Qwest Says It’s Ready for Long-Distance Service

Qwest Communications International Inc. will seek approval to sell long-distance service in part of its 14-state region, saying it has shown its system is open to competition in local calling.

Qwest, which provides local service to most of the Northwest and the Rocky Mountain region, plans to file applications with the Federal Communications Commission by mid-June to provide long-distance service in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota and Idaho.

A report made public Wednesday shows results of tests conducted by regulators in 13 of Qwest’s states. Arizona conducted tests separately.

Regulators monitored transactions to test Qwest’s ability to process orders to switch customers to a rival service and provide repairs. Qwest satisfied 645 of 685 components of its system that were tested, said Steve Davis, senior vice president of policy and law.

“What we’re required to do is effectively open our network to competitors, and the test conclusively shows we’ve done that,” Davis said.

Competitors said Qwest fell short in some areas, including pricing for competitors to gain network access. AT&T; Corp. and WorldCom Inc. urged regulators to consider whether customers truly have a choice of local phone service before supporting Qwest’s long-distance efforts.

“Any Qwest claim that it is ready for long-distance approval based on this test clearly is premature,” said Jim Lewis, WorldCom senior vice president of public policy.

Colorado regulators said they would have to rearrange their schedule for determining their recommendation on a long-distance application.

Qwest was barred from offering long-distance service in the region when it acquired local phone provider US West in 2000.

Qwest shares closed down 14 cents to $5.06 on the New York Stock Exchange.