CONCURRING STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. MCDOWELL
Re: Applications Filed by Qwest Communications International Inc. and CenturyTel, Inc. 
d/b/a CenturyLink for Consent To Transfer Control, WC Docket No. 10-110
Approval of this transaction is in the public interest.  Together, the combined companies 
will be better able to provide advanced services to consumers who live in some of the most 
remote parts of our country than if they were to remain separate.  I am concerned, however, that 
the Commission is continuing to create a prescriptive merger review process that unnecessarily 
raises the costs of such beneficial transactions.  Regulatory costs are not free and are ultimately 
paid for by American consumers.  If this trend continues, fewer companies may elect to engage in 
transactions that could accelerate investment and innovation, help grow the economy and create 
jobs.  Accordingly, I respectfully concur.