Softswitch-based (3)Connect Modem Service Presently Available in more than 30 Markets in North America, Europe and Asia
BROOMFIELD, Colo., Jan. 30, 2001 - Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT) today announced it is now processing more than 250 million calls per month with its softswitch-based, wholesale dial-up Internet access service. (3)Connect Modem service is presently offered in more than 30 markets in North America, Europe and Asia. Level 3 currently processes six billion minutes per month of softswitch-based voice and data calls.
"With (3)Connect Modem we are providing communications intensive companies with a cost-effective, high-quality outsourced dial-up Internet access infrastructure that enables them to offer the best possible online experience for their customers," said Ike Elliott, senior vice president of Global Softswitch Services for Level 3. "We have the highest call-completion rate in the industry and, in just two years of service, (3)Connect Modem is already processing 15 percent of all dial-up Internet access calls made in the U.S."
About (3)Connect Modem
(3)Connect Modem is a wholesale Internet Protocol (IP)-based dial-up service that enables communications intensive companies to offer customers a direct connection to the Internet or a private network through modem ports housed in Level 3 Gateway facilities. With this service, companies are able to transmit voice and data traffic over Level 3's IP backbone using local number dial-up capabilities. (3)Connect Modem allows customers to rely on Level 3 for end-user traffic termination and routing, therefore eliminating the costs associated with building and maintaining their own infrastructure. (3)Connect Modem relies on "softswitch" technology pioneered and co-developed by Level 3. A softswitch is computer software that emulates the functions of traditional voice circuit switches to control and process calls over a communications network. Similar to a computer operating system, softswitches feature an open platform on which developers and Level 3 customers can build innovative and specialized applications that make communications less expensive and more productive. In addition to (3)Connect Modem, Level 3's softswitch-based services includes (3)Voice, the industry's first long-distance IP voice service to offer callers the same clarity and convenience as traditional phone service. (3)Voice service enables long-distance callers to use their existing telephone equipment, PCs, "smart" phones and other devices to place calls over Level 3's IP-based network. For more information on (3)Connect Modem, please visit www.level3.com/us/services/managedmodem.
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.
