MCI makes switch to Qwest  MCI, the American telecommunications
firm, has switched sides in the battle for its control. The
company, which carries a large amount of the world's internet
traffic, appears to have given its backing to a bid from Qwest
after the Denver-based suitor lifted its offer to $9.7bn
(£5.07bn) at the end of last week. The latest offer was the
third time that Qwest has raised its bid.  Until now, MCI had
endorsed a rival offer from Verizon, arguing that it presented
better long-term prospects even though the amount on the table,
$7.5bn, was lower.  In a statement, the MCI board said the
latest offer from Qwest was "superior" to the Verizon offer.
Verizon has five days to respond. The MCI board cannot swing its
recommendation to Qwest until the five-day period elapses. Wall
Street analysts are expecting Verizon to improve its offer.