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Exhibit 10.29    
    

 
 

AMENDED AND RESTATED
  EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT    
    

        THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and entered into on August 19,
2004, by and between Richard C. Notebaert (the "Executive") and Qwest Services Corporation, a Colorado corporation (the "Company"). 

WITNESSETH THAT: 

        WHEREAS,
the parties entered into that certain Employment Agreement dated May 14, 2003 (the "Prior Agreement") pertaining to the employment of the Executive by the Company; and 

        WHEREAS,
the parties desire to amend and restate the Prior Agreement as set forth herein; 

        NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth below, it is hereby covenanted and agreed by the Executive and the Company as follows: 

        1.    Employment.    (a)    Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to employ the
Executive commencing on June 17, 2002 (the "Effective Date") as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer during the Agreement Term (as defined below), with the authority, responsibilities and
duties customarily exercised by a person holding that position. Such duties, responsibilities, power and authority shall include, without limitation, responsibility for the management, operation,
strategic direction, and overall conduct of the business of the Company. The Executive shall report directly to
the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") and shall perform his duties subject to the overall policies and directions of the Board. All other employees of the Company shall report to the
Executive and not directly to the Board. The "Agreement Term" shall be the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the second anniversary of the Effective Date, subject to earlier
termination as provided herein; provided, however, that the Agreement Term will be automatically extended by twelve months on the first anniversary of the Effective Date and on each anniversary
thereof, unless one party to this Agreement provides written notice of non-renewal to the other party at least 90 days prior to the date of such automatic extension. The Executive
shall perform his duties and responsibilities primarily at the Company's offices in Denver, Colorado and shall purchase and maintain a residence in the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area. 

        (b)   During
the Agreement Term, while the Executive is employed by the Company, the Company shall use its best efforts to cause the Executive to be appointed to the Board as
a Class III director and to include the Executive in the Board's slate of nominees for election as a Class III director at the applicable annual meeting of the Company's shareholders and
shall recommend to the shareholders that the Executive be elected as a Class III director of the Company. 

        2.    Performance of Duties.    (a)    The Executive agrees that during his employment with the Company, he
shall devote substantially his full business time, energies and talents to serving as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and that he shall perform his duties faithfully and efficiently subject
to the directions of the Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2, the Executive may (i) serve as a director, trustee or officer or otherwise participate in
not-for-profit educational, welfare, social, religious and civic organizations; (ii) continue to serve as a director of the two for-profit businesses of
which he is currently a director on the date hereof and, after consultation with, and approval by, the Executive Committee of the Board, serve as a director of other for-profit businesses
which do not compete with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, and (iii) acquire passive investment interests in one or more entities; provided that such activities described

 
in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) do not materially inhibit or interfere with the performance of the Executive's duties under this Agreement. 

        (b)   The
Executive represents and warrants that, after the review of his personal files and consultation with his attorney, he has the full right and authority to enter into
this Agreement and to render the services as required under this Agreement, and that by signing this Agreement and rendering such services he is not breaching any contract or legal obligation he owes
to any third party. 

        3.    Stock Option and Restricted Stock Awards.    The Executive shall be granted options under the Qwest
Communications International Inc. Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, (the "Equity Incentive Plan") to acquire shares of the common stock ("Common Stock") of Qwest Communications
International Inc. ("QCII") and shall be granted Common Stock that is restricted in accordance with the following: 

        (a)   On
the Effective Date, the Executive was granted non-qualified options to acquire 5,000,000 shares of Common Stock. Each calendar year, Executive shall be
granted options to acquire a minimum of 250,000 shares of Common Stock, together with such additional options as may be authorized in the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board (the
"Compensation Committee"). The date of grant of the options shall be referred to herein as the Award Date. Each option shall have a ten-year term commencing on the applicable Award Date,
subject to earlier termination as provided in subparagraph (e) below upon termination of employment. 

        (b)   The
option price ("Option Price") with respect to the five million (5,000,000) share option granted on the Effective Date is $5.10 per share. The Option Price with
respect to each subsequent option grant shall be the closing price on the applicable Award Date for sales of shares of Common Stock made and reported on the New York Stock Exchange or such other
national stock exchange on which Common Stock may then be listed and which constitutes the principal market for the Common Stock, or, if no sales of Common Stock shall have been reported with respect
to that date, on the next preceding date with respect to which sales were reported. Upon the exercise of any such options, the Option Price with respect thereto shall be payable in accordance with the
terms and conditions of the Equity Incentive Plan. 

        (c)   In
the event of any change in corporate capitalization, such as a stock split, or a corporate transaction, such as any merger, consolidation, separation, including a
spin-off, or other distribution of stock or property of QCII, any reorganization (whether or not such reorganization comes with the definition of such term in Section 368 of the
Internal Revenue Code) or any partial or complete liquidation of QCII, the number and class of shares subject to options awarded or to be awarded in accordance with subparagraph (a) above, and
the Option Price for such options under subparagraph (b) above, shall be adjusted in accordance with the provisions of the Equity Incentive Plan to prevent dilution of the Executive's rights. 

        (d)   In
addition to the grant of options provided by this Section, the Executive shall also be entitled to receive a grant of restricted stock (the "Restricted Stock Award")
on the Effective Date covering a total of 200,000 shares of Common Stock. The Restricted Stock Award shall vest at the rate of one-third (1/3) of the total Restricted Stock
Award per year on each anniversary of the Effective Date, provided that the Executive is employed by the Company on each such date. To the extent not previously vested, the Restricted Stock Award
shall vest in accordance with the provisions of subparagraph 3(e) below. 

        (e)   The
options relating to 5,000,000 shares of Common Stock granted on the Effective Date in accordance with subparagraph 3(a) above shall become vested and exercisable at
the rate of 25% of the total shares covered by the option per year on each anniversary of the Award Date

 
thereof. Each award of future options described in subparagraph 3(a) above shall become vested and exercisable at the rate of 25% of the total shares covered by the option per year on each anniversary
of the Award Date thereof. To the extent not previously vested, all such options shall become fully vested and exercisable, and the Restricted Stock Award shall become fully vested, on the earlier of
a Change in Control (as defined in subparagraph 6(d)(vi) below) or the Executive's termination of employment by reason of death, Disability (as defined in subparagraph 6(a) below), termination
by the Company without Cause (as defined in subparagraph 6(b) below), Constructive Discharge (as defined in subparagraph 6(d) below), or in the event that the Company does not renew this Agreement in
accordance with the provisions of subparagraph 1(a). To the extent not previously vested, all such options and the Restricted Stock Award shall be immediately forfeited in the event of a termination
of the Executive's employment for Cause or upon the Executive's resignation from the employ of the Company (other than pursuant to a Constructive Discharge or by reason of a Disability). 

        (f)    In
the event that the Executive resigns from the employ of the Company (other than pursuant to a Constructive Discharge or by reason of a Disability), or is terminated
by the Company for Cause, any vested option or unexercised portion thereof granted under subparagraph (a) above may be exercised, to the extent such option would have been exercisable by the
Executive on the date on which the Executive ceased to be an employee, within three months of such date, but in no event later than the date of expiration of the term of the option. In the event of a
termination of the Executive's employment by the Company without Cause or by the Executive by reason of a Constructive Discharge, or in the event that the Company does not renew this Agreement in
accordance with the provisions of subparagraph 1(a), any such vested option shall be exercisable for six (6) years following such date of termination of employment, but in no event later than
the expiration of the term of the option. In the event of termination of employment due to the death or Disability of the Executive while an employee of the Company or in the event of death within not
more than three months after the date on which the Executive ceases to be an employee, any such option or unexercised portion thereof may be exercised, to the extent exercisable at the date on which
the Executive ceased to be an employee, by the Executive or the Executive's personal representatives, heirs or legatees at any time prior to six (6) years after the date on which the Executive
ceased to be an employee, but in no event later than the date of the expiration of the term of the option. 

        (g)   Options
granted in accordance with subparagraph (a) above may be transferred by the Executive to the Executive's spouse, children or grandchildren ("Immediate
Family Members") or to a trust or trusts for the exclusive benefit of such Immediate Family Members or to a partnership in which such Immediate Family Members are the only partners. 

