Company Now Has Built and Operates Metropolitan Networks in 24 U.S. Markets and Four European Markets
BROOMFIELD, Colo., July 19, 2000 – Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT) today announced the completion of its advanced metropolitan fiber optic networks in Tampa and Orlando, Florida. The company now has built and operates metropolitan networks in 24 U.S. markets and 4 European markets, where it enables Internet service providers (ISPs) and other Level 3 customers to cost-effectively deliver Internet and communications services to businesses and residences.
"We believe our local Internet and communications networks in Florida will serve a major role in helping to further the already thriving Internet economy in the area," said Kevin J. O'Hara, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Level 3. "By bringing the power and economic advantages of our advanced, continuously upgradeable network to Internet service providers and other Web businesses in the region, we believe we can enhance their competitive position as we continue to drop the cost of service by harnessing the continually improving price performance of the underlying technology. We believe our aggressive and increasingly disruptive pricing approach, over time, will make it difficult for traditional networks to remain competitive. The completion of our metropolitan networks in Tampa and Orlando also represents a significant milestone for Level 3," said O'Hara. "With our 21,000-mile city-to-city network that spans much of North America and Europe near completion, and with our expansion into Asia, Level 3 significantly enhances its position as a leading provider of low cost bandwidth services."
Tampa and Orlando Metropolitan Networks
The completion of Level 3's multi-conduit, continuously upgradeable metropolitan fiber networks in Tampa and Orlando allows the company to move Internet and communications traffic from leased local networks in those cities to its own advanced Internet protocol (IP) network.
The new networks built by Level 3 allow the company to provide bandwidth services in two key Florida markets to a growing base of Internet and communications companies at significantly lower cost than was possible using leased metropolitan networks. "Our continuously upgradeable network design gives Level 3 the unique ability to incorporate the newest and best fiber technology much faster and at substantially less cost than competing broadband network service providers," said Tim Dawson, director of sales for Tampa and Orlando. "As a result, Internet and communications companies providing services in the Tampa and Orlando communities can expect to receive the most reliable, scalable and cost-effective bandwidth and colocation services available."
"Level 3's high-speed fiber-optic network and broadband infrastructure services enable TransWorld to deliver reliable, Web-based applications that help our customers in real estate and other markets to cost effectively gain a competitive edge," said Keith Matlick, data and financial systems manager for TransWorld Diversified Services, a company that offers administrative and technical staffing, software and corporate image training, Internet and software development, online public records data, 24-hour help desk/call center and professional automobile detailing.
"As our Tampa customers needs for advanced business applications continue to grow, Level 3's local network and bandwidth services will allow us to provide emerging online services that will help businesses in the area become even more efficient and successful. Level 3's broadband infrastructure allows us to offer reliable and secure Internet services to businesses and residences in Orlando and other Florida communities we serve without the expense of building our own network," said Dennis Wick, director of information systems for Kissimmee Utility Authority, the seventh largest utility company serving Florida. "Additionally, housing our Internet equipment in Level 3's Orlando-based colocation facility enables KUA to establish relationships with Web content providers and other Level 3 customers, making it more convenient and cost-effective for us to provide an increasing range of services to businesses and residences."
In the United States, Level 3 has completed and operates metropolitan broadband networks in Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Long Island, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, St. Louis, Stamford, Tampa and Washington, D.C.
In Europe, Level 3 has completed and operates metropolitan networks in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London and Paris. For more information about Level 3's global broadband infrastructure, please visit www.Level3.com.
(*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.
