Global Wavelength Service Offers More Capacity Per Dollar Than Other Transmission Services
LAS VEGAS, Nev., May 9, 2000 – Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT) today announced the introduction of Global Wavelength services, a new transmission product that lowers network costs and speeds time to market for Internet service providers (ISPs), telecommunications carriers and other high-bandwidth customers.
Level 3's wavelength service offers more capacity per dollar and faster provisioning times than other transmission services, enabling its customers to enhance delivery of data, video and voice services. Wavelength Technology In the Internet and communications industry, digital information is transmitted through fiber-optic cables using lasers.
The key laser technology that enables Level 3 to provide individual wavelengths is called Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM). DWDM incorporates lasers and optical switching to boost Level 3's bandwidth capacity by increasing the number of different wavelengths - or frequencies of invisible infrared light – that a single strand of existing fiber can carry. This process, in effect, transforms one fiber into multiple "virtual" fibers.
"Our Global Wavelength service can be deployed quickly and in many situations offer greater bandwidth flexibility and efficiency than other transmission options," said Melodie Reagan, senior vice president of Global Transport Services for Level 3. "As a result, ISPs, carriers and other high-bandwidth customers can enjoy significant cost, time to market and bandwidth management advantages. At the same time, wavelengths substantially increase Level 3's transport services portfolio, enabling us to enhance the utilization of our continuously upgradeable, multi-conduit network."
Level 3 Transport Services
Level 3's Global Wavelength service is positioned between its private line and dark fiber transport services. Many high-bandwidth users of private line services can reduce their transmission costs by taking advantage of the bandwidth efficiencies that Level 3's wavelength service can offer. Pending high bandwidth at a low cost, customers can provide their own protection with the use of routers and ATM switches at the endpoints while Level 3 manages the transport.
Dark fiber customers can lower their costs by using wavelengths to get a better bandwidth fit in service areas that don't currently justify leasing dark fiber. The first phase of Level 3's intercity wavelength service is available immediately between Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Fort Worth, Texas. Level 3 plans to rollout subsequent phases of wavelength service that will connect more than 60 U.S. and European markets as additional Level 3-built network segments become operational this year.
Customers can purchase long-haul capacity between markets at either 2.5 (OC-48) or 10 (OC-192) gigabits per second wavelengths. For more information about Level 3's Global Wavelength services please visit www.level3.com or call 1-877-53-level3.
(*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.
