WilTel acquisition results in strong voice portfolio supporting every stage of customer VoIP implementation
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Spring VON, Booth 217) — March 14, 2006, Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT) announced today that as a result of the WilTel acquisition, it is now offering an expanded portfolio of wholesale voice services that will help drive industry adoption of VoIP.
"The acquisiton brings together two of the industry's top voice services providers. Level 3's position as a premiere VoIP provider, combined with WilTel's expertise in circuit-based voice services, strengthens our ability to serve customers," said Sureel Choksi, executive vice president of voice services for Level 3. "In addition to expanding our worldwide footprint, Level 3 can now offer customers a deeper portfolio with expanded IP capabilities and the ability to seamlessly and cost-effectively migrate from circuit-based to IP technologies."
The addition of WilTel's extensive Feature Group D traditional voice network provides customers with access to nationwide toll-free services, a full portfolio of end-to-end switched services and expanded International termination capabilities.
By delivering a robust set of both traditional and IP-based services, Level 3 can now serve a wider range of customer needs. The expanded portfolio also provides the necessary components and services to help providers currently in the Time Division Multiplex (TDM) environment cost-effectively and seamlessly migrate to an IP platform.
"Level 3 can now help customers in every stage of VoIP adoption, from network planning to full implementation," said Choksi. "As evidenced by our implementation of an E-911 platform 18 months before the FCC mandated it, we remain committed to understanding and delivering on our customers' needs."
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.