        (h)   The
Company shall take all steps necessary or desirable to register the shares subject to the foregoing options and the Restricted Stock Award under an S-8
or other appropriate form and to list such shares on the New York Stock Exchange. 

        (i)    Executive
has received, and is eligible to receive, such additional options under the Equity Incentive Plan as determined by the Compensation and Human Resources
Committee or its proper delegate. 

        4.    Compensation.    Subject to the terms of this Agreement, during the Agreement Term, while the Executive is
employed by the Company, the Company shall compensate him for his services as follows: 

        (a)    Base Salary.    The Executive shall receive a Base Salary of $1,100,000 per annum payable in accordance with
the Company's customary payroll practices for the payment of executive salaries. The Executive's Base Salary shall be reviewed and may be increased, but not decreased, annually by the Compensation
Committee pursuant to its normal performance review policies for senior executives, with the first such review occurring in 2003.

 

        (b)    Annual Bonus.    For each calendar year, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an Annual Bonus payment in
accordance with the Company's annual bonus plans as in effect from time to time, as determined in the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The target level for each Annual Bonus shall not be less
than 150% of the Executive's Base Salary for the year, provided that the Company achieves the applicable financial and strategic objectives established for the year. The Executive shall receive a
minimum bonus for 2002 of $825,000, payable in January 2003, and shall receive a minimum bonus for the first six months of 2003 of $825,000 payable in July 2003. When computing the
Executive's bonus for 2003, the amount payable under the Company's annual bonus plan for 2003 shall be reduced by the $825,000 received by Executive in July 2003. 

        (c)    Employee Benefits, Fringe Benefits and Perquisites.    The Executive shall be provided with health and other
employee benefits, fringe benefits and perquisites on the same basis as such benefits and perquisites are provided by the Company from time to time to the Company's other senior executives. To the
extent that it may legally do so without violating the terms of any applicable plan or policy, or without creating adverse tax consequences for the Company or other participants in such plans, the
Company agrees to waive any waiting periods for the Executive and the Executive's spouse with respect to group coverage under its health and welfare benefit plans. Following termination of employment
of the Executive by the Company for any reason other than Cause, if the lifetime health benefit coverage provided to the Executive under a contract or other arrangement with another entity is
terminated by the unilateral action of such other entity, without the consent of the Executive, as determined in the sole discretion of the Company, the Company will provide lifetime continuing health
benefit coverage to the Executive under the terms and conditions of the Company's health benefit plan coverage for senior executives generally, as in effect from time to time, provided, however, that
if such other lifetime health benefit coverage for the Executive is later reinstated, the coverage under the Company's health benefit plan shall cease and the Executive shall promptly reimburse the
Company for any duplication of benefits received by the Executive or his family. 

        (d)    Expense Reimbursement.    The Company will reimburse the Executive for all reasonable expenses incurred by him
(i) in connection with the negotiation and preparation of the Prior Agreement, which reimbursement shall not exceed $30,000, (ii) in connection with temporary housing in the Denver,
Colorado area and moving expenses incurred by the Executive in moving from his current location to a residence in the Denver, Colorado area, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Company's
policies regarding such matters for senior executives, and (iii) in the performance of his duties in accordance with the Company's policies applicable to senior executives. 

        (e)    Pension Benefits.    Subject to the following provisions of this subparagraph 4(e), the Executive shall be
entitled to an aggregate annual pension benefit from the Company (taking into account the amounts payable under all qualified and non-qualified pension benefit plans of the Company)
commencing at age 65 equal to the amount Executive would have earned under the Ameritech Management Pension Plan formula (including nonqualified pension benefits) in effect at the time of Executive's
termination from Ameritech Corporation and SBC Communications Inc. ("Ameritech"), calculated using service with both Qwest and Ameritech, minus the annual benefit that would have been payable
to the Executive as a straight life annuity at age 65 from the pension plans maintained by Ameritech if he had not previously received a lump sum payment of such benefits. The Executive shall be
entitled to receive the lump sum actuarial equivalent (determined in accordance with the Qwest Nonqualified Pension Plan) of the amount determined under the preceding provisions of this subparagraph
as of the January 2nd following his termination of employment for any reason. In the event of the Executive's death while employed or prior to receipt of such benefits, such lump
sum benefit shall be paid to the beneficiary or beneficiaries

 
designated by the Executive in writing filed with the Company or, if no such designation is filed or the designated beneficiary predeceases the Executive, to his estate. To the extent that the amount
payable to the Executive under the provisions of this subparagraph is not payable under the Company's qualified and non-qualified pension benefit plans, such amount shall be paid to the
Executive directly by the Company. 

        (f)    Use of Corporate Aircraft.    In order to provide enhanced security for the Executive, the Company will require
the use of Company aircraft for all travel by the Executive (and the Executive's spouse if she accompanies him). Such travel on company aircraft shall be reasonable and shall be subject to annual
review by the Compensation Committee. If the Executive should be subject to federal or state income tax with respect to his use of Company aircraft, the Company shall pay to the Executive an
additional amount such that after receipt of the additional amount, and payment of all applicable taxes on the additional amount, the Executive shall effectively incur no federal or state income tax
with respect to his use of the Company aircraft. 

        (g)    Business Clubs.    The Company shall pay the initiation fees and membership dues for the Executive at three
business clubs selected by the Executive. To the extent the Company is not required to treat such fees and dues as taxable income to the Executive, it shall not do so and, to the extent it must treat
such amounts as taxable income to the Executive, it shall pay the Executive an amount such that the Executive shall have no after-tax cost for the deemed income and this tax payment. 

        (h)    Home Security.    The Company shall require the Executive to obtain and maintain an appropriate home security
system to provide security for the Executive and the Company shall reimburse the Executive for reasonable costs associated with the installation and maintenance of a home security system. To the
extent that the benefits under this subparagraph 4(h) result in taxable income to the Executive, the Company will pay the Executive an amount such that the Executive shall have no
after-tax cost for the deemed income and this tax payment. 

        (i)    Financial Planning.    The Company shall reimburse the Executive for the reasonable costs associated with
annual financial planning for the Executive. The Company shall continue such reimbursement following the termination of the Executive's employment with the Company for any reason other than Cause for
the lifetime of the Executive or such lesser period as the Executive may require such annual financial planning, provided, however, that such reimbursement shall cease in the event the Executive
violates the provisions of Section 11, regardless of whether or not such violation occurs within the two year period specified in Section 11. 

        (j)    Private Office.    Both during Executive's employment with the Company and following termination of employment
of the Executive by the Company for any reason other than Cause, the Company shall provide the Executive with, and shall pay the reasonable costs associated with, a private office (in a location
reasonably selected by the Executive), an executive assistant, telephonic services and appropriate office computer and other equipment for the lifetime of the Executive or such lesser period as the
Executive determines in his sole discretion that he may require such private office, provided, however, that such reimbursement shall cease in the event the Executive violates the provisions of
Section 11, regardless of whether or not such violation occurs within the two year period specified in Section 11. It is intended that the provision of such private office arrangement
shall replace the private office arrangement that the Executive previously was entitled to receive from SBC Communications Inc. 

        (k)    Vacation.    The Executive shall be entitled to be paid vacation at a rate of 25 days per calendar year
during the Agreement Term in accordance with the plans, policies and programs as in effect generally with respect to other senior executives of the Company, including limitations, if any, on the
carry-over of accrued but unused vacation time.

 

        (l)    Tax Gross-Up Payment.    If the Executive should be subject to federal or state income tax with
respect to the receipt of any of the non-cash benefits to which the Executive is entitled under the Agreement (other than life insurance), the Company shall pay to the Executive an
additional amount (the "Tax Gross-Up Payment") such that after receipt of the Tax Gross-Up Payment, and payment of all applicable taxes on the Tax Gross-Up Payment,
the Executive shall effectively incur no personal liability for federal or state income tax as a result of the receipt of such non-cash benefits. From tax year
2004 forward, the Company shall make all reasonable efforts to pay such Tax Gross-Up Payment before the due date for the filing of the Executive's federal income tax return for the year in
which such non-cash benefits are received. 

