Blue Cross Blue Shield Assoc. Selects Voice and Data Services Provider

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), the national federation of independent BCBS-branded health insurers, has signed a multi-million dollar, two-year contract with Qwest Communications International, according to a press release.

Denver-based Qwest will serve as the association's preferred voice and data services provider and will offer a broad range of solutions to BCBSA's headquarters in Chicago and to its member companies across the country. "As a preferred provider, Qwest's low-cost, scalable and secure bandwidth solutions will enable the Blue System and millions of Americans to benefit through increased operational efficiencies and advanced technology solutions," Teresa Taylor, executive vice president, Qwest Business Markets Group, suggested in the release.

Under the agreement, Qwest will support BCBS companies with data solutions such as ethernet, multi-protocol label switching (MPLS), ATM, DSL, Internet and frame relay service. The contract also includes local, long-distance and international voice service, and audio and Web conferencing, Qwest says.