Qwest in 'shady dealing' probe

NEWS Qwest's allegedly dodgy business dealings are under the spotlight once again, with regulators in several US states looking at secret agreements it struck with its rivals, some of whom agreed not to oppose the telco's mergers or its attempts to enter the long-distance phone business. According to the Wall Street Journal, Qwest in exchange was able to resolve some billing disputes and gave favourable terms and conditions to competitors which wanted to lease portions of Qwest's network. The company denies any wrongdoing, but regulators are examining whether it violated state or federal law by signing the deals and not disclosing them.