Qwest Wins Approval of Long-Distance Bid

Qwest Communications International Inc. won approval to sell long-distance calling service in nine Western states after the fourth-biggest local-telephone company’s applications were withdrawn in September.

The Federal Communications Commission said Qwest had opened its local networks to rivals in Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming as required. By entering the markets, worth $7 billion, Qwest becomes the last of the four big regional-phone operators to win long-distance approvals.

Shares of Denver-based Qwest rose 39 cents to $5.69 on the NYSE.