The head of Qwest Communications said that the company will be ready by August or September to seek approval to reenter the long-distance telephone market in Colorado.

Joseph Nacchio said that offering long-distance service in its 14-state region is a top priority for Qwest.

Denver-based Qwest provides local phone service but must prove its network and markets are open to competition before it can reenter the long distance market.

Qwest had to sell its long-distance operation last year when it bought US West. A Baby Bell can't offer long-distance in its region unless state regulators say it has improved customer service and allowed competitors to use its network.