Qwest wins Minnesota networking deal

Qwest Communications International Inc. signed a two-year, $20 million agreement with the state of Minnesota to provide data networking technologies for the Office of Enterprise Technology.

The office manages IT services for state agencies and operates a wide area network called Minnesota's Network for Enterprise Telecommunications. This secure intranet supports voice, video and data for users across the state, including state agencies, public safety, educational and local government organizations. Qwest will provide data networking technologies for the network as well, the company said in a statement.

Headquartered in Denver, Qwest has about 39,000 employees and reported 2005 revenue of about $13.9 billion with a net loss of $779 million. The company ranks No. 41 on Washington Technology's 2006 Top 100 list of federal prime contractors.