Level 3 Extends Its Relationship With 8x8 To Include
Level(3) E-911 DirectSM Service
BROOMFIELD, Colo., December 22, 2005 — Level 3 Communications (Nasdaq:LVLT) today announced that 8x8, Inc. (Nasdaq: EGHT), the Packet8® broadband Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and videophone communications service provider, has selected Level 3 to provide E-911 to Packet8’s nomadic and fixed-location customers. Under the terms of the agreement, Level 3 will provide the underlying network for 8x8’s E-911 solution using Level(3) E-911 DirectSM service.
E-911 delivers address-specific and call-back information to Public Service Answering Points (PSAPs) when VoIP users make a 911 call, enabling first responders to be dispatched to the scene even if the caller is unable to speak or if the call is suddenly disconnected. Level(3) E-911 Direct, a portfolio of E-911 solutions, includes a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) compliant solution for nomadic VoIP providers and a fixed-line solution with network connections to PSAPs that serve approximately 69 percent of all United States households.
“We chose to broaden our work with Level 3, because they understand our commitment to consumer safety and have built a sophisticated network that has allowed us to quickly implement an E-911 solution that meets the FCC’s requirements for nomadic and fixed-line VoIP,” said Bryan Martin, chairman and chief executive officer for 8x8. “We value our relationship with Level 3 and look forward to continuing our combined efforts to provide advanced solutions that will drive VoIP adoption.”
Level 3 operates one of the largest Internet backbones in the world with competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) status in all 50 states. This existing infrastructure provides the network foundation upon which Level 3 enables its E-911 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 efforts to combine consumer safety and technology.
“Although the FCC recently amended the requirements for VoIP providers to be E-911 compliant, it is compliance that continues to be an urgent hurdle for the industry to overcome,” said Myrle McNeal, senior vice president of Local Voice Services for Level 3. “8x8 is ahead of the curve, and we are glad to be working closely with them to solve the need for E-911. It is crucial for the safety of consumers and the momentum of our industry that VoIP providers accelerate their efforts to comply with FCC regulations around E-911.”
In addition to Level(3) E-911 Direct service, Level 3 provides 8x8 with other key building blocks for its VoIP services, including (3)Voice® Termination, which provides wholesale termination of voice calls; (3)VoIPSM Local Inbound, which delivers local phone calls to IP endpoints nationwide; and (3)VoIP EnhancedSM Local service, which helps providers deliver IP-based local and long-distance communications services.
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.
