Web hosting, high-speed Internet, data, video and voice services firm, Qwest Communications International Inc., has been chosen by the Committee on Arrangements (COA) for the 2008 Republican National Convention, to serve as its Official Communications Provider for the Sept. 1-4 event.

As the Official Communications Provider, Qwest will be the exclusive provider of high-speed Internet as well as voice and data lines for the COA. Qwest also will provide hosting services and 24/7 network management and technical support.

Maria Cino, Convention President and Chief Executive Officer noted, ''Qwest will be a terrific partner in planning the 2008 Republican National Convention, and we are pleased to have them on board as our Official Communications Provider. Qwest's strong ties to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul community make for a natural partnership - and its services will be instrumental in helping us deliver our Republican nominee's message to the American people.''

In anticipation of increased network demand in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Qwest plans to significantly expand its fiber infrastructure in and around the Xcel Energy Center, site of the 2008 convention. The company already has surveyed and verified existing network facilities around the Xcel Energy Center, as well as those serving more than 100 major hotels in the metro area, so it can quickly assess build-out requirements as technology decisions are made.

John Stanoch, Minnesota State President of Qwest remarked, ''When the Republican National Convention and kicks off in September, Qwest's team of experienced and service-oriented employees, together with our next-generation communications services, will completely change how convention organizers, delegates and the media communicate seamlessly and in real time from the convention. Qwest's network infrastructure and advanced technology investments for the 2008 Republican National Convention will continue to benefit Minneapolis-Saint Paul, our region, the state and the economy long after the delegates return home.''

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the convention.

Qwest's Hosted Contact Center Solutions portfolio provides network based interactive voice response, intelligent call routing, multi-channel call distribution, multimedia contact management, network-to-desktop Computer Telephony Integration, CRM Integration and consolidated reporting.

Qwest CyberCenter facilities house more than three million feet of data cable and fiber optics, providing the extensive infrastructure features necessary to maintain a customer's environment. Cooling towers, water pumps and chillers provide enough cooling capacity to air-condition the equivalent of approximately 1,820 private homes. With 19.5 mega-watts of emergency power to ensure network operations, Qwest CyberCenters generate enough power for approximately 5,000 households.