LITTLETON, Colo. -- tw telecom, (NASDAQ: TWTC) a leading national provider of managed voice, Internet and data networking solutions for businesses across the U.S. and globally, today called on the FCC to establish pro-competitive merger conditions in its review of CenturyLink's proposed acquisition of Qwest Communications International Inc.

This transaction poses a threat to competition and innovation in the business market, according to the company. For months, tw telecom has attempted to resolve these concerns with CenturyLink, but CenturyLink has refused to address these critical business market-related issues. It is necessary, then, that the FCC adopt conditions to prevent CenturyLink from denying, degrading or overpricing the services Qwest and CenturyLink provide competitive service providers like tw telecom. Without these conditions, businesses will face rising costs, declining service levels and will be at a distinct competitive disadvantage, potentially falling further behind globally. As a result, competition, innovation and job creation, largely created by competitive telecom providers, could be stymied.

"It is critical that the needs of American businesses are addressed in this regulatory process," said Paul Jones, Executive VP General Counsel of tw telecom. "While we would prefer to negotiate these critical issues directly with the combined company, CenturyLink has refused to address the concerns we'e raised. We are, therefore, asking the FCC to address these critical issues in mandatory merger conditions. Without those conditions, business customers will almost certainly receive lower quality and higher priced communications services than what they experience today. The business customers across our nation deserve better."

tw telecom inc. (Nasdaq: TWTC)

CenturyLink Inc. (NYSE: CTL)

Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q)