        5.    Indemnification.    (a)    The Company agrees that if, during or after his employment, the Executive
is made a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a "Proceeding"), by reason of the fact that he is or
was a director, officer or employee of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, member, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, whether or not the basis of such Proceeding is the Executive's alleged action in an official capacity
while serving as a director, officer, member, employee or agent, the Executive shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company to the fullest extent legally permitted or authorized by the
Company's certificate of incorporation or bylaws or resolutions of the Company's Board of Directors or, if greater, by the laws of the State of Delaware, against all cost, expense, liability and loss
(including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or other liabilities or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by
the Executive in connection therewith, and such indemnification shall continue as to the Executive even if he has ceased to be a director, member, employee or agent of the Company or other entity,
with respect to acts or omissions which occurred prior to his cessation of employment with the Company, and shall inure to the benefit of the Executive's heirs, executors and administrators. The
Company shall advance to the Executive all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by him in connection with a Proceeding within 20 calendar days after receipt by the Company of a written request for
such advance. Such request shall include an undertaking by the Executive to repay the amount of such advance if it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified against such
costs and expenses. 

        (b)   Neither
the failure of the Company (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel or stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement
of any proceeding concerning payment of amounts claimed by the Executive under subparagraph 5(a) above that indemnification of the Executive is proper because he has met the applicable standard of
conduct, nor a determination by the Company (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel or stockholders) that the Executive has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall
create a presumption that the Executive has not met the applicable standard of conduct. 

        (c)   During
his employment with the Company and thereafter so long as the Executive may have liability arising out of his service as an officer or director of the Company,
the Company agrees to continue and maintain a director's and officer's liability insurance policy covering the Executive of at least $15,000,000. 

        6.    Termination of Employment.    Upon termination of the Executive's employment for any reason, the Executive or,
in the event of death, the Executive's estate shall be entitled to the Executive's Base Salary prorated through the date of termination. Any Annual Bonus awarded to the Executive for a prior award
period, but not yet paid to the Executive, and any employee benefits to which the Executive is entitled by reason of his employment shall be paid to the Executive or his estate at such time as is
provided by the terms of the applicable Company plan or policy, or the foregoing terms of this Agreement, as the case may be. If the Executive's employment is terminated during the Agreement Term, the
Executive's right to additional payments and benefits under this Agreement for the period

 
after his date of termination shall be determined in accordance with the following provisions of this Section 6. 

        (a)    Death or Disability.    If the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of death or by reason of the
Executive's Disability, the Executive, or, in the event of his death, his estate, shall be entitled to a prompt cash payment of a prorated Annual Bonus for the year in which such termination occurs,
based on the target Annual Bonus for such year. The Executive or the Company shall be entitled to terminate the Executive's employment because of the Executive's Disability during the Agreement Term.
"Disability" means that the Executive is disabled within the meaning of the Company's long-term disability policy or, if there is no such policy in effect, that (i) the Executive
has been substantially unable, for 120 business days within a period of 180 consecutive business days, to perform the Executive's duties under this Agreement, as a result of physical or mental illness
or injury, and (ii) a physician selected by the Company or its insurers, and reasonably acceptable to the Executive or the Executive's legal representative, has determined that the Executive is
disabled. A termination of the Executive's employment by the Company for Disability shall be communicated to the Executive by written notice, and shall be effective on the 30th day after
receipt of such notice by the Executive (the "Disability Effective Time"), unless the Executive returns to full-time performance of the Executive's duties before the Disability Effective
Time. 

        (b)    Termination for Cause or Voluntary Resignation.    If the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company
for Cause or if the Executive voluntarily resigns from the employ of the Company, other than pursuant to a Constructive Discharge, or notifies the Company of the non-renewal of this
Agreement in accordance with the provisions of subparagraph 1(a), all payments and benefits to which the Executive would otherwise be entitled under this Agreement shall immediately cease, except as
otherwise specifically provided above in Section 4, or in this Section 6 with respect to his prorated Base Salary through the date of termination, his Annual Bonus, if any, awarded for a
prior award period but not yet paid and his previously earned employee benefits. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Cause" shall mean: 

        (i)    The
Executive is convicted of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude; or 

        (ii)   A
reasonable determination by directors comprising two-thirds of the entire Board, after giving the Executive notice and an opportunity to be heard, that
(A) the Executive has willfully
and continuously failed to perform substantially his duties as contemplated by Section 2 above (other than such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after a
written demand for corrected performance is delivered to the Executive by the Board which specifically identifies the manners in which the Board believes the Executive has not substantially performed
his duties or (B) the Executive has engaged in gross neglect or gross misconduct, resulting in material harm to the Company. 

        (c)    Termination Without Cause.    If the Company terminates the Executive without Cause, or notifies the Executive
of the non-renewal of this Agreement in accordance with the provisions of subparagraph 1(a), the Executive shall be entitled to a prompt lump sum cash payment equal to the sum of
(i) a prorata Annual Bonus payment for the year of termination based upon the Executive's target bonus for such year and (ii) the product of two (2) times the sum of the
Executive's then current Base Salary and Annual Bonus at target. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the Annual Bonus component shall be based upon the target bonus for the year of termination. If
such termination or notice of non-renewal occurs within two (2) years after a Change in Control, (A) the Executive's pension benefits under subparagraph 4(e) above shall be
calculated as if the Executive had two additional years of service at his then Base Salary and target Annual Bonus and were two years older, and (B) the lump sum payment referred to in the
first sentence of this section 6(c) shall be equal to the sum of (1) a pro rata Annual Bonus payment for

 
the year of termination based upon the Executive's target bonus for such year and (2) the product of three (3) times the sum of the Executive's then current Base Salary and target Annual
Bonus. 

        (d)    Resignation for Constructive Discharge.    The Executive's voluntary resignation for Constructive Discharge
shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as a termination by the Company without Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, "Constructive Discharge" shall mean the occurrence of any of the
following circumstances: 

        (i)    A
reduction by the Company in the Executive's Base Salary or Annual Bonus target to an amount that is less than required under Section 4 above or the Company's
failure to provide the other elements of compensation set forth in Section 4; 

        (ii)   The
removal of the Executive from the position of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer or the failure of the Executive to be nominated or reelected to the Company's
Board of Directors; 

        (iii)  Any
action by the Company which results in significant diminution in the Executive's authority, power, responsibilities or duties from those contemplated by Sections 1
and 2 above, or the assignment to the Executive without his written consent of any duties inconsistent with the Executive's position and status as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
as contemplated by Sections 1 and 2
above, which action or assignment continues after written notice thereof and a reasonable opportunity to cure of not less than fifteen (15) days has been given by the Executive to the Company; 

        (iv)  The
failure of the Company to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor, assignee, or transferee to expressly assume the liabilities, obligations and duties of
the Company hereunder in accordance with the requirements of Section 13 below, unless such liabilities, obligations and duties of the Company are automatically assumed by any such successor,
assignee or transferee by operation of law; 

        (v)   Any
other breach by the Company of any of its material obligations to the Executive under this Agreement, which breach continues after written notice thereof and a
reasonable opportunity to cure of not less than thirty (30) days has been given by the Executive to the Company; or 

        (vi)  Occurrence
of a Change in Control in QCII, which means the first to occur of: 

        (A)  Any
"person" (as defined in Section 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")), excluding for this purpose, QCII or
any subsidiary of QCII, any person who on the Effective Date is the "beneficial owner" as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act of 15% or more of the combined voting power of
QCII's then outstanding securities (a "15% Shareholder") or any employee benefit plan of QCII or any subsidiary of QCII, or any person or entity organized, appointed or established by QCII for or
pursuant to the terms of any such plan which acquires beneficial ownership of voting securities of QCII, is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly of securities of QCII representing
20% or more of the combined voting power of QCII's then outstanding securities; provided, however, that no Change in Control will be deemed to have occurred unless the person acquiring such 20% or
more combined voting power owns more of the combined voting power of QCII's then outstanding securities than a 15% Shareholder then owns; and provided further that no Change in Control will be deemed
to have occurred as a result of a change in ownership percentage resulting solely from an acquisition of securities by QCII; and provided further that no Change in Control will be deemed to have
occurred if a person inadvertently acquires an ownership interest in 20% or more but then promptly reduces that ownership interest below 20%.

