LAS VEGAS, Nev., April 19, 2004 – Today marks the commercial launch of Intelsat’s North American video fiber network, enabled by Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT), presenting broadcasters worldwide with an enhanced opportunity to reliably transmit video content to, from or within North America.
The state-of-the-art network, called Intelsat’s Terrestrial Media Transport (TMT), is the North American extension of Intelsat’s GlobalConnexSM suite of services, which are provided using a worldwide hybrid terrestrial and satellite infrastructure. The extended network, designed with North American broadcasters in mind, is among the first of its kind specifically designed to support both standard and high-definition digital video transmissions for news and sports distribution, contribution and syndication.
NASCAR is using the TMT network for the international distribution of its programming, while HTN and the NBA are using it to distribute their programming for viewing within North America.
The scaleable, fiber-based network is optimized for broadcasters to provide flexible transmission throughput, multiple format support, added security in colocation facilities, an innovative back-up approach and end-to-end monitoring to support smooth trouble-shooting. Additionally, this type of secure network connectivity offers enhanced capabilities and high quality of service that can be extended to all Intelsat GlobalConnexSM customers, making TMT a product offering that benefits many Intelsat customers across all business lines.
“Broadcasters are driving demand for a new type of fiber-based network; one that can flexibly accommodate their diverse needs from standard definition to high definition via a single interface, in an end-to-end, digital environment,” said Ramu Potarazu, COO Intelsat, Ltd. speaking at NAB 2004 in Las Vegas. “The TMT network allows broadcasters to experience a higher quality level since the signal avoids multiple encoding and decoding processes, while allowing them to experience the highest level of service dependability.”
The TMT network leverages a new back-up approach to replace conventional “telco-oriented” redundancy with a broadcaster-focused, secure approach utilizing “slipless-switching” technology. Using this technology, two simultaneous and redundant content feeds are carried on diverse paths for every transmission that takes place on the network. The “slipless-switch,” managed by Intelsat, constantly monitors the reception quality of both simultaneous feeds and switches to the higher quality signal in the case of either feed experiencing a degradation or outage. Transport stream packet synchronization is maintained, and the switching occurs at speeds indiscernible to the human eye and significantly faster than traditional SONET.
Additionally, the network is capable of providing a scalable service using MPEG-2 and other formats of compression encoding, employing variable bit rates up to 45 Mbps (HDTV) or higher within a single pipe. It supports digital television transmissions, with end-to-end digital formatting, allowing the signal to remain digital throughout the entire transmission. TANDBERG Television has undertaken the integration of the new network.
“We are pleased that Intelsat, one of the world’s leading satellite companies, selected Level 3 to enable the commercial launch of the TMT network,” said Steve Liddell, senior vice president of Transport and Infrastructure services for Level 3. “Working together, our combined team of network architects designed what we believe is one of the most technically advanced terrestrial distribution networks in operation today -- one that will deliver superior levels of quality and reliability to Intelsat’s growing base of broadcast customers.”
“Level 3’s track record of providing the architecture, innovation, responsiveness and reliability its customers need, when they need it, is what sets them apart from the rest of the industry and allowed Level 3 to gain an enviable position in target markets relatively quickly,” added Jon Romm, President, Intelsat’s Media and Entertainment unit.
Intelsat’s new TMT network features private line services from Level 3. Level 3’s (3)Link® Private Line service provides dedicated point-to-point intercity connectivity between 83 markets in the U.S. and Europe. This service is ideal for customers with multiple locations who need to transport high volumes of voice, video, or data over a secure channel.
Level 3 was recently ranked among the top three primary providers of wholesale private line services in North America based on a survey published by the Yankee Group, a global leader in technology research and strategic consulting.
About Intelsat
Building on 40 Years of Leadership. As a global communications leader with 40 years of experience, Intelsat helps service providers, broadcasters, corporations and governments deliver information and entertainment anywhere in the world, instantly, securely and reliably. Intelsat's global reach and expanding solutions portfolio enable customers to enhance their communications networks, venture into new markets and grow their businesses with confidence. For more information, visit www.intelsat.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.
