.''
With the second-quarter launch of Qwest`s retail initiative, Qwest DSL is now sold in more than 60 Qwest Solutions Centers and select retailers throughout Qwest`s 14-state local service territory. Customers also can visit Qwest`s Web site at www.qwest.com to check DSL availability and order the service.
About Qwest
Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) is a leading provider of voice, video and data services. With more than 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 Office Depot
With annual sales of more than $12 billion, no one sells more office supplies to more customers in more countries than Office Depot. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Delray Beach, Fla., the company conducts business in 23 countries and employs nearly 50,000 people worldwide.
Office Depot is a leader in every distribution channel - from retail stores and contract delivery to catalogs and e-commerce. The company is the world`s number three online retailer - on track to generate $3B in sales for FY`04. In North America, Office Depot has 901 retail stores in addition to a national business-to-business delivery network supported by 22 delivery centers, more than 60 local sales offices and 13 regional call centers.
The company`s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ODP and is included in the S&P; 500 Index. Additional press information can be found at: https://mediarelations.officedepot.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; 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 SEC`s current investigation into our accounting policies, practices and procedures and certain 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 Congress, 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 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 emerging from bankruptcy court protection or otherwise reorganizing their capital structure and competing effectively against us; 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; and changes in the outcome of future events from the assumed outcome included in our significant accounting policies.
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 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.
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