 

        (B)  During
any two consecutive years (not including any period beginning prior to the Effective Date), individuals who at the beginning of such two-year period
constitute the Board of Directors of QCII (the "QCII Board") and any new director (except for a director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with QCII to effect a transaction
described elsewhere in this definition of Change in Control) whose election by the QCII Board or nomination for election by the Company's stockholders was approved by a vote of at least
two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or
nomination for election was previously so approved (such individuals and any such new director, the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the QCII Board; 

        (C)  Consummation
of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of QCII (a "Business Combination"), in
each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (i) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of outstanding voting securities of QCII
immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, by reason of such ownership of QCII's voting securities immediately before the Business Combination, directly or indirectly, more than
50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the company resulting from such Business Combination (including,
without limitation, a company which as a result of such transaction owns QCII or all or substantially all of QCII's assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the
same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination of the outstanding voting securities of QCII; (ii) no person (excluding a 15% Shareholder, any company
resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of QCII or such company resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly,
20% or more of, respectively, the then combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such company except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business
Combination; and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the company resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of
the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the QCII Board, providing for such Business Combination; or 

        (D)  Approval
by the stockholders of QCII of a complete liquidation or dissolution of QCII. 

        7.    Benefit Plans.    If, for any period during which the Executive is entitled to continued benefits under this
Agreement, the Company reasonably determines that the Executive cannot participate in any benefit plan because he is not actively performing services for the Company or is otherwise not eligible for
coverage, then, in lieu of providing benefits under any such plan, the Company shall provide comparable benefits or the cash equivalent of the cost thereof (after taking into account all tax
consequences thereof to the Executive and the Executive's dependents as the case may be) to the Executive and, if applicable, the Executive's dependents through other arrangements 

        8.    Special Tax Provision.    

        (a)   Anything
in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event that the Executive receives any amount or benefit (collectively, the "Covered Payments")
(whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Company, any person whose actions result in a change of ownership or effective control covered by
Section 280G(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") or any person affiliated with the Company or such person) that is or becomes subject to the excise tax imposed
by or under Section 4999 of the Code (or any similar tax that may hereafter be imposed)

 
and/or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with such interest and penalties, is hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax") by reason of
the application of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code, the Company shall pay to the Executive an additional amount (the "Tax Reimbursement Payment") such that after payment by the Executive of all
taxes (including, without limitation, any interest or penalties and any Excise Tax imposed on or attributable to the Tax Reimbursement Payment itself), the Executive retains an amount of the Tax
Reimbursement Payment equal to the sum of (i) the amount of the Excise Tax imposed upon the Covered Payments, and (ii) without duplication, an amount equal to the product of
(A) any deductions disallowed for federal, state or local income tax purposes because of the inclusion of the Tax Reimbursement Payment in Executive's adjusted gross income, and (B) the
highest applicable marginal rate of federal, state or local income taxation, respectively, for the calendar year in which the Tax Reimbursement Payment is made or is to be made. The intent of this
Section 8 is that after the Executive pays federal, state and local income taxes and any payroll taxes, the Executive will be in the same position as if the Executive were not subject to the
Excise Tax under Section 4999 of the Code and did not receive the extra payments pursuant to this Section 8, and this Section 8 shall be interpreted accordingly. 

        (b)   Except
as otherwise provided in subparagraph 8(a), for purposes of determining whether any of the Covered Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax and the amount of
such Excise Tax, such Covered Payments will be treated as "parachute payments" (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code) and such payments in excess of the Code
Section 280(G)(b)(3) "base amount" shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless, and except to the extent that, the Company's independent certified public accountants or legal counsel
(reasonably acceptable to the Executive) appointed by such public accountants (or, if the public accountants decline such appointment and decline appointing such legal counsel, such independent
certified public accountants as promptly mutually agreed on in good faith by the Company and the Executive) (the "Accountant"), deliver a written opinion to the Executive, reasonably satisfactory to
the Executive's legal counsel, that, in the event such reporting position is contested by the Internal Revenue Service, there will be a more likely than not chance of success with respect to a claim
that the Covered Payments (in whole or in part) do not constitute "parachute payments," represent reasonable compensation for services actually rendered (within the meaning of
Section 280G(b)(4) of the Code) in excess of the "base amount" allocable to such reasonable compensation, or such "parachute payments" are otherwise not subject to such Excise Tax (with
appropriate legal authority, detailed analysis and explanation provided therein by the Accountant); and the value of any Covered Payments which are non-cash benefits or deferred payments
or benefits shall be determined by the Accountant in accordance with the principles of Section 280G of the Code. 

        (c)   For
purposes of determining the amount of the Tax Reimbursement Payment, the Executive shall be deemed to pay federal, state and/or local income taxes at the highest
applicable marginal rate of
income taxation for the calendar year in which the Tax Reimbursement Payment is made or is to be made, and to have otherwise allowable deductions for federal, state and local income tax purposes at
least equal to those disallowed due to the including of the Tax Reimbursement Payment in the Executive's adjusted gross income. 

        (d)         (1)      (A)    In
the event that prior to the time the Executive has filed any of the Executive's tax returns for a calendar year in
which Covered Payments are made, the Accountant determines, for any reason whatsoever, the correct amount of the Tax Reimbursement Payment to be less than the amount determined at the time the Tax
Reimbursement Payment was made, the Executive shall repay to the Company, at the time that the amount of such reduction in the Tax Reimbursement Payment is determined by the Accountant, the portion of
the prior Tax Reimbursement Payment attributable to the Excise Tax and federal, state and local income taxes imposed on the portion of the Tax Reimbursement Payment being repaid by the Executive,
using

 
the assumptions and methodology utilized to calculate the Tax Reimbursement Payment (unless manifestly erroneous)), plus interest on the amount of such repayment at the rate provided in
Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code. 

        (B)  In
the event that the determination set forth in (A) above is made by the Accountant after the filing by the Executive of any of the Executive's tax returns for a
calendar year in which Covered Payments are made, the Executive shall file at the request of the company an amended tax return in accordance with the Accountant's determination, but no portion of the
Tax Reimbursement Payment shall be required to be refunded to the Company until actual refund or credit of such portion has been made to the Executive, and interest payable to the Company shall not
exceed the interest received or credited to the Executive by such tax authority for the period it held such portion (less any tax the Executive must pay on such interest and which the Executive is
unable to deduct as a result of payment of the refund). 

        (C)  In
the event that the Executive receives a refund pursuant to (B) above and repays such amount to the Company, the Executive shall thereafter file for any refunds
or credits that may be due to Executive by reason of the repayments to the Company. The Executive and the Company shall mutually agree upon the course of action, if any, to be pursued (which shall be
at the expense of the Company) if the Executive's claim for such refund or credit is denied. 

        (2)   In
the event that the Excise Tax is later determined by the Accountant or the Internal Revenue Service to exceed the amount taken into account hereunder at the time a
Tax Reimbursement Payment was made (including by reason of any payment the existence or amount of which could not be determined at the time of the earlier Tax Reimbursement Payment), the Company shall
make an additional Tax Reimbursement Payment in respect of such excess (plus any interest or penalties payable with respect to such excess) once the amount of such excess is finally determined. 

        (3)   In
the event of any controversy with the Internal Revenue Service (or other taxing authority) under this Section 8, subject to the second sentence of subparagraph
(1)(C) above, Executive shall permit the Company to control issues related to this Section 8 (at its expense), provided that such issues do not potentially materially adversely affect the
Executive, but the Executive shall control any other issues. In the event the issues are interrelated, the Executive and the Company shall in good faith cooperate so as not to jeopardize resolution of
either issue. In the event of any conference with any taxing authority as to the Excise Tax or associated income taxes, the Executive shall permit the representative of the Company to accompany the
Executive, and the Executive and his representative shall cooperate with the Company and its representative. 

