Leading Satellite Networks Company to Interconnect with Level 3's Backbone for IP Transit and Colocation Services
BROOMFIELD, Colo., September 9, 2003 - Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT) today announced it has signed a customer agreement with Hughes Network Systems (HNS) to provide interconnect services to the public Internet for SPACEWAYTM, its next generation satellite platform, launching service in 2004.
Under the terms of the contract, HNS is purchasing (3)CrossRoads Internet access and (3)Center Colocation services from Level 3 in the U.S. The services include connectivity directly to the public Internet for SPACEWAY managed traffic and access to a high-speed terrestrial backbone for operational related information. In addition, HNS plans to colocate several antennas directly on Level 3's backbone, thereby eliminating costly local loop infrastructure and optimizing the performance of its service.
"We chose Level 3 because the company's facilities and IP services enable us to seamlessly and reliably connect to the public Internet, and to integrate with other land-based local and wide area networks," said Mike Cook, senior vice president and general manager of SPACEWAY for HNS.
"HNS has a reputation for providing high-quality, reliable satellite communications services to businesses worldwide," said Kevin O'Hara, president and chief operating officer for Level 3. "We look forward to supporting HNS as the company continues to provide its customers with the superior broadband satellite communications services that they've come to expect."
Level 3 operates a 10-gigabit IP backbone that spans 62 U.S. markets and 16 European markets, and is accessible from more than 550 traffic aggregation points. High capacity, scalable peering interconnections, and ongoing upgradeability help to ensure that the Level 3 network maintains uncongested connectivity to the world's largest Internet networks.
Additionally, Level 3 is one of the largest providers of colocation space in the world, operating more than 70 carrier-neutral data center facilities in 66 markets in the U.S. and Europe. Colocation customers in most major cities can access 8 to 10 other network providers in each Level 3 facility.
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.
