FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE              New Media Contact:
  March 10, 2000                     Sarah Whitesell (202) 418-2300
                              
                              
      Press Statement of Commissioner Gloria Tristani
                              
       I am hopeful that the proposed merger between US WEST, Inc. (US WEST) and
  Qwest Communications International Inc. (Qwest) will fulfill its potential to create
  tangible pro-consumer benefits.  As today's Order states, the merger creates increased
  incentives for US West to open its local telecommunications market, so that it can make
  full use of Qwest's long distance network and Internet backbone.  A fully open market
  facilitates competition, bringing more choice, better quality, and lower prices for
  consumers.  In addition, by combining US WEST's experience offering Digital Subscriber
  Line service with Qwest's high speed, high-capacity network, the merger should facilitate
  more rapid and widespread broadband deployment.