$ 240,000 Qwest Contribution to Train Volunteers in 14 States; Qwest Employees to Join Red Cross Volunteers in Response to Disasters

DENVER, May 26, 2004 — The American Red Cross and Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) today announced a major 14 state program to offer special disaster training to Qwest employees and members of the general public. The $240,000 grant will assist in the training of volunteers to better respond in times of crisis and natural disasters. In addition to the training assistance, the company will also distribute one million "Emergency Checklist" fliers that provide information that every family should be equipped with in case of an emergency. Qwest will distribute the checklists through numerous channels, including having technicians leave them with customers on installation and maintenance calls.

"Today's environment requires that we build strong partnerships with corporations and government officials at all levels," stated Terry Sicilia, executive vice president, programs and services, National American Red Cross. "Our partnership with Qwest will allow thousands of people to get essential training to respond to emergencies. This type of collaboration, between Qwest, the Red Cross and volunteers, is imperative in our ability to respond when large scale disasters strike our communities."

This important education program will offer training in 13 chapters of the American Red Cross in Utah, Arizona, Washington, Colorado, Montana, Idaho, New Mexico, Iowa, Wyoming, Nebraska, North Dakota, Nebraska/South Dakota and Oregon. Initial training introduces Red Cross disaster relief services to course participants, and once completed, participants can choose additional education and disaster training of interest or importance to them.

"Qwest is proud to partner with such an outstanding organization and help create a whole new corps of first responders," said Barry K. Allen, Qwest executive vice president of operations. "Every day, Qwest employees demonstrate the Spirit of Service in Action by supporting and strengthening the communities where they live and work. We look forward to enhancing these efforts through the Red Cross' disaster relief efforts."

Qwest employees regularly work to restore key services to communities after natural disasters. Whether it's providing temporary phones for evacuating customers during Rocky Mountain wildfire season, assisting earthquake relief efforts in Seattle, or repairing cable cuts during Minnesota's brutal winters, Qwest employees are there. Qwest is keenly aware of the need for a quick, coordinated response in delivering disaster relief to an affected area, making the partnership with the Red Cross a natural fit.

Volunteers are critical to Red Cross disaster response efforts. The first team responding to a disaster scene is trained to identify the needs of victims and assist first responders in determining whether there is a need for shelters or temporary housing. Shelter managers then are deployed to coordinate shelter, food and clothing for victims as well as provide mental health and medical support. They also notify allied agencies that can assist with the shelter and care for large and small animals. Other volunteer roles include public affairs and information, client services, government liaison, record keeping and damage assessment.

The first step in the process of becoming one of the specially trained volunteers is taking the Introduction to Disaster Services course. Qwest will offer its first program on June 2, 2004 from 6-9 pm at the Mile High Chapter office located at 444 Sherman Street in Denver, Colorado. The disaster training program is open to all Qwest employees, their families and the general public, but space is limited. Dates and locations for programs in the other states will be announced at a later date at www.qwest.com.

About the American Red Cross

Governed by volunteers and supported by community donations, the American Red Cross is a nationwide network of nearly 1,000 chapters and Blood Services regions dedicated to saving lives and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Led by 1.2 million volunteers and 30,000 employees, the Red Cross annually mobilizes relief to families affected by more than 67,000 disasters, trains almost 12 million people in lifesaving skills and exchanges more than a million emergency messages for U.S. military service personnel and their families. The Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood and blood products to more than 3,000 hospitals across the nation and provides relief and assistance to those suffering from conflict, disasters and other international crises worldwide.

About Qwest

Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) is a leading provider of voice, video and data services to more than 25 million customers. The company's 46,000 employees are 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.