TO: EDITORS, NEWS DIRECTORS

DATE: July 19, 2000

FOR: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Globe Area Residents Invited to Comment on U S WEST/Qwest Application for Rate Increase

Phoenix -- The Arizona Corporation Commission will hold a Public Comment Meeting on Wednesday, July 26, 2000 in Globe, Arizona. The meeting will allow customers of Qwest Communications, formerly U S WEST, to present the commission with any comments or questions they may have about their telephone rates or service. Commissioner Bill Mundell will chair the meeting. Residents of Globe, Miami, Hayden, Superior and the surrounding communities are encouraged to attend.

The Commission has offered both residential and business telephone customers throughout the state the opportunity to explain their positions on various issues affecting public utilities such as Qwest. Prior to the merger with Qwest Communications, U S WEST filed an application with the Commission to examine their rate structure and to adjust rates for certain classes of services and customers. The proposed changes include increases and decreases to the current rates.

The Public Comment Meeting will take place on July 26 in Globe City Hall at 150 North Pine Street from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The meeting will open with a brief introduction of the rate case process. A Qwest representative will outline the rate application. Members of the community will then be able to present their comments or ask questions. Qwest personnel will have an opportunity to respond to questions.

For more information on the meeting, please contact the Public Information Officer, Heather Murphy, at (602) 542-0844.

About the Process:

This is a formal hearing. Residents will be asked to introduce themselves by name and them present their comments and questions to the Commissioner(s) or company representatives. A court reporter will transcribe all comments shared at the proceeding. Citizen input will become part of the official record that the Commissioners review prior to making any final decisions on pending matters.