Qwest Communications International Inc., Denver, CO, will close a fiber-optic network loop between Albany, NY, New York City, and Boston with 288 mi of recently acquired cable. The cable, obtained through an asset exchange with an unnamed company, stretches between New York City and Boston. Cities along the route include Providence, RI; Greenhill, RI; New London, CT; New Haven, CT; Bridgeport, CT; and Stamford, CT. Qwest also has activated the portion of its fiber-optic network connecting Indianapolis, IN, and Cincinnati, OH. Qwest now has nearly 3500 route-mi of its network in service, extending from California to Ohio. The company has approximately 168,000 fiber-mi installed.