| Qwest Communications
was awarded an initial four-year (potential six-year)
statewide long distance contract AR1848 in February
2004. Besides intrastate, interstate and international
long distance service, Qwest was also awarded audio
and web conferencing services, directory assistance
and calling card service. To date, 4,570 State
of Utah voice lines, trunks and circuits have been “picked” to
Qwest. The state’s long distance conversion
to Qwest is virtually complete. "Straggler" lines
and trunks will be converted when identified, a
process that may span the summer of 2005.
Inbound toll-free (800) service was subsequently
awarded to Qwest under AR1848 effective June
21, 2005. Information Technology Services (ITS)
and Qwest personnel are in the midst of converting
the state’s 309 inbound toll-free lines
and circuits. The state’s target completion
date to convert all toll-free service is July
31, 2005, the date that our existing contract
with AT&T expires.
Be aware, as a result of statewide contract
AR1848, all existing State of Utah AT&T calling
cards, approximately 1,900, will cease to work
effective July 31, 2005. Therefore, all state
employees requiring a “new” or “replacement” Qwest
calling card must submit a written request or
an e-mail directly to ITS’ Telecomm Order
Box. Time is of the essence. Ideally Qwest calling
cards will be issued prior to July 31st; the
date AT&T calling cards expire.
The State of Utah, and any political subdivision
that takes advantage of AR1848 and that converts
to Qwest in a timely fashion, will receive a
long distance and toll-free credit for the month
of August. The credit conditions are such that
ITS will, in all likelihood, receive from Qwest
a credit for all long distance and toll-free
calls placed/received during the entire month
of August.
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