Qwest Wins Microsoft Contract

Qwest Communications International Inc. said it won a multimillion-dollar order from Microsoft Corp. to provide network access in the U.S. and Europe to users of the biggest software company’s MSN Internet services. The Denver-based phone company will provide local dial-up Internet access via its network and high-speed links to Microsoft’s Internet data centers. It will also provide a link to London using KPNQwest’s network. KPNQwest is a joint venture with Dutch phone company Royal KPN. Qwest will provide management services for the network and equipment and customer service related to network operations. It expects to have more than 1 million dial-up ports by the end of the year. Qwest shares closed off 56 cents at $46.69 on the NYSE. KPNQwest fell $2.75 to close at $34.50 on Nasdaq.