European Financial Exchange Buying Private Line, Colocation and Metropolitan Dark Fiber Services from
Level 3 in U.S.
BROOMFIELD, Colo., April 29, 2003 - Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT) today announced that it's providing network services in the U.S. to Euronext.liffe, one of the largest exchanges for equities, bonds, derivatives and commodities in Europe.
Euronext has signed agreements to purchase private line, colocation and metropolitan dark fiber services to provide the financial exchange company's LIFFE CONNECT® electronic trading platform service to the Chicago Board of Trade, the world's oldest futures exchange.
"Level 3's reach, commitment to colocation and ability to demonstrate the physical diversity of its network were key factors in our selection process," said Mark Hemsley, managing director, Market Solutions at Euronext.liffe. "In particular, we were also pleased with Level 3's willingness to offer flexible leasing options for its metropolitan dark fiber services."
"With more than 1,500 listed companies representing a market capitalization of more than €2 trillion, Euronext is a driving force behind consolidation of the European capital markets," said Brady Rafuse, president of Level 3's European operations. "Euronext is also widely recognized as a world leader in the application of technology to trading systems. We are very pleased to be partnering with Euronext and look forward to enabling them to leverage the operational capabilities and cost efficiencies of Level 3's network platform."
Level 3's dark fiber services help customers reduce their local loop expense and increase the physical diversity of their network. The company's 2,100-mile metropolitan backbone is complimented by Level 3's network expansion capabilities, which extend Level 3's fiber reach by constructing route extensions and integrating third party fiber where customer demand requires.
Additionally, Level 3 is one of the largest providers of colocation space in the world, operating more than 70 carrier-neutral data center facilities in 66 markets in the U.S. and Europe. Colocation customers in most major cities can access 8 to 10 other network providers in each Level 3 facility.
Level 3's completely diverse physical backbone network also ensures that private line service provided to Euronext is protected from equipment failures and fiber cuts. As a result, Euronext will receive nearly 100 percent availability on its Level 3 private line service.
Registered in Amsterdam, Euronext was created in September 2000 through the merger of the Amsterdam Exchanges, Brussels Exchanges and ParisBourse. In December 2001, the company acquired the London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange (LIFFE), and in February 2002 it merged with BVLP, the Portuguese cash and derivatives market.
Euronext is also purchasing network services from Level 3 in Europe.
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.
