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Level 3 Launches (3)CrossRoads Internet Access Service into Satellite Communications Market

Level 3 Launches (3)CrossRoads Internet Access Service into Satellite Communications Market

(3)CrossRoads Rewards Communications-Intensive Companies for Bringing and Exchanging Traffic on Level 3's Global Broadband Network

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Jan. 23, 2001 - Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT) today announced that Verestar Inc., Gilat Satellite Networks, iBEAM Broadcasting Corp. and EuropeanInvestor.com have signed contracts to use its (3)CrossRoads Internet access service to deliver services to their satellite communications customers. (3)CrossRoads is a high performance network service that can lower bandwidth costs for communications intensive companies by as much as 50 percent.

"We're pleased to provide (3)CrossRoads service to these prominent satellite communications companies," said Dan Caruso, senior vice president of Global Transport and IP Services for Level 3. "We've seen exceptional demand for our (3)CrossRoads Internet access services from a variety of communications intensive market segments, and feel strongly that satellite companies will become an increasingly significant part of our quickly growing customer base."

(3)CrossRoads Internet Access Service
(3)CrossRoads is an IP service that offers a wide range of interface types and access locations, including a Gigabit Ethernet (1,000 Mbps) customer interface option. Level 3 employs a unique network approach to track the destination and monitor the bandwidth usage of IP packets traveling on or off its high-capacity, continuously upgradeable fiber optic network. (3)CrossRoads features Destination Sensitive Billing (DSB), the industry's first pricing based on the destination of Internet traffic rather than traditional flat rate pricing. The new service enables Level 3 customers to enjoy long-term cost savings and bypass congested Internet exchange points, minimizing latency and improving end-user experience.

"(3)CrossRoads, in a short time in the market, has become a significant source of recurring revenue for Level 3, in part because of the destination-based billing structure that rewards our customers for bringing traffic, and exchanging traffic, on our network," said Brian Horsfield, vice president of Global IP Services for Level 3. "We expect (3)CrossRoads to continue to steadily drive more and more bandwidth onto Level 3's metropolitan and long-haul networks in the U.S., Europe and Asia." (3)CrossRoads service is available today in 39 major North American markets where Level 3 owns and operates advanced Internet and communications facilities called Gateways, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C. Level 3 also offers (3)CrossRoads service in nine European and two Asian markets. Level 3 customers can take advantage of (3)CrossRoads from a Level 3 Gateway, their own premises, and other IP-enabled facilities connected to the Level 3 network - such as neutral colocation centers and carrier hotels. For more information on (3)CrossRoads, visit www.level3.com/us/services/crossroads.

(3)CrossRoads is a service mark of Level 3 Communications, Inc.


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.