Qwest to sell D.C. Internet access

Qwest Communications International Inc. officials today announced that they will offer dedicated Internet access to agencies in Washington, D.C., under the Washington Interagency Telecommunications Services 2001 (WITS2001) contract.

Qwest was the first telecom provider to use the General Services Administration's crossover provisions to win a spot on the WITS2001 contract, and the dedicated Internet access is the first service that Qwest is making available under the contract. WITS2001, valued at more than $1 billion, is the largest Metropolitan Area Acquisition contract that the GSA administers. According to Qwest officials, it covers about 400,000 federal access lines.

Qwest was awarded the Seattle MAA crossover contract in May 2002. By meeting WITS2001 requirements and completing a qualification process, Qwest was able to cross over to the WITS2001 contract, offering services in the nation's capital.

Qwest will be eligible to serve Washington, D.C., until May 2010, under the terms of WITS2001.