One of Europe's Largest Internet Service Providers Purchases Dedicated Internet Access in Three European Cities
LONDON, Jan. 16, 2003 - Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT) announced today that it has signed an agreement to provide Internet access service in London, Frankfurt and Paris to Claranet, one of the largest ISPs in Europe.
Founded in the UK in 1996, Claranet provides Internet access, web hosting and IP security solutions to more than one million residential and business customers throughout the UK, France, Germany and Spain.
Under the terms of the agreement, Claranet will use (3)CrossRoads, a wholesale IP transit service that connects Level 3's customers and network in the U.S. and Europe with the networks that comprise the public Internet.
"We chose Level 3 because its IP network gives us the premium performance, reliability and scalability we require to continue providing our customers with the highest quality and affordable Internet services," said Neil Levine, chief technical officer for Claranet Group. "Level 3's financial stability and ability to provision services quickly and efficiently also weighed heavily in our decision."
"Claranet is one of the most successful and innovative ISPs in Europe," stated Brady Rafuse, president of Level 3 in Europe. "We're delighted that Claranet has chosen Level 3 as a network partner, and look forward to working with them to help deliver their wide range of superior Internet services."
Level 3 operates a 10-gigabit IP backbone that spans 56 North American markets and 16 European markets and is accessible from more than 500 traffic aggregation points. Level 3 has achieved a superior cost structure and class of service capability by being the first network operator to leverage MPLS technology consistently throughout the core of its network. Peering capacity with every major IP backbone provider ensures uncongested connectivity to the global Internet.
About Claranet
Established in the UK in 1996, Claranet was recently voted Best National Business ISP in the UK's prestigious ISPA Awards. The company provides reliable and effective Internet solutions for both business and home users throughout the UK, France, Germany and Spain, and is one of the most successful ISPs in Europe.
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.
