Level 3 Delivers Live Event Video and High-Speed IP Services for NHL
BROOMFIELD, Colo., February 27, 2008 —Level 3 Communications’ Content Markets Group today announced that that it has signed a multi-year contract with the National Hockey League (NHL) to support that organization’s video, high-speed Internet Protocol (HSIP) and content delivery services needs. Through this expanded relationship, Level 3 serves as the primary provider of standard and high-definition video services to NHL headquarters and high-speed Internet access from NHL headquarters to each of the League’s 30 venues in North America.
Under the terms of the multi-year agreement, Level 3 is providing its award-winning Level 3 Vyvx services to enable the acquisition and backhaul of all broadcasted NHL games. In addition, Level 3 has built on-net access to the NHL’s newly completed headquarters to provide high-speed Internet access and managed live video solutions to increase the NHL’s ability to receive and send high-quality video content. This comprehensive solution provides the NHL with a diverse and highly scalable IP connection for the delivery of the full range of file formats such as HD and SD video to all 30 NHL arenas in the U.S. and Canada. Level 3’s solution will enable NHL headquarters to initially receive and archive 10 live games simultaneously in the highest quality format, with the capability to scale up to 20 live events at once. This additional connectivity also enables the NHL to transmit selected highlights from concurrent games to other arenas for video screen display during intermissions.
“We are pleased to be working with Level 3, to assist us in managing our event content and network infrastructure consistently across all NHL venues,” said Peter DelGiacco, NHL executive vice president, chief technology officer. “With a comprehensive solutions portfolio and proven content delivery expertise, Level 3 will help us to meet growing consumer demand and provide viewers with a high-quality broadcast experience.”
“We are excited to be expanding our relationship with the NHL,” said Brady Rafuse, president of Level 3’s Content Markets Group. “This arrangement highlights Level 3’s strong history of delivering live event broadcasts and high-definition video and leverages our extensive network infrastructure to offer customers a reliable and valuable source for their content delivery needs. Additionally, our ability to provide both video delivery services and high-speed Internet access highlights Level 3’s ability to offer flexible solutions with a full range of reliable and scalable network services.”
Level 3 continues to invest in its network, and with one of the world’s largest Internet backbones, the company provides reliable, high capacity bandwidth to meet growing demand from customers with rich media traffic. Level 3 offers connectivity in more than 180 key markets in Europe and North America, with metropolitan networks in 125 cities. The comprehensive suite of Level 3 network services delivers the building blocks for its customers’ diverse service offerings. Level 3 has the scalability, performance and service portfolio to support content delivery solutions as its customers’ network needs evolve.
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, and 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 made 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 Level 3’s control, which could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements. The most important factors that could prevent Level 3 from achieving its stated goals include, but are not limited to the company’s ability to: successfully integrate acquisitions; increase the volume of traffic on the network; defend 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 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.
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