Metro Dark Fiber Rings will Lower Network Expenses, Connect Level 3 Data Center with Downtown and Other Key Business Districts
Company Will Provide Broadband Connectivity for University of Nebraska's Peter Kiewit Institute, Adjacent Research and Technology Park
BROOMFIELD, Colo., June 4, 2003 - Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT) announced today that it plans to activate a metropolitan network in Omaha, Neb., before the end of the year. The metro network will enable the company to lower its third-party network expenses and capitalize on growing demand for communications services in the area. The expansion will also enable Level 3 to provide broadband connectivity to the University of Nebraska's Peter Kiewit Institute, as part of the company's continuing focus on the research and academic market.
Using leased dark fiber, the company is establishing metropolitan network rings that will connect the company's Omaha data center with the city's downtown and two other key business districts, Aksarben and Miracle Hills. The rings will also connect a large data center operated by (i)Structure, a Level 3 subsidiary that provides IT outsourcing services to enterprises.
"Expanding our network footprint in Omaha will result in immediate economic benefits for Level 3 and
(i)Structure by reducing the network expenses we incur with other carriers," said James Q. Crowe, chief executive officer of Level 3. "At the same time, the metro network will leave us well positioned to capitalize on continuing growth in the city and the surrounding region."
Providing broadband connectivity to the University of Nebraska's Peter Kiewit Institute, which oversees the university's colleges of engineering and information science, will bring the state university system on-net for
Level 3.
"The research and academic market is an important source of demand for broadband communications services and an area of strategic focus for our company," Crowe said. "Today, the Level 3 network serves a large number of leading academic institutions, such as Stanford and Caltech, as well as research network organizations like CENIC, MCNC and Internet2. We are pleased to be working now with the University of Nebraska's Peter Kiewit Institute, which has a strong reputation for excellence in all areas of engineering, computing, and information technology."
The Institute operates the colleges under a unique governance model, with a board of 11 chief executive officers from area industries who help shape the colleges' programs and curriculum to ensure they address the needs of business.
The Institute is part of an emerging high-tech hub in the region, which includes the adjacent Aksarben research and technology park, home to a growing number of technology-focused companies and organizations. Current tenants of the park include First Data Corp., owner of Western Union and a provider of electronic commerce and payment services; SAIC, a Fortune 500 company specializing in engineering and research; 21st Century Systems, a provider of software systems for the defense industry; Network Appliance, a data storage provider; the Fraunhofer Institute, the German high-tech research concern that pioneered development of the MP3 audio encoding process; and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Also located at the research park is the Scott Technology Center, which serves as an incubator for early-stage companies and helps mature enterprises leverage technologies developed at the university.
"We are establishing Omaha as a national leader in technology and engineering research by bringing together the Nebraska university system, government agencies, the defense industry, and leading high-tech companies," said Winnie Callahan, executive director of the Peter Kiewit Institute. "Now, through our partnership with Level 3, the organizations concentrated here will have access to what is one of the most advanced communications networks in the world. We believe this agreement will significantly enhance our efforts, and allow us to accelerate the success we have already experienced."
"Technology companies at Aksarben are looking for advanced, reliable and scalable broadband services," said Ken Moreano, director of the Scott Technology Center. "Access to the Level 3 network will benefit the companies that are here today and will, we believe, substantially increase interest in the research park among companies considering moving their operations here. We look forward to working with Level 3 and to expanding our relationship in the future."
Level 3 expects to activate the Omaha network rings before the end of the third quarter of 2003.
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.
