BROOMFIELD, Colo., September 26, 2007 - Level 3 Communications’ Business Markets Group today announced it has added several new components to its Business Partner Program, a comprehensive support program that enables select telecommunications agents and Value Added Resellers (VARs) to sell Level 3’s fiber-based IP, data and voice communications services. In an ongoing effort to respond to the needs of its business partners, Level 3 has implemented joint go-to-market planning, in-depth training and competitive incentive programs, and additional Web-based planning tools.
The enhancements to Level 3’s business partner program are designed to facilitate the adjustments that business partners require to move up market and sell the more complex services that enterprises are requiring today, such as Ethernet and IP-based Virtual Private Network (VPN) services. These scalable services are increasingly important to enterprises seeking to cost effectively address increased bandwidth demands with flexible and familiar Ethernet and IP technologies.
Level 3 has implemented go-to-market planning, a collaborative effort between Level 3 and participants in this program, to provide a basis for focused, practical sales activities that enable participants in the program to target the right customers with the right services. Level 3 has also launched a series of training and incentive programs developed to enable business partners to better understand enterprise needs and appropriately address those needs with comprehensive solutions that incorporate high-demand services. Additionally, Level 3 has created a Web-based tool that allows business partners to quickly evaluate the target customer’s proximity to the Level 3 network and qualify customers for fiber-based service solutions.
“Our Business Partners are an important part of Level 3’s Business Markets strategy, and we are committed to providing a comprehensive program that enables our agents and VARs to be successful in selling Level 3 services,” said Craig Schlagbaum, vice president of indirect channels for Level 3. “Since launching the enhanced program, we’ve placed a high priority on gathering feedback from participants and incorporating new elements into the program that are designed to help them succeed in today’s competitive environment.”
“Level 3’s unique program far surpasses the level of support other carriers provide in their partner programs,” said Vince Bradley, president and chief executive officer for World Telecom Group. “Level 3 has worked closely with us to build customized go-to-market plans, and they have been extremely creative to drive business. We have been impressed with Level 3’s interest in our business, and their willingness to act on agent feedback to enhance their programs.”
“Since joining Level 3’s Business Partner Program, we have been very pleased with the program support we have received from Level 3,” said Scott Eaton, vice president of sales and programs for Microcorp, a Level 3 Master Agent. “We are particularly happy with the go-to-market planning that we jointly developed with Level 3 and the in-depth training our agents have received to help us succeed in selling to the enterprise market. We look forward to a continued positive relationship with Level 3.”
A list of the Level 3 Master Agent Partners and details on joining the program can be found at www.Level3.com/partners.
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, and 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 made 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 Level 3’s control, which could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements. The most important factors that could prevent Level 3 from achieving its stated goals include, but are not limited to the company’s ability to: successfully integrate acquisitions; increase the volume of traffic on the network; defend 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 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.
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