Telecom giant Verizon Communications reportedly has made an informal acquisition offer to acquire MCI Inc., just one week after speculation that Qwest Communications International Inc. was interested in buying the long-distance giant.

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that talks have accelerated between Verizon and MCI, and that Verizon has floated an offer of cash and stock priced near the $6.3 billion that Qwest has reportedly suggested in separate talks with MCI.

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