By Ann Butler
Herald Staff Writer

Locals may have noticed a blue-and-white postcard from Qwest in their mailboxes lately. It announces that customers who use Qwest for their interstate long-distance service will see a new charge on their bills starting Aug. 16. They will be billed 99 cents each month, whether or not they make long-distance interstate calls that month.

Michael Dunn, of Qwest media relations, said the rate increase did not require Federal Communications Commission approval because long-distance rates at the interstate level are unregulated.

«We are constantly evaluating the marketplace,» he said, «so we can offer better rates while managing Qwest’s long-term business strategy.»

Many customers are Qwest long-distance interstate users by default, as they have not selected another long-distance provider like AT&T, Sprint or MCI.

Dunn said Qwest’s long-distance rates are still competitive. Among basic anytime calling plans available Thursday on company Web sites:

• Qwest charged 5 cents a minute and the new 99 cent monthly fee.

• AT&T charged 10 cents a minute and had no monthly fee.

• MCI charged 5 cents a minute and a $4.95 monthly fee.

• Sprint charged 7 cents a minute and a $5.95 monthly fee.