Ethernet Service Features New Capabilities and Expanded Availability in the U.S. and Europe
LONDON and BROOMFIELD, Colo., September 17, 2003 - Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT) today announced it has launched an enhanced wide area Ethernet data networking service in the U.S. and Europe.
The (3)Flex Ethernet service enables customers to migrate to a simplified networking solution, extending the ease of use and cost effectiveness of transporting data from local area networks (LANs) common in businesses to the wide area networks (WANs) that comprise today's broadband networks. (3)Flex Ethernet offers customers secure data transmission to and from over 75 major markets in the U.S. and Europe, more than doubling its previous market availability.
"(3)Flex Ethernet provides our customers with more flexibility to manage their applications by enabling them to take advantage of the low cost and simplicity of Ethernet technology," said Charles Meyers, president of IP Services for Level 3. "And by incorporating the new local access capability, we're now able to provide an end-to-end data networking service that leverages the benefits and wide use of Ethernet technology from the LAN to the WAN. And we can do it with the security and performance of more costly traditional data networking solutions."
The (3)Flex Ethernet service, which replaces the company's (3)Packet service, features new capabilities and expanded availability that will enable media and entertainment companies, ISPs, cable operators, enterprises and others to use Ethernet technology to more simply and cost effectively meet their data networking needs. Level 3 will market (3)Flex Ethernet to its service provider customers through its direct sales force, and to enterprise customers primarily through other service providers, system integrators and value-added resellers.
The service provides a platform for converging video, voice and data onto one network, and offers customers the capability to connect multi-node, fully meshed networks. The service also provides guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) that can be managed as applications require.
"(3)Flex Ethernet simplifies networking, improves operational efficiencies, and now can be accessed very easily from just about anywhere a conventional local loop can be ordered," added Meyers. "Moreover, the service features distance-insensitive, usage-based pricing that allows traffic growth without equipment or network upgrades."
(3)Flex Ethernet is based on multi-protocol label switching (MPLS), a technology that allows data packet transmissions via a short, pre-determined switched path across the Level 3 Network. MPLS enforces traffic separation via tunneling at Layer 2, thereby providing the highest level of network security available and while maintaining protocol independence.
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.
