Telecommunications giant Qwest to cut 11,000 jobs

DENVER - Qwest Communications International, the nation's fourth-largest long-distance phone company, is cutting 11,000 jobs to streamline its operations after buying up U S West.

In addition to the cuts, which will affect mostly white-collar positions, Qwest said it will eliminate 1,800 contractor jobs.

Chairman and chief executive Joe Nacchio said Thursday the changes will help the company refocus on broadband, Internet, wireless and bundled services.

With 29 million customers worldwide, Qwest serves 14 Western states and employs some 71,000 people. In June, it acquired the regional phone company U S West for $85 million.

The job cuts, which will take place this year and next, are aimed at eliminating overlapping positions.