NEW YORK — Qwest Communications International Inc. on Thursday introduced DSL plans with faster download speeds, including one that is the fastest DSL service from a major U.S. phone company.

Qwest is charging $104.99 per month for a download speed of 20 megabits per second. For 12 mbps, it is charging $51.99 per month. The prices are $5 lower when combined with local phone service.

The plans will be available in 23 of Qwest's top markets, the company said. By the end of the year, they will be available to 2 million customers.

The service is available in several neighborhoods in Draper, East Millcreek and Salt Lake City, and more sites will have it later this year.

Qwest said it is committed to spending up to $300 million to upgrade its network by drawing fiber into neighborhoods. AT&T Inc. is putting billions of dollars into a similar upgrade, which it is using to provide TV service over phone lines. Verizon Communications Inc. has chosen a different route, drawing fiber all the way to customers' homes.