"The selection of MetroCor fiber will enable Level 3 to offer customers using its high-speed metropolitan systems incomparable performance at a low cost-per-bit," said Curt Weinstein, Corning's director of metro fiber. Level 3 has constructed a global broadband network in Asia, Europe and North America. Fully optimized for Internet Protocol, it includes metropolitan networks in 32 cities around the world.
"Level 3 is committed to driving down the unit cost of bandwidth," said Jack Waters, chief technology officer for Level 3. "Our network is continuously upgradable, which allows us to take advantage of improvements in fiber and optical technology. Deploying MetroCor fiber will enable us to realize cost and performance efficiencies that will benefit both Level 3 and our customers." MetroCor fiber is a non-zero dispersion shifted fiber (NZDSF) optimized for metropolitan ring applications and is fully operational over DWDM equipment. It reduces network expenses by increasing the capability of low-cost lasers and by reducing the optical-electrical-optical (OEO) conversions. The unique, negative dispersion characteristic of MetroCor fiber allows optical signals to remain strong for distances three times greater than standard single-mode fiber. These unique characteristics bring economic value to Level 3 Communications' international broadband network.
About Corning
Established in 1851, Corning Incorporated (www.corning.com) creates leading-edge technologies for the fastest-growing markets of the world's economy. Corning manufactures optical fiber, cable and photonic products for the telecommunications industry; and high-performance displays and components for television and other communications-related industries. The company also uses advanced materials to manufacture products for scientific, semiconductor and environmental markets. Corning's revenues in 2000 were 7.1 billion. For more information about MetroCor fiber, visit www.corningfiber.com.
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.
