Qwest Communications International Inc. and Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. Announce Early Participation Results of Cash Tender Offer

Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE:Q) and its Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. (QCF) subsidiary announced today that a total of $959.5 million in aggregate principal amount of QCF's 7.9 percent Notes due 2010 and 7.25 percent Notes due 2011 (individually and collectively, the "Notes”) were tendered prior to 5 p.m. EST, on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 (the "Early Participation Payment Deadline”), and all of such Notes have been accepted for purchase. Since commencement of the tender offer on Feb. 24, 2010, through the Early Participation Payment Deadline, QCF received tenders of Notes as follows:

• Approximately $338.0 million of the 7.9 percent Notes, representing approximately 84 percent of the outstanding principal amount of such Notes; and
• Approximately $621.5 million of the 7.25 percent Notes, representing approximately 78 percent of the outstanding principal amount of such Notes.

Holders who validly tendered (and did not validly withdraw) their Notes at or prior to the Early Participation Payment Deadline are expected to receive payment on March 10, 2010, the initial payment date.

The offer is scheduled to expire at 5 p.m. EDT, on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, unless extended or earlier terminated (the "Expiration Time”). Holders who validly tender their Notes after the Early Participation Payment Deadline but at or prior to the Expiration Time and whose Notes are accepted for purchase will receive payment on the final payment date, which is expected to be March 25, 2010. Holders who validly tender their Notes after the Early Participation Payment Deadline will not receive the early participation payment of $30.00 per $1,000.00 principal amount of Notes.

The complete terms and conditions of the offer are set forth in an Offer to Purchase and related Letter of Transmittal that were sent to holders of Notes. Copies of the Offer to Purchase and Letter of Transmittal may be obtained from the Information Agent for the offer, D.F. King & Co., Inc., at 800-829-6551 (U.S. toll-free) or qwest@dfking.com (email).

BofA Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley are the Dealer Managers for the tender offer. Questions regarding the offer may be directed to BofA Merrill Lynch at 888-292-0070 (toll-free) and 646-855-3401 (collect) or Morgan Stanley at 800-624-1808 (U.S. toll-free) and 212-761-5384 (collect).

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, securities. The tender offer is being made solely by the Offer to Purchase dated Feb. 24, 2010 and the related Letter of Transmittal.

About Qwest

Customers coast-to-coast turn to Qwest's industry-leading national fiber-optic network and world-class customer service to meet their communications and entertainment needs. For residential customers, Qwest offers a new generation of fiber-optic-fast Internet service, high-speed Internet solutions, as well as digital home phone, wireless service available through Verizon Wireless and DIRECTV services. Qwest is also the choice of 95 percent of Fortune 500 companies, offering a full suite of network, data and voice services for small businesses, large businesses, government agencies and wholesale customers. Additionally, Qwest participates in Networx, the largest communications services contract in the world, and is recognized as a leader in the network services market by leading technology industry analyst firms.

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, among others; our substantial indebtedness, and our inability to complete any efforts to further de-lever our balance sheet; adverse results of increased review and scrutiny by 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; potential fluctuations in quarterly results; volatility of our stock price; intense competition in the markets in which we compete including the effects of consolidation in our industry; 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; our ability to utilize net operating losses in projected amounts; and continued unfavorable general economic conditions.

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 marks that comprise the Qwest logo are registered trademarks of Qwest Communications International Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries.