DENVER -- Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) today announced that it has expanded its relationship with EarthLink (Nasdaq: ELNK) -- a major national Internet service provider (ISP). EarthLink will purchase from Qwest nationwide dial Internet access, giving EarthLink added resources to continue providing quality Internet access to millions of customers in the U.S.

According to industry analysts, dial-up remains the most popular Internet access method, with nearly 54.5 million subscribers and 80 percent of the entire online access market. Because of this trend, Qwest continues to expand dial port Internet access agreements with several large, nationwide ISPs, including EarthLink.

"Qwest's relationship with EarthLink is important to us because it helps bring more users onto the nationwide Qwest network," said Cliff Holtz, executive vice president for Qwest business markets group. "We're pleased the Qwest-Earthlink relationship has grown on several levels over the past 12 months -- we're extending the dial-up agreement, and we are working with EarthLink as it leverages Qwest DSL to deploy high-speed Internet access to residential customers in the Qwest 14 state region. We look forward to continuing our long-standing and positive relationship with EarthLink."

Qwest's dial Internet access network delivers 56K and ISDN dial-up access from more than 2,690 points-of-presence (POPs) nationwide and covers approximately 85 percent of the U.S. population with a local dial-up call. Also Qwest's dial network has market-leading capacity, giving end-users a better dial experience through fewer busy signals and less oversubscription.

"Using Qwest's network helps us deliver top quality service that meets the needs of our customers," said Steve Dean, vice president, EarthLink Network Group. "Qwest has proven to be a reliable network partner with a dedicated account team to help handle our communications requirements."

Qwest Communications International Inc.

EarthLink Inc.