NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
March 18, 2011 Mark Wigfield, 202-418-0253
Email: mark.wigfield@fcc.gov
FCC CONDITIONALLY APPROVES CENTURYLINK/QWEST MERGER
Commitments Promise To Significantly Increase Broadband Adoption, Availability
Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission today approved the merger of 
CenturyLink Inc. and Qwest Communications International Inc.  In doing so, the Commission 
imposed protections against the risk of harm to competition and ensured the merged entity will 
live up to its commitments to significantly expand its network and launch a major broadband 
adoption program for low-income consumers.
The transaction is expected to close soon after the companies have obtained their final state 
approval.
Based on the companies’ agreement to certain conditions, the FCC found that the potential 
public interest benefits of the merger are likely to outweigh the potential harms.  Binding and 
enforceable conditions include:
· Broadband adoption program for low-income consumers
o Launch major broadband adoption program focused on connecting the millions of 
low-income consumers in the combined company’s 37-state territory.
o Offer qualifying households broadband starting at less than $10 per month and a 
computer for less than $150, and keep the window open for five years for 
qualifying consumers to sign up.
o Make a significant annual commitment to marketing, outreach, and digital literacy 
training, and include detailed reporting on outcomes and an independent analysis 
of the program’s effectiveness.
· Broadband deployment
o Significantly increase the capacity of the Qwest network, bringing broadband 
with actual download speeds of at least 4 Megabits per second (Mbps) to at least 4 
million more homes and businesses, and at least 20,000 more anchor institutions, 
such as schools, libraries, and community centers.
o Significantly increase availability of higher-speed broadband:  The company will 
more than double the number of homes and businesses that can get 12 Mbps 
broadband, and more than triple the number that can get 40 Mbps broadband.
· Advancing Universal Service Fund reform
o Phase down three forms of support designed for smaller companies, which the 
company currently receives from the federal Universal Service Fund.
· Protection against potential transaction-related harms
o No increase in enterprise service prices for 7 years in a few dozen buildings where 
the companies currently compete (Minneapolis, Minn., and Olympia, Wash.).
o Safeguards for smooth transition of operations support systems, to protect 
wholesale customers.
o Ensuring the merger does not harm interconnection agreements with competing 
phone carriers.
o Maintenance of wholesale service quality.
Monroe, Louisiana-based CenturyLink offers voice, video, and data services in 33 states, serving 
approximately 7 million access lines and 2.2 million broadband customers in its region.  
CenturyLink also operates as a competitive local exchange carrier in certain local and regional 
markets.  Denver, Colorado-based Qwest operates as a local exchange carrier serving 10.3 
million lines in a 14-state region; has 3 million broadband customers; and sells wireless, video, 
and extensive wholesale services through its subsidiaries.  Under the deal, Qwest will operate as 
a wholly owned subsidiary of CenturyLink.
Action by the Commission, March 18, 2011, by Memorandum Opinion & Order (FCC 11-47).
Chairman Genachowski, Commissioner Clyburn, with Commissioners Copps, McDowell and 
Baker concurring. Separate statements issued by Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners 
Copps, McDowell, Clyburn and Baker.
 
Wireline Competition Bureau Staff Contact:  Alexis Johns at 202-418-1167
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