Ex-Ameritech CEO replaces Notebaert at Qwest

Qwest Communications International said today Edward A. Mueller has been named chief executive, replacing Richard C. Notebaert. Mueller has more than 34 years in the telecommunications industry.

Notebaert announced his retirement in June.

Mueller, 60, was CEO of Williams-Sonoma from 2003 to 2006. From 2000 to 2002, he headed Ameritech, now part of AT&T.

Qwest is the main telephone-service provider in 14 mostly Western states, including Washington.

Notebaert led Qwest since 2002 after being tapped to succeed Joseph Nacchio, who resigned amid the scandal that forced the company to restate at least $2.2 billion in revenue. Nacchio has since been convicted of insider trading and sentenced to six years in prison.

Microsoft

FCC's findings on static disputed

Microsoft today will try to convince regulators that vacant television airwaves can be used for wireless services without interfering with broadcast signals, The Washington Post reported.

The unused TV airwaves would be available for other services by early 2009, when broadcasters are to switch from analog to digital signals.

In a document to be filed with the Federal Communications Commission, Microsoft disputes the FCC's finding that prototype Internet devices caused static on existing broadcasts, The Post said.

The company said its first prototype was defective but that a new model worked successfully in a demonstration last week, The Post said.

Microsoft, Intel and other companies have been pressing the FCC to make the vacant airwaves available for use without a license, while broadcasters have expressed concerns about potential interference with their signals.

The companies hope the unlicensed airwaves could be used for wireless services, including high-speed Internet.

Gasoline

Price at pump slides 10 cents

The price of gasoline at the pump fell 10 cents in the past two weeks to an average $2.78 a gallon, Trilby Lundberg said Sunday, citing her survey of 7,000 filling stations nationwide.

The highest average price for self-serve regular was $3.15 in Chicago. The lowest was $2.52 in St. Louis.

The price has followed New York gasoline futures, which are down 20 percent since late April because refiners have increased production.

Compensation

Modest pay raises expected next year

Workers hoping for big raises next year are in for disappointment. Employers say they plan to hold the line, according to an August survey.

Employers plan an overall salary budget increase of 3.9 percent next year, according to WorldatWork, an association of human-resource professionals that conducts comprehensive salary budget surveys.

The findings follow similar modest salary increases in 2007. But the pay raises outpace consumer inflation, which was 2.7 percent for the 12 months ending in June.

Midwest Air

Carrier to pursue buyout firm's offer

Wisconsin-based Midwest Air Group said Sunday night it would pursue a $16-a-share cash bid from buyout firm TPG Capital, spurning a takeover offer from AirTran Holdings.

The two sides expect to reach a definitive agreement by Wednesday, Midwest said.

Northwest Airlines said separately that it's a passive investor in the bid, though it won't play a role in the management of Midwest.

TPG Capital, based in Fort Worth, Texas, would convert Midwest Air to a privately held company.

Midwest made the decision after rejecting AirTran's final offer of $15.75 a share.

Orlando, Fla.-based AirTran, which flies mainly on the East Coast, had been pursuing Midwest since December in an effort to create a national carrier.

Compiled from USA Today, Reuters and Bloomberg News