        (4)   With
regard to any initial filing for a refund or any other action required pursuant to this Section 8 (other than by mutual agreement) or, if not required,
agreed to by the Company and the Executive, the Executive shall cooperate fully with the Company, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to actions that are provided herein to be at the
Executive's sole discretion. 

        (e)   The
Tax Reimbursement Payment, or any portion thereof, payable by the Company shall be paid not later than the fifth day following the determination by the Accountant,
and any payment made after such fifth day shall bear interest at the rate provided in Code Section 1274(b)(2)(B) to the extent and for the period after such fifth day that Executive has an
obligation to make payment or estimated payment of the Excise Tax. The Company shall use its best efforts to cause the Accountant to promptly deliver the initial determination required hereunder with
respect to Covered Payments paid or payable in any calendar year; if the

 
Accountant's determination is not delivered within ninety (90) days after Covered Payments are paid or distributed, the Company shall pay the Executive the Tax Reimbursement Payment set forth
in an opinion from counsel recognized as knowledgeable in the relevant areas selected by Executive, and reasonably acceptable to the Company, within five (5) days after deliver of such opinion.
The Company may withhold from the Tax Reimbursement Payment and deposit into applicable taxing authorities such amounts as they are required to withhold by applicable law. To the extent that the
Executive is required to pay estimated or other taxes on amounts received by the Executive beyond any withheld amounts, the Executive shall promptly make such payments. The amount of such payment
shall be subject to later adjustment in accordance with the determination of the Accountant as provided herein. 

        (f)    The
Company shall be responsible for (i) all charges of the Accountant, (ii) if subparagraph (e) is applicable, the reasonable charges for the
opinion given by the Executive's legal counsel, and (iii) all reasonable charges in connection with the preparation and filing of any amended tax returns on behalf of the Executive required by
the Company, required hereunder, or required by applicable law. The Company shall gross-up for tax purposes any income to the Executive arising pursuant to this subparagraph (f) so
that the economic effect to the Executive is the same as if the benefits were provided on a non-taxable basis. 

        The
Executive and the Company shall mutually agree on and promulgate further guidelines in accordance with this Section 8 to the extent that, if any, necessary to effect the
reversal of excessive of shortfall Tax Reimbursement Payments. The foregoing shall not in any way be inconsistent with subparagraph 8(d)(1)(C). 

        9.    No Mitigation; No Offset.    In the event of any termination of employment, the Executive shall be under no
obligation to seek other employment and there shall be no offset against amounts due the Executive under this Agreement on account of any remuneration attributable to any subsequent employment that he
may obtain. 

        10.    Confidential Information.    The Executive agrees that, during his employment by the Company and at all times
thereafter, he shall hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company all proprietary secret or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates, and their respective businesses, which shall have been obtained by the Executive during the Executive's employment by the Company or during his consultation with the
Company after his termination of employment, and which shall not be or become public knowledge (other than by acts by the Executive or representatives of the Executive in violation of this Agreement).
Except in the good faith performance of his duties for the Company, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process,
communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to anyone other than the Company and those designated by it. 

        11.    Protective Covenants.    For a period of two years following the termination of Executive's employment for any
reason, the Executive shall not, without the written consent of the Board, directly or indirectly, 

        (a)   engage
or be interested in (as owner, partner, stockholder, employee, director, officer, agent, consultant or otherwise), with or without compensation, any business
which is in direct competition with the Company or of any of its affiliates in the telecommunications business; 

        (b)   hire
any person who was employed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (other than persons employed in a clerical or other non-professional
position) within the six-month period preceding the date of such hiring; or

 

        (c)   solicit,
entice, persuade or induce any person or entity doing business with the Company and its subsidiaries or affiliates, to terminate such relationship or to refrain
from extending or renewing the same. 

Nothing
in subparagraph (a) above, will prohibit the Executive from acquiring or holding not more than one percent of any class of publicly traded securities of any such business; provided that
such securities entitle the Executive to no more than one percent of the total outstanding votes entitled to be cast by security holders of such business in matters on which such security holders are
entitled to vote. 

        12.    Remedies.    The Executive agrees that the restrictions set forth in Sections 10 and 11 hereof are reasonable
and necessary to protect the legal interests of the Company. The Executive further agrees that the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief in the event of any actual or threatened breach of
such restrictions. 

        13.    Assignability, Binding Nature.    Except as otherwise provided in this Section, this Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors, heirs (in the case of the Executive) and assigns. No rights or obligations of the Company under this Agreement may be
assigned or transferred by the Company except that such rights or obligations may be assigned or transferred pursuant to a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the continuing entity, or
the sale or liquidation of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, provided that the assignee or transferee is the successor to all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and
such assignee or transferee assumes the liabilities, obligations and duties of the Company, as contained in this Agreement, either contractually or as a matter of law. The Company further agrees that,
in the event of a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the continuing entity or a sale of assets or liquidation as described in the preceding sentence, it shall take whatever action it
legally can in order to cause the successor, assignee or transferee to expressly assume the liabilities, obligations and duties of the Company hereunder. No rights or obligations of the Executive
under this Agreement may be assigned or transferred by the Executive other than (i) his rights to compensation and benefits, which may be transferred only by will or operation of law, and
(ii) his rights with respect to options that may be transferred in accordance with subparagraph 3(g) of this Agreement. 

        14.    Amendment.    This Agreement may be amended or canceled only by mutual agreement of the parties in writing
without the consent of any other person. So long as the Executive lives, no person, other than the parties hereto, shall have any rights under or interest in this Agreement or the subject matter
hereto except that in the event of the Executive's Disability so as to render him incapable of such action, his legal representative may be substituted for purposes of such amendment. 

        15.    Applicable Law.    The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the internal laws of
the State of Colorado, without regard to the conflict of law provisions of any state. 

        16.    Severability.    The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement will not affect the
validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and this Agreement will be construed as if such invalid or unenforceable provision were omitted (but only to the extent such
provision cannot be appropriately reformed or modified). 

        17.    Waiver of Breach.    No waiver by any party hereto of a breach of any provision of this Agreement by any other
party, or of compliance with any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party, will operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by such other party of
any similar or dissimilar provisions and conditions at the same or any prior or subsequent time. The failure of any party hereto to take any action by reason of such breach will not deprive such party
of the right to take action at any time while such breach continues. 

        18.    Notices.    Notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall
be delivered personally or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt

 
requested, postage prepaid, or sent by facsimile, or prepaid overnight courier to the parties at the facsimile phone numbers or addresses set forth below (or such other addresses or facsimile numbers
as shall be specified by the parties by like notice): 

to
the Company: 

Qwest
Communications International Inc.

1801 California Street, Suite 5200

Denver, Colorado 80202 

	Attn:
	Chairman
of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors; and

General Counsel 

Facsimile:
(303) 296-2782 

or
to the Executive: 

at
the address and facsimile number

maintained in the Company's business records 

with
a copy to: 

Mayer,
Brown, Rowe & Maw

190 South LaSalle Street

Chicago, Illinois 60603-3441

Attention: Herbert W. Krueger

Facsimile: (312) 706-9122 

Each
party, by written notice furnished to the other party, may modify the applicable delivery address, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt. Such notices,
demands, claims and other communications shall be deemed given in the case of delivery by overnight service with guaranteed next day delivery, the next day or the day designated for delivery; or in
the case of certified or registered U.S. mail, five days after deposit in the U.S. mail; or, in the case of facsimile, the date upon which the transmitting party received confirmation of receipt by
facsimile, telephone, or otherwise; provided, however, that in no event shall any such communications be deemed to be given later than the date they are actually received. 

