Qwest Entry into Five-State Long Distance Market is in the Public Interest, CWA Tells FCC

Washington, D.C. – In a filing with the Federal Communications Commission, the Communications Workers of America urged approval of the request by Qwest Corp. to enter the long distance markets in Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska and North Dakota.

CWA stressed that Qwest's entry into the long distance market in these five states is clearly in the public interest and will benefit consumers, particularly residential customers, because it will increase competition. The move also will stimulate the growth of high-skilled, quality jobs in these states and will add additional jobs in customer service and other areas throughout the 14-state region now served by Qwest, CWA told the FCC.

The union also pointed out that the Public Service Commissions of the five states determined that Qwest has met the requirements of the Communications Act to open its local network to competition.

CWA cited the positive experience of consumers following SBC's entry into long distance markets in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas; Verizon's entry into the long distance market in several northeastern states; and Bell South's entry into long distance service in Georgia and Louisiana as evidence that Qwest's entry also will lead to lower prices and new service offerings.

CWA represents about 13,000 workers at Qwest in Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska and North Dakota, and about 32,000 Qwest employees overall. CWA represents more than 700,000 workers in telecommunications, information technology, media, printing and publishing, health care, higher education, public service, manufacturing and the airline industry.

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A copy of the filing is available at ga.cwa-union.org