New Nationwide Network Delivers 100 Gigabits per Second with Ability to Expand
BROOMFIELD, Colo., June 20, 2007 - Level 3 Communications’ Business Markets Group today announced that the Internet2 nationwide, dedicated network services backbone is operational. This new 100 Gigabits per second (Gbps) network delivers an immediate increase in bandwidth and the capability for future scalability to enable emerging applications for the Internet2 research and education community. The network delivers the underlying optical technology required for Internet2 to dynamically provision multiple 10 Gbps wavelengths. This milestone enables Internet2 to remain on schedule to complete member migration from the existing network to this new backbone by later this year.
“With more than 10 times the capacity of the current Internet2 backbone network, this powerful new network unlocks significant technology possibilities for our members,” said Doug Van Houweling, Internet2 president and chief executive officer. “Level 3’s innovative and collaborative spirit has helped keep this large and complex network project on track, even delivering the network ahead of schedule. With this latest major milestone in our network deployment, Internet2 will continue to focus our efforts on providing a smooth and seamless transition from the current network onto the new platform.”
The new Internet2 network is designed to provide point-to-point dedicated circuits and IP services that can support next-generation applications in critical fields like telemedicine, radio astronomy, distance-learning and energy sciences research. The network will also serve as a platform for network researchers to develop new networking ideas and protocols. Created to enable a wide variety of bandwidth-intensive applications currently in use and under development at campuses and research labs, the network is designed to support growth and changes in Internet2 member requirements over time.
Under the terms of the multi-year agreement announced in June of 2006, Level 3 is providing dedicated backbone facilities comprising 13,500 long-haul route miles, multiple customer colocation suites and newly deployed metro fiber. Under the agreement, Level 3 is also providing wavelength and high-speed IP services to Internet2 with options for private line, metro and long-haul dark fiber services to interconnect the backbone with academic institutions.
“We are very pleased to have completed the delivery of a network of this scale for Internet2,” said Randy Dunbar, senior vice president of offer management for Level 3’s Business Markets Group. “We are proud to be an Internet2 business partner and to be providing a network that delivers increased bandwidth and scalability, enabling research and education communities to capitalize on technology innovations.”
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.
