Qwest Communications today announced that it has signed a new agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for a new nationwide networking service.
Qwest will provide both local connectivity and nationwide connectivity to six NASA centers as well as other NASA locations — the entire core of NASA’s new network. Qwest’s solution provides end-to-end wavelength services using the company’s industry-leading QWave(TM) optical communication services.
Starting with circuits at 2.5 Gigabits per second (Gbps), and immediately scalable to 10 Gbps, the new core network will provide the long-term foundation for moving the huge amounts of data that NASA will generate as it continues its exploration of the frontiers of space and aeronautics.
The project continues Qwest’s long-term involvement with NASA that includes services for the current NASA Information Systems Network, NASA Research and Education Network, and international services for the NASA Deep Space Network.
This newest NASA agreement is via the FTS 2001 Crossover contract that Qwest, and others, were awarded to compete with FTS 2001 incumbent providers. Since then, federal agencies have had more choices, resulting in lower prices and better service, as well as innovation for all agencies.
“We’re thrilled to continue our work with NASA under the FTS 2001 Crossover agreement,” said Thomas Richards, executive vice president, business markets group for Qwest. “We are especially gratified to see our position grow within the federal government and its agencies. Without FTS 2001 Crossover, federal agencies wouldn’t have the freedom of choice they enjoy today. We hope this choice-driven sentiment continues.”
Qwest provides communications including data networking services and local and long-distance voice services to many federal agencies as both a primary and secondary service provider. The company is a leading provider to dozens of federal agencies including the Department of Defense, the Department of Treasury, the Department of Energy, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Postal Service.
About Qwest
Qwest Communications International Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is a leading provider of high-speed Internet, data, video and voice services. With approximately 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; 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 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 or otherwise reorganizing their capital structure to more effectively compete 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; 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.
