MCI Inc. was allowed by Verizon Communications to resume takeover talks with Qwest Communications International.

MCI accepted a $6.75-billion takeover offer from Verizon on February 14, while Qwest’s most recent counterbid went up to $8.4 billion. Qwest has sweetened its offer twice.

Earlier, Verizon set a March 17 deadline for MCI-Qwest talks. Now the deadline is extended to March 28.

Verizon’s stronger balance sheet and larger size made MCI prefer its bid despite Qwest’s offer of $26 a share, compared with Verizon’s $20.75 a share in cash, stock and guaranteed dividend payments.

"We understand that MCI’s board has additional questions surrounding our offer. We are confident that we can quickly address these questions and provide the basis for the board to declare that our bid for MCI is the superior offer," Qwest said in a statement.