        19.    Arbitration of Disputes and Reimbursement of Legal Costs.    Any controversy or claim regarding Executive's
employment with or termination from the Company or arising out of or relating to this Agreement (or the breach thereof) shall be settled by final, binding and non-appealable arbitration in
Denver, Colorado. Company and Executive shall use good faith efforts to agree upon a single arbitrator. If Company and Executive are unable to agree upon a single arbitrator, the arbitration will be
conducted by three arbitrators. Subject to the following provisions, the arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association (the "Association") then in
effect. If three arbitrators are used, one of the arbitrators shall be appointed by the Company, one shall be appointed by the Executive and the third shall be appointed by the first two arbitrators.
If the first two arbitrators cannot agree on the third arbitrator within 30 days of the appointment of the second arbitrator, then the third arbitrator shall be appointed by the Association and
shall be experienced in the resolution of disputes under employment agreements for CEOs of major corporations. Any award entered by the arbitrators shall be final, binding and nonappealable and
judgment may be entered thereon by either party in accordance with applicable law in any court of competent jurisdiction. This arbitration provision shall be specifically enforceable. The arbitrators
shall have no authority to modify any provision of this Agreement except as necessary to construe, reform or modify this Agreement to resolve a provision which is invalid or unenforceable. Other than
as set forth herein, the arbitrators shall have no authority to add to, detract from, change, amend or modify existing law, or to award a remedy for a dispute involving this Agreement other than a
benefit

 
specifically provided under or by virtue of the Agreement, unless required by law. If the Executive prevails on any material issue which is the subject of such arbitration or lawsuit, the Company
shall be responsible for all of the fees of the American Arbitration Association and the arbitrators and any expenses relating to the conduct of the arbitration (including the Company's and the
Executive's reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses). Otherwise, each party shall be responsible for its own expenses relating to the conduct of the arbitration (including reasonable attorneys' fees
and expenses) and shall share the fees of the American Arbitration Association equally. 

        20.    Survivorship.    Upon the expiration or other termination of this Agreement, the respective rights and
obligations of the parties hereto shall survive such expiration or other termination to the extent necessary to carry out the intentions of the parties under this Agreement. 

        21.    Entire Agreement.    Except as otherwise noted herein, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between
the parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, if any, between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. Although this Agreement is
being executed by the parties on the date(s) indicated with their respective signatures below, this Agreement is retroactively effective, as of the Effective Date, and each party, by executing the
Agreement, expressly acknowledges and agrees that the other party has acted consistently with his or its duties and obligations under this Agreement from the Effective Date, up to the date of the
acknowledging and agreeing party's execution of this Agreement. 

        22.    Counterparts.    This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which is deemed to be an
original and all of which taken together constitute one and the same agreement. 

 

        IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive as hereunto set his hand, and the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name and on its behalf, all on the day and year first above
written. 

	EXECUTIVE:	 	COMPANY:
	

RICHARD C. NOTEBAERT	
 	

QWEST SERVICES CORPORATION
	

/s/  RICHARD C. NOTEBAERT      
	
 	

By:	

/s/  JILL R. SANFORD      
 Jill R. Sanford

Chief Human Resources Officer
	

 	
 	

ATTEST:
	

 	
 	

 	

/s/  RICHARD N. BAER      
 Richard N. Baer

Corporate Secretary

QuickLinks

Exhibit 10.29

AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTQuickLinks
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Exhibit 10.31    
    

 
  QWEST BUSINESS RESOURCES, INC.
  AIRCRAFT TIME SHARING AGREEMENT    
    

        This Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement ("Agreement") by and between Qwest Business Resources, Inc. ("Lessor"), a Delaware corporation whose address is 1801
California Street, Denver, Colorado 80202 and Richard C. Notebaert ("Lessee"), whose address is 106 South University Boulevard, Number 12, Denver, Colorado 80209 (collectively the "Parties"), is
effective January 1, 2005 and shall terminate on December 31, 2006, unless terminated sooner by either party pursuant to Article 1 below. 

        WHEREAS,
Lessor is legal owner of an aircraft ("Aircraft"), equipped with engines and components as described in the Aircraft Subject to the Time Sharing Agreement attached hereto and
made a part hereof, as Exhibit A; 

        WHEREAS,
Lessor employs a fully qualified flight crew to operate the Aircraft; and 

        WHEREAS,
Lessor and Lessee desire to lease said Aircraft with flight crew on a non-exclusive time sharing basis as defined in Section 91.501 (c) (1) of the
Federal Aviation Regulations ("FAR"); 

        WHEREAS,
this Agreement sets forth the understanding of the Parties as to the terms under which Lessor will provide Lessee with the use, on a periodic basis, of the Aircraft as described
in Exhibit A hereto, currently owned by Lessor. 

        WHEREAS,
the use of the Aircraft will at all times be pursuant to and in full compliance with the requirements of Federal Aviation Regulations ("FAR") 91.501(b)(6), 91.501(c)(1), and
91.501(d); 

        NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the Parties agree as follows: 

1.     Termination.  

        Either party may terminate this Agreement for any reason upon written notice to the other, such termination to become effective ten (10) days from the date
of the notice; provided that this Agreement may be terminated on such shorter notice as may be required to comply with applicable laws, regulations, the requirements of any financial institution with
a security or other interest in the Aircraft, insurance requirements or in the event the insurance required hereunder is not in full force and effect. 

2.     Use of Aircraft.  

        (a)   Lessee
may use the Aircraft from time to time, with the permission and approval of Lessor's Flight Operations Department, for any and all purposes allowed by FAR
91.501(b)(6). Lessee's use shall include the use of the Aircraft by his Spouse or related family member (including children or grandchildren) ("Related Family") if they accompany him on the flight. 

        (b)   Lessee
represents, warrants and covenants to Lessor that: 

	1.
	Lessee
will use each Aircraft for and on his own account only and will not use any Aircraft for the purposes of providing transportation of passengers or cargo in air commerce for
compensation or hire;

	2.
	Lessee
shall refrain from incurring any mechanics or other lien in connection with inspection, preventative maintenance, maintenance or storage of the Aircraft, whether permissible or
impermissible under this Agreement, and Lessee shall not attempt to convey, mortgage, assign, lease or any way alienate the Aircraft or create any kind of lien or security interest involving the
Aircraft or do anything or take any action that might mature into such a lien; 

 

	3.
	during
the term of this Agreement, Lessee will abide by and conform to all such laws, governmental, and airport orders, rules, and regulations as shall from time to time be in effect
relating in any way to the operation and use of the Aircraft by a time-sharing Lessee; 

        (c)   Lessee
shall provide Lessor's Flight Operations Department with notice of his desire to use the Aircraft and proposed flight schedules as far in advance of any given
flight as possible, and in any case, at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of Lessee's planned departure. Requests for flight time shall be in a form, whether written or oral, mutually
convenient to, and agreed upon by the Parties. In addition to the proposed schedules and flight times Lessee shall provide at least the following information for each proposed flight at some time
prior to scheduled departure as required by the Lessor or Lessor's flight crew: 

	1.
	proposed
departure point;

	2.
	destination;

	3.
	date
and time of flight;

	4.
	the
number and identity of anticipated passengers and relationship to the Lessee;

	5.
	the
nature and extent of luggage and/or cargo to be carried;

	6.
	the
date and time of return flight, if any; and

	7.
	any
other information concerning the proposed flight that may be pertinent or required by Lessor or Lessor's flight crew. 

        (c)   Lessor
shall notify Lessee as to whether or not the requested use of the Aircraft can be accommodated and, if not, the Parties shall discuss alternatives. 

        (d)   Lessor's
prior planned utilization of the Aircraft will take precedence over Lessee's use. Additionally, any maintenance and inspection of the Aircraft takes precedence
over scheduling of the Aircraft unless such maintenance or inspection can be safely deferred in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and within the sound discretion of the
Pilot-In-Command. 

        (e)   Lessor
shall have sole and exclusive authority over the scheduling of the Aircraft, including which Aircraft is used for any particular flight. 

        (f)    Lessor
shall not be liable to Lessee or any other person for loss, injury, or damage occasioned by the delay or failure to furnish the Aircraft and crew pursuant to this
Agreement for any reason. 

3.     Time-Sharing Arrangement.

        It
is intended that this Agreement will meet the requirements of a "Time Sharing Agreement" as that term is defined in FAR Part 91.501(c)(1) whereby Lessor will lease its Aircraft
and flight crew to Lessee. 

