(3)CrossRoads Service Can Reduce Costs by as Much as 50 Percent
Features Industry's First Pricing Approach Based on Destination of Internet Traffic
BROOMFIELD, Colo., August 14, 2000 – Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT) today announced the launch of (3)CrossRoads, a high performance network service that can lower bandwidth costs for Internet companies by as much as 50 percent.
(3)CrossRoads features Destination Sensitive Billing (DSB), the industry's first pricing based on the destination of Internet traffic rather than traditional flat rate pricing. The new service enables Level 3 customers to enjoy long-term cost savings and bypass congested Internet exchange points, minimizing latency and improving end-user experience.
"This new service demonstrates our commitment to product innovation and attractive pricing, while providing unsurpassed performance for Internet service providers, Internet content companies and other Web-centric businesses," said Andrew Morley, senior vice president of Global Transport and IP Services for Level 3. "The
(3)CrossRoads Internet protocol (IP) platform further establishes Level 3 as one of the world's leading providers of low cost bandwidth services in the Internet and communications industry."
Level 3's new destination-sensitive pricing is a good example of the new kinds of innovation we expect to see as the industry moves away from flat rate pricing models," said Nisha Dass, an industry analyst with Network Strategy Partners, LLC. "We are finally moving to the stage where service providers are migrating to more intelligent and creative billing. (3)CrossRoads not only significantly reduces the cost of bandwidth to Level 3's customers but it also gives them the flexibility to choose the billing model more appropriate to their traffic patterns."
"We believe our new (3)CrossRoads platform will substantially change the way wholesale Internet access services are offered," said Brian Horsfield, vice president of Global IP Services for Level 3. "Level 3's new destination-based billing structure rewards our customers for bringing traffic, and exchanging traffic, on our network. As a result, (3)CrossRoads is sure to drive more bandwidth onto Level 3's metropolitan and long-haul networks in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
(3)CrossRoads
(3)CrossRoads is an IP service network platform that offers a wide range of interface types and access locations, including a Gigabit Ethernet (1,000 Mbps) customer interface option. Level 3 employs a unique network approach to track the destination and monitor the bandwidth usage of IP packets traveling on or off its high-capacity, continuously upgradeable fiber network. And with DSB, customers pay only for the bandwidth they use.
(3)CrossRoads service is available today in 38 major North American markets where Level 3 owns and operates Internet and communications facilities it calls "Gateways," including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C. Additionally, Level 3 expects to offer
(3)CrossRoads service in 11 European and Asian markets by year's end.
Level 3 customers can take advantage of (3)CrossRoads from a Level 3 Gateway, their own premises, and other IP-enabled facilities connected to the Level 3 network such as neutral colocation centers and carrier hotels.
For more information on (3)CrossRoads, visit www.Level3.com/560.html.
(*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.
