Level 3 Currently Processing Approximately 6 Billion Minutes per Month of Softswitch-Based Voice and Data Calls
BROOMFIELD, Colo., January 18, 2001 - Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT) today announced it has signed new customer agreements for
Level 3's softswitch-based, voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) long-distance telephone service. The new (3)Voice customers include Intelliswitch, ILD Telecommunications, eDial, TecNet, ILINK and Stonefalls Solutions, among others. Level 3 currently processes approximately 6 billion minutes per month of softswitch-based voice and data calls with its (3)Voice and (3)Connect Modem services.
"We're pleased that these communications intensive companies have chosen Level 3 as their underlying carrier for termination of their long-distance voice traffic," said RJ Mahadev, vice president of Global Softswitch Product Management for Level 3. "(3)Voice has demonstrated to the marketplace that Level 3 provides a high quality, stable and scaleable wholesale voice service over its global IP-based network. We're now taking IP voice service to the next level, with new capabilities that allow us to effectively transport calls that originate or terminate on PCs, new IP or "smart" phones, and other devices." Pioneered and co-developed by Level 3, a softswitch is computer software that emulates the functions of traditional voice circuit switches to control and process calls over a communications network. Similar to a computer operating system, softswitches feature an open platform on which developers and Level 3 customers can build innovative and specialized applications that make communications less expensive and more productive. Using softswitch technology, (3)Voice was the industry's first long-distance IP voice service to offer callers the same clarity and convenience as traditional phone service. Launched in December 1999, (3)Voice service enables long-distance callers to use their existing telephone equipment, PCs, "smart" phones and other devices to place calls over Level 3's IP-based network.
For more information on Level 3's softswitch-based voice services, please visit www.level3.com/us/services/3voice.
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.
