Qwest

Qwest Communications International competes in the telecommunication industry. It provides voice, data and video services. Qwest operates most of its business within its local service area, which consists of the 14-state region of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Qwest has three operating segments: wireline services, wireless services and other services .

Qwest competes in a rapidly evolving and highly competitive environment. The competition continues to intensify. Its main competitors are Comcast, Cox Communications, Sprint Nextel, Mediacom, McleodUSA . The company expands its business mainly through aggressive acquisitions. On June 30, 2000, Qwest took a big step up in size and reach with the acquisition of U S West Communications. The acquisition added the size and scale today's telecommunication market demands of any top competitor, and a slate of advanced technologies. The combination of Qwest and U S West Communications in 2000 created a $20 billion global giant with leadership in network technology, as well as applications and services. Its advanced fiber optic networks link directly to nearly 30 million customers. The company also has a rapidly growing presence in Europe, where its network connects 68 cities in 18 countries, and a foothold in Asia through a new Asia-Pacific office and interests in the US-Japan Cable project .

As of December 31, 2006, Qwest has a market capitalization of $16.69 billion with 320,000 shareholders, contributing to 5.5% of the market share in the telecommunication industry. It has a total asset value of $21,239,000 . The financial results of the company continue to be impacted by several difficulties and opportunities. Qwest is facing greater competition in its core local business from cable companies, wireless providers, facilities-based providers using their own networks as well as those leasing parts of its network, and resellers. As a reseller of wireless services, Qwest faces risks that facility-based wireless providers do not have. In addition, regulatory developments over the past few years have generally increased competitive pressures on its business. Due to some of these and other factors, Qwest continues to lose access lines. The telecommunications industry is experiencing an ongoing trend towards consolidation. This trend results in competitors that are larger and better