ANNAPOLIS, MD and BROOMFIELD, CO., November 8, 2005 – TeleCommunication Systems (TCS) (NasdaqNM: TSYS), a leading provider of mission critical wireless communications, and Level 3 Communications (NASDAQ:LVLT), today announced substantial progress in its on-going outreach campaign designed to reach thousands of Public Service Answering Points (PSAPs) throughout the US. This awareness campaign marks the second PSAP Outreach campaign for TCS. The first was announced in August with a leading VoIP Service Provider (VSP) and now this PSAP outreach campaign with one of the nation’s largest IP backbone providers.
On behalf of Level 3, TCS will send VoIP Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) introductory information to PSAPs to familiarize the public safety community with Level 3’s role in providing nomadic E9-1-1 services to PSAPs nationwide for VoIP subscribers. The outreach campaign is designed to provide the PSAP community with an understanding of Level 3’s approach and process for E9-1-1 rollout.
Myrle McNeal, Senior Vice President of Local Voice Services stated, “TCS’ E9-1-1 wireless deployment experience over the past eight years provides Level 3 with a jump start in this PSAP outreach program. It is an important component to our broader plan for E9-1-1 in the VoIP space and our service to our primary customer base, which includes a variety of Voice-over-IP service providers from cable networks to carriers.”
Gregory L. Rohde, Executive Director of the E9-1-1 Institute said, "This relationship is a powerful demonstration of measurable progress being made by industry to enhance public safety throughout the VoIP world. Their efforts are to be commended."
"TCS has served the Public Safety community via wireless E9-1-1 for years. We are looking forward to direct interface with the PSAPs, as we bring a viable nomadic E9-1-1 VoIP solution to Level 3’s customer base, and ultimately, to PSAPs nationwide,” said Maurice B. Tosé, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer for TCS.
Level 3 began developing its E-911 solution over two years ago and since May 2004 has been providing an E-911 solution with its wholesale VoIP service (3)VoIP EnhancedSM Local.
Level(3) E-911 DirectSM service, a portfolio of E-911 solutions, includes an FCC compliant solution for nomadic VoIP providers and a fixed-line solution with network connections to PSAPs that serve approximately 68 percent of all US households. While others are beginning to develop their networks, Level 3’s core strength lies with its network, providing the foundation upon which Level 3 is enabling an i2 solution. As a member of the E-911 Institute and the National Emergency Number Association’s Technical Roundtable, Level 3 continues to work to support the combined efforts of consumer safety and technology.
Level 3 Webinar for PSAPs
On Thursday, October 27, Level 3 hosted a webinar on E-911 for VoIP entitled "Public Safety Agencies and i2: The Challenges and Solutions," that addressed the impact of E-911 for nomadic VoIP on PSAPs. Presenters included Richard Atkins of the Tarrant County, TX, PSAP who discussed nomadic VoIP implementation in Texas, as well as perspectives from Roger Marshall, VoIP Standards Engineer for TCS, and Bryan Martin, CEO and Chairman of 8x8, a worldwide provider of VoIP. A replay of the webinar is now available at www.e911direct.com/webinar/.
The Level 3 logo is a registered service mark and Level(3) E-911 Direct is a service mark of Level 3 Communications, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. (3)VoIP Enhanced is a service mark of Level 3 Enhanced Services, LLC in the United States and/or other countries. Level 3 services are offered by wholly owned subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc.
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.
