Level 3 Launches Brussels Internet and Communications Facility, Completes Metropolitan Fiber Networks in Amsterdam and Frankfurt European Additions Expand Level 3's Rapidly Growing Global Internet and Communications Infrastructure
BROOMFIELD, Colo., March 14, 2000 – Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT), today announced it has expanded its rapidly growing global Internet and communications infrastructure with the launch of its Brussels gateway and the completion of its metropolitan fiber networks in Amsterdam and Frankfurt. Level 3 now offers services in five European and 27 U.S. markets, where the company enables Internet service providers (ISPs), application service providers (ASPs) and others to cost-effectively deliver Internet and communications services to their business and residential customers.
"The addition of our new Gateway in Brussels and metropolitan networks in Amsterdam and Frankfurt will enable us to meet current and future demand for Internet and communications services in three key European markets," said Kevin O'Hara, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Level 3. "Our advanced IP infrastructure and network design give us the ability to continuously utilize the newest and best technology, and to increase capacity while driving down wholesale costs. This will become increasingly evident as Level 3 continues to add more gateway space and move traffic from leased networks to its own fiber."
Brussels Gateway Level 3 will provide space in its Brussels gateway to Web-based companies that offer Internet access, Web-site hosting, e-commerce services, pay-per-use software and other services. Level 3 created the term gateway to describe the major Internet and communications hubs of its network. The gateways are technical facilities that provide safe and secure space for customers' communication and networking equipment, house Level 3's own equipment, and link the company's networks to the public Internet and other commercial networks. Colocating servers and other electronics at Level 3 Gateways enables Web-centric companies to rapidly provision Internet and communications services without the capital expense needed to build their own facilities. Amsterdam and Frankfurt Local Loops In Amsterdam and Frankfurt, Level 3 has completed construction of its own metropolitan fiber networks and can now move Internet and communications traffic from leased local networks in those cities to its advanced Internet protocol (IP) network. The new Level 3-built IP networks will allow the company to provide direct broadband, high-capacity connectivity in Amsterdam and Frankfurt to a growing base of Web-centric customers at significantly lower cost than is possible using leased metropolitan networks.
(*Softswitches are advanced software-based switching systems that enable Level 3 to provide services combining the best features of the Internet and traditional telephone networks.)
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.
