Level 3 Teams with Rhythms to Enable Cost-Effective Delivery of Internet Services over High-Speed DSL Connections Agreement Allows Internet Service Providers, Application Service Providers and other Level 3 Customers to Offer Services to Rhythms' DSL Subscribers in 27 U.S. Cities
BROOMFIELD, Colo., Feb. 14, 2000 – Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT), today announced it is teaming with Rhythms NetConnections Inc. (Nasdaq:RTHM) to enable cost-effective delivery of Internet services over high-speed digital subscriber line (DSL) connections.
In a deal that expands the reach and scope of its U.S. Internet and communications infrastructure, Level 3 will connect its U.S. Internet protocol (IP)-based fiber optic network to Rhythms' DSL network. The joined networks will allow Internet service providers (ISPs), application service providers (ASPs) and other Level 3 customers to offer services to Rhythms' ISP and broadband communications service provider customers in 27 U.S. cities. The service also will be available to Web-centric companies that are not currently Level 3 or Rhythms customers. The new bundled service - which combines Level 3's IP Internet access and Rhythms DSL circuits - will be available in New York, Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, Dallas and 22 other major markets beginning in March.
(*Softswitches are advanced software-based switching systems that enable Level 3 to provide services combining the best features of the Internet and traditional telephone networks.)
About Level 3 Communications
Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT), an international communications company, operates one of the largest Internet backbones in the world, connecting 180 markets in 18 countries. The company serves a broad range of wholesale, enterprise and content customers with a comprehensive suite of services including: Internet Protocol (IP) services, broadband transport and infrastructure services, colocation services, voice and voice over IP services, content delivery and media distribution services. These services provide the building blocks to enable Level 3’s customers to meet their growing demands for advanced communications solutions. The company’s Web address is www.Level3.com.
"Level 3 Communications,” "Level 3," the red 3D brackets and the Level 3 Communications logo are registered service marks of Level 3 Communications, LLC in the United States and/or other countries. Level 3 services are provided by wholly owned subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc. Any other service, product or company names recited herein may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statement
Some of the statements that we make in this press release are forward looking in nature. These statements are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs. These forward looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside our control, which could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements. The most important factors that could prevent us from achieving our stated goals include, but are not limited to our ability to: successfully integrate acquisitions; increase the volume of traffic on our network; defend our intellectual property and proprietary rights; develop new products and services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; successfully complete commercial testing of new technology and information systems to support new products and services; attract and retain qualified management and other personnel; and meet all of the terms and conditions of our debt obligations. Additional information concerning these and other important factors can be found within Level 3’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this press release should be evaluated in light of these important factors. Level 3 is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any such obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