4.     Cost of Use of Aircraft.

        (a)   In
exchange for use of the Aircraft, Lessee shall pay the direct operating costs of the Aircraft permitted pursuant to FAR 91.501 for any flight conducted under this
Agreement or a lesser amount as mutually agreed to by the Parties. Pursuant to FAR 91.501(d), those direct operating costs shall be limited to the following expenses for each use of the Aircraft: 

	(1)
	Cost
of Fuel, Oil, Lubricants and Other Additives;

	(2)
	Travel
expenses of the crew, including food, lodging, and ground transportation. 

 

	(3)
	Hangar
and tie-down costs away from the Aircraft's base of operation.

	(4)
	Insurance
obtained for the specific flight.

	(5)
	Landing
fees, airport taxes, and similar assessments.

	(6)
	Customs,
foreign permit, and similar fees directly related to the flight.

	(7)
	In
flight food and beverages.

	(8)
	Passenger
ground transportation.

	(9)
	Flight
planning and weather contract services.

	(10)
	An
additional charge equal to 100 percent of the expenses listed in sub-paragraph (a)(1) of this section. 

        (b)   Lessor
will invoice, and Lessee will pay, for all appropriate charges. 

        (c)   In
addition to the rental rate referenced in Section 4(a) above, Lessee shall also be assessed the Federal Excise Taxes as imposed under Section 4261 of
the Internal Revenue Code, and any segment and landing fees associated with such flight(s). 

5.     Invoicing and Payment.

        All
payments to be made to Lessor by Lessee hereunder shall be paid in the manner set forth in this Paragraph 5. Lessor will pay to suppliers, employees, contractors and
government entities all expenses related to the operations of the Aircraft hereunder in the ordinary course. As to each flight operated hereunder, Lessor shall provide to Lessee an invoice for the
charges specified in Paragraph 4 of this Agreement (plus domestic or international air transportation Excise Taxes, as applicable, imposed by the Internal Revenue Code and collected by Lessor),
such invoice to be issued within thirty (30) days after the completion of each such flight. Lessee shall pay Lessor the full amount of such invoice upon receipt of the invoice. In the event
Lessor has not received a supplier invoice for reimbursable charges relating to such flight prior to such invoicing, Lessor shall issue a supplemental invoice for such charges to Lessee within thirty
(30) days of the date of receipt of the supplier invoice and Lessee shall pay such supplemental invoice amount upon receipt thereof. All such invoices shall separately itemize the expenses in
items (1) through (10) of paragraph 4(a) for each flight included in that invoice. Delinquent payments, defined as payments received more than thirty (30) days after
invoice, to Lessor by Lessee hereunder shall bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the due date until the date of payment. Lessee shall further pay all costs incurred by Lessor
in collecting any amounts due from Lessee pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph 5 after delinquency, including court costs and reasonably attorneys' fees. 

6.     Insurance and Limitation of Liability.  

        Lessor represents that the flight operations for the Aircraft as contemplated in this Agreement will be covered by the Lessor's aircraft all-risk
physical damage insurance (hull Coverage), aircraft bodily injury and property damage liability insurance, passenger, pilot and crew voluntary settlement insurance and statutory workers compensation
and employer's liability insurance. 

        (a)   Insurance.

	1.
	Lessor
will maintain or cause to be maintained in full force and effect throughout the term of this Agreement aircraft liability insurance in respect of the Aircraft in an amount at
least equal to $100 million combined single limit for bodily injury to or death of persons (including passengers) and property damage liability. Lessor will retain all rights and benefits with
respect to the proceeds payable under policies of hull insurance 

 

maintained
by Lessor that may be payable as a result of any incident or occurrence while an Aircraft is being operated on behalf of Lessee under this Agreement. 

	2.
	Lessor
shall use best efforts to procure such additional insurance coverage as Lessee may request naming Lessee as an additional insured; provided, that the cost of such additional
insurance shall be borne by Lessee pursuant to Paragraph 4(a)(4) hereof. 

        (b)   Limitation
of Liability. Lessee agrees that the insurance specified in paragraph 6(a) shall provide its sole recourse for all claims, losses, liabilities,
obligations, demands, suits, judgments or causes of action, penalties, fines, costs and expenses of any nature whatsoever, including attorneys' fees and expenses for or on account of or arising out
of, or in any way connected with the use of the Aircraft by Lessee or its guests, including injury to or death of any persons, including Lessee and its guests which may result from or arise out of the
use or operation of the Aircraft during the term of this Agreement ("Claims"). This Section 6 shall survive termination of this Agreement. 

        (c)   Lessee
agrees that when, in the reasonable view of Lessor's Flight Operations Department or the pilots of the Aircraft, safety may be compromised, Lessor or the pilots
may terminate a flight, refuse to commence a flight, or take other action necessitated by such safety considerations without liability for loss, injury, damage, or delay. Lessee agrees that Lessor's
operation of aircraft is within the operation guidelines of the Lessor's Flight Operations Department Manual the crews are responsible to operate within the guidelines of FAR 91 and the Lessor's
Flight Operations Department Manual. 

        (d)   In
no event shall Lessor be liable to Lessee or his employees, agents, representatives, guests, or invitees for any claims or liabilities, including property damage or
injury and death, and expenses, including attorney's fees, in excess of the amount paid by Lessor's insurance carrier in the event of such loss. 

        (e)   LESSOR
SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE TO LESSEE OR HIS EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, REPRESENTATIVES, GUESTS, OR INVITEES FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES AND/OR
PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES OR FOR ANY REASON INCLUDING ANY DELAY OR FAILURE TO FURNISH THE AIRCRAFT OR CAUSED OR OCCASIONED BY THE PERFORMANCE OR
NON-PERFORMANCE OF ANY SERVICES COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT. 

7.     Covenants Regarding Aircraft Maintenance.  

        The Aircraft has been inspected and maintained in the twelve-month period preceding the date hereof in accordance with the provisions of FAR Part 91.
Lessor shall, at its own expense, inspect, maintain, service, repair, overhaul, and test the Aircraft in accordance with FAR Part 91. The Aircraft will remain in good operating condition and in
a condition consistent with its airworthiness certification, including all FAA-issued airworthiness directives and mandatory service bulletins. In the event that any
non-standard maintenance is required during any applicable lease term, Lessor, or Lessor's Pilot-In-Command, shall immediately notify Lessee of the maintenance
required, the effect on the ability to comply with Lessee's dispatch requirements and the manner in which the Parties will proceed with the performance of such maintenance and conduct of the balance
of the planned flight(s). 

8.     No Warranty.  

        NEITHER LESSOR (NOR ITS AFFILIATES) MAKES, HAS MADE OR SHALL BE DEEMED TO MAKE OR HAVE MADE ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR
ORAL, WITH RESPECT TO ANY AIRCRAFT TO BE USED HEREUNDER OR ANY ENGINE OR COMPONENT THEREOF INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY AS TO DESIGN, COMPLIANCE WITH

 
SPECIFICATIONS, QUALITY OF MATERIALS OR WORKMANSHIP, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE, USE OR OPERATION, AIRWORTHINESS, SAFETY, PATENT, TRADEMARK OR COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT OR TITLE. 

9.     Operational Control.  

        Lessor shall be responsible for the physical and technical operation of the Aircraft and the safe performance of all flights and shall retain full authority and
control, including exclusive operational control, and possession of the Aircraft at all times during the term of this Agreement. In accordance with applicable FARs, the qualified flight crew provided
by Lessor will exercise all required and/or appropriate duties and responsibilities in regard to the safety of each flight conducted hereunder. The Pilot-In-Command shall have
absolute discretion in all matters concerning the preparation of the Aircraft for flight and the flight itself, the load carried and its distribution, the decision whether or not a flight shall be
undertaken, the route to be flown, the place where landings shall be made and all other matters relating to operation of the Aircraft. Lessee specifically agrees that the flight crew shall have final
and complete authority to delay or cancel any flight for any reason or condition which, in sole judgment of the Pilot-In-Command, could compromise the safety of the flight and
to take any other action which, in the sole judgment of the Pilot-In-Command, is necessitated by considerations of safety. No such action of the
Pilot-In-Command shall create or support any liability to Lessee or any other person for loss, injury, damages or delay. The Parties further agree that Lessor shall not be
liable for delay or failure to furnish the Aircraft and crew pursuant to this Agreement which such failure is caused by government regulation or authority, mechanical difficulty or breakdown, war,
civil commotion, strikes or labor disputes, weather conditions, acts of God or other circumstances beyond Lessor's reasonable control. Lessee agrees that Lessor's operation of aircraft is within the
operation guidelines of the Lessor's Flight Operations Department manual the crews are responsible to operate within the guidelines of FAR 91 and the Lessor's Flight Operations Department manual. 

10.   Governing Law.  

        The Parties hereto acknowledge that this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in all respects in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado. 

11.   Counterparts.  

        This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts each of which will be deemed an original, all of which together shall constitute one and the same
agreement. 

12.   Entire Agreement.  

        This Time Sharing Agreement constitutes the entire understanding among the Parties with respect to its subject matter, and there are no representations,
warranties, rights, obligations, liabilities, conditions, covenants, or agreements other than as expressly set forth herein. 

13.   Notices and Communications.  

        All notices, requests, demands and other communications required or desired to be given hereunder shall be in writing (except as permitted pursuant to
Paragraph 2(c)) and shall be deemed to be given: (i) if personally delivered, upon such delivery; (ii) if mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage
pre-paid, addressed as follows (to the extent applicable for mailing), upon the earlier to occur of actual receipt, refusal to accept receipt or three (3) days after such mailing;
(iii) if sent by regularly scheduled overnight delivery carrier with delivery fees either prepaid or an arrangement, satisfactory with such carrier, made for the payment of such fees, addressed
(to the extent applicable for overnight delivery) as follows, upon the earlier to occur of actual receipt or the next

 
"Business Day" (as hereafter defined) after being sent by such delivery; or (iv) upon actual receipt when sent by fax, mailgram, telegram or telex: 

If
to LESSOR: 

QWEST
BUSINESS RESOURCES, INC.

1801 California Street

Denver, Colorado 80202 

	Copy:
	Qwest
Legal Department

1801 California Street, 49th Floor

Denver, Colorado 80202 

If
to LESSEE: 

Richard
C. Notebaert

106 South University Boulevard, Number 12

Denver, Colorado 80209 

        Notices
given by other means shall be deemed to be given only upon actual receipt. Addresses may be changed by written notice given as provided herein and signed by the party giving the
notice. 

14.   Further Acts.  

        LESSOR and LESSEE shall from time to time perform such other and further acts and execute such other and further instruments as may be required by law or may be
reasonably necessary to: (i) carry out the intent and purpose of this Agreement; and (ii) establish, maintain and protect the respective rights and remedies of the other party. 

15.   Successors and Assigns.  

        Neither this Agreement nor any party's interest herein shall be assignable to any other party whatsoever. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the Parties hereto, their heirs, representatives and successors. 

16.   Severability.  

        In the event that any one or more of the provisions of the Agreement shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, those provisions shall
be replaced by provisions acceptable to both Parties to this Agreement. 

17.   Flight Crew.  

        Lessor shall employ, pay for and provide a qualified flight crew for all flight operations under this Agreement. 

18.   Base of Operations.  

        For purposes of this Agreement, the base of operation of the Aircraft is Centennial Airport, Denver, Colorado; provided, that such base may be changed permanently
upon notice from Lessor to Lessee. 

19.   Taxes.  

        The Parties acknowledge that reimbursement of all items specified in Paragraph 4, except for subsections (7) and (8) thereof, are subject to
the Federal Excise Tax imposed under Internal Revenue Code 4261 (the "Commercial Transportation Tax"). Lessee shall pay to Lessor (for payment to the

 
appropriate governmental agency) any Commercial Transportation Tax applicable to flights of the Aircraft conducted hereunder. Lessee shall indemnify Lessor for any claims related to the Commercial
Transportation Tax to the extent that Lessee has paid Lessor the amounts necessary to pay such taxes. 

20.   Title.  

        Legal title to the Aircraft shall remain in the Lessor at all times. 

21.   Truth-in-Leasing.  

        The Lessor shall mail a copy of this Agreement for and on behalf of both Parties to: Flight Standards Technical Division, P.O. Box 25724, Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma 73125, within twenty-four (24) hours of its execution, as provided by FAR 91.23(c)(1). Additionally, Lessor agrees to comply with the notification requirements of FAR
Section 91.23 by notifying by telephone or in person the Rocky Mountain FAA Flight Standards District Office at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the first flight under this
Agreement. 

        (a)   LESSOR
CERTIFIES THAT THE AIRCRAFT HAS BEEN INSPECTED AND MAINTAINED WITHIN THE 12-MONTH PERIOD PRECEDING THE DATE OF THIS AGREEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
PROVISIONS OF PART 91 OF THE FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS AND THAT ALL APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AIRCRAFT'S MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION THEREUNDER HAVE BEEN MET AND ARE VALID FOR THE OPERATIONS
TO BE CONDUCTED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. 

        (b)   LESSOR,
WHOSE ADDRESS APPEARS IN PARAGRAPH 13 ABOVE AND WHOSE AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE APPEARS BELOW, AGREES, CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT WHENEVER THE AIRCRAFT IS
OPERATED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, LESSOR SHALL BE KNOWN AS, CONSIDERED AND SHALL IN FACT BE THE OPERATOR OF THE AIRCRAFT AND THAT LESSOR UNDERSTANDS ITS RESPONSIBILITIES FOR COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS. 

        (c)   THE
PARTIES UNDERSTAND THAT AN EXPLANATION OF FACTORS AND PERTINENT FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS BEARING ON OPERATIONAL CONTROL CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE NEAREST FAA
FLIGHT STANDARDS DISTRICT OFFICE. 

 

        IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have each caused this Agreement to be duly executed on November 2, 2004. 

	

LESSOR:	
 	

 	

 
	

Qwest Business Resources, Inc.	
 	

 	

 
	

 	

/s/  STEVEN W. BLOOM      
	
 	

 	

 
	By:	Steven W. Bloom
	 	 	 
	Its:	Director Flight Operations
	 	 	 
	

LESSEE:	
 	

 	

 
	

Richard C. Notebaert	
 	

 	

 
	

 	

/s/  RICHARD C. NOTEBAERT      
	
 	

 	

 

 

EXHIBIT A  

Qwest Business Resources, Inc.

Aircraft Subject to Time Sharing Agreement  

        Each of the undersigned is a party to the Time Sharing Agreement dated November 2, 2004, by and between Qwest Business Resources, Inc. ("Lessor"),
and Richard C. Notebaert ("Lessee") (collectively the "Parties"), and agrees that from and after January 1, 2005, until this Exhibit A shall be superseded and replaced through agreement
of the Parties or the Time Sharing Agreement shall be terminated pursuant to its terms, the Aircraft described below shall constitute the "Aircraft" described in and subject to the terms of the Time
Sharing Agreement. 

1999
Dassault Falcon Jet Corp. Falcon 50EX 

Manufacturer's
Serial Number 278 

FAA
Registration Number N623QW 

Engine
Model TFE 731-40-1C, Serial Numbers P115183, P115243 and P115185 

	

Dated: November 2, 2004	
 	

 	

 
	

LESSOR:	
 	

 	

 
	

Qwest Business Resources, Inc.	
 	

 	

 
	

 	

/s/  STEVEN W. BLOOM      
	
 	

 	

 
	By:	Steven W. Bloom
	 	 	 
	Its:	Director Flight Operations
	 	 	 
	

LESSEE:	
 	

 	

 
	

Richard C. Notebaert	
 	

 	

 
	

 	

/s/  RICHARD C. NOTEBAERT      
	
 	

 	

 

QuickLinks

Exhibit 10.31

QWEST BUSINESS RESOURCES, INC. AIRCRAFT TIME SHARING AGREEMENT

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